Region 8
Serving Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 27 Tribal Nations
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 2000
MOU 2000 is a pledge by federal agencies to work cooperatively on environmental issues in Indian Country.
Background
- Tribal Leaders of the 27 tribes within EPA Region 8 asked for assistance to increase cooperation and collaboration between federal agencies working on tribal environmental issues.
- A Steering Group was formed to guide development of this interagency agreement and oversee its implementation. The group consisted of 16 Federal Agencies and 8 Tribes from the Regional Operations Committee
Key Features
- Agreement to further federal interagency collaboration and cooperation with signatures of 32 Federal Agency Regional Directors
- Established an annual process, with Tribal and Federal Co-Leads, to solicit and jointly sponsor projects that improve environmental quality, pollution prevention and regulation compliance
- Serves as a clearinghouse for projects and "Broker" for appropriate mix of agencies to address projects.
- Primary focus is on Tribal initiated projects and activities that build infrastructure and internal capacity for environmental protection.
- Agencies will pool resources and funding, with separate agreements as needed, to accomplish specific projects.
- Signing Ceremony held January 18, 2000.
Next Steps
- Additional Federal Agencies can sign.
- Agencies and Tribes nominate projects to implement the MOU.
- Annual progress report at EPA Tribal Leaders' Summit.
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