"We commend Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Tracy, for wading into this high-stakes conflict between long-distance Indian tribes and local government leaders. He holds a possible solution. The chairman of the House Resources Committee, which oversees Indian affairs, wants to amend the 1988 act that regulates Indian gaming on reservations. Pombo wants to limit “reservation shopping” which enables tribes without land of their own to look for suitable land elsewhere.

To end “reservation shopping,” Pombo wants to establish two new Indian Economic Opportunity Zones per state. These mini-Las Vegas strips would include one on and one off the reservation. Pombo envisions multiple casinos, resorts and entertainment and shopping centers in each zone.

Another major part of Pombo’s draft legislation would give local government a greater role in planning the casino zones. Indian tribes, especially those without a casino, are opposed to local control since tribal land always has been sovereign — unaffected by local ordinance and codes."

Get the Story:
End land shopping for Indian casinos (The Tracy Press. 6/23)