The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded more than $40 million in grants for environmental protection projects to Indian tribes in Arizona, California and Nevada.

"These grants will help more tribal members breathe clean air, drink safe water, and enjoy better protected lands," said Wayne Nastri, administrator for the EPA´s Southwest region.

The EPA´s funding will help develop environmental programs, build water and sewage treatment systems, and implement air pollution control, solid waste management, watershed monitoring and restoration projects, according to the EPA.

The money will be distributed to more than 150 tribes in the Southwest.