Energy Dept's oil reserves office returns ancient tools to California tribes
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Petroleum Reserves plans to return 23 boxes of Native American cultural items to the Tejon, Tule River, and Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribes. These items, mostly stone tools and beads from the Elk Hills Oil Field in California, will be repatriated starting April 15, 2026. No human remains are involved, and this move respects tribal heritage while following important legal steps.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 23 Boxes to Tribes
The U.S. Department of Energy plans to repatriate 23 boxes of Native American cultural items to the Tejon, Tule River, and Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribes. The repatriation may occur on or after April 15, 2026 and the materials are primarily stone tools, debitage, shell beads, and faunal remains from the Elk Hills Oil Field in California.
NAGPRA Determinations Enable Repatriation
The Department of Energy has determined the items meet NAGPRA definitions as unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony, and found a connection to the Tejon Indian Tribe. Those legal determinations support returning the items under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
How Others May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for these cultural items by showing a preponderance of the evidence; requests must be sent to Dr. Michael G. Elliott at the U.S. Department of Energy address listed in the notice. If competing requests are received, the Department of Energy will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request, and repatriation may occur on or after April 15, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606 — Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-06355 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Mills College Art Museum, Northeastern University, Oakland, CA
Mills College Art Museum at Northeastern University plans to return 11 Native American cultural items, like woven baskets and ceremonial caps, to the rightful tribes starting May 4, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and follows important laws protecting these sacred objects. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure these treasures go back home where they belong.
2026-06094 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; NPS Case and Outbreak Investigation Data Collections
The National Park Service wants to update and renew its forms for tracking cases and outbreaks in parks. This affects park staff and anyone involved in health investigations, aiming to make data collection easier and faster. Comments are open until April 29, 2026, with no new costs expected.
2026-06089 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Reporting and Recordkeeping for Snow Coaches and Snowmobiles, Yellowstone National Park
The National Park Service is renewing its paperwork rules for snow coaches and snowmobiles in Yellowstone without any changes. This affects tour operators who must keep reporting and recordkeeping as before, with no new fees or deadlines beyond the April 29, 2026 comment period. It’s all about keeping things smooth and safe on the snowy trails!
2026-05798 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Historic Landmarks Nomination Form
The National Park Service wants to keep using the National Historic Landmarks Nomination Form and is asking for your thoughts by April 24, 2026. This form helps decide which places get special historic status, affecting property owners and history fans. There’s no new cost, just a chance to share your ideas and keep the process smooth and easy.
2026-05790 — Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Redevelopment at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus
The National Park Service and the District of Columbia are teaming up to plan a big makeover of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium area. They want to build new homes, shops, parks, and better roads and transit near the Anacostia River. Everyone’s invited to share their thoughts by April 24, 2026, as this project could change the neighborhood and boost the local economy.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05036 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and objects linked to Native American tribes. Starting April 15, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes. This is a big step in respecting Native heritage and following important laws.
Next: 2026-05038 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK
The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa has finished checking its collection and found Native American human remains and some funerary items linked to tribes in Arkansas. Starting April 15, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the rightful Native communities. This is a respectful step to honor Native heritage and keep history in the right hands.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in