Division of Energy Policy Development
Who We Are...
The Division of Indian Energy Policy Development oversees the development and implementation of energy and mineral development regulations in Indian country and initiates programs to enhance the capacity of tribes to take charge of developing their energy and mineral resources.
The Division has specific responsibility for implementing Title V, Section 503 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58) which requires the Secretary of the Interior to oversee the review, evaluation, and implementation of Tribal Energy Resource Agreements (TERA). A TERA provides a tribe with the option of entering into energy-related business agreements and leases and for granting rights-of-way for pipelines, electric transmission, and distribution lines without the review and approval of the Secretary of the Interior for each proposed project.
What We Do...
Promote tribal oversight of energy and mineral resource development on tribal lands, thus furthering the goal of Indian self-determination
Coordinate with other DOI bureaus and offices, other federal agencies and tribes to develop effective processes for implementation of Indian energy processes, policies and regulations
Conduct outreach activities that explain regulatory requirements and the respective roles of the Department and tribes regarding the development of energy resources under 25 CFR Part 224
Develop and implement tribal capacity building programs designed to provide Indian country access to information and develop tribal expertise in the energy resource development field
Develop and update guidelines to implement TERA regulations, including procedures for creating and maintaining records for use in monitoring tribal compliance with its associated TERA
Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
The Division and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory launched a Web site to create a Web-based clearinghouse of environmental information that will support American Indian and Alaska Native traditional and renewable energy resource development. Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse (TEEIC), http://teeic.anl.gov
25 CFR Part 224 (.pdf)- 218 KB Tribal Energy Resource Agreements Under the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act; Final Rule
Indian Mineral Development Act of 1982
Tribal Energy Resource Agreements
Code of Federal Regulations
Part 169--Rights-of-Way over Indian Lands
Part 211—Leasing of Tribal Lands for Mineral Development
Part 225—Oil and Gas, Geothermal, and Solid Minerals Agreements

