Web-Based Clearinghouse for Environmental Analysis of Energy Development on Tribal Lands

5/24/2009

Argonne's Environmental Science Division (EVS) is assisting the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED), in developing a Web-based clearinghouse of environmental information related to energy development on tribal lands. The Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse (TEEIC) provides information about energy resources, potential impacts and mitigation measures for energy development projects, conduct of project-specific impact studies and monitoring programs, and applicable laws and regulations.

Currently, the TEEIC Web site includes modules on wind and solar energy, coal, oil and gas, energy transmission, and energy efficiency and conservation. Additional energy modules on biomass, power generation facilities and refineries, geothermal, hydropower, and wave and tidal energy are planned.

Each TEEIC energy resource module includes basic information about the nature and characteristics of a particular energy resource, its geographic distribution within the United States, how the resource is utilized for energy production, energy production facilities, potential environmental impacts associated with the energy resource, measures to reduce or avoid the environmental impacts, and applicable federal laws and regulations. Energy resource modules also include links to resource-specific case studies, government programs and incentives, and other useful Web resources.

The TEEIC also includes in-depth information about conducting project-specific environmental impact analyses and monitoring programs, including data needs assessment and collection, impact identification and analysis, and identification of project-specific mitigation measures.

Other TEEIC resources include listings of contact information for tribes, tribal organizations, and federal agencies and programs; a glossary of technical terms; and a list of frequently asked questions. TEEIC users can also request assistance from TEEIC subject matter experts on questions concerning tribal energy development; suggest new content, features, and tools for addition to the TEEIC; and subscribe to receive e-mails concerning tribal energy development and the TEEIC.

Additional information on the TEEIC is provided in the DOI press release issued by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.

For more information, contact:

Karen P. Smith (303)986-1140 x267 smithk@anl.gov