An extension could still happen, but it gets less likely as the April 11 deadline looms, and the guess is that without one, the environmental agency's reservations could settle the issue.
It has applied for federal money for more extensive environmental testing of reservation land and greater monitoring of all pregnancies.
"Our tribal council is so focused on money, money, money," Edmund Baker, the reservation's environmental director, said earlier this year.
We could learn a thing or two from the Mescalero Apaches in New Mexico.The Apaches, who never went in for much environmental nonsense, log their reservation land and practise controlled burning, as they have for hundreds of years.
Jamali tours the reservation with environmental activist and tribal leader Mekasi Camp-Horinek, who's convinced it's not a coincidence big oil has been contaminating Ponca territory but environmental racism.
Mr. Salazar has already expressed strong reservations about the environmental dangers of drilling in the Arctic.
Since then, environmental groups have expressed profound reservations about Mr. Smith, a hard-line conservative, and his commitment to the environment.
Tribes are variously considering making monthly payments to members, establishing loan programs, financing social service groups, improving infrastructure on reservations and undertaking environmental initiatives.
Neither the United States nor any country in the European Union subsequently ratified the treaty, and administration officials said that was in part because some European governments, despite statements of support designed to please voters with environmental concerns, had their own reservations.
The Army this week said it will grant a permit for construction of the disputed section beneath Lake Oahe near the Standing Rock reservation, abandoning an environmental study.
