A federal judge heard arguments in a California county's lawsuit that seeks to stop the Mechoopda Tribe from opening a casino.

Butte County sued the National Indian Gaming Commission over an Indian lands opinion that stated the tribe was "restored" to federal recognition. As a result, the tribe would be able to build a casino in a 645-acre parcel along a major highway.

County officials dispute the NIGC's conclusion that the tribe has been "restored." They also say the tribe has no connections to the proposed casino site.

Tribal officials say the county is once again challenging their federal recognition after agreeing to avoid the issue. "The outcome that they wanted obviously was to derail and undermine the legitimacy of the tribe," Vice Chairwoman Sandra Knight told The Chico News-Review.

In other California casino news, the NIGC issued a final environmental impact statement for the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, also known as the Coast Miwok Tribe. The tribe was recognized through an act of Congress that also mandated the acquisition of trust land.

Opponents are fighting the casino, one of several proposed in the Bay Area. The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians (environmental impact statement) and the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians are also seeking casinos.

Get the Story:
Butte County challenges Mechoopda in court (The Chico News-Review 2/26)
Casino EIR to face legal challenges (The Petaluma Argus-Courier 2/25)
Supreme Court Ruling Raises Richmond Casino Questions (The Berkeley Daily Planet 2/25)