Governor Mead Pleased with Court’s Ruling on Wind River Reservation Boundaries

Press Release – This week, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed that the City of Riverton is not within the boundaries of the Wind River Indian Reservation. The Court ruled in Wyoming’s favor, rejecting the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to change the historic boundaries of the Reservation. Wyoming challenged the EPA’s determination from 2013 when the agency approved the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes’ application for Treatment as a State under the Clean Air Act.

“As I said from the beginning, the EPA’s decision went against 100 years of history and was one that should not come from a regulatory agency,” Governor Mead said. “Today’s decision provides certainty to the people affected by the EPA overstepping its authority. I thank the Attorney General’s office for their years of hard work on this case.”

Governor Mead renewed his commitment to work cooperatively with the Tribes to improve life on the Reservation for all of Wyoming’s citizens, including members of both Tribes.

“This case was never about the Tribes’ ability to manage air quality on the Reservation – they should be applauded for their work,” Governor Mead said. “Now that both federal and state courts recognize the correct boundary of the Reservation, we look forward to working with the Tribes in their efforts to develop environmental programs.”