Phoenix, AZ – The Hopi Tribe in Arizona will receive over $6 million in federal funds to bring clean energy to its communities, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced on Thursday. This funding is part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Electrification Program, designed to provide reliable, sustainable energy to underserved Tribal homes.
The Hopi Utilities Corporation will receive $6,060,459 as part of this round of funding, which aims to connect homes to clean energy sources and reduce emissions. The Navajo Tribe, spanning parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, will also benefit from $7,376,200 allocated to their Tribal Utility Authority.
This funding is part of a $71 million package announced by the Biden-Harris administration, aimed at supporting 13 Tribal communities across the U.S.
Impact of the Tribal Electrification Program:
The allocated funds will support several key initiatives, including:
- Connecting unelectrified homes in Tribal communities to clean energy.
- Transitioning existing homes to zero-emissions energy systems.
- Providing necessary home repairs and upgrades for energy installations.
- Expanding workforce development in the clean energy sector within Tribal communities.
DOI Secretary Deb Haaland emphasized that the program is vital to ensuring energy reliability and sustainability in Tribal areas. “Every family deserves access to reliable, affordable electricity,” she stated.
Funding Source:
The funding comes from President Joe Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, including resources from the Inflation Reduction Act signed in 2022. This program, part of a larger $150 million commitment, supports Tribal communities in accessing clean energy and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
In an earlier round of funding, the administration distributed $72 million to 21 Tribes and Tribal organizations. Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland noted that dependable electricity is a cornerstone of daily life, adding, “Bringing clean energy to Tribal communities is essential to our mission.”
For more information on the Tribal Electrification Program, visit the DOI’s website.
