MN SF4421

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 help the council assess and evaluate common tribal energy issues, including identifying priorities, facilitating idea sharing between tribes, and assisting with decision making.

Department must assist the council in developing new statewide energy policies or proposed legislation through organizing stakeholder meetings, gathering input, and facilitating submission and approval of council-approved policies or legislation.

Department must help raise awareness and provide educational opportunities on tribal energy issues by identifying information resources, gathering feedback, and facilitating educational forums.

Department must support identification, evaluation, and dissemination of successful energy-related practices and development of mechanisms to implement them.

Participation is voluntary; the bill does not require any tribe to establish the council or participate in its decisions, and Department support is limited to areas requested by the council.