New York

The Seneca Nation of Indians' plan for a downtown Buffalo casino has hit a major snag: A federal commission will reconsider the tribe's 2002 Gaming Compact with the state. This after District Judge William M. Skretny decided to let his January order for the reconsideration stand. One of the major issues is land; opponents argue the Seneca were improperly allowed to purchase land in Buffalo, that it is not really "Indian land" and therefore cannot house a casino. The Seneca, and the federal government, disagree. The tribe had hoped to open a small temporary casino in Buffalo later this year, and a larger casino at a later date. The Seneca's other casinos, The Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel and the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, are not subject to the reconsideration.

The Oneida Indian Nation is partnering with the Environmental Media Association (EMA) to green the inaugural Turning Stone Resort Championship, an official PGA tour event. As many as 100,000 people are expected to descend on the Atunyote Golf Club during the Championship (Sept. 17-23). In an effort to "go for the green," the EMA is advising the Oneidas on an environmental checklist, which includes buying recycled paper products, reducing waste and the use of non-biodegradable products like Styrofoam, not allowing equipment and vehicles to idle unnecessarily, and using electric or hybrid vehicles whenever possible. "The Oneida people have always had a deep reverence for the environment and look to the seventh generation to the future. That is why reaching out to the EMA was so important to us as we prepare for this international sporting event," Nation Representative, and CEO Ray Halbritter, who is also a member of the EMA's board of directors, said. Other notables on the board include Ted Turner, Lance Bass, Laura Dern, Pierce Brosnan, Norman Lear, Ed Begley Jr., Jason Goldberg, Daryl Hannah, Michael King and Leigh Steinberg.