"The United States Environmental Protection Agency and Indian countries, which are lands within the limits of any Indian reservation under the jurisdiction of the United States Government, made plans to phase in the regulations of the Clean Air Act on June 10.

The regulations of the act aim to protect human and environmental health by regulating emissions from new and expanding facilities.

The rules require that permits are issued to large source facilities that emit more than 100 tons of pollution per year in areas of Indian Country that do not meet national air quality standards. The permits specify the construction allowed, emission limits and how often the facility operates. Smaller sources emitting less than 100 or 250 tons per year must register in all areas of tribal land, according to a June 13 press release from the EPA.

Pollutants described in the permits can cause health problems such as aggravated asthma, increased emergency room visits, heart attacks and premature death, according to the press release.

Currently, 77 tribes are located in areas that do not meet national air quality standards for pollutants like ozone or particles, according to the EPA."

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Clean Air Act enforced on tribal lands (Western Front 6/30)

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