Securing energy sovereignty: A review of key barriers and opportunities for energy-producing Native nations in the United States

As the world seeks to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel production and consumption to mitigate the impacts of climate change, communities that rely on coal, oil, and natural gas production as economic drivers are likely to face challenges. Although extensive work has identified pathways towards a "just transition" in numerous contexts, very little has been written to understand the opportunities and challenges for fossil fuel-producing Native nations in a transition towards a net-zero emissions future. In theory, Native American nations have control over the decisions that shape their energy futures because of their sovereign status. In practice, however, numerous factors limit the exercise of that sovereignty. In this review, we assess the major barriers to tribal energy sovereignty, discuss historical and ongoing efforts to secure it, and highlight the tools that can further ensure the exercise of tribal energy sovereignty in the context of an energy transition. We also discuss recent policy developments and identify cases where Native nations are taking innovative approaches to govern the future of energy development on their lands.