New EPA office of International and Tribal Affairs
The Environmental Protection Agency announced the new office of International and Tribal Affairs on their EPA Tribal Portal website March 18.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson met with the National Congress of American Indians in early 2009 to review the American Indian Environmental Office’s placement in the EPA structure. After consulting with the National Tribal Caucus and EPA leadership last July, Jackson announced the restructuring that would move AIEO from the Office of Water to the Office of International Affairs, and rename the office to reflect the inclusion.
“Tribes and tribal lands face disproportionate environmental and public health concerns,” said new OITA administrative assistant Michelle DePass. “It is my honor to assume leadership of the American Indian Environmental Office – and I look forward to working with tribal communities as partners in overall efforts to address these pressing issues.”
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