Building Bridges: EPA’s First Visit to the Lumbee Tribe Connects Senior Leaders with Chairman John Lowery

Building Bridges: EPA's First Visit to the Lumbee Tribe Connects Senior Leaders with Chairman John Lowery

April 2, 2026

Building Bridges: EPA's First Visit to the Lumbee Tribe Connects Senior Leaders with Chairman John Lowery

ATLANTA (April 2, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for the Office of International and Tribal Affairs Usha-Maria Turner and Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber met with Tribal Chairman John Lowery at EPA's inaugural visit to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina attained federal recognition on December 18, 2025, becoming the 575^th federally recognized Tribe in the nation. The Tribe has 55,000 members and is located in the southeastern part of the state in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland, and Scotland counties.

"The partnership between EPA and federally recognized Tribes is critical to protecting human health and the environment across the nation," said Assistant Administrator Turner. "Consistent with the EPA Indian Policy, we look forward to working government-to-government with the Lumbee Tribe to build this partnership and engage collaboratively in environmental protection activities."

"We are honored to stand with the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina on our first visit. The Tribe's recent federal recognition-becoming the seventh federally recognized Tribe in EPA Region 4-is a historic moment that celebrates sovereignty and generations of perseverance," said Region 4 Administrator McOmber. "Together, we will listen, learn and build a lasting government-to-government partnership to advance Lumbee priorities, expand access to federal resources, and protect community health and the lands and waters they steward."

EPA looks forward to working together with the Lumbee Tribe on issues related to Tribal capacity building and environmental programs in Indian country. EPA is committed to partnering with Tribal communities to develop and strengthen their environmental programs. The partnership between EPA and federally recognized Tribal Nations contributes to making public health and environmental protection in the United States possible.

More information about EPA's programs in Indian country.