The two-page order, which places the top leadership in charge of decision-making on mineral production, said that the department will continue its existing operations “consistent with all legal obligations and policy goals to uphold trust and treaty responsibility to tribal nations.” That line apparently failed to alleviate the concerns of the Ute Indian Tribe, which said in its letter that the order “violates the United States treaty and trust responsibilities to the Ute Indian Tribe and violates important principles of tribal sovereignty and self-determination.” “Your order was also issued in violation our government-to-government relationship, Executive Order No. 13175 on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, and Interior’s own Policy on Consultation with Tribal Governments,” Mr. Duncan said. “The Order must be withdrawn or amended to comply with Federal law and policies.”