Hydropower, Energy Dominance, And Tribal Rights - CleanTechnica

The article discusses the tension between the U.S. government's push for expanded hydropower development and the rights of Native American tribes to veto projects on their lands. In 2024, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) established a rule allowing tribes to reject hydropower projects proposed on their territories, following the rejection of several preliminary permits within Navajo Nation land. This policy aims to respect tribal sovereignty and prevent unwanted projects. However, some industry advocates, like Chris Wright, argue that this veto power hinders the rapid growth of energy infrastructure needed for America to maintain global energy dominance, particularly to support the expansion of data centers powered by non-wind and non-solar sources. Native American tribes and their allies strongly oppose efforts to remove tribal veto authority, viewing such moves as infringements on their rights and sovereignty. Leaders like Amy Trainer of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community emphasize that eliminating veto power would invite speculative project filings and undermine trust between the government and tribes. Organizations like the Tall