EPA Administrator Zeldin Reaffirms EPA’s Indian Policy, Hosts National Tribal Caucus Meeting in DC
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted the National Tribal Caucus (NTC) Executive Committee to discuss human health and environmental protection priorities in Indian country. During the meeting with National Tribal Caucus Executive Chair Tabitha Langston of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Vice Chair Scott Clow of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Secretary Shavonne Smith of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, Administrator Zeldin reaffirmed the EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations (pdf) (Indian Policy).
“EPA is committed to working government to government with federally recognized Tribes,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Our engagement with Tribes is central to achieving EPA’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment and Powering the Great American Comeback.”
“The EPA’s unique federal trust relationship with Tribal governments is foundational to our shared efforts to ensure clean air, land, and water for all Americans,” said NTC Executive Committee Chair Tabitha Langston. “Administrator Zeldin’s reaffirmation today underscores EPA’s enduring commitment to the principles set forth in the Indian Policy.”
EPA was one of the first federal agencies with a formal policy specifying how it would interact with Tribal governments and to consider Tribal interests in carrying out its mission. The Indian Policy contains nine fundamental principles to guide EPA’s work with Tribes, including consultation and recognizing Tribes as the appropriate entities to set standards, make environmental policy decisions, and manage programs for reservations. The Indian Policy has been reaffirmed by EPA Administrators since it was established in 1984, and it remains the cornerstone of EPA’s Tribal program today.
The NTC Executive Committee also met with other EPA senior leadership while in D.C., including representatives from the Office of the Chief Financial Office and the Office of International and Tribal Affairs.
The National Tribal Caucus is a group of high-level Tribal leaders and environmental professionals who work with EPA to exchange information and advice on EPA's Tribal program planning and implementation. The NTC is comprised of 20 Tribal representatives from each of EPA’s 10 Regions. Collectively, the NTC and EPA’s senior leadership forms the National Tribal Operations Committee.
For more information about the EPA’s relationship and work with Tribal governments, visit our webpage.