EPA retains program implementation responsibilities for Indian country until delegating those responsibilities to a tribe. EPA’s responsibility to administer programs in Indian country is reinforced under the 1984 EPA Indian Policy, which states: “Until Tribal Governments are willing and able to assume full responsibility for delegable programs, the Agency will retain responsibility for managing programs for reservations.” Attendees will learn how EPA defines this responsibility and how EPA direct implementation advances environmental justice and equity principles. Participants will have an opportunity to identify ways to improve EPA administered Indian country programs, including ways the Agency can engage with the entire Indian country community, including tribal citizens, non-tribal members, and surrounding jurisdictions.
This presentation was delivered as part of the Tribal Lands and Environment Forum in August 2022.
