95-18826. Policy on Government-to-Government Relations With Native American Tribal Governments

[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 147 (Tuesday, August 1, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 39176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-18826]



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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
[ATSDR-98]


Policy on Government-to-Government Relations With Native American 
Tribal Governments

AGENCY: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 
Public Health Service (PHS), Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces a draft policy that ATSDR proposes to 
conduct a government-to-government relationship with federally 
recognized tribal governments. The public is invited to comment on this 
draft policy statement.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 31, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments relating to the draft policy 
statement to: Office of Federal Programs, Agency for Toxic Substances 
and Disease Registry, 1600 Clifton Road, NE., Mailstop E-28, Atlanta, 
Georgia 30333, telephone [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mark M. Bashor, Associate 
Administrator for Federal Programs, ATSDR, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The mission of ATSDR is to prevent exposure 
and adverse human health effects and diminished quality of life 
associated with exposure to hazardous substances from waste sites, 
unplanned releases, and other sources of pollution present in the 
environment. In carrying out its programs, ATSDR works with other 
Federal, State, and local government agencies, and tribal organizations 
to protect public health.
    The U.S. Government has a unique government-to-government 
relationship with tribal governments as established by the U.S. 
Constitution, by treaties, by statute, by court decisions, and by 
Executive Orders. ATSDR is strongly committed to building a more 
effective day-to-day working relationship with tribal governments. This 
relationship respects their rights of self-government because of their 
sovereign status.
    In fulfilling the commitment to establish and maintain government-
to-government relations with federally recognized tribal governments, 
ATSDR will be guided by:
    (1) Section 126 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the principles set forth 
in the President's ``Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments 
and Agencies; Subject: Government-to-Government Relations with Native 
American Tribal Governments'' (April 29, 1994). In particular, ATSDR 
will
     In a manner consistent with the protection of public 
health, consult with tribal governments to ensure that tribal rights 
and concerns are considered before ATSDR takes actions, makes 
decisions, or implements programs that may affect tribes; and
     Establish procedures to work directly and effectively with 
tribal governments on ATSDR programs.
    (2) The needs and culture of individual tribal governments;
    (3) ATSDR's prior and ongoing experience with tribal governments, 
and recognized organizations associated with such governments; and
    (4) A recognized need to enhance coordination with other agencies 
with related areas of responsibility.

    Dated: July 26, 1995.
Claire V. Broome,
Deputy Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
[FR Doc. 95-18826 Filed 7-31-95; 8:45 am]
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