Taos Pueblo latest to develop Clean Water standards

Tuesday, February 13, 2007  

Last June, Taos Pueblo became the 11th tribe in New Mexico to set its own water quality standards under the Clean Water Act.

The tribe won a treatment as state designation from the Environmental Protection Agency. That means other jurisdictions must adhere to the water quality standards covering 130 miles of rivers and sacred lakes.

Nationwide, 39 tribes have the authority to regulate and enforce their water quality standards. The courts have upheld amendments to the Clean Water Act that recognize tribal sovereignty.

Only Oklahoma tribes are exempt from the law. A rider prevents them from receiving a treatment as state designation without state approval.

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