Hopi Leader Joins National Clean Energy Alliance

A tribal leader who successfully guided his community away from coal and toward solar power is now helping other Native nations do the same.

Timothy Nuvangyaoma has joined the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy as vice president of tribal engagement after serving two terms as Hopi Tribe Chairman. He'll work directly with tribal governments across the country to develop clean energy projects that strengthen both their economies and their independence.

During his eight years leading the Hopi Tribe from 2017 to 2025, Nuvangyaoma championed a major energy transition. He partnered with the Alliance to develop utility-scale solar projects and secure funding for microgrids, moving his community away from coal dependence toward energy systems the tribe could own and control.

His work made history beyond the Hopi Nation. Nuvangyaoma helped petition the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to hold its first-ever tribal consultation on an energy matter, opening new doors for Native voices in federal energy policy.

The Ripple Effect

Nuvangyaoma's appointment comes as tribes nationwide seek greater control over their energy future. Many Native communities still lack reliable electricity access, while others want to break free from dependence on outside utilities and fossil fuels.

His approach centers on listening. In announcing his new role, Nuvangyaoma emphasized that clean energy development in Indian Country must respect tribal sovereignty, honor traditional values, and follow each tribe's own priorities, not outside agendas.

The Alliance also hired Terri Honani as associate director of tribal engagement. Honani, who is Hopi and Tewa, previously served as a senior advisor to Nuvangyaoma and will coordinate outreach to tribes pursuing renewable energy projects.

Together, they bring decades of experience in both tribal governance and clean energy development, combining political knowledge with practical expertise in getting projects built and financed.

With tribes controlling significant renewable energy resources across the American West and beyond, Nuvangyaoma's work could help Native communities become clean energy leaders while building wealth that stays in their own hands.