The National Inter-Tribal Energy Council Presents
SouthWest Tribal Utilities Seminar:
Strengthen your Tribal Energy Networks and contacts to become stronger advocates and allies for tribal energy development
October 2nd: 8:00am - 5:00pm PST
​Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, 111 E Taylor St. Phoenix, AZ 85004
Seminar Overview
Who Should Attend
Tribal energy professionals, attorneys, managers, directors, and elected leadership. Non Tribal Attorneys, land use planners, environmental professionals, industry executives, governmental officials and consultants.
Why You will Benefit from Attending
In 2025, tribal energy development and policy priorities have changed significantly for Indian Country with respect to funding, program support, development opportunities and potential business partners. This seminar is designed to keep tribal energy professionals, staff and business partners informed regarding government actions, new policy developments and market trends affecting the common business interests of tribes and their non-tribal energy partners. Above all, attendees will strengthen their tribal energy networks and contacts to become stronger advocates and allies for tribal energy development.
~ Chris Deschene, Member of the Navajo Nation and Executive Director of the National Inter-Tribal Energy Council.
What You Will Learn
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Impact regarding Tribal Energy Sovereignty
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Background, Considerations, and Opportunities Surrounding the San Carlos Irrigation Project Divestiture
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Working with Coops and IOUs to Solve Energy Problems
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Challenges in Creating Balanced Energy Portfolios
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Market Trends: AI and Data Centers, Impacts and Considerations
Agenda
7:30 - 8:20 am: Check-in & Breakfast
8:20 - 8:30 am: Welcome from the National Inter-Tribal Energy Council and the
Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law, Arizona State University
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8:30 - 9:30 am: Panel 1- Tribal Energy Sovereignty’s Value Proposition and Opportunity Costs
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9:40 - 10:40 am: Panel 2- San Carlos Irrigation Project Divestiture
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10:50 - 11:50 am: Panel 3- Are States Working With Tribes to Create Energy Solutions
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12:00 - 12:30 pm: Lunch
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12:30 - 1:30 pm: Panel 4- TUAs & Stakeholders Working to Solve Regional TX Challenges
1:40 - 2:40 pm: Panel 5- Market Trend: AI and Data Centers in the Southwest
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2:50 - 3:50 pm: Panel 6- CLE Energy and Ethics: Tribal Energy Jeopardy or Family Feud
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4:00 pm: Adjourn
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Panels
Welcome from the National Inter-Tribal Energy Council and the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law, Arizona State University
Dean Stacy Leeds, College of Law, Arizona State University
Chris Deschene, Executive Director, National Inter-Tribal Energy Council
TRIBAL ENERGY SOVEREIGNTY'S VALUE PROPOSITION AND OPPORTUNITY COSTS
This session will present tribal and business leaders key principles of tribal energy sovereignty as it relates to lost or gained opportunity costs.
Moderator: Katosha Nakai, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
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Thomas Steirer, Colusa Indian Energy LLC
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Chris Deschene, National Inter-Tribal Energy Council
SAN CARLOS IRRIGATION PROJECT DIVESTITURE
This presentation will present the key issues and potential solutions surrounding the federal government’s divestiture regarding the San Carlos Irrigation Project.
Moderator: Logan Big Eagle, New Energy Resources Council
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Christabelle Mull, General Manager, San Carlos Apache Tribe
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Ken Stock, Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority
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McKya Lamb, Field Representative, Congressman Crane's Office
WHAT'S THE PLAN? CREATING A COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY STRATEGY FOR AZ
This forward-looking discussion asks the question regarding a potential comprehensive energy strategy for the state of Arizona. Can ambitious policy goals align with practical energy transition pathways? Included will be discussions regarding challenges that hinder tribal and state efforts to create a balanced energy portfolio, support economic development, and protect our natural resources.
Moderator: Wahleah Johns, Former Director, Indian Energy
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EJ John, Tribal Affairs Advisor, Governor's Office on Tribal Relations
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Chris Deschene, Executive Director, National Inter-Tribal Energy Council
TRIBAL SOLUTIONS TO REGIONAL TRANSMISSION CHALLENGES
This session will present transmission related issues including market trends, RTO’s, the SPPA, and FERC Order 1920. These and others have unique regional impacts to local, tribal, state, and business planning, development, operations, and policy.
Moderator: Clara Lee Pratte, Navajo Power, PBC
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John Saams, FESCO
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Tahlia Bear, Western Resource Advocates
MARKET TREND: AI & DATA CENTERS IN THE SOUTHWEST
This session will present the market trends surrounding the explosive growth and demand for power, land, water, infrastructure, and workforce in support of technological advances underlying industry, government, and tribal economic goals.
Moderator: Eleanor Wester, National Inter-Tribal Energy Council
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Edward Farrell, Veregy, LLC
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Thomas Steirer, Colusa Indian Energy
TRIBAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT: COMMON ETHICAL ISSUES
This interactive panel will present common ethics issues that may arise with energy and federal Indian Law practitioners. This session will provide insight into how attorneys and clients approach ethical dilemmas that may arise as tribes develop energy projects throughout Indian Country.
Moderator: Kimberly Dutcher, Government Affairs Advisor, Direct Relief
