Amelia Schafer
ICT
A recent study warns that tribes could lose $1.5 billion in climate funding from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This loss comes from adjustments made in a new legislative package called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The Brookings Institution’s findings highlight the risks this funding cut poses for tribal energy projects and heightens tribes’ reliance on resource extraction. The Inflation Reduction Act had promised substantial investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and community resilience, including around $4.2 billion for Indian Country.
However, by the end of fiscal year 2025, only $2 billion of this funding reached tribes, tribal colleges, and Native enterprises. To maintain confidentiality and respect tribal data sovereignty, the researchers did not disclose specific tribes or projects that could be affected.
Under the Trump administration, climate funding was significantly reduced, including the elimination of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a critical source for Indian Country. The Big Beautiful Bill Act has slashed a total of $27 million from climate projects nationwide.
This funding loss leaves tribes in a tough spot. Many had already started construction on projects expecting financial support. If alternative funding isn’t found, these projects will face indefinite delays. As Glencora Haskins from Brookings points out, the lack of investment will worsen existing challenges like crumbling infrastructure and unsafe living conditions. “These problems compound over time,” Haskins says. “They don’t just stay the same—they get worse.”
To further illustrate the funding gap, if the trend of grants had continued at previous rates, tribes should have received $3.5 billion. Instead, they’re facing a shortfall of $1.5 billion, which will not land in Indian Country.
Maxim emphasizes the importance of broader funding sources. “Only 15 percent of climate funding for tribes comes from tribal-specific programs. The majority comes from larger federal programs,” he explains.
In addition to climate challenges, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has introduced new hurdles for accessing crucial aid like SNAP and Medicaid. While many Native groups are exempt from some requirements, practical barriers still exist. States now have the responsibility for automatic verification of exemptions. Unfortunately, this can be a complication since many state databases lack tribal enrollment data. As a result, Indigenous people may end up needing to prove their eligibility by gathering documents, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Maxim warns, “A lapse in food assistance or health coverage can be devastating.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Native Americans disproportionately faced disenrollment from Medicaid. “Data showed that they were removed at higher rates than other groups, and we could see similar trends now,” Haskins adds.
Moving forward, the researchers aim to engage Congress and suggest actionable steps for protecting these vital resources for tribes. These proposed changes include improving communication between state agencies and tribal governments to ensure that Native people receive the benefits they’re entitled to under existing treaties.
In a time of increasing climate concerns, it’s essential to keep the focus on protecting these rights and resources. As Maxim notes, “There’s a lot we can do to advocate for change.” By bringing attention to these issues, there’s hope for better support for Native communities moving forward.
Source link
Brookings Institution,Climate Change,climate funding,Energy,Health,ICT Must Read,Medicaid,obbba,one big beautiful bill,One Big Beautiful Bill Act,tribal climate programs,Trump
