The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has called for a burn ban on seven Indian reservations, including the Puyallup, Nisqually and Muckleshoot reservations.
The ban takes effect Friday and will be in place until further notice. The EPA called for the ban because of stagnant air conditions in the region.
In addition to the Puyallup, Nisqually and Muckleshoot reservations, the ban also impacts the Chehalis, Colville, Spokane and Yakama reservations.
Under the ban, all outdoor and agricultural burning is prohibited. Ceremonial and traditional fires, however, are still OK.
“EPA also requests that reservation residents reduce all sources of air pollution, including excess driving and idling of vehicles, and the use of woodstoves and fireplaces, unless it is your only source of heat,” a press release states.
Why is the EPA imposing a burn ban on the reservations,and not the other residents of Pierce, King, Kitsap and Snohomish counties? Why are they being asked to “not drive or idle vehicles excessivly” when there is so much traffic congestion on our roads and highways? I call shenanigans on our government. I support being environmentaly friendly, but it’s got to be all or none; not one group of people can, and the other can’t. There is no current burn ban in any of these counties. I’m having a bonfire tonight. And smoke a cigarette.
Because the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has jurisdiction over the rest of us. The tribes are considered sovereign nations and are only subject to Federal rules/regulations, therefore our state and local laws do not necessarily apply on the reservations.
“but it’s got to be all or none; not one group of people can, and the other can’t.” Yeah your right, kind of like paying taxes.
this is not fair that it is being published like this. it feels like we are specifically targeted and singled out. as for the remark that to me insinuates that we dont pay taxes i pay taxes on my land and taxes at the stores on the reservation like everyone else