The Clean Energy Opportunity America Is Overlooking

AI and data centers drive unprecedented energy demand. Yet despite this significant uptick, America is overlooking some of our best renewable resources: Tribal lands.   

The Cheyenne River Reservation alone can generate as much wind power as the entire state of New Jersey.Yet, despite access to world-class resources like this, Tribal communities face significant barriers securing financing.  

A key reason is that investors have historically avoided investing in Indian Country due to a lack familiarity with Tribal governance structures, legal frameworks, and cultural priorities, leaving billions in clean energy on the table. 

Beltway Solutions Group joined Chairman Peter Lengkeek, Chairman Ryman LeBeau, and community members for a site visit and discussion on Crow Creek and Cheyenne River Tribal lands, where we heard directly about local priorities and clean energy opportunities. The Crow Creek and Cheyenne River Tribes located in South Dakota exemplify the vast untapped renewable energy potential across Indian Country, and BSG is proud to partner with Oceti Sakowin Power Authority to advance strategies and partnerships that drive utility- and community-scale clean power projects forward across the Great Plains. 

When we combine America's most abundant renewable resources with proper investment and respect for Tribal priorities, we can unlock economic opportunity for Tribal communities and lower energy costs for Americans across the country.