Senate hearing: GAO faults DOE loan program office for barriers to tribal energy financing; Denali Commission highlights Alaska’s bulk‑fuel crisis

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs heard testimony that the Department of Energy’s tribal energy programs have both demonstrable successes and persistent barriers that limit tribes’ ability to finance and build energy projects.

Why it matters: Tribes control substantial energy resources and often face higher electricity costs and lower access to reliable power. Federal programs intended to expand tribal access to capital and technical assistance can reduce energy costs, support economic development and improve resilience — but witnesses told the committee that program design, staffing and financing tools have repeatedly inhibited projects from advancing.

Key findings from GAO and DOE: Anna Maria Ortiz, director of GAO’s Natural Resources and Environment Division, told the committee that the Loan Programs Office’s (LPO) Tribal Energy Financing Program (TEFP) has closed only one partial loan guarantee since it was solicited in February 2018. GAO found program design choices that deter applicants, require tribes to pay uncertain due‑diligence costs, and subject applicants to lengthy, inconsistent review. Ortiz said 12 applications have been rejected, withdrawn, or paused and, as of July 2025, seven remained active with four under review for more than two years. GAO recommended that LPO revise program…