A report has drawn the attention of federal lawmakers and tribal leaders, who are making changes to consultation procedures.
The Government Accountability Office began looking into federal agencies three years ago, following protests of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota.
The report found several tribes were only consulted toward the end of projects. The Standing Rock Sioux said officials neglected to properly consult them before initially approving a pipeline route that would run beneath a lake serving as their main source of drinking water.
The Government Accountability Office has since recommended agencies update tribes on how their input could have an effect on final infrastructure decisions.
U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva said he will be sponsoring legislation to create a mandatory tribal consultation process for federal agencies.
