EPA News Release (HQ): EPA Establishes National Tribal Toxics Committee to Address Risks from Toxic Chemicals

CONTACTS:
Dale Kemery (News Media Only)
kemery.dale@epa.gov
202-564-7839
202-564-4355

Mollie Lemon (News Media Only)
lemon.mollie@epa.gov
202-564-2039
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2011


EPA Establishes National Tribal Toxics Committee to Address Risks from Toxic Chemicals

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established a National Tribal Toxics Committee (NTTC) to give Indian tribes greater input on issues related to chemical safety, toxic chemicals and pollution prevention. This effort will further empower tribal communities to protect their health and environment from the risks of toxic chemicals. Creation of the NTTC is part of EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s emphasis on improving chemical safety, building strong tribal partnerships and expanding the conversation on environmental justice. The NTTC will hold its first meeting in Washington, D.C. on June 1-2.

“As we focus on chemical safety and identify ways to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals and prevent pollution in Indian Country, it is absolutely critical that we listen to our tribal partners,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “We want to ensure that we address the ways that tribal members are affected by toxic substances and promote pollution prevention efforts that reflect their interests and needs.”

EPA believes that expanding tribal partnerships is important given the uniqueness of tribal cultures, communities, and environmental problems, and the need to respect tribal sovereignty, culture and heritage. The NTTC will help EPA better tailor and more efficiently address a variety of issues, including preventing poisoning from lead-based paint, expanding pollution prevention and safer chemical initiatives in Indian country, and better evaluating chemical exposures that may be unique to tribes and their members.

More information on the NTTC and for a list of tribes: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/tribal/

More information on EPA’s partnership with tribes: http://www.epa.gov/indian/

R186

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.

 

View all news releases related to pesticides and toxic chemicals

 

 

---

You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Sent by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355