Policy reversals stall North Dakota’s clean energy momentum

Indigenized Energy technicians work to erect a ground-mounted residential solar project at Pine Ridge Reservation in October 2024. Around 30 trainees from the tribe participated, with six of those later hired by a contractor taking part in the project. Photo provided. Photo provided
Indigenized Energy technicians work to erect a ground-mounted residential solar project at Pine Ridge Reservation in October 2024. Around 30 trainees from the tribe participated, with six of those later hired by a contractor taking part in the project. Photo provided. Photo provided

Slower growth comes during time of increased energy demand, prices

When federal solar funding was withdrawn earlier this year, Cody Two Bears had to inform dozens of tribal members that their jobs were no longer available.

“At full capacity, we were going to hire up to 60 people within our organization alone to disperse this project within five years,” said Two Bears, founder of Indigenized Energy o…