In late March, the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) of Auburn announced it has filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) on its January decision to approve the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ new casino project, planned for construction at the intersection of Interstate 80 and state Route 37 in Vallejo. The lawsuit states that the DOI failed to consult with other affected tribal governments before approving the project and that the approval violates multiple federal laws and regulations, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Indian Reorganization Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
Since its proposal in 2016, the casino, entertainment, and events complex has faced much apprehension from the community, and was rejected by the DOI in 2019, after which the Scotts Valley tribe sued the department. In a letter written to the DOI in 2023, California Gov. Gavin Newsom requested that the department not reconsider or move forward with the project along with another casino project planned by the Koi Nation, stating he was “concerned that these specific projects are proceeding in a manner that would sidestep the state, ignore the concerns of tribal governments and other local communities, and stretch the ‘restored lands’ exception beyond its legal limits—while failing to adequately consider whether there might be a better way.” Despite this, in early 2024, a federal judge ordered the DOI to reconsider, and in mid-January 2025, the project was approved.
“The approval of this casino is a blatant violation of federal law and sets a dangerous precedent for tribes that have followed the established rules for Indian gaming,” says John L. Williams, chairman of the UAIC, in a prepared statement. “For decades, our tribe has worked to uphold the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and prevent opportunistic gaming proposals that ignore history and harm responsible tribal governments.”
In the lawsuit, the UAIC argues the approval’s violation of several federal laws:
- Indian Gaming Regulatory Act: The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians lacks a historical connection to Vallejo.
- National Environmental Policy Act: The DOI did not create a full environmental impact statement.
- Indian Reorganization Act: The DOI failed to properly assess off-reservation land acquisition.
- Administrative Procedure Act: The decision was rushed and arbitrary.
UAIC, represented by prominent law firm Keker, Van Nest & Peters LLP, is seeking to overturn the DOI’s approval and require a more thorough, lawful review. If successful, the project could be delayed for years—or scrapped entirely.
