Pala Band wins treatment as state from EPA
The Pala Band of Mission Indians of California says it now has a "seat the table" after winning treatment as state status from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The tribe's authority was recognized under the Clean Air Act. The tribe will be notified about projects within a 50-mile radius that affect air quality on the reservation.

Congress amended the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act to recognize tribal authority. States have fought tribal designations in court but their challenges have been rejected.

Get the Story:
PALA: Band to be 'treated as a state' on air quality concerns (The North County Times 10/31)