Osage Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear is among the nation’s tribal leaders who wants to take advantage of the federal government’s unleashing of millions of dollars for energy development.
He recently said the government funds could “unleash oil production on the reservation” in northeastern Oklahoma.
“That money in Department of Energy and other agencies can come into the Interior Department, and we can rebuild the oil and gas energy business in the Osage,” Standing Bear said. “It can be done if you just take what your friends are offering.”
The Osage Nation’s reservation, which encompasses all of Osage County already has 43,000 oil well bores but in 2025, only 16,464 were in operation and there had been no new drilling completions. The figure was released at the time by Superintendent Adam Trumbly during meetings of the Minerals Council.
The U.S. Department of Energy says it will allocate around $50 million to tribal nations as part of the federal government’s push for international energy superiority reported KOSU Public Radio. It’s part of the Trump administration’s move to “share in the prosperity of American energy dominance.”
The Office of Indian Energy at the Department of Energy recently announced it would take applications for the “Unleashing Tribal Energy Development” until July 24. The program is designs to provide funds for the development and planning of energy projects to support Native communities and tribal economic development.
Last week in Oklahoma City, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (IE) held an Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group (ICEIWG) meeting, a forum for candid dialogue, coordination, and identifying opportunities to better support Tribal energy priorities.
Currently consisting of 20 new and returning members, ICEIWG brings together leaders from Tribal Nations to provide crucial insights into the experiences, obstacles, and opportunities facing Indian Country in energy and related infrastructure development, deployment, and capacity building.
The group talked about streamlining leasing and rights of way, a critical issue for Tribes across Indian Country, as well as transmission and distribution needs on Tribal lands.
The group also discussed utility codes and navigating complex jurisdiction issues, especially concerning utility rights-of-way across Tribal reservations.
A crucial topic for Tribes, the agenda included sessions focused on taxation of energy resources.
“By working together with a clear focus on tangible outcomes and next steps, we will continue to make significant strides in advancing energy and infrastructure development across Indian Country,” shared IE Director Eric Mahroum.
