{
"type": "rich",
"version": "1.0",
"provider_name": "Action Network",
"provider_url": "https://actionnetwork.org",
"html": "",
"author_name": "Native Organizers Alliance Action Fund",
"author_url": "https://actionnetwork.org/groups/native-organizers-alliance",
"title": "Protect Tribal Treaty Rights",
"thumbnail_url": "https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/groups/default_facebook_images/000/022/886/original/NOA_ActionFundBanner2.png?1668645803",
"description": "The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is attempting to reform the hydroelectric power preliminary permit process to remove the ability for Tribes to provide input on project permits before they are issued. Trump’s Energy Secretary Chris Wright has directed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reform the hydroelectric power preliminary permit process to remove the ability for Tribes to provide input on project permits before they are issued. Wright’s reason is the claim that the FERC's current approach has created an "untenable regime" that hinders development by requiring approval from a third party. Let’s be very clear: Tribal partners are not “third parties” and opposition to a permit is not a veto. It’s a treaty right. It’s about our sovereign authority to protect our land, water, and people. It’s government-to-government interaction that is imbued in law. Native communities value the importance of hydropower in creating a sustainable and secure electric grid. But FERC and the Department of Energy (DOE) are creating a new system of approvals that effectively eliminates Tribes’ authority over their own lands which is central to the federal government’s trusty and treaty obligations. Native communities have cared for this land from time-immemorial, employing traditional knowledge and practices that support healthy ecosystems. This stewardship is vital and that’s one of the critical reasons Tribal Nations negotiated treaty rights protecting our sovereignty over our lands, water, and people. But it’s not just Tribal sovereignty at stake; this decision would also hinder the countries’ energy security. When permits opposed by relevant Tribes are rejected, FERC is forced to incentivize project sponsors to consult with Tribes early in the process and develop stronger applications that can be supported by local Native communities. This policy also helps prevent applicants from wasting time (both the project sponsor’s and FERC staff’s) for projects that may ultimately be litigated or denied. U.S. Representative Sharice Davids is standing up for sovereignty. One of the tools members of Congress have in their oversight authority of the executive branch involves organizing Congressional colleagues to remind agencies of their legal responsibilities, demand answers and require corrective action. Here’s where we come in. The more members of Congress that sign on to Rep. Davids letter to the FERC and Secretary Wright, the more powerful the message is, increasing the likelihood of success in forcing the administration to comply with the law. Please click “START WRITING” to sign and send a message urging your representative to sign on now.",
"url": "https://actionnetwork.org/letters/protect-tribal-treaty-rights"
}