In 2016 the United States reached a settlement with companies collectively known as “Volkswagen” (VW) to resolve allegations that VW knowingly enabled automobiles to emit pollutants that far exceeded what is allowable under U.S. emissions standards (violating the Clean Air Act). As a result, a multimillion-dollar mitigation trust account was established for federally recognized tribes to reduce nitrous oxide emissions through approved mitigation plans. Cherokee Nation designed a large, multiple year mitigation program and was officially designated as an approved beneficiary in 2018.

Our mitigation plan focuses primarily on replacing specific classes of diesel-powered vehicles with zero-emission electric-powered vehicles and installing supporting infrastructure in iconic locations. In May of 2019, the Trustee disbursed monies to the Nation for the 1st of five (5) total funding cycles for which the Cherokee Nation is eligible.  The VW project will align closely with our Low or No Emissions Program to support long-term sustainability goals and maximize funding opportunities.  We will satisfy VW Beneficiary reporting obligations by compiling semiannual reports, which can be viewed in our public notices section.

 

Multiple Downloads

2019-04-15 CN Appendix D-4 Amended Application

5.6 MB | Updated July 12, 2019

On 04/15/2019, the Cherokee Nation submitted an application under the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries dated 11/30/2018.

2019-11-21 Cherokee Nation VW Semiannual Report

1.6 MB | Updated November 22, 2019

On 11/21/19, the Cherokee Nation submitted a semiannual report under Section 5.3 of the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries.

2019-08-26 CN Appendix D-4 Redacted Round 2 Application

2.2 MB | Updated March 18, 2020

On 08/26/2019, the Cherokee Nation submitted a redacted application under the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries dated 11/30/2018.

2020-10-26 CN Appendix D-4 Amended Round 3 Application

15.3 MB | Updated January 20, 2021

The Cherokee Nation submitted an amended application under the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries dated 11/30/2018.

2020-07-14 Cherokee Nation VW Semiannual Report

4.8 MB | Updated January 20, 2021

On 07/14/20, the Cherokee Nation submitted a semiannual report under Section 5.3 of the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries.

2021-01-27 Cherokee Nation VW Semiannual Report

344.8 KB | Updated January 27, 2021

On 01/27/21, the Cherokee Nation submitted a semiannual report under Section 5.3 of the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries.

2021-05-11 Cherokee Nation VW Semiannual Report

1.8 MB | Updated May 12, 2021

On 05/11/21, the Cherokee Nation submitted a semiannual report under Section 5.3 of the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries.

2020-01-28 Cherokee Nation VW Semiannual Report

1.7 MB | Updated January 28, 2020

On 01/28/20, the Cherokee Nation submitted a semiannual report under Section 5.3 of the Environmental Mitigation Trust Agreement for Indian Tribe Beneficiaries.

Updated January 29, 2026