Prairie Island Tribe Halfway to Net Zero Carbon Goal

The Prairie Island Indian Community in Minnesota is proving that ambitious climate goals and economic growth can go hand in hand. Four years after becoming one of the first tribal nations to commit to net zero carbon emissions, they've reached the halfway mark on eliminating or offsetting more than 20 million pounds of carbon annually.

The journey started with a painful history. A nuclear power plant was built next to the reservation over 50 years ago without tribal consent, long before modern consultation laws existed. "Prairie Island's net zero work is the community's response," said Net Zero Program Manager Andrea Zimmerman. "It's the tribe's way of expressing energy sovereignty."

After years of advocacy, the tribe secured $46.2 million from Minnesota's Renewable Development Account, funded by the utility company operating the nuclear plant. They've since added federal grants from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to expand the work.

The centerpiece is a 5.4 megawatt solar array covering 20 acres with roughly 10,000 panels. Construction wrapped up in early 2024, and the project started generating electricity in May. All the power flows to Great River Energy through a 30 year agreement, creating steady income for the tribe. In just the first few months of operation, the solar farm generated nearly half a million dollars in revenue.

The tribe is also finishing a geothermal conversion at their Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Welch. The system replaces aging heating and cooling equipment that was becoming expensive to maintain. By tapping into the earth's constant temperature instead of energy hungry chillers, the casino will slash emissions and save money for decades.

Now the community is planning the next phase. Electric vehicles for tribal fleets and more commercial energy efficiency projects top the list. Zimmerman emphasizes that starting with clear goals and building community support made everything possible.

The Ripple Effect

Energy consultant Rita Mackwood sees Prairie Island as a model for other tribes nationwide. She points out that net zero projects create jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance while reducing costs. Even as federal renewable energy funding faces uncertainty, projects with clear economic returns like power purchase agreements remain attractive. State governments and local utilities are eager to partner with communities that can help them reduce emissions and costs simultaneously.

Other tribal nations watching Prairie Island's progress now have a roadmap for combining environmental stewardship with economic development and energy independence.