The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to withdraw a proposed rule that aimed to set federal water quality standards for Indian reservation waters. This decision allows the EPA to instead focus on helping Tribes develop their own water quality standards in line with the Clean Water Act, under a provision that allows eligible Tribes to be treated like states. While 52 of the 84 eligible Tribes have already established these standards, the EPA intends to continue assisting Tribes in building their capability to manage their own water quality programs. The withdrawal follows feedback from 3,314 public comments on the proposed rule.
Simple Explanation
The EPA has decided not to go ahead with new water rules for Indian reservations right now and instead wants to help Tribes make their own water rules. This means Tribes can have more control over their water, just like states do.