What specific laws govern the development of energy resource on tribal lands?
Under the Indian Mineral and Development Act, a tribe may develop Indian trust mineral resources, such as oil and gas, coal, and coalbed methane. Under the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act (i.e., under a Tribal Energy Resource Agreement [TERA]), a tribe may develop any energy resource, including renewable energy resources. Other federal laws, regulations, and Executive Orders apply to energy resource development on tribal lands and are presented the Laws and Regulations section of the TEEIC Web site.
