RRRISE Catalyst Initiatives: Tribal Energy Sovereignty
Renewable and Resilient Energy
Four innovative projects across the Redwood Region are demonstrating how Tribal communities can achieve energy independence while fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. These initiatives collectively represent a comprehensive approach to Tribal Energy Sovereignty that addresses unemployment, energy costs, environmental risks, and community development.
The Building Lives by Building Structure (BLBS) GRID Workforce Training Program tackles the Hoopa community's 28% unemployment rate by training 18 Native American youth aged 16-24 in construction and solar installation. Through completing two tiny homes equipped with solar power, this initiative creates housing solutions and sustainable employment pathways.
Explore the Building Lives by Building Structures Project
The Middletown Rancheria Community RISE Project addresses five community-identified priorities—Housing, Climate Justice, Youth Programs, Entrepreneurship, and Cultural Resiliency—through a comprehensive Master Plan development phase. This approach tackles the region's 16.8% poverty level while preserving cultural heritage.
Dive into the Middletown Rancheria Community RISE Project
The Pinoleville Solar Port & Renewable Energy Workforce Development project installs solar infrastructure to reduce utility costs while providing specialized internships for Tribal members. This initiative addresses energy independence through renewable technology and workforce development across multiple sectors.
Learn more about the Pinoleville Solar Port Project
The Red Hills Bioenergy Facility and Central Wood Processing Plant, developed by Scotts Valley Energy Corporation, transforms forest waste into clean energy and biochar, reducing wildfire risk while generating sustainable revenue streams through innovative waste-to-energy conversion.
Get to know the Red Hills Bioenergy Project
Together, these projects establish a replicable model for sustainable Tribal development that strengthens sovereignty through energy independence, meaningful employment, and community-centered solutions.
Key Outcomes
- Develop a skilled workforce of approximately 100 Tribal members trained in solar installation, renewable energy, and construction trades
- Strengthen Tribal energy sovereignty through improved clean energy access, enhanced grid resilience, and community-controlled renewable infrastructure
BLBS GRID Workforce Training Tiny Home Construction
Project Lead: Building Lives By Building Structure Hoopa 501(c)(3) (BLBS)
Combining affordable housing construction with renewable energy integration to train Native American youth while addressing critical housing and employment needs in the Klamath-Trinity region.
Pinoleville Solar Port & Renewable Energy Workforce Development
Project Lead: Pinoleville Pomo Nation
Installing solar infrastructure to reduce utility costs while providing specialized renewable energy internships and workforce training for Tribal members across multiple sectors.
Middletown Rancheria Community RISE Project
Project Lead: Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California
Addressing systemic challenges in housing, climate resilience, youth programs, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation for the Middletown Rancheria Tribal community and broader Lake County region.
Red Hills Bioenergy Facility and Central Wood Processing Plant
Project Lead: Scotts Valley Energy Corporation
Converting forest waste into clean energy and biochar through innovative waste-to-energy technology, reducing wildfire risk while generating sustainable revenue streams.