The Independent View: Tribe that Fought Dakota Access Pipeline Builds Clean Energy Future

Retaining Ownership Stake is key to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Plans for 235MW Wind Farm.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, were able to Raise Awareness about the Dangers of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), Reaffirm their Right to Dignity and Self-Determination and, the Demand that the Voices of Indigenous People be heard.

While their Fight against DAPL continues in the Courts, the time to take further Action is now.

In 2019, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe created SAGE Development Authority, a Public Power Authority, to ensure Energy Independence, Protect the Environment, and Promote Economic Growth in the Region.

SAGE is about Self-Determination. It is about Reclaiming the Land that their Ancestors have Inhabited for Thousands of years, and Building a Better and Safer Future for their Children and Grandchildren.

SAGE’s First Project is a 235-megawatt Wind Farm named Anpetu Wi (Morning Light).

By Developing Wind and other Sustainable Energy Resources on Tribal Land, the People of Standing Rock will Serve as Leaders in a Movement to Reduce the Severity of Climate Change while Developing a Replicable Model of Community-Determined Renewable Energy.

Meeting the need for Affordable Electricity is critical for Standing Rock’s Population.

Currently, the Reservation receives All of its Energy from Power Companies as far away as Bismarck, ND, roughly 80 miles from the Reservation. The Commercial Providers sell Power at Rates Higher than many Tribal Members can Afford. To that end, the Reservation Population experiences 70% Unemployment and has a 40% Poverty Rate, making it one of the Poorest Regions in the U.S., according to SAGE’s Research.

“We’re building a future so that our people can afford electricity,” SAGE General Manager, Joseph McNeil, Jr. McNeil said. “We would gain utility for the reservation, which hasn’t been done before.”

If successful with SAGE and Aneptu Wi, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe wants to Demonstrate to other Tribes how to take Control and Exercise Sovereignty over their Energy Futures.

For example, SAGE’s Board is entirely made up of Enrolled Members of the Tribe, and includes Two Women, Fawn Wasin Zi and Phyllis Young, as its Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively.

“We want this project to be something that’s not just beneficial for Standing Rock, but for other tribes as well as we share our findings with others,” McNeil said.