Region 8
RESOLUTION 99-04
REGION 8 TRIBAL REGIONAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
A Resolution Supporting the Memorandum of Understanding, Known as MOU 2000, Which Pledges Increased Interagency Cooperation and Coordination by Federal Agencies Addressing Environmental Issues in Indian Country
WHEREAS, the US Environmental Protection Agency supports the Tribal Regional Operations Committee for Region 8 and works with all Tribes in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency's Indian Policy of 1984 and the EPA Region 8 Indian Policy of 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Region 8 Tribal Regional Operations Committee is comprised of representatives of Federally Recognized Tribes located in Utah, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Colorado and South Dakota; and
WHEREAS, many federal agencies have Trust and Statutory responsibilities for environmental protection on Indian lands which need interagency integration to avoid duplication and to maximize effectiveness of resources; and
WHEREAS,federal agencies must exercise full consultation with tribal governments in defining agency environmental protection activities on Indian lands; and
WHEREAS, American Indian Tribes exercise sovereignty and ability to manage their environmental resources within the areas of tribal jurisdiction.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and all federal agencies that work for environmental protection in EPA Region 8 area shall encourage, endorse, sign and otherwise support the MOU 2000 by pledging increased cooperation and coordination between federal agencies and the tribal governments in addressing environmental issues in Indian Country. These agencies shall also support the annual process of MOU 2000 as a means to identify and jointly address specific projects and needs of tribal governments in the area environmental protection, pollution prevention and compliance with requirements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, every effort shall (should) be made by participating federal agencies to enhance existing environmental protection programs through increased collaboration , elimination of duplication, streamlining and integration of procedures and policies, and closing any existing gaps in funding and collaborate to make the best use of available resources for tribes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, these participating federal agencies shall seek innovative approaches to improving the responsiveness of federal agencies to tribal priority environmental issues and in assisting tribes' self sufficiency in all aspects of tribal environmental programs.
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED THAT, where solutions to regional, area and tribal environmental issues warrants identifying and addressing national procedures and policies, these agencies will elevate such issues for national analysis and disposition.
CERTIFICATION: We, the undersigned Officers of the Region 8 Tribal Regional Operations Committee, hereby certify that the Region 8 Tribal Regional Operations Committee is comprised of 8 representatives of Region 8's Federally recognized Tribes, of whom 5 constitutes a quorum, were present at a meeting thereof and duly and regularly called, noticed, convened and held 21st day of October, 1999, that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted by the affirmative vote of 8 members, with 0 opposing and 0 abstaining.
ATTESTED: Dated this 21st day of October, 1999.
Kim Clausen-Jensen, Chairperson
Deb Madison, Secretary
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