The Cherokee Nation Environmental Code establishes a five-person board called the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) to oversee environmental programs. The Code gives the EPC authority to regulate traditional areas of environmental concern, such as solid waste and underground storage tanks, toxic and hazardous substance control, and water quality. The Code reserves Article 9 for Historical
 and Cultural Preservation.

The EPC is responsible for reviewing the Environmental Code and recommending changes to the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. (63 CNCA §101(D)1). The purpose of the Environmental Code is to  “promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to natural resources and the environment and to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the Cherokee Nation.” (63 CNCA §301)

Other powers and duties of the EPC include the promulgation of rules, enforcement actions, permit issuance, approval of facility plans, oversight of environmental review activities and procedures for handling complaints. Cherokee Nation employees who work in the Environmental Programs and the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources provide assistance to the EPC.

Public Notices

03-24-25 Environmental Protection Commission Meeting Agenda

152.3 KB / Created March 17, 2025 / Updated November 18, 2025

Meeting Agenda for the March 24th 2025, Environmental Protection Commission Meeting.

12-09-24 Environmental Protection Commission Meeting Agenda

91.2 KB / Created December 3, 2024 / Updated November 18, 2025

Meeting Agenda for December EPC Meeting

08-13-24 Environmental Protection Commission Meeting Agenda

118 KB / Created August 2, 2024 / Updated November 18, 2025

Meeting Agenda for August EPC Meeting

05-21-24 Environmental Protection Commission Meeting Agenda

96.9 KB / Created May 10, 2024 / Updated November 18, 2025

Meeting agenda for the May 21, 2024, Environmental Protection Commission meeting.

04-12-2024 Special Setting Agenda for EPC

130.5 KB / Created April 2, 2024 / Updated November 18, 2025

Meeting announcement for a Special Setting of the Environmental Protection Commission.

02-20-2024 EPC Meeting Agenda

144.5 KB / Created February 9, 2024 / Updated November 18, 2025

Meeting agenda for the February 20th, 2024, Environmental Protection Commission meeting.

11-21-2023 EPC Meeting Agenda

98.7 KB / Created November 9, 2023 / Updated November 18, 2025

Meeting agenda for the November 21st, 2023, Environmental Protection Commission meeting.

08-23-2023 EPC Meeting Agenda

151 KB / Created August 11, 2023 / Updated November 18, 2025

Meeting agenda for the August 23rd, 2023, Environmental Protection Commission meeting.

05-16-2023 EPC Meeting Agenda

129.8 KB / Created May 3, 2023 / Updated November 18, 2025

Meeting agenda for the May 16th, 2023, Environmental Protection Commission meeting.

02-21-2023 EPC Meeting Agenda

170.6 KB / Created February 10, 2023 / Updated November 18, 2025

Meeting agenda for the February 21th, 2023, Environmental Protection Commission meeting.

Updated November 25, 2025