The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) recognizes its trust responsibility and is committed to engaging and consulting with federally recognized Tribes on matters potentially affecting Tribal interests. The Commission considers Tribal input in individual hydropower and natural gas project proceedings and in proceedings on policy statements, rulemakings, and technical conferences that affect Tribal interests. The Commission also works to keep Tribal governments informed of relevant Commission activities.
As noted in the Commission’s Policy Statement on Consultation with Indian Tribes in Commission Proceedings, the Commission seeks to address the effects of proposed projects on Tribal rights and resources through consultation pursuant to the Commission's trust responsibility, the Federal Power Act, the Natural Gas Act, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, Section 32 of the Public Utility Holding Company Act, the Interstate Commerce Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and in the Commission's environmental and decisional documents.
The Commission engages federally recognized Tribes through its Office of the General Counsel, Office of Energy Projects, and Office of External Affairs. The Commission’s Office of Public Participation is also available as a resource for individual Tribal members. Below is a brief description of the offices and their roles:
Tribal Liaison for the Commission – Office of the General Counsel
The Tribal liaison position was established in 2003 when the Commission issued its Policy Statement on Consultation with Indian Tribes in Commission Proceedings. The Tribal liaison assists in educating Commission staff about Tribal governments and cultures and in educating Tribes about the Commission's various statutory functions and programs. The Tribal liaison acts as a guide for Tribes in Commission processes and works to ensure that consultation requirements are met.
Elizabeth Molloy – 202-502-8771
Gas Tribal Coordinator for the Commission – Office of Energy Projects
The Gas Tribal Coordinator position was created in 2016 to serve as coordinator in the natural gas program and facilitate communication between project sponsors, Tribes, and the Commission. The coordinator assists Commission staff in coordinating with appropriate federally recognized tribes and ensuring the appropriate level of the tribal engagement occurs in natural gas proceedings. The coordinator communicates with Federal, state and local agencies and can provide Tribes with non-project specific information regarding Commission processes and engagement issues.
Dawn Ramsey – 202-502-6856
State, International and Tribal Affairs – Office of External Affairs
The Office of External Affairs (OEA) State, International, and Tribal Affairs Division (SITA) provides information on Commission programs and activities to state and local governments, Tribal governments, trade associations, ISOs, RTOs, and regulated industry, through outreach materials, written and telephone responses to inquiries, and attendance at conferences. SITA coordinates discussions with governments and others, conducts information and demonstration sessions, conferences, and workshops.
Keith Masill – 202-502-6850
Office of Public Participation
The Office of Public Participation (OPP) engages with the public and individual Tribal members through direct outreach and education to facilitate greater understanding of Commission processes and solicit broader participation in matters before the Commission. OPP staff provide ongoing process information on individual proceedings and respond to requests for technical assistance.
OPP@ferc.gov – 202-502-6595
Key Contacts
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If you are a representative of a federally recognized Tribe and have a question about a specific energy project, have a general question about the Commission’s processes, or any other matter please contact TribalRelations@ferc.gov.
Key Documents and Links
- Policy Statement on Consultation with Indian Tribes in Commission Proceedings – The Commission first issued its Policy Statement in 2003 and updated the Policy Statement in 2019. The Policy Statement recognizes the unique relationship between the Federal government and Indian tribes as defined by treaties, statutes, and judicial decisions and acknowledges the Commission’s trust responsibilities.
- Guidelines for Reporting on Cultural Resources Investigations for Natural Gas Projects – These guidelines, updated in 2017, are intended to assist project sponsors (companies) and their contractors in preparing cultural resources report filings under the Commission’s regulations for interstate natural gas projects and subsequently Section 106 purposes.
- WorkshOPP on Filing Comments – Hosted by the Commission’s Office of Public Participation, this workshop provides information, including a step-by-step guide, on how to file comments in Commission proceedings.