PNW OSSIA/WASEIA 2026

**CLE SESSION: You must check into each session on the Conference APP and stay for the entire session to receive CLE credit.**

Tribal nations across the Pacific Northwest possess some of the region’s most significant untapped potential for renewable energy development. However, realizing this potential requires navigating a complex intersection of sovereign rights, historical land use, cultural preservation, and unique financial barriers. This panel brings together leading voices in PNW Tribal governance, project development, and green finance to provide an actionable roadmap for co-developing solar and storage projects with PNW Tribes. Moderated by David Harper of Native-owned Huurav Energy, the discussion will move beyond theoretical equity to focus on the concrete mechanics of equitable partnerships: sustainable siting that respects cultural resources, inclusive project design, and innovative capital stacking that bypasses federal bottlenecks to ensure Tribal energy sovereignty.

Why This Panel Matters Now:
As Oregon and Washington aggressively pursue their clean energy targets, developers and utilities are increasingly looking toward Tribal lands. Yet, traditional development models often fail in Indian Country due to a fundamental misunderstanding of sovereign risk, treaty rights, and community priorities. Furthermore, with recent shifts and delays in federal grant funding, reliance on traditional government capital is leaving critical infrastructure projects stranded. This session bridges the knowledge gap.