Pacific Southwest, Region 9
Serving: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Pacific Islands, 148 Tribes
Tribal Results
Tribal Program Quick FinderTribal Results
EPA's Pacific Southwest Region includes 146 Indian tribes and nearly 40% of the tribal land in the United States. Tribal lands are subject to federal and tribal environmental laws, but many tribes have lacked the capacity or funding to carry out environmental programs. In recent years, a change has been occurring. Tribes have forged productive partnerships with other agencies and neighboring communities. In 2006, 118 tribes and four coalitions developed environmental programs and 74 tribes (over half) are monitoring the environment.
Number of Tribes Developing Environmental Programs
Environmental conditions on many reservations in the Pacific Southwest Region are challenging. More than one third of reservation households are at or below the poverty level. Nineteen percent of homes lack complete plumbing. More than 1,000 open dumps are found on tribal lands. Over a third of the region's tribes are located in areas that do not meet air quality standards.
EPA is working in partnership with tribes to face these challenges head-on. Together, we are achieving positive results! Working as partners, the tribes and EPA have made significant progress in protecting tribal lands, waters, air and other resources.
Graph of Tribes and Coalitions Developing Environmental Programs
For Larger View
Presentation of the Regional Administrator's Environmental Achievement Award (from left to right) Jane Lopez, Aylissa Garcia, Doria Garcia, Bradley Miguel, and Kariann Justin; Regional Administrator Wayne Nastri and Arizona Govenor Janet Napolitano.
In the Pacific Southwest, many tribes have strong partnerships with state governments. EPA Regional Administrator Wayne Nastri presented the Ak-Chin Indian Community an Environmental Achievement Award for their many accomplishments, including solid waste clean ups and protection of water resources.
Environmental Capacity Building
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