On December 1, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided that the Kalispel Tribe in northeastern Washington can be treated like a state for certain non-regulatory parts of the Clean Air Act. This means they can access specific grants and participate in interstate air quality management without regulatory power. The EPA reviewed and approved the tribe's request, confirming that their jurisdiction covers their original reservation boundaries. Anyone wishing to challenge this decision in court has 60 days to file an appeal.
Simple Explanation
The EPA decided that the Kalispel Tribe can join other states in some air quality projects and get special grants, but they won't make any new rules themselves. This doesn't mean they are a state, just that they can participate in certain activities like one.