The Oklahoma Senate voted 41-4 on February 20 to pass SB 1050, a bill that limits the role of tribes in setting state environmental policy.

Sen. Greg Treat (R), the sponsor of the bill, said tribes can still comment on environmental decisions. But they won't be treated as equals when it comes to considering state and federal law, he said.

“If they are going to come in here and make environmental policies that affect our land, we should have some kind of say.” Chris White, an Osage Nation spokesperson, told the Oklahoman in response to the bill.

The bill is now being considered by the House.

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Oklahoma bill would cut tribes out of environmental policy-making process (The Oklahoman 3/5)