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U.S. EPA decision acknowledges tribal sovereignty for “Treatment as State” approval supports Tribes air quality program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the “Treatment as State” application for the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community. Under a provision of the Tribal Authority Rule.

  “With this decision, the EPA recognizes the tribes exceptional environmental programs and their dedication to cleaner air,” said Wayne Nastri, Administrator of the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. “Treatment as a state guarantees a Tribe additional authority for several important air programs." For the Pala Band of Mission Indians, this designation requires major sources of air pollution within 50 miles to notify the Tribe, in the same manner states are notified, when these sources of air pollution are proposed or modified. This gives the tribe the ability to comment formally as a sovereign entity.

   The Pala Band of Mission Indians is located in northern San Diego County, where a majority of the 918 enrolled members live on the 12,273-acre reservation. The Pala Band of Mission Indians is governed by an Executive Committee composed of six members elected by the General Council. For the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community’s “treatment as state,” the Tribe will receive Clean Air Act Section 105 funding which guarantees future funding for their air program. The Tribe has demonstrated their capacity and ability to manage and protect air resources. This designation also requires major sources of air pollution within 50 miles to notify the Tribe, in the same manner states are notified, when these sources of air pollution are proposed or modified. This approval gives the tribe the ability to comment formally as a sovereign entity.

   The Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, created by Executive Order on June 14, 1879 is located on 53,600 acres in Maricopa County, aside the boundaries of Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and metropolitan Phoenix. Comprised of the President, Vice President and seven elected Council members, the Community Council governs the population of over 7,000 people. The tribe maintains 19,000 acres as a natural preserve and approximately 12,000 acres are under cultivation in a variety of crops including cotton, melons, potatoes, onions, broccoli and carrots.

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