Officials in Oklahoma and at the Environmental Protection Agency say they were unaware that Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) inserted a rider into the $286 billion transportation bill to limit the rights of Oklahoma tribes.

Gov. Brad Henry (D), however, wouldn't say whether he supported the provision. An EPA spokesperson also wouldn't say whether the agency supported it, only that the rider must now be enforced.

Inhofe put the rider into the bill at the last minute even though it doesn't have anything to do with transportation or highways. It blocks the EPA from recognizing tribal authority under the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act without state approval and a state agreement. No other tribe in the nation is required to meet such requirements.

Get the Story:
EPA unaware of Inhofe Provision (AP 8/14)

Highway Transportation Act:
H.R.3 | Conference Report

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