EPA Establishes National Tribal Toxics Committee to Address Risks from Toxic Chemicals (HQ)
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has
established a National Tribal Toxics Committee (NTTC) to give
Indian tribes greater input on issues related to chemical safety,
toxic chemicals and pollution prevention. This effort will further
empower tribal communities to protect their health and environment
from the risks of toxic chemicals. Creation of the NTTC is part of
EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s emphasis on improving
chemical safety, building strong tribal partnerships and expanding
the conversation on environmental justice. The NTTC will hold its
first meeting in Washington, D.C. on June 1-2.
“As we focus on chemical safety and identify ways to reduce
exposure to toxic chemicals and prevent pollution in Indian
Country, it is absolutely critical that we listen to our tribal
partners,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for
EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
“We want to ensure that we address the ways that tribal
members are affected by toxic substances and promote pollution
prevention efforts that reflect their interests and
needs.”
EPA believes that expanding tribal partnerships is important given
the uniqueness of tribal cultures, communities, and environmental
problems, and the need to respect tribal sovereignty, culture and
heritage. The NTTC will help EPA better tailor and more efficiently
address a variety of issues, including preventing poisoning from
lead-based paint, expanding pollution prevention and safer chemical
initiatives in Indian country, and better evaluating chemical
exposures that may be unique to tribes and their members.
More information on the NTTC and for a list of tribes: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/tribal/
More information on EPA’s partnership with tribes: https://www.epa.gov/tribal