19-1-103. DEMONSTRABLY SERIOUS IMPACT OF LACK OF ADEQUATE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS UPON THE ECONOMIC SECURITY, HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE TRIBE AND TRIBAL MEMBERS.

The Reservation is checker boarded with both trust land and nontrust land and within the historical boundaries of the Rosebud Reservation are substantial populations of both Indians and non-Indians. The Reservation was established as an agricultural reservation for farming and ranching purposes to provide a permanent homeland for the Tribe. Since establishment of the Reservation by the Treaty, the Tribe has maintained the essential character of the entire Reservation; however, as additional residential, commercial, governmental and agricultural activities multiply, the need for adequate environmental controls grows ever more serious. Tribal land and tribal members are the most precious assets of the Tribe. The Reservation is too valuable a tribal resource to permit the uncontrolled use and alteration of the Reservation environment, and its attendant pollution and destruction.

The Council finds that such uncontrolled use of the Reservation environment has a demonstrably serious impact that imperils the economic security, health, welfare and general well-being of the Tribe, its members, and all residents of the Reservation, resulting in:

1. Gradual loss of the essential character of the Reservation,
2. Destruction of the historical and cultural values and traditions of the Tribe,
3. Deterioration of the aesthetics of the Reservation,
4. Increased air, water and solid waste disposal pollution,
5. Increased contamination of drinking water from the Ogallala Aquifer and surface water supplies, and
6. Deterioration of the standards of living, quality of life, welfare and well-being of all Reservation residents, whether tribal members or not.