UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact [email protected] if you have any questions about any call. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact [email protected] to join the call!	Thursday, May 11, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact [email protected] to join the call!	Thursday, April 6, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact [email protected] to join the call!	March 29, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are held on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a holiday. Contact [email protected] to join the call!	Thursday, March 30, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. [email protected] to join the call!	Thursday, April 13, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)

Click Here for ITEP’s new Tribal Environmental Management and Planning Online Courses. Sign up for a self-paced course hosted by ITEP’s Waste and Response and Tribal Air Quality programs.

ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program (AIAQTP) hosts the Building Performance: Improving IAQ in Cold Climates, Residential Building Science Review, Radon Fundamentals, Quality Assurance Fundamental, Writing a Quality Assurance Project Plan, Emissions Inventory Fundamentals, and Emissions Inventory Advanced.

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! On March 17, 2023, EPA issued draft guidance to address the Clean Air Act’s contingency measure (CM) requirement for nonattainment areas for the ozone and particulate matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

This draft guidance clarifies and explains approaches available to air agencies to meet the CM requirement, while still complying with the Clean Air Act as interpreted by the courts.

Under the draft guidance, EPA would allow more measures to be considered as possible CMs and would also change the way the recommended amount of CM reductions is calculated to account for the nonattainment area’s projected decline in emissions needed to attain the NAAQS. EPA is also clarifying that it could accept less than the recommended amount of CM reductions if an air agency sufficiently demonstrates that its nonattainment plan includes all feasible measures and there are not additional feasible measures in the area that could be held in reserve as CMs.

Once the notice is published in the Federal Register, there will be an opportunity for public comment for 30 days. Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2023- 0063, at http://www.regulations.gov.

Learn more: https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-implementation-plans/draft-contingency-measures-guidance

Interagency Wildland Fire Resource Advisor Course (N-9042)

WHEN: April 10 – June 16: Online Self-Study

May 17, 18, 23: Live Webinar Sessions (one session required)

WHAT: This introductory course provides participants with the background to serve as Resource Advisors during wildland fires. Resource Advisors work with Incident Management Teams and fireline personnel to minimize the impacts of wildland fire and fire management actions on natural, cultural, and social resources. Resource Advisors also provide critical support for the repair of fire suppression damages, identification and mitigation of threats caused by wildfires (e.g., Burned Area Emergency Response [BAER]), and long-term post-fire ecosystem recovery. This training meets the standards of the

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Resource Advisor course (N-9042).

For More Information, email [email protected] for the full flyer

REMINDER! You are invited to participate in EPA Region 10’s 2023 Smoke Management in the Northwest Conference.

When: April 18-20, 2023
- Tuesday April 18, 1:30 – 5:00 pm PT, Wednesday April 19, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm PT, Thursday April 20, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm PT
Where: Seattle, Washington in the EPA Region 10 Office and virtual via Microsoft Teams. Hotel room block information to follow.
Who: All who are interested in issues related to wildfire smoke, forest management, air quality, and public health
Cost: Free
How to register: Register via Ticketleap today!
Additional background:
EPA Region 10, along with help from private and public partners, has grown this thriving meeting for many years to address evolving needs.
Last year, the meeting was 100% virtual with over 300 people participating. Materials and recordings of last year’s sessions are available here.
The meeting is an opportunity to meet and learn from professionals on air quality, land management, community engagement, public health, academic, and a range of other wildfire smoke related issues.
There will be a mix of session formats including presentations, panel discussions, break-out sessions, and interactive exercises.

REMINDER! The Particulate Matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) reconsideration proposal has published in the Federal Register. The public comment period is open from January 27 to March 28.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/27/2023-00269/reconsideration-of-the-national-ambient-air-quality-standards-for-particulate-matter

**NTAA is currently working on a Tribal template letter for this; more info will be shared once complete**

REMINDER! Nominations for candidates to participate on the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee are open!

Currently there are 2 Tribal Representatives on the Committee, Jeremy Fincher – Sac and Fox Nation, and Elizabeth Jacobs – Akwesasne Housing Authority. Natalene Cummings – Forest County Potawatomi Community, will complete the 3rd, 2-year term that is permitted at the Spring meeting of this year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by August 2023. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice may also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. ADDRESSES: Submit nominations in writing to: Lorraine Reddick, Designated Federal Officer, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. The nomination period closes on March 30^th. Electronic and mailed applications must be received by that date.

For further information or to email nominations, include in the subject line CAAAC Membership 2023 and send to [email protected].

To talk with Natalene more about what being a member of CAAAC involves, you can reach her at 715-478-7211.

REMINDER! The Residential Wood Smoke Training Workshop April 11-13, 2023

Registration: The Residential Wood Smoke Training Workshop registration is now open, please take a moment to register. The Registration site will allow you to register for the in-person workshop or virtually. If you are likely to join in person, please register in that manner and if you end up not being able to attend in-person, then we can simply modify your status. Seating is limited so register now.

Draft Agenda, Topics & Speakers: We have very robust list of topics we will cover during the Workshop and are currently finalizing speakers, the length of each session and determining what topics will be covered on what days.

Transportation: From the Denver Airport we recommend taking a train to Denver Union Station which is ½ mile from the hotel: Take the “A-line Train” from the airport, distance is 24 miles/45 minutes and cost $10.50 – each way. Also, please include in your travel cost funds to transport yourself on Tuesday afternoon (4/11) about 10 miles from the EPA Region 8 building to and from the “Fireplace Warehouse Denver” which is our field trip destination. Options will be to share a ride with others likely via Uber, Lyft or taxi with an estimated cost of $20 – $25 per vehicle.

Meeting Location: The location of the meeting is EPA Region 8 offices, 1595 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202.

Optional Evening Networking Events: We are in the planning phase for one or two evening events where you will have the opportunity to network with your colleagues. The Alliance for Green Heat is hosting an event on Wednesday evening and will likely include dinner, dessert, and a variety of drink choices. Cost is TBD, likely around $25. More to come.

Keep in mind we have not had this Workshop in over three years and it’s hard to say when we will have another opportunity to meet in person. With the PM2.5 NAAQS possibly being lowered and the unprecedented funds available through the Inflation Reduction Act, I hope you will join us in Denver. Please share this information with others and feel free to reach out if you have questions.

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

Climate Change / Energy

EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: noncompetitive planning grants webinar for tribes, tribal consortia, and U.S. Territories webinar: https://mediaspace.nau.edu/media/EPA%E2%80%99s+Climate+Pollution+Reduction+GrantsA+noncompetitive+planning+grants+webinar+for+tribes%2C+tribal+consortia%2C+and+U.S.+Territories/1_iumhr8to

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills. The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

Regional Tribal Environmental Health Summits

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to host a series of regional summits on the topic of environmental health in Indian Country. Each summit will feature Tribal leaders, environmental health practitioners, subject matter experts, and federal partners engaging on topics relevant to each region. A total of eight summits will be held between 2022 and 2024. The goal of each summit is to connect people from different backgrounds and Tribes, communities, federal agencies, Tribal organizations and state and local entities to address various environmental health and environmental justice issues of mutual concern across all regions as well as issues specific to individual regions. The first confirmed summit is May 1 – May 2, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

Tacoma, WA (Aug 22-24). For a three-day pass for tribes to attend GTSE (travel and lodging costs not included), use conference code: DERA-TRIBES For more information, go to: https://www.gtsummitexpo.com/. Brian Trice, Executive Director for the Clean Cities Coalition, will speak more about GTSE at the next Mobile Source Workgroup Call (Thursday April 16^th). To be added to the Mobile Source Workgroup, email [email protected]

NEW! Thursday, March 30 | 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. MT

Webinar: The Office of Indian Energy will highlight its current funding opportunities and technical assistance opportunities current funding opportunities and technical assistance opportunities. Guest speakers from the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory will share information on funding available to tribes, including:

USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service and Rural Business and Cooperative Service Inflation Reduction Act Programs
Tribal Home Energy Rebates Program
Clean Energy to Communities Program
Energizing Rural Communities Prize grants and loans for renewable energy and infrastructure

REGISTER HERE: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5870271020263768919

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

REMINDER! EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues as related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
April 6, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

REMINDER! Announcing the 2023 National Air Toxics Conference April 18-20, 2023 for your consideration for attending and/or presenting!

More details are available at the website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/save-the-date-2023-national-air-toxics-conference-tickets-473488295237.

Opportunity to provide input: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs) source category (40 CFR part 60 subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). Pursuant to the EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, the Agency is initiating pre-proposal consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes to obtain input on the upcoming action to update regulatory requirements for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs). If you are interested in requesting government-to-government consultation with EPA during the pre-proposal period, please contact Regina Chappell at (919) 541-3650 or email at [email protected]. Please contact us before February 3, 2023, to request the consultation. EPA will strive to accommodate the requests as time and resources permit. Tribes may also submit OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND STANDARDS written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/

Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920, any time during the pre-proposal tribal consultation process and until June 6, 2023. If there are any questions, please email Charlene Spells at [email protected] Additional background information about the air regulations for LMWCs can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/large-municipal-waste-combustors-lmwc-new-source-performance

Indoor Air Quality

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

Available Now: An Introduction to Radon Gas in Homes Webinar Recording

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division recently hosted a webinar to provide an overview of the key basic facts of radon – what it is, what it does to us, how we measure it, how we reduce our exposure, and where to find resources and additional information. A recording of An Introduction to Radon Gas in Homes is now available online. The recorded webinar features a presentation by Bruce Snead, Director of Engineering Extension at Kansas State University, and director of the National Radon Program Services effort for EPA since 2009.

EPA: A Fact Sheet for Tribes on State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to announce the State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program Fact Sheet. This fact sheet has information on SIRG eligibility, matching requirements, allowable activities, EPA contacts, and more. EPA works collaboratively and values our Tribal partnership to support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in Tribal communities. We work together to develop tools and resources that address the health and the safety of Tribal members when it comes to indoor air quality.

Please visit the Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities or State Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program and Resources pages to learn more and download the fact sheet.

Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!

Environmental Justice

NEW! Deadlines Extended: Request for Applications and Request for Information

EPA has extended the deadline for two Request for Applications (RFAs) and one Request for Information (RFI). Deadlines have been extended on the RFAs to encourage additional applications from eligible entities and was extended for the RFI to receive more valuable input from the public on the new Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) program.

RFAs

The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program has extended the application deadline to April 14, 2023.
The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program has extended the application deadline to April 14, 2023.

RFI

The Request for Information (RFI) related to the Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) Grant Program has been extended to April 10, 2023.

In addition, the new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) Program’s RFA is open until May 31, 2023.

To learn more about Environmental Justice grants and technical assistance, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-grants-funding-and-technical-assistance.

For up-to-date information about Environmental Justice funding opportunities, events, and webinars, subscribe to EPA’s Environmental Justice listserv by sending a blank email to: [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice

Para recibir información actualizada sobre oportunidades de financiamiento de Justicia Ambiental, eventos y seminarios web, suscríbase al listserve de Justicia Ambiental de la EPA enviando un mensaje en blanco de correo electrónico a: [email protected]. Síganos en Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice.

NOW HIRING!

NEW! ITEP is HIRING!

Be sure to apply by April 17, 2023, for the position of Community Program Coordinator, Senior to help implement ITEP’s new Tribal Clean Transportation Program. Click here to learn more and to apply!

The Community Program Coordinator, Senior will be a contributing member of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals’ (ITEP) team under NAU’s Office of Native American Initiatives. Under the direction of ITEP’s program manager and in collaboration with the ITEP team, this position will assist in the design and implementation of ITEP’s Tribal Clean Transportation Program (TCTP). Funding has been secured for two years and this position will support the implementation of the TCTP. This position will help deploy technical/programmatic support for 574 federally recognized Tribes related to clean transportation through the lens of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). Questions? Email [email protected].

We are hiring a Research Associate in the Tribes and Climate Change Program!

The TCCP provides support and resources for federally recognized Tribes as they prepare for and contend with climate change impacts and transition to clean energy sources. The Environmental Education and Outreach Program works to raise the interest of Native American students in environmental careers and to assist schools in improving environmental science literacy.

The Research Associate will emphasize writing and publishing the Status of Tribes & Climate Change (STACC) report and other programmatic publications such as climate change fact sheets, literature reviews, and climate adaptation and mitigation case studies. This position will also help research and develop training curriculum and provide technical assistance for Tribes.

Apply: https://nau.edu/careers

If you think you have what it takes but don’t necessarily meet every qualification listed, please apply – you could be exactly who we are looking for!

NEW! The Fall 2023 Internship applications for the Executive Office of the President (including OSTP and other White House offices) are open and close on April 14, 2023.

All White House Internships: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/

White House OSTP Internships: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/ostp-internships/

NEW! HIRING: Join the Environmental Justice Team at EPA!

EPA is excited to announce the largest hiring effort to support environmental justice initiatives in Agency history! We are looking for talented staff dedicated to advancing equity and justice who want to join us from all around the country and support communities working to make change happen on the ground! Apply by March 27, 2023.

In these entry level positions, you will:

Serve on teams and workgroups and assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of plans and projects funded through EJ grants to support communities with environmental justice concerns.
Serve as a liaison to external stakeholders and technical assistance providers to assist in the development and delivery of much needed resources to communities and their partners such as tribes and local governments.
Manage a variety of grants, cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements for the environmental justice program.
Work on internal integration of equity and justice policies across EPA programs.

At EPA, we know our mission is stronger when our workforce looks like America. We welcome, value, and depend on a diversity of people, lived experiences, and perspectives. Learn more about diversity at EPA.

Two types of positions are open: permanent, full-time placements and term assignments funded through Inflation Reduction Act for an initial 2 years that can be extended up to 4 years total. EPA Headquarters and EPA regions are announcing for both permanent and term-limited positions. View each job description below for more details.

Headquarters (Washington, D.C. metro area)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713884100 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713887800 (term, remote opportunity)

Region 1 – Serving CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713889100 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713891600 (term)

Region 2 – Serving NJ, NY, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 8 federally recognized Indian Nations

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713892300 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713893400 (term)

Region 3 – Serving DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV and 7 federally recognized Tribes.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713894400 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713894900 (term)

Region 4 – Serving AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, and TN

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713897000 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713897500 (term)

Region 5 – Serving IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713898800 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713899300 (term)

Region 6 – Dallas (serving AR, LA, NM, OK, and TX

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713900300 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713901000 (term)

Region 7 - Serving IA, KS, MO, and NE

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713902200 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713903200 (term)

Region 8 – Serving CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713903800 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713904400 (term)

Region 9 - Serving AZ, CA, HI, NV, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713905100 (permanent)

Region 10 – Seattle (serving AK, ID, OR, WA and 271 native tribes)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713906300 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713907100 (term)

Learn more about Environmental Justice at EPA

Learn more about careers at EPA

Learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act

REMINDER! The following positions are open for the Prairie Island Indian Community

Applications can be found on their website under Employment & Opportunities http://www.prairieisland.org

Food Systems Specialist

Water Resources Specialist

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.