A. It is the policy of the Tribe to protect the natural environment, including the land, air, water, minerals, and all living things on tribal lands and to take into account in the tribal decision-making process the potentially significant and adverse environmental impacts of gaming projects, leases and development projects undertaken on tribal lands.

B. While it is also an important policy of the Tribe to promote the economic and community development of tribal lands for the benefit of both the Tribe and its members, the Tribal Council recognizes that development activities on tribal lands may have a direct impact on the health, welfare, and safety of the Tribe and its members, including environmental and cultural resources on and off tribal lands.

C. The goal of the environmental review process established under this chapter is to ensure that the Tribal Council is fully informed regarding the potential environmental effects of a gaming project, lease or development project, and has evaluated the alternatives, as well as potential mitigation, for the gaming project, lease, or development project before making a final decision about whether to proceed with the gaming project, lease, or development project. (Res. 2019-40)