Enforcement of Environmental Laws in Indian Country

A.EPA began over 25 years ago, creating partnerships with states in carrying out federal environmental laws. Only recently, since 1984, has EPA begun to create the same partnership with the Tribes after recognizing that generally, states did not have regulatory authority in Indian country.

B.The Indian program at EPA is multi-media as with the states but the need for a different approach has been recognized because of the unique nature of Tribal governments and because of federal Indian law considerations and other federal policies.