Energy and mineral development program 2025

The Pueblo of Picuris, New Mexico received a $175,000 Project Grant award dated September 22, 2025, from the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) under the Minerals and Mining on Indian Lands program (CFDA 15.038). The award, with an ultimate completion date of September 21, 2027, supports technical assistance and resource evaluation activities conducted at the Picuris Pueblo in northern New Mexico. Under this grant, the tribe will conduct comprehensive assessments of energy and mineral resources located on Indian trust lands, which may include feasibility studies for renewable energy development (solar, wind, hydroelectric, or geothermal) and/or evaluations of conventional mineral resources (oil, natural gas, coal, sand, gravel, and base metals).

The deliverables under this award are expected to include technical data, resource inventories, pre-development assessments, and detailed analyses that establish the foundation for informed tribal decision-making regarding energy and mineral development opportunities. These products will support the tribe's economic development objectives and energy sovereignty goals by providing the technical foundation necessary to evaluate the viability and marketability of potential resource projects on tribal lands. All data and findings must be documented in accordance with federal recordkeeping requirements, with final deliverables submitted upon project completion.