- The Ute Mountain Ute tribe in Colorado has successfully launched a utility-scale solar project despite political challenges, including the Trump administration's opposition to renewable energy.
- The project, located on tribal land in New Mexico, will include 270 megawatts of solar panels and 180 megawatts of battery storage, aiming to power homes and businesses.
- Tribal leaders emphasized stewardship of the land and perseverance through challenging times, noting climate change impacts like drying springs on their reservation.
- Historically reliant on declining oil and gas revenue, the tribe began planning for solar energy over 15 years ago, starting with small projects like residential solar and a one-megawatt array.