In 2025, the First Nations Development Institute noted that recent Executive Orders by the Trump administration had “severely impacted” tribal energy projects in various ways. The cancellation of clean energy grants like Solar for All removed millions of dollars in funding for tribal nations, and this is just one example of cuts made by the administration. These programs were previously part of the Infrastructure Reduction Act, something that recent Executive Orders have curtailed to a significant extent. That being said, various funding options may still be possible for tribal energy projects.
An experienced Native American law practice may be able to help Tribes assess and access this funding. Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP is a law firm owned and operated by Native Americans with considerable experience in funding tribal energy projects and representing American Indian Tribes throughout the United States. Call (303) 926-5292 for our Colorado office, (505) 395-4500 for our Southwest office, (701) 854-7619 for our Great Plains office, or (202) 434-8903 for our D.C. office.
Is Tribal Energy Funding Still Available?
Yes, the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continue to implement funding programs for Tribal energy projects, but accessing this funding can be challenging for various reasons. From complex legal processes to funding cuts by a new administration more focused on oil and gas, there are many barriers to consider.
Summary of Funding Options for Tribal Energy Projects
Despite recent executive actions and funding reductions, tribal energy projects may still access certain funding opportunities under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, although significant legal and practical barriers remain. Executive Orders issued in 2025 curtailed or eliminated several clean energy programs, including Solar for All, which had allocated more than $500 million to tribal solar projects, leading to funding clawbacks and stalled development plans.
Federal policy has shifted toward non-renewable energy development, creating uncertainty for renewable-focused tribal initiatives while potentially opening funding pathways for oil and gas projects on or near tribal lands. Programs such as the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and Tribal Energy Financing Program continue to exist, but Government Accountability Office findings highlight complex legal requirements and historically low loan closures. Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP works with American Indian Tribes nationwide on matters involving tribal energy development, federal funding programs, and related regulatory considerations.
There Has Been a Shift Toward Non-Renewable Energy Projects
The Biden administration used the Inflation Reduction Act to fund many renewable energy projects, including solar power. However, the Trump administration has taken a very different approach with a greater focus on non-renewable projects like oil and gas. This reflects a new focus on “energy dominance,” as noted by the First Nations Development Institute. Many tribes are concerned about this shift, particularly as the federal government opens up oil and gas drilling in sacred lands (such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge). For tribal leaders who are less concerned about focusing on renewable energy projects, this shift in focus could present new funding opportunities.
The End of Solar for All
One of the most obvious examples of the shift away from renewable energy is the end of “Solar for All,” a program that was previously implemented by the Biden administration under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar for All had previously set aside more than $500 million specifically for solar tribal energy projects. Tribes that received grants faced significant “clawbacks” as funding sources evaporated, and their plans to improve or implement solar projects on tribal land were thrown into doubt.
Tribes are now searching for alternative funding options in light of these changes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that $300 million in grants are still available under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program (CPRG), although the funding source for these grants is still somewhat unclear, given the cuts made by the Trump administration. Many Tribes are considering third-party capital for solar projects instead of relying entirely on federal funding. One potential issue with third-party capital is a general lack of understanding of specific laws and regulations on tribal land. A native American law practice, such as Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP, may be able to bridge this gap between Tribes and third-party investors.
How to Access the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program
Other programs under the Inflation Reduction Act are the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and the Tribal Energy Financing Program (TEFP). As the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) notes, this program has the potential to provide tribes with loans and loan guarantees for various energy projects. However, the GAO also notes that tribes face significant barriers when attempting to access this funding, particularly because of the complex legal processes involved. The GAO suggests that Tribes work with staff members who have appropriate levels of expertise to navigate this process effectively and confidently.
In September of 2025, the GAO and other sources raised considerable concerns about the efficacy of these loan programs. Perhaps most notably, TEFP only managed to “close” a single loan guarantee since its inception in 2018. Note that this was only a loan guarantee, and no actual loans were closed during this period. Many other loan applications remain active but show little signs of progress.
How Does the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Provide Funding for Tribal Energy Projects?
According to a statement by the Department of the Interior (DOI), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act invests more than $13 billion in tribal communities for energy projects and other investments. The DOI specifically mentions “tackling the climate crisis” and “advancing environmental justice,” suggesting that renewable energy projects could be a priority for this funding. However, it is worth noting that the DOI published this announcement in 2022, before the arrival of the Trump administration and its subsequent cuts.
Learn More About Energy Projects With Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP
Despite recent cuts and clawbacks by the federal government, the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act still offer various funding options for tribal energy projects. Online research may help tribal representatives assess these funding options in more detail. However, being aware of funding options and accessing them are two very different things. For those who wish to take the next step and begin funding tribal energy projects, legal assistance could be helpful.
Consider working alongside a Native American law practice with direct experience in funding and implementing energy projects across the nation. Expand upon this conversation by contacting Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen, LLP. Our law firm serves Tribes across the nation, and we are majority-owned by Native Americans. Call (303) 926-5292 for our Colorado office, (505) 395-4500 for our Southwest office, (701) 854-7619 for our Great Plains office, or (202) 434-8903 for our D.C. office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Funding Tribal Energy Projects
Listed below are some important FAQs about tribal energy projects in the United States.
What Federal Laws Currently Affect Funding For Tribal Energy Projects?
The Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act both authorize funding streams for tribal energy initiatives. However, subsequent Executive Orders and administrative changes have reduced or redirected certain programs, affecting how funds are distributed.
Is Federal Funding For Tribal Renewable Energy Projects Still Available?
Some funding opportunities remain available, but access has become more limited due to program cancellations and shifting federal priorities. Tribes may need to evaluate alternative programs or funding structures to move projects forward.
How Did the End Of Solar For All Affect Tribal Nations?
Solar for All previously allocated substantial funding specifically for tribal solar projects. Its termination resulted in clawbacks for some grant recipients and introduced uncertainty for Tribes planning or implementing renewable energy systems.
What is the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program?
The Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and the Tribal Energy Financing Program were designed to support tribal energy development through loans and loan guarantees. Reports from the Government Accountability Office indicate that complex legal processes have limited the practical use of these programs.
Why Do Tribes Face Challenges Accessing Federal Energy Funding?
Barriers include complicated application requirements, regulatory issues unique to tribal land, and administrative delays. These factors can make it difficult to move from funding eligibility to actual project financing.
Has Federal Energy Policy Shifted Toward Non-Renewable Projects?
Recent administrative actions suggest a greater emphasis on oil and gas development compared to prior renewable-focused initiatives. This shift has raised concerns for Tribes prioritizing clean energy, but may present opportunities for others pursuing different energy strategies.
Does The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Still Provide Support For Tribal Energy Projects?
The Act allocates more than $13 billion for tribal communities, including energy-related investments. Some guidance emphasizing renewable energy was issued before recent policy changes, which may affect how these funds are applied.
How Can Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP Assist With Tribal Energy Funding Matters?
Consider visiting with an experienced attorney at Patterson Real Bird & Rasmussen LLP to learn more about legal options related to tribal energy projects. The firm works to help Tribes understand federal funding programs, regulatory frameworks, and potential paths for advancing energy development initiatives.