December 21, 2016
The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians asked a Maine federal court Tuesday to let it intervene to oppose the state's suit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's tightening of its water quality standards for tribal waters, saying the more restrictive rules ensure the tribe can continue its fishing traditions.
November 18, 2016
A federal judge on Friday tossed a claim from the state of Maine's suit seeking to compel the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to recognize the state's power to regulate tribal waters, saying the agency was required to review but not necessarily approve state water standards under the Clean Water Act.
August 05, 2016
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continued to press a federal court Thursday to pare down Maine's suit to compel the agency to recognize the state's authority over tribal waters, saying the court lacks jurisdiction over a Clean Water Act claim.
July 13, 2016
Maine continued to press a federal judge Wednesday to let it add new evidence to its lawsuit aiming to compel the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to recognize the state's authority over tribal waters, saying the federal agency shouldn't be allowed a "self-serving" record.
June 30, 2016
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency urged a Maine federal judge Thursday to trim down a suit by Maine's environmental agency that asserts its authority over Native American waters, saying the Clean Water Act doesn't allow a challenge to the EPA's judgment.
April 21, 2016
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed new water quality standards Wednesday to regulate tribal waters in Maine, in the midst of an ongoing lawsuit in which Maine is accusing the federal agency of limiting its powers to monitor these waters.
October 09, 2015
Maine on Thursday amended its lawsuit aiming to compel the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to recognize the state's authority over tribal waters, saying the federal agency made unlawful determinations about the state's jurisdiction after its original complaint last year.
April 28, 2015
High-profile environmental lawsuits in Indian Country this year include disputes over energy projects proposed on culturally important sites, the rights of tribes to manage the implementation of federal clean air and water statutes, and the responsibility of states to ensure tribes have clean water and plenty of fish.
December 05, 2014
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday asked a federal judge to toss part of Maine's lawsuit seeking to establish its authority over all waters inside state borders, including those within tribal territories, arguing the court has limited authority in the matter.
July 07, 2014
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection on Monday lodged a complaint against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Maine federal court, arguing that the DEP has authority over all waters within state borders, despite EPA claims for jurisdiction within Indian territories.