Ruiz, Grijalva Call for Greater Oversight (Protect Health, Environment, Safety, Tribal Communities)
Ruiz, Grijalva Call for Greater Oversight to Protect the Health and Environmental Safety of Tribal Communities
September 8, 2016 Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-36), in light of the potential environmental risks of the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline, called for a review of the federal programs and policies that protect the health and environmental security of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Dr. Ruiz, who serves as Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs urged the U.S. Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) to issue an investigative report reviewing the adequacy of federal policies that protect tribal lands and recommendations for how they can be improved. Dr. Ruiz’s letter was also signed by Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-3).
“Tribes have the right to self-determination and the right to have a say in decisions that impact their health, sacred lands, and cultural preservation. Too often, there is not meaningful or any consultation with tribal communities regarding development on or near tribal lands. That’s why I am calling for an investigative report to review and analyze any systemic noncompliance with federal policies that require regular and meaningful consultation with tribes,” said Dr. Ruiz. “The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe should receive an assessment of the Dakota Access Pipeline's environmental impact on their land and sacred sites. They are rightfully concerned that an oil leak can harm their land, health, and source of drinking water. I urge a complete systemic review of federal agencies’ compliance with tribal consultation.”
“Meaningful consultation with Tribes is the key to respecting tribal sovereignty. Too often, that consultation is a sham and that is what occurred here. The Dakota Access Pipeline would taint sacred land and put the tribe’s water supply and health at risk. We shouldn’t need a GAO report, but we clearly do,” said Ranking Member Grijalva.
Dr. Ruiz also urged the Army Corps of Engineers to complete a full evaluation of the cultural artifacts along the proposed route for the Dakota Access Pipeline and a full assessment of the potential impact of a leak on or near tribal land. Below is the text of Ruiz’s letter to Comptroller General of the GAO, Gene Dodaro.
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https://ruiz.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ruiz-grijalva-call-greater-oversight-protect-health-and-environmental
