Presentation Description: 4 Corners Clean Energy Alliance (4CCEA) is an example of a not for profit, 501 c, Third Party (3P) group that has worked to advocate for responsible and sustainable development of energy projects that will benefit tribal nations. A key feature of this group is that the organization always aims to maintain a majority of voting members who are tribal stakeholders such as Navajo, Hopi, Southern Ute, etc.
In addition to articulating the government revenues that will be provided, 4CCEA has emerged as an important voice to debunk negative narratives about energy development. For example, there is a widely accepted belief that any industrial scale energy development will have a net negative impact on tribal nations; this group has, by and through its leadership worked to establish outreach and relationships with tribal stakeholder groups. These outreach efforts have included:
• Offering and presenting on energy issues at local government units (chapters) of tribes • Meeting with central tribal government to discuss energy issues and potential for benefits of various projects • Institution of energy educational series for nominated tribal stakeholders • Representing organization at grassroots events such as annual fairs, flea markets and other public gatherings • Developing Community Benefits plans • Work with universities and institutions of higher learning to develop capacity building/work training programs for tribal youth
