Alabama Native American tribe asks solar developer for transparency

The Poarch Creek Indians, serving as Alabama’s only federally recognized tribe, are calling for increased transparency from developers regarding a proposed industrial-scale solar project in north Baldwin County. The tribe is urging developers to engage in open dialogue, citing the immense cultural and historical importance of the designated site.

A Call for Meaningful Engagement

In a recent news release, the tribe emphasized their right to participate in major development decisions, noting that those who will live with the long-term consequences of such projects deserve a voice in shaping their community's future.

The Poarch Creeks recently published an informational timeline documenting their outreach efforts regarding three industrial-scale solar facilities planned for north Baldwin County and the nearby area in Escambia County. While two sets of developers have engaged with the tribe, those behind a project in the Tensaw region have remained unresponsive to requests for discussion.

Concerns in the Tensaw Region

The tribe stated that the lack of engagement from the Tensaw project developers is deeply concerning given the area's rich history. According to property records, Tensaw Solar, LLC signed a lease agreement in 2024 covering approximately 2,900 acres for the facility. The entity shares an address with Walden Renewables, a New Hampshire-based energy firm that did not respond to requests for comment.

The tribe is looking beyond this single project, seeking a consistent role in future regional industrial development. They maintain that as Alabama neighbors, they share the same commitment to preserving local natural resources, cultural heritage, and community character.

Community and Legal Context

Solar development has sparked significant local interest, with more than 300 people attending a town hall in Stockton to voice their concerns. While federal law requires government agencies to consult with tribes on culturally significant projects, the Poarch Creeks noted that the current solar plans have not yet reached the phase where mandatory consultation is triggered. Nevertheless, the tribe continues to push for proactive, early engagement.

The history of the region is deeply intertwined with the tribe. According to the tribe’s website, Creek Indians resided throughout Alabama and Georgia for generations. Following the “Trail of Tears,” many established a new settlement in the Tensaw region, which connects to the current lands held by the Poarch Creek Indian reservation. Additionally, historical accounts from 64 Parishes note that the Taensa People were relocated to the Tensaw area during the 1720s before eventually returning to Louisiana in the late 1700s.