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2 Earth Jurisprudence & Envtl. Just. J. 1 (2012)

handle is hein.journals/earjujo2 and id is 1 raw text is: THE VILLAGE OF KIVALINA IS FALLING
INTO THE SEA: SHOULD CERCLA
SECTION 9626(B) BE AVAILABLE TO
MOVE THE VILLAGE FROM HARM'S
WAY?
Robert J. Martin
ABSTRACT
The Village of Kivalina, and other similarly
situated Native Alaska villages, are in danger of falling
into the sea. Regional climate change is melting the
permafrost that acts as the foundation of their
communities. Sea ice that once acted as a barrier during
storm season today melts earlier, and erosion rates are
increasing. Kivalina's situation is further worsened by
the threat of contamination from a nearby open dump.
Without permanent relocation, Kivalina and its residents
face imminent harm.
Congress has given the President authority to
permanently relocate an Indian tribe or Alaska Native
village under CERCLA Section 9626(b).     This article
proposes that the President exercise such authority to
protect the health and welfare of Kivalina and its
residents. In view of the longstanding trust obligation of
the United States to Indian tribes and Alaska Native
villages, which is embodied in treaties, statutes, executive
orders and court decisions, the President should exercise
his clear authority to protect the Village from harm.

1

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