The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted the National Tribal Operations Committee meeting on October 29, 2024. This annual gathering brings together senior leaders from the EPA and Tribal representatives from across Indian country. The meeting was co-chaired by National Tribal Caucus Chair Gerald Wagner of the Blackfeet Tribe and EPA Acting Deputy Administrator Jane Nishida.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of the partnership between the EPA and Tribal communities, stating, "Never has the strength of the EPA-Tribal partnership been more important. The impacts of climate change and other emerging challenges, which disproportionately affect Tribal communities, require our joint resolve." He highlighted that funding from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act is providing Tribes with essential investments to address pollution.
Acting Deputy Administrator Nishida acknowledged the 40th anniversary of the signing of the EPA Indian Policy in her welcoming remarks. This policy, signed by EPA Administrator William Doyle Ruckelshaus in 1984, outlines how the agency engages with Tribes to protect environmental and public health interests. It remains a cornerstone for EPA’s Indian environmental program.
The National Tribal Operations Committee was established in February 1994 to enhance communication and strengthen partnerships between the EPA and federally recognized Tribes. It includes Tribal members from each of EPA’s ten regions and senior leadership from within the agency.
During this year's meeting, discussions focused on increasing Tribal capacity for implementing environmental programs. There was an emphasis on how the EPA can help remove barriers for Tribes accessing federal resources as per Executive Order 14112. Additional topics included collaborative efforts to combat climate change effects and emerging contaminants impacting Tribal communities.
The modern structure of the EPA's Tribal Program was developed in 1994 to accelerate progress under its Indian Policy. This includes creating the American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO), which leads efforts to protect human health and tribal environments. AIEO also manages the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), one of EPA’s largest tribal grant initiatives.
For further details about these programs, information is available through official channels concerning EPA's initiatives in Indian Country.
