Environmental regulation by Oklahoma's tribes was discussed at the 2004 Sovereignty Symposium on Wednesday.

A total of 13 tribes are seeking approval from the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate water, air and other related issues. Tribes in other states have received such designations.

But the oil and gas industry and other groups in Oklahoma say the tribal land base is too small to allow tribal regulations. They worry that tribes will enact tougher standards than the state.

Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith said the fears are unfounded. Anoatubby said the EPA would work to ensure one tribal standard instead of 13.

The Sovereignty Symposium concludes today. For more information, visit http://www.oscn.net/static/sovereignty/start.asp.

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Tribes, energy industry discuss concerns about environment (The Daily Oklahoman 6/3)
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