The leader of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation said he supports a referendum on the tribe's proposed oil refinery.

Chairman Marcus Levings said he has asked for a motion to authorize a referendum at least five times. But the tribal council hasn't taken action, he said

"I supported input from the people from day one," Levings told The Bismarck Tribune.

The Environmental Awareness Committee, which opposes the refinery, has been pursuing ways to authorize the referendum. Organizer Kandi Mossett wants the tribe to pursue wind energy instead.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the and the Environmental Protection Agency issued a final environmental impact statement that supports a water discharge permit for the refinery but opposes acquisition of 470 acres in trust for the tribe. Comments are being taken until September 28.

Get the Story:
Group seeks vote on Fort Berthold refinery (The Bismarck Tribune 9/15)

Federal Register Notice:
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara (MHA) Nation's Proposed Clean Fuels Refinery, Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, Ward County, ND (August 28, 2009)

Related Stories:
BIA doesn't want to acquire tribal refinery site (9/10)
Editorial: North Dakota tribal refinery has promise (09/04)
North Dakota tribe waits for EPA on oil refinery (2/11)