Abstract |
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is responsible for administration of various Federal statutes that provide for protection of public health, welfare and the environment on all lands of the United States. Under the major environmental statutes, EPA has established the national system for pollution prevention, abatement and control. The Agency has established regulatory procedures for standards setting, permitting, information gathering including inspections, and enforcement for facilities and operations that may impact the quality of the environment. Under its Indian Policy, Presidential Memorandum and Executive Orders, EPA works with Tribal governments on a government-to-government basis and recognizes Tribes as the primary parties for making environmental policy decisions and carrying out program responsibilities affecting Indian reservations, their environments, and the health and welfare of the reservation populace. One tool that EPA has to assist Tribes in developing Tribal environmental protection programs is the General Assistance Program (GAP), authorized by the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act of 1992, as amended (42 U.S.C. SC4368b). |