Cite as: 27 CNCA § 302

A. The Council of Cherokee Nation, recognizing the profound impact of man's activity on the interrelations of all components of the natural environment, declares that it is the continuing policy of Cherokee Nation, in cooperation with federal, state and local governments, to use all practicable means and measures, including financial and technical assistance, in a manner calculated to foster and promote the general welfare, to create and maintain conditions under which human beings and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.

B. In order to carry out the policy set forth in this title, it shall be the continuing responsibility of Cherokee Nation to use all practicable means, consistent with other essential considerations of Cherokee law, policy, and customs, to improve and coordinate plans, functions, programs, and resources to the end that Cherokee Nation may:

1. fulfill the responsibility of each generation of human beings as trustees of the environment for succeeding generations;

2. assure for all human beings safe, healthful, productive and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings;

3. attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation of Cherokee Nation natural resources;

4. preserve important historic, cultural and natural aspects of Cherokee Nation heritage;

5. analyze potential environmental effects of proposed actions and their alternatives and promote public understanding and scrutiny;

6. enhance the quality of renewable resources and achieve their maximum value and yield through recycling and other methods of conservation;

7. provide civil and criminal remedies and sanctions in favor of Cherokee Nation against any persons who violate this chapter or any regulations adopted hereunder and, to the maximum extent possible, enforce these remedies and sanctions against such persons;

8. prohibit the improper storage, transport, generation, burial or disposal of any solid, liquid or gaseous waste, or nuclear, hazardous or toxic refuse, by-product, waste or material, or any other chemical or polluting material or agent, within the jurisdiction of Cherokee Nation, or that could affect lands, air, water, natural resources or people of Cherokee Nation;

9. provide for regulation and taxation of interests, actions and omissions that adversely affect the environment of Cherokee Nation;

10. utilize whenever possible, means of development, job creation, construction and resource use that are environmentally friendly and reflective of tribal culture and history.

Historical Data

LA 1–93, eff. June 14, 1993. Renumbered from 63 CNCA § 302. Amended LA 31–04, eff. July 16, 2004.