Środowisko i energia · 15.12.2010

Proposed Final Policy on Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribes

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a 60- day public comment period for the proposed Final EPA Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes (Policy). The Policy complies with the Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation issued November 5, 2009, directing agencies to develop a plan to implement fully Executive Order 13175 (Executive Order). The Executive Order specifies that each Agency must have a process that is accountable to establish regular and meaningful consultation and coordination with tribal officials in the development of policies that have tribal implications. The goals of the Policy are to: Establish clear EPA standards for the consultation process, including defining the what, when, and how of consultation; designate specific EPA personnel responsible for serving as consultation points of contact in order to promote consistency in, and coordination of, the consultation process; and establish a management oversight and reporting structure that will ensure accountability and transparency. The proposed final Policy sets a broad standard for when EPA should consider consulting with federally- recognized tribal governments. Notably,