Red Lodge Clearinghouse

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe took the first step last week toward regulating its own air quality through a program that would be the first of its kind in the country.

Currently, U.S. EPA issues permits according to its standards on the tribe's land. But last week, the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council approved its own air quality code, allowing it more autonomy to regulate its standards. The code is currently fairly similar to federal regulations, but once the program is up and running, the tribe will have autonomy to create more stringent standards, said James Temte, an air quality scientist with the tribe's program.

The tribe will also assume responsibility for monitoring air quality, issuing permits and conducting inspections (Katie Burford, Salt Lake Tribune, Feb. 18). -- PR