How We Operate

The National EPA-Tribal Science Council strives to address environmental science issues that are priorities for Tribes throughout the country. How these issues are identified and addressed is described below.

Science issues are identified by Tribes in an EPA Region and brought to the Tribal TSC representative for that Region. Most Regions use the Regional Tribal Operations Committees (RTOCs) to prioritize science issues within that particular Region. Scientific issues from program-specific agency Tribal science groups can be brought to the attention of the TSC by the appropriate Agency or Tribal TSC Representatives.

The Tribal TSC representatives convene to discuss the science issues from each Region and decide which issues are of national significance, and therefore, will be referred to the TSC for consideration. Those issues that are not found to meet the Council's criteria will be referred to the appropriate Region or Program Office, Agency-specific work group (e.g., TPPC, FOSTTA), or to another Agency that can best address the issue.

The TSC then explores those science issues that do meet their criteria and determines how to best address them. Issues may be addressed through ongoing activities or submitted to the Agency budget process for funding. The TSC strives to work with relevant Agency and tribal groups.

Progress on the issues being addressed by the group is communicated to the Tribal Caucus of the Tribal Operations Committee, the Regional Tribal Operations Committee, and throughout EPA Headquarters and the Regions.