Developing an EPA Policy on Environmental Justice for Tribes and Indigenous Peoples

National Environmental Justice Conference

Daniel Gogal Tribal Program Manager, EPA Office of Environmental Justice March 27, 2014

EPA Policy on Environmental Justice for Tribes and Indigenous Peoples

Seeks to clarify how EPA intends to work with: federally-recognized tribal governments, state-recognized tribes, tribal and other indigenous organizations, and tribal members non-tribal populations in Indian country

To understand and address environmental justice concerns: inside or outside Indian country facing Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders in treaty rights areas tribal usual and accustomed areas

Developing the EPA Policy on EJ for Tribes and Indigenous Peoples

Two work groups were formed to facilitate consultation, outreach, and the policy's development:
1. NEJAC/Indigenous People Work Group (external/non-EPA) Tribal and indigenous EJ stakeholder representatives To provide advice/recommendations on addressing tribal and indigenous EJ issues 2. EPA Tribal and Indigenous Peoples Environmental Justice Work Group (internal/EPA staff only) EPA staff To develop guiding principles/policy

Addressing Environmental Justice with Tribes and Other Indigenous People

Four Focus Areas: 1. Incorporating EJ into EPAs direct implementation of federal environmental programs in Indian country and other tribal areas 2. Incorporating EJ into federally-recognized tribal environmental capacity building and implementation policies and programs 3. Effectively working with tribal community-based organizations, state-recognized tribes, tribal members, and other indigenous peoples to address their EJ concerns 4. Collaborating with other federal agencies and interested parties to address environmental justice issues

Key Issues being Considered in the Development of the Policy

Defining key terms (Indian country, tribal areas of interest, indigenous peoples, etc.) Working on a government-to-government basis with tribes to engage on and address EJ issues Creating effective means of communication, involvement, and response to community-based tribal/indigenous grassroots organizations/members and others residing on Indian lands Incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the appropriate principles of the UNDRIP

EPA Policy on EJ for Tribes and Indigenous Peoples

The Working Draft of the Policy is available to the public at:

http://www.epa.gov/tribal/consultation/pdf/policy-on-ejfor-tribes-and-ips-working-draft.pdf

The Agency expects to complete the Policy in 2014

EPA Contacts

Dona Harris, EPA American Indian Environmental Office 202-564-6633

harris.dona@epa.gov

Danny Gogal, EPA, Office of Environmental Justice 202-564-2576

gogal.danny@epa.gov