The program will help tribals advance clean energy projects and increase resiliency.
It offers on-the-ground support for federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal entities.
Experts from the Energy Department Office of Indian Energy and Energy Department National Laboratory will provide technical assistance by supporting community and commercial-scale renewable projects in the US.
US Deputy Energy Secretary Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall said: "Today’s announcement signals the Department’s ongoing commitment to providing Native American Tribes with the tools and opportunity to engage in a dynamic sector of our economy, and foster energy self-sufficiency and sustainability.
"We will continue to work with tribal leaders to advance clean energy solutions and identify climate resiliency strategies to prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change on their land, economy, and natural resources."
Launched in December 2011, the START program has to date helped 21 tribal communities in advancing their clean energy technology and infrastructure projects that range from wind and solar to biofuels and energy efficiency.
The tribal project team and tribal legal/finance specialists will get assistance in reaching a late-stage development decision point or milestone to advance a project towards development.
Indian Tribes, Alaska Native regional corporations, and formally organized tribal energy resource development organizations are eligible for the program.
Developers need to submit applications to the Energy Department Office of Indian Energy by 1 May 2015.
The department will select at least five projects by late June 2015. It will then provide technical assistance from July 2015 to August 2016.
Image: US Deputy Energy Secretary Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall. Photo: Courtesy of The US Department of Energy.
