Tribal Voices Get White House Ear But Still Waiting for Results

Tribal voices say they’re finding more ways to get their concerns in front of the Biden administration, even if that increased access isn’t always translating into wins on environmental protection and climate action.

Biden has directed all federal agencies to make “regular, meaningful, and robust consultation” with tribal nations, noting that Native Americans are disproportionately impacted by health and economic disparities and worsening climate impacts.

But it’s unclear whether that message has filtered down to federal agencies and departments that interact directly with tribes, said Julia Bernal, a member of Sandia Pueblo and director of the Pueblo Action Alliance.

“Tribes ...