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EPA Meets with Leaders of 30 Tribal Nations, Highlights Muscogee (Creek) Nation Brownfields Grant 
DALLAS, TEXAS (July 9, 2025) – Today, the Pueblo of Laguna hosted officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and leaders of Tribal Nations from throughout EPA Region 6 for the Regional Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC) meeting. Regional Administrator Scott Mason gathered with leaders from 30 Tribes to discuss a variety of environmental topics. During the meeting, RA Mason highlighted a recent grant of nearly $2 million to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation from EPA’s Brownfields program for assessment of contaminated sites. 
“As a member of the Cherokee Nation, I understand the importance of EPA having regular and meaningful conversations with Tribal leaders on environmental matters within their lands,” said Regional Administrator Scott Mason. “I look forward to working with our Tribal leaders on protecting the water, land, and air of our Nation’s indigenous communities.”  
The RTOC is a partnership between 66 federally-recognized tribes in Region 6 and serves as the regional counterpart to the National Tribal Operations Committee (NTOC). The purpose of RTOC meetings is to enhance the relationship between EPA and Tribal Nations by ensuring Tribal environmental interests and concerns are addressed within their respective lands. 
In May, EPA announced that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is being awarded a $1,986,408 Brownfield Community-Wide assessment grant to support assessment activities, site reuse planning activities, and host community engagement and educational events. This grant was part of a nationwide Brownfield announcement to address environmental contamination and boost economic growth of local economies.