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FEBRUARY 8, 2001

A final rule proposed by the Department of Interior is one of several in limbo under recently confirmed Secretary Gale Norton.

The rule was published in the Federal Register on January 16 and set to go into effect on February 15. But the administration of President George W. Bush has put a hold on all rules which have not yet been finalized.

The rules changes the standards by which the Interior evaluates decisions to take land into trust for tribe or individuals, particularly when the lands in question are located outside the boundaries of existing Indian land. Effects on neighboring communities will be taken into account, making it more difficult for tribes to take off-reservation lands into trust.

A lawyer for three Connecticut towns challenging the Interior's decision to take 165 acres of land into trust for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation says the rules should have included a provision to require tribes to meet with neighboring communities.

His clients have refused to meet with the tribe to discuss the issue.

Get the Story:
Rules may change on how tribes can alter their boundaries (The New London Day 2/8)