ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is throwing its support behind federal legislation aimed at boosting energy development in Indian Country by streamlining federal permitting processes and oversight.

The organization sent a letter to members of the House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, as tribal leaders from across the U.S. and Canada gathered during a national conference in Albuquerque.

The tribal leaders are discussing ways to overcome hurdles to developing their own natural resources.

The Chamber of Commerce says in its letter that the proposed Native American Energy Act would boost economic activity in tribal communities by eliminating what it calls "cumbersome federal bureaucratic processes."