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“Propane offers a unique opportunity for tribal nations to meet their energy needs in an environmentally responsible way while generating revenue for their communities,” said John Yovetich, Managing Partner of Alliance Truck and Tank. “We are honored to work alongside these nations to support their vision of sustainability and prosperity.”

The Inflation Reduction Act:  A Catalyst for Tribal Economic Development and Clean Energy Propane Businesses

January 27, 2025

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The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is poised to become a transformative tool for tribal nations seeking to expand their economic base and contribute to clean energy initiatives. Signed into law in 2022, the IRA dedicates unprecedented resources to combat climate change, reduce energy costs, and foster economic opportunities. For tribes interested in starting or growing clean energy retail propane businesses, this legislation offers a golden opportunity to merge economic sovereignty with environmental stewardship.

Clean Energy Incentives for Tribes

One of the most significant benefits of the IRA is the inclusion of provisions specifically tailored to tribal communities. These provisions recognize the unique challenges faced by tribes, such as limited access to infrastructure funding and high energy costs. Key elements of the IRA that benefit tribal nations include:

  1. Direct Pay Tax Credits: Unlike traditional tax credits that require taxable income to realize their value, tribes can access direct pay incentives, making clean energy projects financially viable even for tax-exempt entities. This provision is critical for propane businesses that plan to incorporate renewable energy technologies such as energy-efficient propane appliances.
  2. Funding for Energy Infrastructure: The IRA allocates billions of dollars to improve energy infrastructure in rural and underserved areas, including tribal lands. This funding can help establish or upgrade propane distribution systems, storage facilities, and retail outlets, ensuring reliable service to tribal members and neighboring communities.
  3. Workforce Development Programs: The act supports job training and workforce development, which can help tribal members gain the skills necessary to operate and manage clean energy propane businesses. This aligns with broader goals of creating sustainable, well-paying jobs within tribal communities.

Propane as a Clean Energy Solution

While propane is traditionally viewed as a fossil fuel, advancements in technology and supply chains have positioned propane as a viable clean energy option. Adding a retail propane business not only provides the benefit of economic diversification, but also helps tribes:

  • Contribute to Decarbonization: Propane is a low-emission energy source that complements renewable energy systems. It provides a reliable backup for solar and wind energy, particularly in rural and off-grid areas.
  • Reduce Energy Costs: Propane is an affordable and efficient fuel for heating, cooking, and powering appliances. Retail propane businesses can help tribal members and neighboring communities lower their energy expenses while transitioning to cleaner energy options.
  • Expand Economic Opportunities: By positioning themselves as leaders in clean energy propane, tribes can capture new markets and revenue streams, enhancing economic sovereignty.

How Tribes Can Leverage IRA Benefits

To maximize the advantages offered by the Inflation Reduction Act, tribes can take the following steps:

  1. Conduct Feasibility Studies: Evaluate the potential for propane business development on tribal lands, including infrastructure needs and market demand.
  2. Apply for Grants and Credits: Leverage the IRA’s direct pay tax credits and grant programs to secure funding for startup costs, infrastructure upgrades, and clean energy technology integration.
  3. Invest in Training Programs: Utilize IRA workforce development funds to train tribal members in propane distribution, safety protocols, and renewable energy applications.
  4. Partner with Experts: Collaborate with clean energy consultants, propane industry professionals, and government agencies to design and implement successful business models.

A Path Toward Sovereignty and Sustainability

The Inflation Reduction Act offers an unprecedented opportunity for tribal nations to lead the way in clean energy innovation while building resilient economies. By establishing retail propane businesses that prioritize sustainability, tribes can address immediate energy needs, create jobs, and contribute to broader climate goals. The combination of financial incentives, technical support, and workforce development provided by the IRA ensures that tribal communities have the tools to thrive in the clean energy transition.

For tribes considering this path, the time to act is now. The IRA’s provisions are designed to accelerate adoption and deployment of clean energy solutions, making it the perfect moment to invest in the future of tribal economic development and environmental stewardship.

About Alliance Truck and Tank

Alliance Truck and Tank Sales, LLC is a leading provider of propane equipment, transportation solutions, and energy infrastructure, with a commitment to sustainability and innovation. For more information, please visit www.alliancetruckandtank.com or send an email to john@alliancetanks.com.
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U.S. Department of the Treasury Reaches Major Milestone, Approving Over $500 Million to Support Small Businesses in Tribal Nations

October 17, 2024

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Treasury’s allocation of over $500 million in SSBCI funding to Tribal Nations is the largest federal investment in Indian Country small businesses in history.

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) announced reaching a major milestone with the approval of over $500 million in State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Capital Program applications from Tribal Nations. This milestone was reached with the approval of up to $86.9 million for the Cherokee Nation and the approval of eight additional applications worth an additional $15 million. Through this $500 million investment, Tribes are expected to leverage as much as $5 billion in additional financing to support Native entrepreneurs and small businesses.

To date, Treasury has approved applications for up to $523 million in Tribal Capital Program allocations, representing 235 Tribal Nations. The SSBCI investment in Tribal entrepreneurs and economies supports Tribal Nations in providing critical access to capital, crowding in private lending and investment.

Today, Treasury is also announcing the approval of 14 Tribal government SSBCI Technical Assistance (TA) Grant Program awards totaling $3.9 million. This now brings the total TA Grant Program Tribal awards to 15 Tribal governments totaling $4 million. The SSBCI TA Grant Program supports programs that provide legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to qualifying small businesses. In addition to today’s announcement, Treasury has announced the approvals of SSBCI TA Grant Program awards allocated by formula to states, the District of Columbia, territories, and Tribal governments, representing nearly $149 million for 62 jurisdictions. Treasury anticipates additional approvals of applications to follow. See the full list of announced program approvals here.

“I am proud to announce the approval of over $500 million in funding for Native American small businesses. These investments increase access to capital and expand economic opportunity in tribal communities. With this funding, these entrepreneurs will be able to access the technical assistance they need in order to hire more employees, grow their businesses, and advance innovation, which – in turn – grows our economy as a whole,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.

Click here to read the entire press release on the U.S. Department of Treasury website.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alliance Truck and Tank Partners with Tribal Nations to Promote Environmental and Economic Benefits of Propane

September 2024
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Missoula, Montana – Alliance Truck and Tank is proud to announce its strategic initiative with tribal nations across the country to support their entry into the propane industry. Together, we will advance a cleaner, more sustainable energy future that benefits tribal communities while preserving their rich tradition of land stewardship.
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Propane, a low-carbon energy source, is proving to be a powerful ally in the fight against climate change. For tribal nations looking to reduce their environmental impact while creating economic opportunities, propane offers an ideal solution. As a clean-burning fuel, it emits fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline, diesel, or coal, making it a viable alternative that supports both environmental and economic goals.
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Environmental Stewardship Meets Economic Opportunity

Alliance Truck and Tank is committed to helping tribal nations realize the dual benefits of propane: protecting the environment while fostering economic growth. By partnering with tribes, we are providing the equipment, expertise, and infrastructure necessary to deliver propane safely and efficiently to communities in need.
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“Propane offers a unique opportunity for tribal nations to meet their energy needs in an environmentally responsible way while generating revenue for their communities,” said John Yovetich, Managing Partner of Alliance Truck and Tank. “We are honored to work alongside these nations to support their vision of sustainability and prosperity.”
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Key Environmental Benefits of Propane:

– Low Carbon Emissions: Propane burns cleaner than traditional fossil fuels, emitting 43% fewer greenhouse gases than coal and 30% fewer than gasoline.
– Efficient Energy Use: Propane-powered appliances and generators have high energy efficiency, reducing overall energy consumption and waste.
– Transition to Renewables: Propane can serve as a reliable bridge fuel while tribes continue to invest in renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
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Building Sustainable Energy Infrastructure

In partnership with tribal nations, Alliance Truck and Tank is helping to develop and modernize propane infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable, and environmentally sound energy delivery. This includes advanced propane storage solutions, environmentally friendly transportation systems, and propane-fueled equipment designed to reduce emissions.
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Empowering Economic Development

Beyond environmental benefits, propane presents significant economic opportunities for tribal nations. By entering the propane business, tribes can create jobs, generate revenue, and reinvest in their communities. Alliance Truck and Tank is committed to supporting tribes in all aspects of propane development, from supply chain management to technical support and training.
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“Our partnership with Native nations will enable them to diversify their economies while staying true to their environmental values,” said Yovetich. “With support from Alliance, we will help tribes build a more sustainable energy future that benefits both their people and the planet.”
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A Shared Vision for the Future

As the energy landscape evolves, Alliance Truck and Tank remains dedicated to supporting tribal nations in their pursuit of cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. Propane offers an immediate opportunity to reduce environmental impacts while building a foundation for future growth and innovation.
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“We believe in the power of partnership and the strength of tribal leadership in the energy transition,” said Yovetich. “Together, we can create a future where economic development and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”
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About Alliance Truck and Tank

Alliance Truck and Tank Sales, LLC is a leading provider of propane equipment, transportation solutions, and energy infrastructure, with a commitment to sustainability and innovation. For more information, please visit www.alliancetruckandtank.com or send an email to john@alliancetanks.com.
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Thriving Northern Cheyenne Business – Morning Star Propane

By: Pamela Ash, Staff Writer
Independent Press, February 2021
A team of tribal leaders and the Economic Tribal Committee saw a tremendous need to be filled on the Reservation that would not only benefit the tribe, but also be a lucrative business that could continue to grow. Starting with one truck and now in its third year of operation, Morning Star Propane has expanded to three trucks and expanded deliveries throughout southeastern Montana. Sheldon King, the General Manager, credits his faith in God, supportive tribal leaders, and hard-working staff with making the business a great success.
Getting propane delivered on the reservation and surrounding areas could take from a week to three weeks for orders to be filled, and often in the winter people were running out of propane and having to use ovens and portable heaters to keep homes just warm enough to be tolerable. “One little boy came out and told me, there’s heat coming out of the floor,” King said. The family had been out of propane so many times the little boy did not know the furnace put heat out.
John Yovetich, the Managing Partner at Alliance Truck and Tank Sales, met with King and tribal members in Missoula and helped them with the education needed to start and maintain a propane business. He and co-owner Mike Svoboda, introduced the tribal representatives to startup requirements for the propane business and assisted them with some of the propane bulk storage tanks and delivery trucks for the startup.
King and his crew deliver as needed when needed. He wants a special recognition to go Nathan Stops, one of his drivers. Stops made 42 deliveries in one day ahead of the extreme cold weather to customers. King’s goal is to become the biggest and the best propane company in Southeastern Montana. The company has expanded its customer base from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation to Ranchester and Wyola as well as many of the agricultural producers between Lame Deer and Colstrip. Tanks can be purchased, rented, or rented to own and the company installs them. Propane is purchased through LIAPP funding, extra COVID grants, and cash. The Tribal Council purchases propane for elders if needed. King credits the tremendous success of Morning Star Propane to a group of dedicated workers willing to put the time in to meet the needs of their customers.
Tribal propane services
Morning Star Propane Planning Meeting
Photo (left to right): William Rowland, Steven Carroll, Melissa Lone Bear, Debbie Charette, Mike Svoboda, John Yovetich, Sheldon King
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