U.S. EPA recently recognized the Navajo Nation EPA for outstanding environmental protection and leadership.

"For over 30 years we have partnered with the Navajo Nation to protect public health and precious natural resources," said EPA's Laura Yoshii. "EPA applauds the Navajo Nation EPA not only for their achievements on their land, but for their leadership role in the development of tribal environmental programs nationally."

EPA said it is working with the Navajo Nation EPA and four federal agencies to implement a 5-year plan to address the legacy of more than 500 abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation.

Additionally, the Navajo Nation EPA, the Navajo Department of Water Resources, EPA, and the Indian Health Service are working together to provide safe drinking water to 3,000 people and wastewater infrastructure to 2,500 homes.

The Navajo Nation remains the first and only tribal government that has authority to implement the federal drinking water program.

INFO: Contact Luis M. Garcia-Bakarich at 415-972-3237.