4 Oklahoma Tribes Secure Funding For Clean Energy Projects

August 19, 2009 -- U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced up to $13.6 million in multi-year funding for new clean energy projects on tribal lands, including four in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma tribes receiving funds include: Cherokee Nation Business for wind, the Chickasaw Nation for building efficiency, the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma for wind, and the Peoria Tribe for weatherization training.

"The Department of Energy (DOE) is committed to helping Native American tribes meet their energy needs through clean energy technologies," says Secretary Chu. "These projects will create jobs and economic opportunities on tribal lands, while protecting our planet and reducing our dependence on foreign oil."

DOE selected the projects through a competitive process and will provide financial assistance to the tribes for weatherization training, feasibility studies, and development and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. The DOE funding is expected to be matched by up to $27 million in public and private investment, for a total value of up to $41 million.