Research to Support Tribes

EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) works with EPA’s ten regional offices to support innovative research projects to integrate Tribal science needs into EPA’s research goals. This research collaboration helps Tribes strengthen their abilities to manage environmental programs in Indian country and ensures that Tribes have a voice in decisions that affect their land, air, and water.

Product Portfolio

ORD directly engages states and Tribes in the strategic research planning and implementation process. For the 2023-2026 Strategic Research Action Plans, ORD developed a product portfolio to summarize the research products across all research programs that align with Tribal interests. The Tribal Consultation Commitment Product Portfolio contains 65 research products across all research programs that align with Tribal interests.

Tribal Consultation Commitment Product Portfolio for 2023-2026 Strategic Research Action Plans (pdf) (1.53 MB)

Research Highlights

EPA’s Office of Research and Development Announces Research Partnership and MOU Signing with Chickasaw Nation Tribe

EPA and the Chickasaw Nation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for technical cooperation and coordination related to the sustainable management of water, land, and air resources. Read about the MOU.

Supporting States, Tribes, and Communities on PFAS

Around the country, EPA researchers respond to requests for assistance from states, tribes, and local communities. Read Supporting States, Tribes, and Communities on PFAS.

EPA Partners with Tribes to Deploy Air Sensors in Communities

EPA is working with tribal communities to deploy air sensors in a variety of venues, including on tribal lands, to help people learn about air quality issues in their communities. Read EPA Partners with Tribes to Deploy Air Sensors in Communities.

EPA Works with States, Tribes, and Communities to Protect Public Health and the Environment

Throughout its history, EPA has collaborated with external parties to address high priority environmental and public health challenges. Read EPA Works with States, Tribes, and Communities to Protect Public Health and the Environment.

Science to Achieve Results The Yurok Tribe Assesses Environmental Vulnerability

The Yurok Tribe in Northern California depends on the health of the Klamath River for much of its food and water supplies. Read Science to Achieve Results: The Yurok Tribe Assesses Environmental Vulnerability.

EPA Expands Air Monitoring Capabilities to Support Wildfire-Impacted States, Tribes and Their Frontline Firefighters

During the 2021 wildfire season, EPA is helping federal, state, local and tribal organizations monitor and map smoke during wildfire events by sharing equipment in areas that are affected by wildfire smoke. Read EPA Expands Air Monitoring Capabilities to Support Wildfire-Impacted States, Tribes and Their Frontline Firefighters.

Publications

The topics below provide quick links to research products in support of Tribes in EPA’s Science Inventory, which provides research products, such as journal articles, reports, fact sheets, and presentations, primarily from EPA’s Office of Research and Development. The entries provide product descriptions, contact information, and links to available online and printed material or websites.

All Tribal research products in Science Inventory