Mission
The mission of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Department of Energy is to ensure that the members of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe receive maximum benefit from the energy and mineral resources located on their Reservation while at the same time minimizing the impact of extraction of the resources on the natural and cultural environment.
Public Comment Period
Proposed Amendments to Southern Ute Indian Tribe Severance Tax Code
The Southern Ute Department of Energy is now accepting written comments on proposed amendments to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Severance Tax Code, Title 21 of the Southern Ute Tribal Code. Among other proposed amendments to the Code, the proposed amendments to Section 21-2-108 would establish index-based values as the primary method of valuing minerals for purposes of the tax. The proposed amendments are available for review and comment here. Comments must be received by 5PM MT on Monday, October 6, 2025.
Exploration & Production / Compliance Division – Monitors exploration and production activities on the SUIR to promote the safe development of energy resources on the reservation while ensuring minimal impact to the natural and cultural environment.
Energy Accounting Division – Tracks and receives funds for Severance Tax and Royalty payments on the SUIR from energy production. Auditing conducts accounting audits of operators to ensure they are remitting correct royalty and tax payments to the Tribe.
Land Division – Manages the various business agreements and contracts that provide for the exploration and development of Southern Ute energy resources and effectively link the oil and gas industry to the Southern Ute Tribe and the Federal Government.