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-CITE-
25 USC CHAPTER 37 - INDIAN ENERGY 01/03/2007

-EXPCITE-
TITLE 25 - INDIANS
CHAPTER 37 - INDIAN ENERGY

-HEAD-
CHAPTER 37 - INDIAN ENERGY

-MISC1-
Sec.
3501. Definitions.
3502. Indian tribal energy resource development.
3503. Indian tribal energy resource regulation.
3504. Leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way
involving energy development or transmission.
3505. Federal power marketing administrations.
3506. Wind and hydropower feasibility study.

-COD-
CODIFICATION
Title XXVI of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, comprising this
chapter, was originally enacted by Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI,
Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3113, and amended by Pub. L. 103-437, Nov.
2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4581; Pub. L. 105-388, Nov. 13, 1998, 112 Stat.
3477. Title XXVI is shown herein, however, as having been added by
Pub. L. 109-58, title V, Sec. 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 764,
without reference to such intervening amendments because of the
extensive revision of the title's provisions by Pub. L. 109-58.

-End-



-CITE-
25 USC Sec. 3501 01/03/2007

-EXPCITE-
TITLE 25 - INDIANS
CHAPTER 37 - INDIAN ENERGY

-HEAD-
Sec. 3501. Definitions

-STATUTE-
In this chapter:
(1) The term "Director" means the Director of the Office of
Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Department of Energy.
(2) The term "Indian land" means -
(A) any land located within the boundaries of an Indian
reservation, pueblo, or rancheria;
(B) any land not located within the boundaries of an Indian
reservation, pueblo, or rancheria, the title to which is held -

(i) in trust by the United States for the benefit of an
Indian tribe or an individual Indian;
(ii) by an Indian tribe or an individual Indian, subject to
restriction against alienation under laws of the United
States; or
(iii) by a dependent Indian community; and

(C) land that is owned by an Indian tribe and was conveyed by
the United States to a Native Corporation pursuant to the
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.),
or that was conveyed by the United States to a Native
Corporation in exchange for such land.

(3) The term "Indian reservation" includes -
(A) an Indian reservation in existence in any State or States
as of August 8, 2005;
(B) a public domain Indian allotment; and
(C) a dependent Indian community located within the borders
of the United States, regardless of whether the community is
located -
(i) on original or acquired territory of the community; or
(ii) within or outside the boundaries of any State or
States.

(4)(A) The term "Indian tribe" has the meaning given the term
in section 450b of this title.
(B) For the purpose of paragraph (12) and sections
3503(b)(1)(C) and 3504 of this title, the term "Indian tribe"
does not include any Native Corporation.
(5) The term "integration of energy resources" means any
project or activity that promotes the location and operation of a
facility (including any pipeline, gathering system,
transportation system or facility, or electric transmission or
distribution facility) on or near Indian land to process, refine,
generate electricity from, or otherwise develop energy resources
on, Indian land.
(6) The term "Native Corporation" has the meaning given the
term in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43
U.S.C. 1602).
(7) The term "organization" means a partnership, joint venture,
limited liability company, or other unincorporated association or
entity that is established to develop Indian energy resources.
(8) The term "Program" means the Indian energy resource
development program established under section 3502(a) of this
title.
(9) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior.
(10) The term "sequestration" means the long-term separation,
isolation, or removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere,
including through a biological or geologic method such as
reforestation or an underground reservoir.
(11) The term "tribal energy resource development organization"
means an organization of two or more entities, at least one of
which is an Indian tribe, that has the written consent of the
governing bodies of all Indian tribes participating in the
organization to apply for a grant, loan, or other assistance
under section 3502 of this title.
(12) The term "tribal land" means any land or interests in land
owned by any Indian tribe, title to which is held in trust by the
United States, or is subject to a restriction against alienation
under laws of the United States.

-SOURCE-
(Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2601, as added Pub. L. 109-58,
title V, Sec. 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 764.)

-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in par.
(2)(C), is Pub. L. 92-203, Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 688, as amended,
which is classified generally to chapter 33 (Sec. 1601 et seq.) of
Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to
the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1601 of Title
43 and Tables.


-MISC1-
PRIOR PROVISIONS
A prior section 3501, Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2601,
Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3113, defined terms, prior to the general
amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 109-58.

CONSULTATION WITH INDIAN TRIBES
Pub. L. 109-58, title V, Sec. 504, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 778,
provided that: "In carrying out this title [enacting this chapter,
section 7144e of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and
subchapter V (Sec. 16001) of chapter 149 of Title 42, amending
section 4132 of this title and section 5315 of Title 5, Government
Organization and Employees, and enacting provisions set out as a
note under section 15801 of Title 42] and the amendments made by
this title, the Secretary [of Energy] and the Secretary of the
Interior shall, as appropriate and to the maximum extent
practicable, involve and consult with Indian tribes."

-End-



-CITE-
25 USC Sec. 3502 01/03/2007

-EXPCITE-
TITLE 25 - INDIANS
CHAPTER 37 - INDIAN ENERGY

-HEAD-
Sec. 3502. Indian tribal energy resource development

-STATUTE-
(a) Department of the Interior program
(1) To assist Indian tribes in the development of energy
resources and further the goal of Indian self-determination, the
Secretary shall establish and implement an Indian energy resource
development program to assist consenting Indian tribes and tribal
energy resource development organizations in achieving the purposes
of this chapter.
(2) In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall -
(A) provide development grants to Indian tribes and tribal
energy resource development organizations for use in developing
or obtaining the managerial and technical capacity needed to
develop energy resources on Indian land, and to properly account
for resulting energy production and revenues;
(B) provide grants to Indian tribes and tribal energy resource
development organizations for use in carrying out projects to
promote the integration of energy resources, and to process, use,
or develop those energy resources, on Indian land;
(C) provide low-interest loans to Indian tribes and tribal
energy resource development organizations for use in the
promotion of energy resource development on Indian land and
integration of energy resources; and
(D) provide grants and technical assistance to an appropriate
tribal environmental organization, as determined by the
Secretary, that represents multiple Indian tribes to establish a
national resource center to develop tribal capacity to establish
and carry out tribal environmental programs in support of energy-
related programs and activities under this chapter, including -
(i) training programs for tribal environmental officials,
program managers, and other governmental representatives;
(ii) the development of model environmental policies and
tribal laws, including tribal environmental review codes, and
the creation and maintenance of a clearinghouse of best
environmental management practices; and
(iii) recommended standards for reviewing the implementation
of tribal environmental laws and policies within tribal
judicial or other tribal appeals systems.

(3) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subsection such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2006
through 2016.
(b) Department of Energy Indian energy education planning and
management assistance program
(1) The Director shall establish programs to assist consenting
Indian tribes in meeting energy education, research and
development, planning, and management needs.
(2) In carrying out this subsection, the Director may provide
grants, on a competitive basis, to an Indian tribe or tribal energy
resource development organization for use in carrying out -
(A) energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation
programs;
(B) studies and other activities supporting tribal acquisitions
of energy supplies, services, and facilities, including the
creation of tribal utilities to assist in securing electricity to
promote electrification of homes and businesses on Indian land;
(C) planning, construction, development, operation,
maintenance, and improvement of tribal electrical generation,
transmission, and distribution facilities located on Indian land;
and
(D) development, construction, and interconnection of electric
power transmission facilities located on Indian land with other
electric transmission facilities.

(3)(A) The Director shall develop a program to support and
implement research projects that provide Indian tribes with
opportunities to participate in carbon sequestration practices on
Indian land, including -
(i) geologic sequestration;
(ii) forest sequestration;
(iii) agricultural sequestration; and
(iv) any other sequestration opportunities the Director
considers to be appropriate.

(B) The activities carried out under subparagraph (A) shall be -
(i) coordinated with other carbon sequestration research and
development programs conducted by the Secretary of Energy;
(ii) conducted to determine methods consistent with existing
standardized measurement protocols to account and report the
quantity of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases sequestered
in projects that may be implemented on Indian land; and
(iii) reviewed periodically to collect and distribute to Indian
tribes information on carbon sequestration practices that will
increase the sequestration of carbon without threatening the
social and economic well-being of Indian tribes.

(4)(A) The Director, in consultation with Indian tribes, may
develop a formula for providing grants under this subsection.
(B) In providing a grant under this subsection, the Director
shall give priority to any application received from an Indian
tribe with inadequate electric service (as determined by the
Director).
(C) In providing a grant under this subsection for an activity to
provide, or expand the provision of, electricity on Indian land,
the Director shall encourage cooperative arrangements between
Indian tribes and utilities that provide service to Indian tribes,
as the Director determines to be appropriate.
(5) The Secretary of Energy may issue such regulations as the
Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this subsection.
(6) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subsection $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2016.
(c) Department of Energy loan guarantee program
(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (4), the Secretary of Energy
may provide loan guarantees (as defined in section 661a of title 2)
for an amount equal to not more than 90 percent of the unpaid
principal and interest due on any loan made to an Indian tribe for
energy development.
(2) In providing a loan guarantee under this subsection for an
activity to provide, or expand the provision of, electricity on
Indian land, the Secretary of Energy shall encourage cooperative
arrangements between Indian tribes and utilities that provide
service to Indian tribes, as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
(3) A loan guarantee under this subsection shall be made by -
(A) a financial institution subject to examination by the
Secretary of Energy; or
(B) an Indian tribe, from funds of the Indian tribe.

(4) The aggregate outstanding amount guaranteed by the Secretary
of Energy at any time under this subsection shall not exceed
$2,000,000,000.
(5) The Secretary of Energy may issue such regulations as the
Secretary of Energy determines are necessary to carry out this
subsection.
(6) There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are
necessary to carry out this subsection, to remain available until
expended.
(7) Not later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, the Secretary of
Energy shall submit to Congress a report on the financing
requirements of Indian tribes for energy development on Indian
land.
(d) Preference
(1) In purchasing electricity or any other energy product or
byproduct, a Federal agency or department may give preference to an
energy and resource production enterprise, partnership, consortium,
corporation, or other type of business organization the majority of
the interest in which is owned and controlled by 1 or more Indian
tribes.
(2) In carrying out this subsection, a Federal agency or
department shall not -
(A) pay more than the prevailing market price for an energy
product or byproduct; or
(B) obtain less than prevailing market terms and conditions.

-SOURCE-
(Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2602, as added Pub. L. 109-58,
title V, Sec. 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 765.)

-COD-
CODIFICATION
August 8, 2005, referred to in subsec. (c)(7), was in the
original "the date of enactment of this section", which was
translated as meaning the date of enactment of Pub. L. 109-58,
which amended this chapter generally, to reflect the probable
intent of Congress.


-MISC1-
PRIOR PROVISIONS
A prior section 3502, Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2602,
Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3113, related to tribal consultation in
implementing provisions, prior to the general amendment of this
chapter by Pub. L. 109-58.

-End-



-CITE-
25 USC Sec. 3503 01/03/2007

-EXPCITE-
TITLE 25 - INDIANS
CHAPTER 37 - INDIAN ENERGY

-HEAD-
Sec. 3503. Indian tribal energy resource regulation

-STATUTE-
(a) Grants
The Secretary may provide to Indian tribes, on an annual basis,
grants for use in accordance with subsection (b).
(b) Use of funds
Funds from a grant provided under this section may be used -
(1)(A) by an Indian tribe for the development of a tribal
energy resource inventory or tribal energy resource on Indian
land;
(B) by an Indian tribe for the development of a feasibility
study or other report necessary to the development of energy
resources on Indian land;
(C) by an Indian tribe (other than an Indian Tribe in the State
of Alaska, except the Metlakatla Indian Community) for -
(i) the development and enforcement of tribal laws (including
regulations) relating to tribal energy resource development;
and
(ii) the development of technical infrastructure to protect
the environment under applicable law; or

(D) by a Native Corporation for the development and
implementation of corporate policies and the development of
technical infrastructure to protect the environment under
applicable law; and

(2) by an Indian tribe for the training of employees that -
(A) are engaged in the development of energy resources on
Indian land; or
(B) are responsible for protecting the environment.
(c) Other assistance
(1) In carrying out the obligations of the United States under
this chapter, the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent
practicable and to the extent of available resources, that on the
request of an Indian tribe, the Indian tribe shall have available
scientific and technical information and expertise, for use in the
regulation, development, and management of energy resources of the
Indian tribe on Indian land.
(2) The Secretary may carry out paragraph (1) -
(A) directly, through the use of Federal officials; or
(B) indirectly, by providing financial assistance to an Indian
tribe to secure independent assistance.

-SOURCE-
(Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2603, as added Pub. L. 109-58,
title V, Sec. 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 768.)


-MISC1-
PRIOR PROVISIONS
A prior section 3503, Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2603,
Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3114; Pub. L. 105-388, Sec. 10, Nov. 13,
1998, 112 Stat. 3484, related to promotion of energy resource
development and energy vertical integration on Indian reservations,
prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub. L. 109-58.

-End-



-CITE-
25 USC Sec. 3504 01/03/2007

-EXPCITE-
TITLE 25 - INDIANS
CHAPTER 37 - INDIAN ENERGY

-HEAD-
Sec. 3504. Leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way involving
energy development or transmission

-STATUTE-
(a) Leases and business agreements
In accordance with this section -
(1) an Indian tribe may, at the discretion of the Indian tribe,
enter into a lease or business agreement for the purpose of
energy resource development on tribal land, including a lease or
business agreement for -
(A) exploration for, extraction of, processing of, or other
development of the energy mineral resources of the Indian tribe
located on tribal land; or
(B) construction or operation of -
(i) an electric generation, transmission, or distribution
facility located on tribal land; or
(ii) a facility to process or refine energy resources
developed on tribal land; and

(2) a lease or business agreement described in paragraph (1)
shall not require review by or the approval of the Secretary
under section 81 of this title, or any other provision of law, if
-
(A) the lease or business agreement is executed pursuant to a
tribal energy resource agreement approved by the Secretary
under subsection (e);
(B) the term of the lease or business agreement does not
exceed -
(i) 30 years; or
(ii) in the case of a lease for the production of oil
resources, gas resources, or both, 10 years and as long
thereafter as oil or gas is produced in paying quantities;
and

(C) the Indian tribe has entered into a tribal energy
resource agreement with the Secretary, as described in
subsection (e), relating to the development of energy resources
on tribal land (including the periodic review and evaluation of
the activities of the Indian tribe under the agreement, to be
conducted pursuant to subsection (e)(2)(D)(i)).
(b) Rights-of-way for pipelines or electric transmission or
distribution lines
An Indian tribe may grant a right-of-way over tribal land for a
pipeline or an electric transmission or distribution line without
review or approval by the Secretary if -
(1) the right-of-way is executed in accordance with a tribal
energy resource agreement approved by the Secretary under
subsection (e);
(2) the term of the right-of-way does not exceed 30 years;
(3) the pipeline or electric transmission or distribution line
serves -
(A) an electric generation, transmission, or distribution
facility located on tribal land; or
(B) a facility located on tribal land that processes or
refines energy resources developed on tribal land; and

(4) the Indian tribe has entered into a tribal energy resource
agreement with the Secretary, as described in subsection (e),
relating to the development of energy resources on tribal land
(including the periodic review and evaluation of the activities
of the Indian tribe under an agreement described in subparagraphs
(D) and (E) of subsection (e)(2)).
(c) Renewals
A lease or business agreement entered into, or a right-of-way
granted, by an Indian tribe under this section may be renewed at
the discretion of the Indian tribe in accordance with this section.
(d) Validity
No lease, business agreement, or right-of-way relating to the
development of tribal energy resources under this section shall be
valid unless the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way is
authorized by a tribal energy resource agreement approved by the
Secretary under subsection (e)(2).
(e) Tribal energy resource agreements
(1) On the date on which regulations are promulgated under
paragraph (8), an Indian tribe may submit to the Secretary for
approval a tribal energy resource agreement governing leases,
business agreements, and rights-of-way under this section.
(2)(A) Not later than 270 days after the date on which the
Secretary receives a tribal energy resource agreement from an
Indian tribe under paragraph (1), or not later than 60 days after
the Secretary receives a revised tribal energy resource agreement
from an Indian tribe under paragraph (4)(C) (or a later date, as
agreed to by the Secretary and the Indian tribe), the Secretary
shall approve or disapprove the tribal energy resource agreement.
(B) The Secretary shall approve a tribal energy resource
agreement submitted under paragraph (1) if -
(i) the Secretary determines that the Indian tribe has
demonstrated that the Indian tribe has sufficient capacity to
regulate the development of energy resources of the Indian tribe;
(ii) the tribal energy resource agreement includes provisions
required under subparagraph (D); and
(iii) the tribal energy resource agreement includes provisions
that, with respect to a lease, business agreement, or right-of-
way under this section -
(I) ensure the acquisition of necessary information from the
applicant for the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way;
(II) address the term of the lease or business agreement or
the term of conveyance of the right-of-way;
(III) address amendments and renewals;
(IV) address the economic return to the Indian tribe under
leases, business agreements, and rights-of-way;
(V) address technical or other relevant requirements;
(VI) establish requirements for environmental review in
accordance with subparagraph (C);
(VII) ensure compliance with all applicable environmental
laws, including a requirement that each lease, business
agreement, and right-of-way state that the lessee, operator, or
right-of-way grantee shall comply with all such laws;
(VIII) identify final approval authority;
(IX) provide for public notification of final approvals;
(X) establish a process for consultation with any affected
States regarding off-reservation impacts, if any, identified
under subparagraph (C)(i);
(XI) describe the remedies for breach of the lease, business
agreement, or right-of-way;
(XII) require each lease, business agreement, and right-of-
way to include a statement that, if any of its provisions
violates an express term or requirement of the tribal energy
resource agreement pursuant to which the lease, business
agreement, or right-of-way was executed -
(aa) the provision shall be null and void; and
(bb) if the Secretary determines the provision to be
material, the Secretary may suspend or rescind the lease,
business agreement, or right-of-way or take other appropriate
action that the Secretary determines to be in the best
interest of the Indian tribe;

(XIII) require each lease, business agreement, and right-of-
way to provide that it will become effective on the date on
which a copy of the executed lease, business agreement, or
right-of-way is delivered to the Secretary in accordance with
regulations promulgated under paragraph (8);
(XIV) include citations to tribal laws, regulations, or
procedures, if any, that set out tribal remedies that must be
exhausted before a petition may be submitted to the Secretary
under paragraph (7)(B);
(XV) specify the financial assistance, if any, to be provided
by the Secretary to the Indian tribe to assist in
implementation of the tribal energy resource agreement,
including environmental review of individual projects; and
(XVI) in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the
Secretary under paragraph (8), require that the Indian tribe,
as soon as practicable after receipt of a notice by the Indian
tribe, give written notice to the Secretary of -
(aa) any breach or other violation by another party of any
provision in a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way
entered into under the tribal energy resource agreement; and
(bb) any activity or occurrence under a lease, business
agreement, or right-of-way that constitutes a violation of
Federal or tribal environmental laws.

(C) Tribal energy resource agreements submitted under paragraph
(1) shall establish, and include provisions to ensure compliance
with, an environmental review process that, with respect to a
lease, business agreement, or right-of-way under this section,
provides for, at a minimum -
(i) the identification and evaluation of all significant
environmental effects (as compared to a no-action alternative),
including effects on cultural resources;
(ii) the identification of proposed mitigation measures, if
any, and incorporation of appropriate mitigation measures into
the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way;
(iii) a process for ensuring that -
(I) the public is informed of, and has an opportunity to
comment on, the environmental impacts of the proposed action;
and
(II) responses to relevant and substantive comments are
provided, before tribal approval of the lease, business
agreement, or right-of-way;

(iv) sufficient administrative support and technical capability
to carry out the environmental review process; and
(v) oversight by the Indian tribe of energy development
activities by any other party under any lease, business
agreement, or right-of-way entered into pursuant to the tribal
energy resource agreement, to determine whether the activities
are in compliance with the tribal energy resource agreement and
applicable Federal environmental laws.

(D) A tribal energy resource agreement between the Secretary and
an Indian tribe under this subsection shall include -
(i) provisions requiring the Secretary to conduct a periodic
review and evaluation to monitor the performance of the
activities of the Indian tribe associated with the development of
energy resources under the tribal energy resource agreement; and
(ii) if a periodic review and evaluation, or an investigation,
by the Secretary of any breach or violation described in a notice
provided by the Indian tribe to the Secretary in accordance with
subparagraph (B)(iii)(XVI), results in a finding by the Secretary
of imminent jeopardy to a physical trust asset arising from a
violation of the tribal energy resource agreement or applicable
Federal laws, provisions authorizing the Secretary to take
actions determined by the Secretary to be necessary to protect
the asset, including reassumption of responsibility for
activities associated with the development of energy resources on
tribal land until the violation and any condition that caused the
jeopardy are corrected.

(E) Periodic review and evaluation under subparagraph (D) shall
be conducted on an annual basis, except that, after the third
annual review and evaluation, the Secretary and the Indian tribe
may mutually agree to amend the tribal energy resource agreement to
authorize the review and evaluation under subparagraph (D) to be
conducted once every 2 years.
(3) The Secretary shall provide notice and opportunity for public
comment on tribal energy resource agreements submitted for approval
under paragraph (1). The Secretary's review of a tribal energy
resource agreement shall be limited to activities specified by the
provisions of the tribal energy resource agreement.
(4) If the Secretary disapproves a tribal energy resource
agreement submitted by an Indian tribe under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall, not later than 10 days after the date of
disapproval -
(A) notify the Indian tribe in writing of the basis for the
disapproval;
(B) identify what changes or other actions are required to
address the concerns of the Secretary; and
(C) provide the Indian tribe with an opportunity to revise and
resubmit the tribal energy resource agreement.

(5) If an Indian tribe executes a lease or business agreement, or
grants a right-of-way, in accordance with a tribal energy resource
agreement approved under this subsection, the Indian tribe shall,
in accordance with the process and requirements under regulations
promulgated under paragraph (8), provide to the Secretary -
(A) a copy of the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way
document (including all amendments to and renewals of the
document); and
(B) in the case of a tribal energy resource agreement or a
lease, business agreement, or right-of-way that permits payments
to be made directly to the Indian tribe, information and
documentation of those payments sufficient to enable the
Secretary to discharge the trust responsibility of the United
States to enforce the terms of, and protect the rights of the
Indian tribe under, the lease, business agreement, or right-of-
way.

(6)(A) In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall -
(i) act in accordance with the trust responsibility of the
United States relating to mineral and other trust resources; and
(ii) act in good faith and in the best interests of the Indian
tribes.

(B) Subject to the provisions of subsections (a)(2), (b), and (c)
waiving the requirement of Secretarial approval of leases, business
agreements, and rights-of-way executed pursuant to tribal energy
resource agreements approved under this section, and the provisions
of subparagraph (D), nothing in this section shall absolve the
United States from any responsibility to Indians or Indian tribes,
including, but not limited to, those which derive from the trust
relationship or from any treaties, statutes, and other laws of the
United States, Executive orders, or agreements between the United
States and any Indian tribe.
(C) The Secretary shall continue to fulfill the trust obligation
of the United States to ensure that the rights and interests of an
Indian tribe are protected if -
(i) any other party to a lease, business agreement, or right-of-
way violates any applicable Federal law or the terms of any
lease, business agreement, or right-of-way under this section; or
(ii) any provision in a lease, business agreement, or right-of-
way violates the tribal energy resource agreement pursuant to
which the lease, business agreement, or right-of-way was
executed.

(D)(i) In this subparagraph, the term "negotiated term" means any
term or provision that is negotiated by an Indian tribe and any
other party to a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way entered
into pursuant to an approved tribal energy resource agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), the United States shall
not be liable to any party (including any Indian tribe) for any
negotiated term of, or any loss resulting from the negotiated terms
of, a lease, business agreement, or right-of-way executed pursuant
to and in accordance with a tribal energy resource agreement
approved by the Secretary under paragraph (2).
(7)(A) In this paragraph, the term "interested party" means any
person (including an entity) that has demonstrated that an interest
of the person has sustained, or will sustain, an adverse
environmental impact as a result of the failure of an Indian tribe
to comply with a tribal energy resource agreement of the Indian
tribe approved by the Secretary under paragraph (2).
(B) After exhaustion of any tribal remedy, and in accordance with
regulations promulgated by the Secretary under paragraph (8), an
interested party may submit to the Secretary a petition to review
the compliance by an Indian tribe with a tribal energy resource
agreement of the Indian tribe approved by the Secretary under
paragraph (2).
(C)(i) Not later than 20 days after the date on which the
Secretary receives a petition under subparagraph (B), the Secretary
shall -
(I) provide to the Indian tribe a copy of the petition; and
(II) consult with the Indian tribe regarding any noncompliance
alleged in the petition.

(ii) Not later than 45 days after the date on which a
consultation under clause (i)(II) takes place, the Indian tribe
shall respond to any claim made in a petition under subparagraph
(B).
(iii) The Secretary shall act in accordance with subparagraphs
(D) and (E) only if the Indian tribe -
(I) denies, or fails to respond to, each claim made in the
petition within the period described in clause (ii); or
(II) fails, refuses, or is unable to cure or otherwise resolve
each claim made in the petition within a reasonable period, as
determined by the Secretary, after the expiration of the period
described in clause (ii).

(D)(i) Not later than 120 days after the date on which the
Secretary receives a petition under subparagraph (B), the Secretary
shall determine whether the Indian tribe is not in compliance with
the tribal energy resource agreement.
(ii) The Secretary may adopt procedures under paragraph (8)
authorizing an extension of time, not to exceed 120 days, for
making the determination under clause (i) in any case in which the
Secretary determines that additional time is necessary to evaluate
the allegations of the petition.
(iii) Subject to subparagraph (E), if the Secretary determines
that the Indian tribe is not in compliance with the tribal energy
resource agreement, the Secretary shall take such action as the
Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure compliance with the
tribal energy resource agreement, including -
(I) temporarily suspending any activity under a lease, business
agreement, or right-of-way under this section until the Indian
tribe is in compliance with the approved tribal energy resource
agreement; or
(II) rescinding approval of all or part of the tribal energy
resource agreement, and if all of the agreement is rescinded,
reassuming the responsibility for approval of any future leases,
business agreements, or rights-of-way described in subsection (a)
or (b).

(E) Before taking an action described in subparagraph (D)(iii),
the Secretary shall -
(i) make a written determination that describes the manner in
which the tribal energy resource agreement has been violated;
(ii) provide the Indian tribe with a written notice of the
violations together with the written determination; and
(iii) before taking any action described in subparagraph
(D)(iii) or seeking any other remedy, provide the Indian tribe
with a hearing and a reasonable opportunity to attain compliance
with the tribal energy resource agreement.

(F) An Indian tribe described in subparagraph (E) shall retain
all rights to appeal under any regulation promulgated by the
Secretary.
(8) Not later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, the Secretary
shall promulgate regulations that implement this subsection,
including -
(A) criteria to be used in determining the capacity of an
Indian tribe under paragraph (2)(B)(i), including the experience
of the Indian tribe in managing natural resources and financial
and administrative resources available for use by the Indian
tribe in implementing the approved tribal energy resource
agreement of the Indian tribe;
(B) a process and requirements in accordance with which an
Indian tribe may -
(i) voluntarily rescind a tribal energy resource agreement
approved by the Secretary under this subsection; and
(ii) return to the Secretary the responsibility to approve
any future lease, business agreement, or right-of-way under
this subsection;

(C) provisions establishing the scope of, and procedures for,
the periodic review and evaluation described in subparagraphs (D)
and (E) of paragraph (2), including provisions for review of
transactions, reports, site inspections, and any other review
activities the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and
(D) provisions describing final agency actions after exhaustion
of administrative appeals from determinations of the Secretary
under paragraph (7).
(f) No effect on other law
Nothing in this section affects the application of -
(1) any Federal environmental law;
(2) the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (30
U.S.C. 1201 et seq.); or
(3) except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Indian
Mineral Development Act of 1982 (25 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.).
(g) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such
sums as are necessary for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2016 to
carry out this section and to make grants or provide other
appropriate assistance to Indian tribes to assist the Indian tribes
in developing and implementing tribal energy resource agreements in
accordance with this section.

-SOURCE-
(Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2604, as added Pub. L. 109-58,
title V, Sec. 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 769.)

-REFTEXT-
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, referred
to in subsec. (f)(2), is Pub. L. 95-87, Aug. 3, 1977, 91 Stat. 445,
as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 25 (Sec. 1201
et seq.) of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set
out under section 1201 of Title 30 and Tables.
The Indian Mineral Development Act of 1982, referred to in
subsec. (f)(3), is Pub. L. 97-382, Dec. 22, 1982, 96 Stat. 1938,
which is classified generally to chapter 23 (Sec. 2101 et seq.) of
this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code,
see Short Title note set out under section 2101 of this title and
Tables.


-MISC1-
PRIOR PROVISIONS
A prior section 3504, Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2604,
Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3114, related to Indian energy resource
regulation, prior to the general amendment of this chapter by Pub.
L. 109-58.

-End-



-CITE-
25 USC Sec. 3505 01/03/2007

-EXPCITE-
TITLE 25 - INDIANS
CHAPTER 37 - INDIAN ENERGY

-HEAD-
Sec. 3505. Federal power marketing administrations

-STATUTE-
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) The term "Administrator" means the Administrator of the
Bonneville Power Administration and the Administrator of the
Western Area Power Administration.
(2) The term "power marketing administration" means -
(A) the Bonneville Power Administration;
(B) the Western Area Power Administration; and
(C) any other power administration the power allocation of
which is used by or for the benefit of an Indian tribe located
in the service area of the administration.
(b) Encouragement of Indian tribal energy development
Each Administrator shall encourage Indian tribal energy
development by taking such actions as the Administrators determine
to be appropriate, including administration of programs of the
power marketing administration, in accordance with this section.
(c) Action by Administrators
In carrying out this section, in accordance with laws in
existence on August 8, 2005 -
(1) each Administrator shall consider the unique relationship
that exists between the United States and Indian tribes;
(2) power allocations from the Western Area Power
Administration to Indian tribes may be used to meet firming and
reserve needs of Indian-owned energy projects on Indian land;
(3) the Administrator of the Western Area Power Administration
may purchase non-federally generated power from Indian tribes to
meet the firming and reserve requirements of the Western Area
Power Administration; and
(4) each Administrator shall not -
(A) pay more than the prevailing market price for an energy
product; or
(B) obtain less than prevailing market terms and conditions.
(d) Assistance for transmission system use
(1) An Administrator may provide technical assistance to Indian
tribes seeking to use the high-voltage transmission system for
delivery of electric power.
(2) The costs of technical assistance provided under paragraph
(1) shall be funded -
(A) by the Secretary of Energy using nonreimbursable funds
appropriated for that purpose; or
(B) by any appropriate Indian tribe.
(e) Power allocation study
Not later than 2 years after August 8, 2005, the Secretary of
Energy shall submit to Congress a report that -
(1) describes the use by Indian tribes of Federal power
allocations of the power marketing administration (or power sold
by the Southwestern Power Administration) to or for the benefit
of Indian tribes in a service area of the power marketing
administration; and
(2) identifies -
(A) the quantity of power allocated to, or used for the
benefit of, Indian tribes by the Western Area Power
Administration;
(B) the quantity of power sold to Indian tribes by any other
power marketing administration; and
(C) barriers that impede tribal access to and use of Federal
power, including an assessment of opportunities to remove those
barriers and improve the ability of power marketing
administrations to deliver Federal power.
(f) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$750,000, non-reimbursable, to remain available until expended.

-SOURCE-
(Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2605, as added Pub. L. 109-58,
title V, Sec. 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 776.)


-MISC1-
PRIOR PROVISIONS
A prior section 3505, Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2605,
Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3115; Pub. L. 103-437, Sec. 10(e)(1),
(2)(D), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4589, related to Indian Energy
Resource Commission, prior to the general amendment of this chapter
by Pub. L. 109-58.

-End-



-CITE-
25 USC Sec. 3506 01/03/2007

-EXPCITE-
TITLE 25 - INDIANS
CHAPTER 37 - INDIAN ENERGY

-HEAD-
Sec. 3506. Wind and hydropower feasibility study

-STATUTE-
(a) Study
The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of
the Army and the Secretary, shall conduct a study of the cost and
feasibility of developing a demonstration project that uses wind
energy generated by Indian tribes and hydropower generated by the
Army Corps of Engineers on the Missouri River to supply firming
power to the Western Area Power Administration.
(b) Scope of study
The study shall -
(1) determine the economic and engineering feasibility of
blending wind energy and hydropower generated from the Missouri
River dams operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, including an
assessment of the costs and benefits of blending wind energy and
hydropower compared to current sources used for firming power to
the Western Area Power Administration;
(2) review historical and projected requirements for, patterns
of availability and use of, and reasons for historical patterns
concerning the availability of firming power;
(3) assess the wind energy resource potential on tribal land
and projected cost savings through a blend of wind and hydropower
over a 30-year period;
(4) determine seasonal capacity needs and associated
transmission upgrades for integration of tribal wind generation
and identify costs associated with these activities;
(5) include an independent tribal engineer and a Western Area
Power Administration customer representative as study team
members; and
(6) incorporate, to the extent appropriate, the results of the
Dakotas Wind Transmission study prepared by the Western Area
Power Administration.
(c) Report
Not later than 1 year after August 8, 2005, the Secretary of
Energy, the Secretary, and the Secretary of the Army shall submit
to Congress a report that describes the results of the study,
including -
(1) an analysis and comparison of the potential energy cost or
benefits to the customers of the Western Area Power
Administration through the use of combined wind and hydropower;
(2) an economic and engineering evaluation of whether a
combined wind and hydropower system can reduce reservoir
fluctuation, enhance efficient and reliable energy production,
and provide Missouri River management flexibility;
(3) if found feasible, recommendations for a demonstration
project to be carried out by the Western Area Power
Administration, in partnership with an Indian tribal government
or tribal energy resource development organization, and Western
Area Power Administration customers to demonstrate the
feasibility and potential of using wind energy produced on Indian
land to supply firming energy to the Western Area Power
Administration; and
(4) an identification of -
(A) the economic and environmental costs of, or benefits to
be realized through, a Federal-tribal-customer partnership; and
(B) the manner in which a Federal-tribal-customer partnership
could contribute to the energy security of the United States.
(d) Funding
(1) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
section $1,000,000, to remain available until expended.
(2) Nonreimbursability
Costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this section
shall be nonreimbursable.

-SOURCE-
(Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2606, as added Pub. L. 109-58,
title V, Sec. 503(a), Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 777.)


-MISC1-
PRIOR PROVISIONS
A prior section 3506, Pub. L. 102-486, title XXVI, Sec. 2606,
Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3118, related to tribal government energy
assistance program, prior to the general amendment of this chapter
by Pub. L. 109-58.

-End-
   

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