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Yerington Paiute Tribe Says Sovereignty Protects it From BP’s Suit

The Yerington Paiute Tribe urged a Nevada federal judge Thursday to toss a suit that seeks to bar the tribe from bringing claims against BP America, Inc. and Atlantic Richfield Co. in tribal court over environmental damage at an abandoned copper mine.

“Both the tribe and the chairman have sovereign immunity from suit in federal district court,” said Austin Tighe, an attorney for the tribe and Chairman Thom. “The tribal court-where we sued for the very same toxic torts on which BP already paid the tribe’s neighbors almost $20 million-is the proper court to determine its own jurisdiction.”

The Yerington Paiute Tribe is represented by NP partner Michael Angelovich and Of Counsel attorney Austin Tighe.

The Law 360 article can be viewed here:

NP article
Law 360
10/26/17

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