A Portland State University report reveals President Trump’s spending bill could cut nearly half of federal funds for Northwest Native American and Alaska Native nations. In fiscal year 2024, $530 million of the $1.19 billion allocated to these tribes is at risk. These funds are pivotal for providing essential services like clean water, housing, and education. This annual congressional funding fulfills federal trust and treaty obligations.
Serina Fast Horse, co-director of the Northwest Environmental Justice Center, highlights widespread concern among tribes about cuts to crucial programs, including health, education, and climate resilience. The report warns that funding for climate adaptation measures, such as home weatherization and land management, is vulnerable. Federal support for wildfire, drought, and sea-level rise defenses could also face significant reductions.
The Environmental Protection Agency earmarked nearly $2 million for Northwest tribes in 2024 to monitor air quality and pollution, but this Clean Air Act funding is now at risk. Major federal budget cuts could impact the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior, and other agencies, affecting numerous tribal programs.
Tribal leaders express fears that these financial reductions might breach federal commitments to uphold tribal sovereignty and treaty resources. William E. Ray Jr., chair of the Klamath Tribes, emphasized, “All the funding reductions addressing clean water, air and dealing with climate change have impacts on the Tribes’ culture and treaty protected resources.”
Despite tribal officials’ concerns, many declined to comment publicly due to fears of retaliation. Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley criticized the spending cuts, saying, “Trump and Congressional Republicans are wreaking havoc on Tribal communities with their ‘Big, Ugly BETRAYAL’ of a law that arbitrarily cuts many programs.” He stressed the federal role in funding essential tribal services like health care and education.
The report states that in 2024, funds from the Inflation Reduction Act were used for 15 projects across 12 Northwest tribes. These projects aim to improve air quality and address pollution, with several focusing on protecting vulnerable residents from poor air quality. This act, pivotal for enhancing infrastructure in Indian Country, saw tribal funding increase from $1.51 billion to $3.94 billion in 2024.
Researchers at PSU analyzed 469 programs affected by Trump’s reversal of Biden’s Executive Order 14008. Sixty programs targeted for cuts directly impact tribes, comprising 35% of federal tribal investments in 2024. The U.S. Government Accountability Office reported that limited access to federal services exacerbates disparities for Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
Between 2010 and 2024, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon tribes received $2.81 billion in federal energy and environmental funding. The report highlights that investments in tribal infrastructure often benefit broader regional development. Co-author Bobby Cochran noted the importance of these investments, stating, “We just haven’t made a major investment in infrastructure since the ’60s or ’70s, so this wasn’t fluffy.”
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