GAO Report Cites Need for Full Funding of Critical Tribal Environmental Programs

Washington, D.C. – Today,Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. announced the release of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report titled: EPA Grants to Tribes: Additional Actions Needed to Effectively Address Tribal Environmental Concerns. The report, which was requested by Dr. Ruiz, highlights the Tribal EPA programs run by several tribes located in Riverside County, including the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes. The report emphasizes the positive impact that Tribal EPA programs have on improved health outcomes but notes that more resources are necessary for Tribes to operate robust and efficient programs.

"Growing up in the Coachella Valley, I know firsthand the impact that contaminated water and polluted air has on the public's health," said Dr. Ruiz. "This study shows just how important Tribal environmental programs are to building a cleaner and healthier Coachella Valley. I will continue fighting to ensure that Congress provides the necessary funding for Tribal governments to protect the health of their members, their environment, and neighboring communities."

The environmental programs run by Tribal governments in the Coachella Valley have played a critical role in protecting the environment and the public's health. For example, the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians used Water Pollution Control grants to monitor tribal waterways and groundwater contaminants, and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians have used National Clean Diesel Emission Reduction grants to reduce air pollution by acquiring eco-friendly dump trucks, buses, and other heavy machinery.

The full report can be found here: www.gao.gov/assets/720/710236.pdf

Background

In the fall of 2019, a mulch fire burned at an unpermitted green recycling facility on Tribal land in the Eastern Coachella Valley for over two weeks. The smoke from the fire sickened local school children and forced the closure of many Coachella Valley Unified School District schools for over a week.

For the past year, the Oasis Mobile Home Park, located on Tribal land, has faced repeated EPA violations for high levels of arsenic in drinking water.

Tribal EPA programs fund activities that can improve health outcomes for both people that live on Tribal land and the larger community as a whole. Program examples include:

• Clean Water Act Section 106 grants provide funding to Tribal governments to administer programs for the prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution.
• Clean Air Act Section 105 grants provide funding to Tribal governments for the prevention and control of air pollution or the implementation of national ambient air quality standards.
• The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) provides funding to Tribal governments for planning, developing, and establishing environmental protection programs as well as development and implementation of solid and hazardous waste programs for Tribal lands.

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