Eastern Band of Cherokee invokes sovereignty, bans fracking on tribal land in North Carolina

Fracking has been banned on Eastern Band of Cherokee land in North Carolina, reports Indian Country Today Media Network. The resolution, passed last month and signed into law on Sept. 10, reads: “The Eastern Band of Cherokees will not permit or authorize any person, corporation or other legal entity to engage in hydraulic fracturing on Tribal trust lands. The State of North Carolina is without legal authority to permit hydraulic fracturing on Tribal trust lands.” (Eastern Band of Cherokee map)

North Carolina legislation in June "that lifted the state’s moratorium on fracking included a clause keeping local governments from outlawing the practice in their jurisdiction, so their resolutions are an expression of opinion rather than an act of law," Holly Kays reports for the Smoky Mountain News. "But the Eastern Band is a sovereign nation, so the tribal council is able to completely prevent drilling on Cherokee land." (Read more)