Login
Keystone Policy Center Convenes Summit on Energy Development Near Tribal Lands
Keystone Policy Center convened a summit of tribal and business leaders September 5 in Tulalip, Washington, to discuss the different ways these leaders can address legal jurisdictions and governing decisions related to energy development on or adjacent to tribal land. The current energy development landscape in the United States is shifting to tap into new sources of energy – from renewables to natural gas – and to replace aging infrastructure. These shifts are creating new tensions among industry and land managers, including Native American Tribes. Ongoing siting and development decisions are made where tribal interests and sovereignty are either unknown or misunderstood, or tribes are not made aware of industry considerations until well into the planning, siting and permitting processes. In this dynamic energy landscape, tribes also have opportunities to harness their own energy resources, develop energy-related technology, or otherwise pursue economic development in the energy sector.
The summit in Washington explored what opportunities are available for industry and tribes to engage more effectively and what structure or environment is needed, or can be created, to support proactive dialogue. Attendees are interested in Keystone hosting additional regional meetings and ultimately producing resources and tools for both tribes and energy companies (e.g. training for tribal liaisons; education for tribal leaders on energy issues; sample agreements or codes for tribes).
The summit was developed after analyzing the current interest and work that is occurring in this area and was the culmination of interviews and additional research conducted by Keystone Policy Center to home in on the most important aspects for discussion.
Panelists who participated in Keystone Policy Center’s tribes/energy summit included (from left to right): Troy Eid, Greenberg Taurus LLP American Indian Law Practice Group; Ernest House, Keystone Policy Center American Indian Alaska Native Program; Elia Quintana, American Petroleum Institute; John Echohawk, Native American Rights Fund; Adam Red, Southern Ute Indian Tribe
Effective March 1, 2025, Thomas J. Vilsack, former United States Secretary of Agriculture and Governor of Iowa, became the first Chief Executive Officer for the World Food Prize Foundation. In this new role, Governor Vilsack is focusing on expanding the Foundation’s global network, and will further position the Foundation as a leader in addressing global food and nutrition insecurity, continuing his lifetime of public service.
Shelby Coffey III is a distinguished journalist, media executive, and thought leader whose career has helped shape the landscape of American news and public discourse. Over several decades, Coffey has held some of the most influential roles in journalism, including serving as editor of the Los Angeles Times, executive vice president of ABC News, and deputy managing editor of The Washington Post. His editorial leadership extended to key roles as president of CNN Financial News, editor of the Dallas Times Herald, and U.S. News & World Report.
Jerry Steiner has spent 40 years involved in agriculture following growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm. He began his career with Monsanto, in multiple business leadership roles. From 2003-2013 he served as a member of the Executive team, as the company’s Executive Vice President of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs. He led the company’s global Government, Public and Industry Affairs teams across the 70 countries where Monsanto conducts business. This experience got Jerry connected to the Keystones centers work in agriculture. Key among his responsibilities were shaping the company’s public policy and building partnerships aimed at helping farmers around the world produce more food, while conserving valuable resources like water and energy. Two unique partnership that developed under his leadership were drought tolerant corn with 5 African countries, CIMMYT and the Gates foundation, and a building a sustainable business model in Brazil with the value chain leading to significant multi-company investment and soybean varieties that can protected themselves.
Jennifer Morris is the Chief Executive Officer of The Nature Conservancy, leading a team of nearly 6,000 staff working in more than 80 countries and territories tackling the dual crises of the 
Congressman Joe Neguse represents Colorado’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to his first term in November 2018, becoming the first Black Member of Congress in Colorado history. In December 2022, Rep. Neguse was elected by his colleagues to serve as Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC), becoming the first Coloradan to serve in a senior elected leadership role in the House in over 85 years. He serves on the Natural Resources and Judiciary Committees, and was also appointed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to serve as one of four Democrats on the prestigious Rules Committee. Rep. Neguse serves as Ranking Member on the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands, which he previously Chaired in the 117th Congress.
Llewellyn King was born in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. He went into journalism as soon as he turned 16, stringing for Time magazine and United Press in Africa.
Steven Williams is the Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo North America, overseeing a more than $48 billion business that spans PepsiCo’s Foods and Beverage operating units. His leadership encompasses more than 125,000 associates and over 900 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Steven joined PepsiCo in 2001 as part of PepsiCo’s acquisition of the Quaker Oats Company, which he joined in 1997, and has held leadership positions of increased responsibility since.