Conserving this Nation’s fish and other aquatic resources cannot be successful without the partnership of Tribes; they manage or influence some of the most important aquatic habitats both on and off reservations. In addition, the Federal government and the Service have distinct and unique obligations toward Tribes based on trust responsibility, treaty provisions, and statutory mandates.

A Number of Federal Laws and Regulations Apply to Energy Development Activities on Tribal Lands

A number of federal laws, regulations, and Executive Orders apply to energy development activities. For the most part, state laws and regulations do not apply to energy development on tribal lands.The extent to which the federal requirements will apply to specific projects on tribal lands depends upon the nature of the project.

Some federal requirements will apply only to certain types of energy development projects. Factors such as the type of energy resource being developed, the location of a project, and the size of the project will define which requirements apply. In addition, requirements applicable to projects conducted under a Tribal Energy Resource Agreement (TERA) may be different from those that apply to projects developed under other existing regulatory programs.

Follow this link [exit notice] for information (where available) on federal laws, regulations, and Executive Orders that may apply to energy development activities on tribal lands:

• Acoustics (Noise)
• Air Quality
• Cultural & Paleontological Resources
• Ecological Resources
• Energy Resource Development
• Environmental Justice
• Hazardous Materials
• Health & Safety
• Land Use & Siting
• NEPA
• Solid & Hazardous Waste
• Water Quality