(a) The Secretary will interpret and implement this part and the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act (the Act) in accordance with the self-determination and energy development provisions and policies in the Act.

(b) The Secretary will liberally construe this part and the Act for the benefit of Tribes to implement the Federal policy of self-determination. The Secretary will construe any ambiguities in this part or the Act in favor of the Tribe to implement a TERA as authorized by this part and the Act.