MN HF4294

Department of Commerce must provide technical support and subject matter expertise to assist the 11 federally recognized Indian tribes in Minnesota in establishing a tribal advocacy council on energy.

Department must assist the council in assessing and evaluating common tribal energy issues, including identifying priorities, facilitating idea sharing between tribes, and assisting with decision making on energy issues.

Department must help the council develop new statewide energy policies or proposed legislation, including organizing stakeholder meetings, gathering input, developing policy proposals, and facilitating submission and approval of council-approved policies or legislation.

Department must assist in raising awareness and providing educational opportunities on tribal energy issues by identifying information resources, gathering feedback, and organizing educational forums.

Department must identify, evaluate, and disseminate successful energy-related practices and develop mechanisms to implement them; all support is voluntary and provided only upon council request and in areas where the Department's expertise is requested.