Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes establish environmental commission, prompting state review

The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes formed a new Environmental Protection Commission to regulate oil and gas operations on tribal lands, according to Oklahoma Energy Today. In a July 7 notice to oil and gas operators, Environmental Director Billy Nichols cited tribal sovereignty and federal law, granting the commission authority to inspect facilities, monitor air and water quality and enforce compliance with the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act.

Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners Brian Bingman, Kim David and Todd Hiett responded by stressing the tribes lack the federal “Treatment as a State” designation required for regulatory enforcement. They assured oil and gas operators the state’s Pollution Abatement Department will continue to address environmental concerns, Oklahoma Energy Today reported.