In the sweeping narrative of President Joe Biden’s energy policies, a significant subplot is often overlooked: the impact on Native American communities. While the administration has loudly proclaimed its respect for tribal sovereignty, actions speak louder than words, and the administration’s actions suggest that its respect for tribal sovereignty is largely dependent upon tribes aligning with Biden’s energy agenda.
The tension between the Biden administration and these key Democrat constituencies stems from a stark contradiction: the administration’s push against fossil fuels clashes directly with the economic realities of many Native American communities. For instance, Nagruk Harcharek, president of the Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat, pointed out the selective attention given to indigenous voices by the administration, only valuing those that align with its policy directives.
The Biden administration’s decision to prohibit drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and cancel all drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge delivered a crippling blow to the revenues on which communities in the North Slope Borough heavily depend. These revenues fund essential services such as roads, emergency services, and wildlife management – all vital for the indigenous population’s survival and well-being.
Similarly, the story of the Navajo Nation is another case in point. Despite vocal opposition from the tribe’s lawmakers, Biden’s Interior Secretary, Deb Haaland, pushed ahead with a moratorium on oil and gas development in northwest New Mexico. This move not only ignored the tribe’s sovereignty but also jeopardized their future economic opportunities and put significant financial strain on the Navajo people.
Moreover, these restrictions on resource development imposed by the administration contrast sharply with the Biden administration’s approach to green energy projects. For instance, the SunZia Wind and Transmission project proceeded despite objections from Native American tribes about its impact on religious and cultural sites.
Democrats love to talk about replacing oil and gas jobs with green energy jobs. However, the story of the Standing Rock Sioux is revealing. After they protested against the Dakota Access oil pipeline, they found themselves ill-equipped for green energy jobs.
It’s a classic case of political ideology clashing with practical reality. The administration’s push for a rapid transition to renewable energy overlooks the fact that for many Native American tribes, fossil fuel development isn’t just a source of revenue; it’s a lifeline.
In summary, the Biden administration’s energy policies, while championed as progressive and necessary for combating climate change, have consequences for Native American tribes. These communities find themselves caught between the rhetoric of respect for their sovereignty and the harsh reality of policies that undermine their economic stability and self-determination. The 2024 election presents an opportunity for these communities to weigh in on these policies and their impact, potentially influencing the future direction of America’s energy policy.
