CAMPBELL INTRODUCES INDIAN ENERGY, CAPITAL FORMATION BILLS
Washington — Today Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) introduced
bills to increase energy production on Indian lands and to help
create a tribally-capitalized development organization. Joined by
Energy Committee Chairman Pete V. Domenici, Campbell introduced the
"Native American Energy Development and Self Determination Act of
2003", to effect a major re-write of existing law and to provide
financial aid, technical assistance, and reforms to the laws
governing energy development on Indian lands.
"With most tribal economies depressed and our nation more dependent
than ever on foreign sources of energy, it makes sense to increase
domestic production and in the process boost Indian economies and
lessen our need for foreign energy", said Campbell, the Chairman of
the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
Campbell also introduced the "Native American Capital Formation an
Economic Development Act of 2003" to charter a economic development
organization to be financed and owned by Indian tribes.
"If Indian self determination is to have meaning in the next century,
it must be grounded in efforts to strengthen tribal economies and
re-invigorate tribal governments," remarked Campbell, the lone
American Indian in the Senate and one of the 44 Council Chiefs of the
Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana.
On Wednesday Campbell also introduced the "Indian Land Leasing Act of
2003" and the "Technical Corrections to Indian Statutes Act of
2003".
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CONTACT: Paul Moorehead 202-224-2251
March 5, 2003