U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu highlighted DOE's continued commitment to partnering with Native Americans to support the development of clean energy projects on tribal lands.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced up to $30.6 million in Recovery Act funding for the selection of seven hydropower projects that modernize hydropower infrastructure by increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts at existing facilities.

DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is getting a modest budget boost of 3% in the fiscal year 2010 appropriations approved by President Obama. The annual appropriations process is separate from the one-time injection of funds provided by the Recovery Act.