The Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee has a clear message in response to the 60-day leasing and permitting ban. The letter is written to acting Secretary of the Interior Scott de la Vega requesting that Order 3395 is immediately amended to exclude energy permits and approvals on Indian lands. Chairman Duncan shared the following: “The Ute Indian Tribe and other energy producing tribes rely on energy development to fund our governments and provide services to our members. Your order is a direct attack on our economy, sovereignty, and our right to self-determination. Indian lands are not federal public lands. Any action on our lands and interests can only be taken after effective tribal consultation. Order No. 3395 violates the United States treaty and trust responsibilities to the Ute Indian Tribe and violates important principles of tribal sovereignty and self-determination.” The Ute Indian Tribe is among many issuing responses in opposition to Biden’s Executive Order 3395.
