Message to EPA Employees from Administrator Zeldin: Reaffirming EPA’s Indian Policy (July 17, 2025)
Colleagues,
In 1984, EPA became the first federal agency to adopt a formal Indian Policy, which has since been reaffirmed by each Administrator. Today, I am proud to join my predecessors in formally reaffirming the EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations (EPA Indian Policy).
With this action, EPA reiterates its recognition that the United States has a special and unique legal relationship with Tribal governments based on the Constitution, treaties, statutes, executive orders and court decisions. EPA recognizes the right of Tribes as sovereign governments to self-determination and the federal government’s trust responsibility to Tribes, working with Tribes on a government-to-government basis to protect their human health and environments. We recognize the distinct government-to-government relationship with federally recognized Tribes and do not categorize this special relationship as a diversity, equity and inclusion program.
The reaffirmation of the EPA Indian Policy highlights the importance of EPA’s Tribal program infrastructure and the significance of our work with Tribal governments. Our engagement with Tribes is central to achieving EPA’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment and Powering the Great American Comeback. The Office of International and Tribal Affairs is the lead for EPA’s work with Tribal governments and is available to support your office or region in Tribal interactions. I also encourage you to take EPA’s Working Effectively with Tribal Governments training to learn more about EPA’s work with Tribal partners.
This is a critical time in our partnership with Tribes as EPA builds on past successes and strives to meet current and future environmental challenges, while energizing the greatness of the American economy. Please join me in advancing our strong partnership with Tribal governments to protect human health and to safeguard the environment in Indian Country through the implementation of the EPA Indian Policy.
Administrator Lee Zeldin