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May 15, 2012

Solar funding raises hopes for money and power in Indian Country

  • Experts say tribal lands have the potential to supply more than four times the nation's electricity needs with solar.
    • By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
    Associated Press

    TO'HAJIILEE, N.M. — This flat, dusty stretch of prairie in central New Mexico is where the leaders of a remote, sparsely populated American Indian community envision a sea of solar panels capable of producing enough electricity for more than 10,000 homes miles away from the reservation.

    The To'Hajiilee solar project is one of 19 energy projects that will share in $6.5 million recently awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy to spur renewable energy development on tribal lands. About two-thirds of the money is earmarked for tribes in the West, and most of that will be going toward getting projects in New Mexico and Arizona off the ground.


     
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