American Indians get energy funding

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WASHINGTON, July 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. Energy Department announced it was setting aside more than $6 million to help American Indian groups with energy development projects.

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that 31 tribal energy projects would receive federal funds during the next two years as part of a partnership with tribal nations.

The Energy Department said the projects would help tribal groups advance clean energy technologies while promoting economic development.

"Tribal nations are well-positioned to take advantage of the benefits of clean energy and energy-efficient technologies," Chu said in a statement.

Around $2 million of the funding targets improvements in the energy efficiency of buildings. Another $2 million focuses on developing the workforce needed for clean-energy development. The remaining funds would help reduce tribal heating and cooling costs by at least 30 percent.

"Projects such as these will save energy and money, create long-term, clean-energy jobs and spur economic development in tribal communities nationwide," Chu said.