UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! EPA Tools & Resources Webinar: Community and Citizen Science: Making Your Data Count

December 15, 2021 – 3 p.m. ET | Register Here

This webinar will showcase community-oriented projects and share ideas from the workshop. Webinar topics will include: How can we design a future that maximizes the use of community and citizen science data? How do we address the barriers that limit data use today? How can EPA serve as a catalyst to build a stronger, more inclusive collaborative network with states, tribes, local government, non-governmental organizations, academia, and other organizations?

NEW! Release of the Draft Policy Assessment for the Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards

December 14, 2021 – Comment Period Ends; For more information on how to comment click here. Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0072

On October 8, 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will make available for public comment a draft document titled, Policy Assessment for Reconsideration of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter, External Review Draft (Draft PA). This draft document was prepared as a part of the current reconsideration of the 2020 final decision on the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Particulate Matter (PM). When final, the PA is intended to “bridge the gap” between the scientific and technical information assessed in the 2019 Integrated Science Assessment for Particulate Matter (2019 ISA) and Supplement to the 2019 Integrated Science Assessment for Particulate Matter (ISA Supplement) and the judgments required of the Administrator in determining whether to retain or revise the existing PM NAAQS.

EPA Announces Public Hearing on Proposal to Cut Methane and Other Pollution from the Oil and Natural Gas Industry

Register Here

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a virtual public hearing on the Agency’s proposed comprehensive new protections to sharply reduce pollution from the oil and natural gas industry – including, for the first time, methane reductions from existing sources nationwide. The proposed new Clean Air Act rule would lead to significant, cost-effective reductions in methane emissions and other health-harming air pollutants that endanger nearby communities.

Hearing information:

• December 1, 2021 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST

On June 10, 2021, the EPA Administrator announced his decision to reconsider the December 2020 final decision to retain the particulate matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The EPA released a draft Policy Assessment on October 8^th. The Policy Assessment presents a staff analysis of the scientific evidence and technical information, along with preliminary conclusions on the current PM standards, for consideration by the Administrator prior to rulemaking. This follows the September 30^th release of the draft Supplement to the Integrated Science Assessment. The draft Policy Assessment presents preliminary conclusions regarding the 24-hour and annual primary PM2.5 standards, the primary 24-hour PM10 standard, and the secondary 24-hour and annual PM2.5 and 24-hour PM10 standards. The public meeting for the panel to review the documents will be held on December 2, 2021. More detail about how to obtain information about these meetings is available here.

Don’t forget to fill out NTAA’s Air Quality Baseline Needs Assessment for Tribes by December 31, 2021! The purpose of the survey is to collect information from all 574 federally recognized Tribes to enable NTAA to comprehensively describe Tribal ambient and indoor air quality needs. This information will then be used to identify the range of Tribal air quality needs and priorities and build Tribal air quality management capacity. Your participation in this survey is voluntary and you are free to decline to answer any question you do not wish to answer. The survey will take between 15 – 20 minutes to complete. If you would like to take the survey by phone, please email Sydney Janssen at sjanssen@thhnw.org to set up a time, or call 800-717-2118, Ext. 105. If you would like to familiarize yourself with air quality funding sources and concepts mentioned in the survey, please review the glossary PDF. The deadline extended to Friday, December 31, at 5:00pm PST.

TO BEGIN THE SURVEY, CLICK HERE. (If the link does not automatically open, please cut and paste this link into your browser:  

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6420470/NTAA-Baseline-Needs-Assessment)

For a Microsoft Word version of the survey, click here. Upon completing the survey, ‘save as’ and change the document name as *YOUR_NAME_BNA* and email it to: sjanssen@thhnw.org. If you have any question or difficulty completing this form, please email Sydney.

EPA’s Community and Tribal Programs Group has been working on a webpage with publicly-facing Tribal Actions and Events calendar

This calendar includes the following information:

• Upcoming outreach activities (e.g., rulemaking webinars, trainings)
• National Tribal Council (NTC) monthly meetings,
• National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) meetings,
• Regional Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC) meetings, and
• Upcoming regulatory dates (e.g., expected rule proposal dates).

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air.

The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Tanya Abrahamian (abrahamian.tanya@epa.gov) with any feedback.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

Host Sites Needed For Summer Internship Program

Deadline is December 3rd

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.

The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a work-place and supervision for the intern.  Some internships may be virtual.  You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual projects and in-person projects.

The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in tribal communities.

Submit an application online here 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (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.  New courses have been added, so check it out!

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 

Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

Climate Change / Energy 

NEW! Virtual Workshop Tribal Community-scale Solar, Solutions for Climate & Community Resilience

Monday, December 6; 9:30am – 12:00pm | Register Here

Who (would find it useful to attend): Tribal government leaders, Tribal staff, Tribal community members, Tribal strategic partners and businesses in energy and related sectors, all those planning, managing or building solar and related systems (i.e., telecom, microgrids, energy storage systems, tribal utility authorities) on tribal lands.

NEW! Introducing EPA’s Energy Savings and Impacts Scenario Tool

Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST | Register Here

This one-hour webinar will introduce the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s new Energy Savings and Impacts Scenario Tool (ESIST) to be launched the same day. ESIST is a customizable and transparent Excel-based planning tool for analyzing the energy savings and costs from energy efficiency programs and their impacts on emissions, public health, and equity. Users can generate energy efficiency scenarios from 2010–2040 at different geographical resolutions, ranging from national- or state-level analysis to different customer sectors within specific utilities.

ESIST enables users to develop scenarios and estimate the multiple benefits of electric customer-funded energy efficiency investments–including avoided emissions, public health benefits, peak demand impacts, and energy burden reductions–and review customer demographic data.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is excited to announce an upcoming virtual listening session focused on climate change and Tribal youth. 

Information and registration for this listening session may be found on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) webpage.

This listening session is open to Tribal middle school, high school, and college students. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, priorities, and experience to help shape policies and programs that promote and advance Tribal climate resilience.

• Can’t make the live session?Submit comments online at https://www.regulations.gov and enter DOI-2021-0010 in the Search bar to find the Federal Register Notice. You may provide comments through the Federal Register Docket until it closes on Friday, December 3rd.

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online!

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

Final Air Toxics Standards for Carbon Black Production. The technology review of the standards for Carbon Black production major source and area facilities did not identify any developments that would further reduce hazardous air pollutant emissions beyond the original NESHAP. More information, including a summary fact sheet and a pre-publication version of the final rule, is available here.

Final Air Toxics Standards for Cyanide Chemicals Manufacturing

EPA is not amending the NESHAP as a part of the technology review. However, as a part of our technology review, we did identify previously unregulated emission sources and finalized changes to the NESHAP that add standards for these sources. More information is available here.

Final Air Toxics Standards for Flexible Polyurethane Foam NESHAP and RTR Final Rule

EPA identified one technology-related development that is a current industry practice. Accordingly, EPA is amending the definition of “hazardous air pollutants (HAP)-based adhesive” so that major source new and existing loop slitters are prohibited from using adhesives containing one percent or more by weight of total HAP. More information is available here.

Final Air Toxics Standards for Refractory Products Manufacturing

EPA identified one technology-related development that reflects current industry best practices. As a result, EPA is amending the work practices that are required to minimize air toxics emissions during scheduled maintenance of control devices for continuous kilns. More information is available here.

Indoor Air Quality

Outdoor Air Affects Indoor Air, Especially During Wildfires: Take

Steps to Protect Your Indoor Air Quality!

Resources

1. New Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors– also see guidance below!
2. Wildfire Smoke Employer Training Checklistsfor employee safety in OR and WA
3. Updated EPA webpage on Emergencies and Indoor Air Quality: Includes tips on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from weather-related and man-made emergencies and disasters that affect indoor environments, including Wildfires, Volcanic Eruptions, and Dust Storms, Power Outages, Hurricanes and Flooding, Extreme Heat, Snow and Ice, Earthquakes
4. Two books for Indigenous Youth on COVID-19: Our Smallest Warriors, Our Strongest Medicine, developed by Tribes and partners at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (these are really well done – order copies here)
5. New interagency hosted ed.gov website–  inventory of resources promoting healthy school environments
6. Host sites needed for tribal air quality summer internship program– The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply by 12/3/21.
7. 2021 State of Our Schools Reportfrom the 21st Century School Fund, the International WELL Building Institute, and the National Council on School Facilities released
8. Consumer warning from FDA:Consumers that use of the Max-Lux Safe-T-Lite UV WAND may expose the user or any nearby person to unsafe levels of ultraviolet-C radiation and may cause injury to the skin, eyes, or both after a few seconds of use. Consumers may use the wand to try to disinfect surfaces and kill germs in the home or similar spaces. The FDA recommends that consumers consider using safer alternative disinfection methods.

Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper

The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.

Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

• Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
• Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
• inside your house or garage
• on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
• near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

• Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
• Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC filtration. Note: Do

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

• Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

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

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

 NEW! EPA Announces Public Hearing on Proposal to Cut Methane and Other Pollution from the Oil and Natural Gas Industry

Register Here

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a virtual public hearing on the Agency’s proposed comprehensive new protections to sharply reduce pollution from the oil and natural gas industry – including, for the first time, methane reductions from existing sources nationwide. The proposed new Clean Air Act rule would lead to significant, cost-effective reductions in methane emissions and other health-harming air pollutants that endanger nearby communities.

Hearing information:

• November 30, 2021 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time.
• December 1, 20201 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time.

NEW! On June 10, 2021, the EPA Administrator announced his decision to reconsider the December 2020 final decision to retain the particulate matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The EPA released a draft Policy Assessment on October 8^th. The Policy Assessment presents a staff analysis of the scientific evidence and technical information, along with preliminary conclusions on the current PM standards, for consideration by the Administrator prior to rulemaking. This follows the September 30^th release of the draft Supplement to the Integrated Science Assessment. The draft Policy Assessment presents preliminary conclusions regarding the 24-hour and annual primary PM2.5 standards, the primary 24-hour PM10 standard, and the secondary 24-hour and annual PM2.5 and 24-hour PM10 standards. The public meeting for the panel to review the documents will be held on November 17, 18, and 19 and December 1 and 2, 2021. More detail about how to obtain information about these meetings is available here.

Don’t forget to fill out NTAA’s Air Quality Baseline Needs Assessment for Tribes by December 31, 2021! The purpose of the survey is to collect information from all 574 federally recognized Tribes to enable NTAA to comprehensively describe Tribal ambient and indoor air quality needs. This information will then be used to identify the range of Tribal air quality needs and priorities and build Tribal air quality management capacity. Your participation in this survey is voluntary and you are free to decline to answer any question you do not wish to answer. The survey will take between 15 – 20 minutes to complete. If you would like to take the survey by phone, please email Sydney Janssen at sjanssen@thhnw.org to set up a time, or call 800-717-2118, Ext. 105. If you would like to familiarize yourself with air quality funding sources and concepts mentioned in the survey, please review the glossary PDF. The deadline extended to Friday, December 31, at 5:00pm PST.

TO BEGIN THE SURVEY, CLICK HERE. (If the link does not automatically open, please cut and paste this link into your browser:  

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6420470/NTAA-Baseline-Needs-Assessment)

For a Microsoft Word version of the survey, click here. Upon completing the survey, ‘save as’ and change the document name as *YOUR_NAME_BNA* and email it to: sjanssen@thhnw.org. If you have any question or difficulty completing this form, please email Sydney.

Applications for EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards are Now Being Accepted!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases.

The five award categories are:

1. Clean Air Technology
2. Community Action
3. Education/Outreach
4. State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations
5. Transportation Efficiency Innovations.

The award application and more information are available here. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically to OAR_Clean_Air_Excellence_Awards@epa.gov.

EPA’s Community and Tribal Programs Group has been working on a webpage with publicly-facing Tribal Actions and Events calendar

This calendar includes the following information:

• Upcoming outreach activities (e.g., rulemaking webinars, trainings)
• National Tribal Council (NTC) monthly meetings,
• National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) meetings,
• Regional Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC) meetings, and
• Upcoming regulatory dates (e.g., expected rule proposal dates).

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air.

The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Tanya Abrahamian (abrahamian.tanya@epa.gov) with any feedback.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

Host Sites Needed For Summer Internship Program

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.

The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a work-place and supervision for the intern.  Some internships may be virtual.  You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual projects and in-person projects.

The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in tribal communities.

Submit an application online here  by the deadline of December 3, 2021.

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (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.  New courses have been added, so check it out!

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 

Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

Climate Change / Energy

NEW! Virtual Workshop Tribal Community-scale Solar, Solutions for Climate & Community Resilience

Monday, December 6; 9:30am – 12:00pm | Register Here

Who (would find it useful to attend): Tribal government leaders, Tribal staff, Tribal community members, Tribal strategic partners and businesses in energy and related sectors, all those planning, managing or building solar and related systems (i.e., telecom, microgrids, energy storage systems, tribal utility authorities) on tribal lands.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is excited to announce an upcoming virtual listening session focused on climate change and Tribal youth. 

Information and registration for this listening session may be found on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) webpage.

This listening session is open to Tribal middle school, high school, and college students. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, priorities, and experience to help shape policies and programs that promote and advance Tribal climate resilience.

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online!

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

 Final Air Toxics Standards for Carbon Black Production. The technology review of the standards for Carbon Black production major source and area facilities did not identify any developments that would further reduce hazardous air pollutant emissions beyond the original NESHAP. More information, including a summary fact sheet and a pre-publication version of the final rule, is available here.

Final Air Toxics Standards for Cyanide Chemicals Manufacturing

EPA is not amending the NESHAP as a part of the technology review. However, as a part of our technology review, we did identify previously unregulated emission sources and finalized changes to the NESHAP that add standards for these sources. More information is available here.

Final Air Toxics Standards for Flexible Polyurethane Foam NESHAP and RTR Final Rule

EPA identified one technology-related development that is a current industry practice. Accordingly, EPA is amending the definition of “hazardous air pollutants (HAP)-based adhesive” so that major source new and existing loop slitters are prohibited from using adhesives containing one percent or more by weight of total HAP. More information is available here.

Final Air Toxics Standards for Refractory Products Manufacturing

EPA identified one technology-related development that reflects current industry best practices. As a result, EPA is amending the work practices that are required to minimize air toxics emissions during scheduled maintenance of control devices for continuous kilns. More information is available here.

Indoor Air Quality

The EPA’s upcoming Integrated Pest Management (IPM) webinar on November 16 from 2-3:30 PM EST and is titled: “Termites: Eating You Out of House and Home”. If you are interested, feel free to sign up here.

More information about the webinar is below. Also, EPA’s IPM webinars occur monthly. Check out EPA’s website Upcoming Integrated Pest Management Webinars to register for these monthly webinars, as they are scheduled through June 2022. Take note that the IPM webinar scheduled for March 2022 is titled “Managing Bed Bugs with Limited Resources.”

Please join us for EPA’s next Indoor Air Quality Science Webinar

Using CO2 Monitoring to Manage Building Ventilation with guest speaker Andrew K. Persily, Ph.D. from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and hosted by Jordan Zambrana of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division on Wednesday, November 17 from 2-3:30 pm ET.

The measurement of indoor carbon dioxide concentrations has been used for many years to assess and control building ventilation rates, as well as to characterize indoor air quality. Over the years these applications of indoor CO₂ monitoring have been misunderstood, despite the publication of technical papers and guidance documents and the organization of conference sessions in an attempt to reduce some of the confusion. There is renewed interest in such applications of CO₂ measurement in the context of airborne infectious disease control. This presentation will review the application of indoor CO₂ monitoring to building ventilation and IAQ and discuss several issues regarding these measurements and their interpretation. Note: This presentation reflects the opinions of the guest speaker and not necessarily those of the U.S. EPA. More information on the Featured Speakers here. Space is limited so save your seat here! 

Outdoor Air Affects Indoor Air, Especially During Wildfires: Take Steps to Protect Your Indoor Air Quality!

Resources

1. New Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors– also see guidance below!
2. Wildfire Smoke Employer Training Checklistsfor employee safety in OR and WA
3. Updated EPA webpage on Emergencies and Indoor Air Quality: Includes tips on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from weather-related and man-made emergencies and disasters that affect indoor environments, including Wildfires, Volcanic Eruptions, and Dust Storms, Power Outages, Hurricanes and Flooding, Extreme Heat, Snow and Ice, Earthquakes
4. Two books for Indigenous Youth on COVID-19: Our Smallest Warriors, Our Strongest Medicine, developed by Tribes and partners at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (these are really well done – order copies here)
5. New interagency hosted ed.gov website–  inventory of resources promoting healthy school environments
6. Host sites needed for tribal air quality summer internship program– The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply by 12/3/21.
7. 2021 State of Our Schools Reportfrom the 21st Century School Fund, the International WELL Building Institute, and the National Council on School Facilities released
8. Consumer warning from FDA:Consumers that use of the Max-Lux Safe-T-Lite UV WAND may expose the user or any nearby person to unsafe levels of ultraviolet-C radiation and may cause injury to the skin, eyes, or both after a few seconds of use. Consumers may use the wand to try to disinfect surfaces and kill germs in the home or similar spaces. The FDA recommends that consumers consider using safer alternative disinfection methods.

Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper

The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.

Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

• Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
• Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
• inside your house or garage
• on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
• near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

• Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
• Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC filtration. Note: Do

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

• Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

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

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! The EPA Administrator has signed a proposed rule that will take a significant step in fighting the climate crisis and protecting public health. This proposal would sharply reduce methane and other harmful air pollution from both new and existing sources in the oil and natural gas industry. The proposal would expand and strengthen emissions reduction requirements that are currently on the books for new, modified and reconstructed oil and natural gas sources, and would require states to reduce methane emissions from hundreds of thousands of existing sources nationwide for the first time.

To help engage with stakeholders on the proposed oil and natural gas methane rule, EPA will host three half-day training events. The training will provide: background information on the oil and gas production process; an overview of the proposed rules; panel discussions with environmental justice communities, tribes, and small business stakeholders; and information on how to effectively engage in the regulatory process. This event will be open to the public; however, the targeted audiences are communities/environmental justice stakeholders, tribes, and small business stakeholders. These events will be held using Zoom, and a toll-free call-in number will be available. To learn more about this rule and the training, please click here. 

This virtual event is FREE and open to the public. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

TRAINING INFORMATION:

DATE: Tuesday, November 16, 2021 – Targeting EJ Communities and Tribes

TIME:  12:30PM – 5:00PM (Eastern time)

TOPICS:

• Background: Understanding the Oil and Gas Production Process, Climate- and Health-Impacts, and
• Overview of the Oil and Gas Proposed Rulemaking

DATE: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 – Targeting EJ Communities and Tribes

TIME: 12:30PM – 5:00PM (Eastern time)

TOPICS:

• Dialogue Among Grassroot Community Members and Tribal Nations,
• How to Participate in the Comment Period and Public Hearings, and
• Group Discussions

DATE: Thursday, November 18, 2021 – Targeting Small Business Stakeholders

TIME: 12:30PM – 6:30PM (Eastern time)

TOPICS:

• Overview of the Oil and Gas Proposed Rulemaking and the Small Business Advocacy Review Panel,
• Dialogue Among Small Businesses Stakeholders,
• How to Participate in the Comment Period and Public Hearings, and
• Group Discussions

HOW TO REGISTER: Click here to register for the upcoming training events. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.

NEW! The U.S. EPA is seeking nominations for technical experts to serve on its Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC), a federal advisory committee to the Office of Research and Development. The BOSC provides independent scientific and technical peer review, consultation, advice, and recommendations for each of its research programs.

Individuals and organizations can nominate themselves or others, respectively, by using the nomination form on the BOSC website. The nomination period is open until November 12, 2021.

• Information on the BOSC can be found at https://www.epa.gov/bosc.
• Information on ORD’s research can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-research-and-development-ord.
• Details regarding areas of expertise sought, process for submitting nominations, and selection criteria can also be found in the relevant Federal Register notice published on October 18, 2021.

Please contact the BOSC Designated Federal Officer, Tom Tracy (tracy.tom@epa.gov), with any questions or additional assistance.

Applications for EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards are Now Being Accepted!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases.

The five award categories are:

1. Clean Air Technology
2. Community Action
3. Education/Outreach
4. State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations
5. Transportation Efficiency Innovations.

The award application and more information are available here. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically to OAR_Clean_Air_Excellence_Awards@epa.gov.

EPA’s Community and Tribal Programs Group has been working on a webpage with publicly-facing Tribal Actions and Events calendar

This calendar includes the following information:

• Upcoming outreach activities (e.g., rulemaking webinars, trainings)
• National Tribal Council (NTC) monthly meetings,
• National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) meetings,
• Regional Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC) meetings, and
• Upcoming regulatory dates (e.g., expected rule proposal dates).

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air.

The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Tanya Abrahamian (abrahamian.tanya@epa.gov) with any feedback.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

Host Sites Needed For Summer Internship Program

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.

The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a work-place and supervision for the intern.  Some internships may be virtual.  You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual projects and in-person projects.

The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in tribal communities.

Submit an application online here  by the deadline of December 3, 2021.

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (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.  New courses have been added, so check it out!

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 

Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

Climate Change / Energy

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is excited to announce an upcoming virtual listening session focused on climate change and Tribal youth. 

Information and registration for this listening session may be found on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) webpage.

This listening session is open to Tribal middle school, high school, and college students. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, priorities, and experience to help shape policies and programs that promote and advance Tribal climate resilience.

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online!

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

Final Air Toxics Standards for Carbon Black Production. The technology review of the standards for Carbon Black production major source and area facilities did not identify any developments that would further reduce hazardous air pollutant emissions beyond the original NESHAP. More information, including a summary fact sheet and a pre-publication version of the final rule, is available here.

Final Air Toxics Standards for Cyanide Chemicals Manufacturing

EPA is not amending the NESHAP as a part of the technology review. However, as a part of our technology review, we did identify previously unregulated emission sources and finalized changes to the NESHAP that add standards for these sources. More information is available here.

Final Air Toxics Standards for Flexible Polyurethane Foam NESHAP and RTR Final Rule

EPA identified one technology-related development that is a current industry practice. Accordingly, EPA is amending the definition of “hazardous air pollutants (HAP)-based adhesive” so that major source new and existing loop slitters are prohibited from using adhesives containing one percent or more by weight of total HAP. More information is available here.

Final Air Toxics Standards for Refractory Products Manufacturing

EPA identified one technology-related development that reflects current industry best practices. As a result, EPA is amending the work practices that are required to minimize air toxics emissions during scheduled maintenance of control devices for continuous kilns. More information is available here.

Indoor Air Quality

The EPA’s upcoming Integrated Pest Management (IPM) webinar on November 16 from 2-3:30 PM EST and is titled: “Termites: Eating You Out of House and Home”. If you are interested, feel free to sign up here.

More information about the webinar is below. Also, EPA’s IPM webinars occur monthly. Check out EPA’s website Upcoming Integrated Pest Management Webinars to register for these monthly webinars, as they are scheduled through June 2022. Take note that the IPM webinar scheduled for March 2022 is titled “Managing Bed Bugs with Limited Resources.”

Please join us for EPA’s next Indoor Air Quality Science Webinar

Using CO2 Monitoring to Manage Building Ventilation with guest speaker Andrew K. Persily, Ph.D. from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and hosted by Jordan Zambrana of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division on Wednesday, November 17 from 2-3:30 pm ET.

         The measurement of indoor carbon dioxide concentrations has been used for many years to assess and control building ventilation rates, as well as to characterize indoor air quality. Over the years these applications of indoor CO₂ monitoring have been misunderstood, despite the publication of technical papers and guidance documents and the organization of conference sessions in an attempt to reduce some of the confusion. There is renewed interest in such applications of CO₂ measurement in the context of airborne infectious disease control. This presentation will review the application of indoor CO₂ monitoring to building ventilation and IAQ, and discuss several issues regarding these measurements and their interpretation. Note: This presentation reflects the opinions of the guest speaker and not necessarily those of the U.S. EPA.

More information on the Featured Speakers here. Space is limited so save your seat here! 

Outdoor Air Affects Indoor Air, Especially During Wildfires: Take

Steps to Protect Your Indoor Air Quality!

Resources

1. New Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors– also see guidance below!
2. Wildfire Smoke Employer Training Checklistsfor employee safety in OR and WA
3. Updated EPA webpage on Emergencies and Indoor Air Quality: Includes tips on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from weather-related and man-made emergencies and disasters that affect indoor environments, including Wildfires, Volcanic Eruptions, and Dust Storms, Power Outages, Hurricanes and Flooding, Extreme Heat, Snow and Ice, Earthquakes
4. Two books for Indigenous Youth on COVID-19: Our Smallest Warriors, Our Strongest Medicine, developed by Tribes and partners at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (these are really well done – order copies here)
5. New interagency hosted ed.gov website–  inventory of resources promoting healthy school environments
6. Host sites needed for tribal air quality summer internship program– The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply by 12/3/21.
7. 2021 State of Our Schools Reportfrom the 21st Century School Fund, the International WELL Building Institute, and the National Council on School Facilities released
8. Consumer warning from FDA:Consumers that use of the Max-Lux Safe-T-Lite UV WAND may expose the user or any nearby person to unsafe levels of ultraviolet-C radiation and may cause injury to the skin, eyes, or both after a few seconds of use. Consumers may use the wand to try to disinfect surfaces and kill germs in the home or similar spaces. The FDA recommends that consumers consider using safer alternative disinfection methods.

If You Use DIY Air Cleaners, Use Them Safely During Wildfire Smoke Events

Picture of a filter attached to a box fan to create a DIY Box Fan Filter

If portable air cleaners are not available or affordable, you may decide to use do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners as a temporary alternative to commercial air cleaners. DIY air cleaners are made by attaching a furnace filter to a box fan with tape, brackets, or a bungee cord. There may be drawbacks to using a DIY air cleaner as compared to a commercial air cleaner such as:

• Increased noise and heat generation from the fan motor.
• Limited data on how well DIY air cleaners filter smoke particles.

If you use a DIY air cleaner, it is probably most effective in a small room where you spend a significant amount of time, such as a bedroom. For better filtration, choose a high-efficiency filter, preferably rated MERV 13 or higher, and align the arrows on the filter with the direction of the air flow through the fan. Try to get a good seal between the fan and the filter.

For more information on the testing and research by EPA, visit Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors. The web page includes frequently asked questions and safety tips for using DIY air cleaners and other resources to protect public health from wildfire smoke. For more information on how to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke inside the home, visit Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.

Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper

The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.

Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

• Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
• Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
• inside your house or garage
• on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
• near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

• Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
• Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC filtration. Note: Do

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

• Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

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

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! The EPA Administrator has signed a proposed rule that will take a significant step in fighting the climate crisis and protecting public health. This proposal would sharply reduce methane and other harmful air pollution from both new and existing sources in the oil and natural gas industry. The proposal would expand and strengthen emissions reduction requirements that are currently on the books for new, modified and reconstructed oil and natural gas sources, and would require states to reduce methane emissions from hundreds of thousands of existing sources nationwide for the first time.

To help engage with stakeholders on the proposed oil and natural gas methane rule, EPA will host three half-day training events. The training will provide: background information on the oil and gas production process; an overview of the proposed rules; panel discussions with environmental justice communities, tribes, and small business stakeholders; and information on how to effectively engage in the regulatory process. This event will be open to the public; however, the targeted audiences are communities/environmental justice stakeholders, tribes, and small business stakeholders. These events will be held using Zoom, and a toll-free call-in number will be available. To learn more about this rule and the training, please click here.

This virtual event is FREE and open to the public. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TRAINING INFORMATION:

DATE: Tuesday, November 16, 2021 – Targeting EJ Communities and Tribes TIME: 12:30PM – 5:00PM (Eastern time)

TOPICS:

• Background: Understanding the Oil and Gas Production Process, Climate- and Health-Impacts, and
• Overview of the Oil and Gas Proposed Rulemaking

DATE: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 – Targeting EJ Communities and Tribes TIME: 12:30PM – 5:00PM (Eastern time)

TOPICS:

• Dialogue Among Grassroot Community Members and Tribal Nations,
• How to Participate in the Comment Period and Public Hearings, and
• Group Discussions

DATE: Thursday, November 18, 2021 – Targeting Small Business Stakeholders TIME: 12:30PM – 6:30PM (Eastern time)

TOPICS:

• Overview of the Oil and Gas Proposed Rulemaking and the Small Business Advocacy Review Panel,
• Dialogue Among Small Businesses Stakeholders,
• How to Participate in the Comment Period and Public Hearings, and
• Group Discussions

HOW TO REGISTER: Click here to register for the upcoming training events. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.

NEW! The U.S. EPA is seeking nominations for technical experts to serve on its Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC), a federal advisory committee to the Office of Research and Development. The BOSC provides independent scientific and technical peer review, consultation, advice, and recommendations for each of its research programs.

Individuals and organizations can nominate themselves or others, respectively, by using the nomination form on the BOSC website. The nomination period is open until November 12, 2021.

• Information on the BOSC can be found at https://www.epa.gov/bosc.
• Information on ORD’s research can be found

at: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-research-and-development-ord.

• Details regarding areas of expertise sought, process for submitting nominations, and selection criteria can also be found in the relevant Federal Register notice published on October 18, 2021.

Please contact the BOSC Designated Federal Officer, Tom Tracy (tracy.tom@epa.gov), with any questions or additional assistance.

Applications for EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards are Now Being Accepted! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases.

The five award categories are:

1. Clean Air Technology
2. Community Action
3. Education/Outreach
4. State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations
5. Transportation Efficiency

The award application and more information are available here. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically to OAR_Clean_Air_Excellence_Awards@epa.gov.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

The Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center is announcing a call for nominations for an open position on the TAMS Steering Committee.

This position will complete a term that was recently vacated. This term will

end in September 2024. The Nomination Form can be found on the TAMS website link below. The deadline to submit a nomination is November 1., 2021. Please contact the TAMS Center ITEP Program Manager or EPA Codirector for any questions. Click here for more information!

Host Sites Needed For Summer Internship Program

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.

The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a work-place and supervision for the intern. Some internships may be virtual. You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual projects and in-person projects.

The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in tribal communities. Submit an application online here by the deadline of December 3, 2021.

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call!

*Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (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. New courses have been added, so check it out!

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 Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

Climate Change / Energy

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is excited to announce an upcoming virtual listening session focused on climate change and Tribal youth.

Information and registration for this listening session may be found on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) webpage.

This listening session is open to Tribal middle school, high school, and college students. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, priorities, and experience to help shape policies and programs that promote and advance Tribal climate resilience.

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online! Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! Final Air Toxics Standards for Carbon Black Production

Nov. 1, 2021. The technology review of the standards for Carbon Black production major source and area facilities did not identify any developments that would further reduce hazardous air pollutant emissions beyond the original NESHAP. More information, including a summary fact sheet and a pre-publication version of the final rule, is available here.

NEW! Final Air Toxics Standards for Cyanide Chemicals Manufacturing

Nov. 1, 2021. EPA is not amending the NESHAP as a part of the technology review. However, as a part of our technology review, we did identify previously unregulated emission sources and finalized changes to the NESHAP that add standards for these sources. More information is available here.

NEW! Final Air Toxics Standards for Flexible Polyurethane Foam NESHAP and RTR Final Rule

Oct. 29, 2021. EPA identified one technology-related development that is a current industry practice. Accordingly, EPA is amending the definition of “hazardous air pollutants (HAP)-based adhesive” so that major source new and existing loop slitters are prohibited from using adhesives containing one percent or more by weight of total HAP. More information is available here.

NEW! Final Air Toxics Standards for Refractory Products Manufacturing

Oct. 29, 2021. EPA identified one technology-related development that reflects current industry best practices. As a result, EPA is amending the work practices that are required to minimize air toxics emissions during scheduled maintenance of control devices for continuous kilns. More information is available here.

EPA’s 2021 School Bus Rebates Applications Being Accepted Two Separate School Bus Rebate Programs Deadline to Apply – November 5 (4:00 p.m. ET).

EPA is excited to announce two funding opportunities for school bus fleets that serve public schools: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates,

and the 2021 DERA School Bus Rebate Program. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is accepting applications nationwide for rebates to assist in replacing older, dirtier diesel school buses with new school buses. Please take a look at the descriptions below to learn more about each opportunity and visit the new 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website for a table showing the differences between the two rebate programs. 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates for Underserved School Districts

The newest program is the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates. This $7 million program exclusively funds the replacement of old diesel school buses with new electric school buses for underserved school districts, tribal schools, and private fleets serving those schools. A list of eligible school districts is available on the 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website. Please check the list to see if you qualify for this new funding opportunity. This new program will offer $300,000 per bus for up to four electric school bus replacements for eligible applicants selected in a lottery process.

The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in October 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

• October 28, 2021: EPA releases report highlighting manufacturers’ compliance with 2011 heavy-duty greenhouse gas emissions standards.
• October 27, 2021: EPA recognizes 72 companies with a 2021 SmartWay Excellence Award for exceptional environmental performance among EPA SmartWay partners.

Indoor Air Quality

Please join us for EPA’s next Indoor Air Quality Science Webinar Using CO2 Monitoring to Manage Building Ventilation with guest speaker Andrew Persily, Ph.D. from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and hosted by Jordan Zambrana of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division on Wednesday, November 17 from 2-3:30 pm ET.

The measurement of indoor carbon dioxide concentrations has been used for many years to assess and control building ventilation rates, as well as to characterize indoor air quality. Over the years these applications of indoor CO₂ monitoring have been misunderstood, despite the publication of technical papers and guidance documents and the organization of conference sessions in an attempt to reduce some of the confusion.

There is renewed interest in such applications of CO₂ measurement in the context of airborne infectious disease control. This presentation will review the application of indoor CO₂ monitoring to building ventilation and IAQ, and discuss several issues regarding these measurements and their interpretation. Note: This presentation reflects the opinions of the guest speaker and not necessarily those of the U.S. EPA.

More information on the Featured Speakers here. Space is limited so save your seat here!

Outdoor Air Affects Indoor Air, Especially During Wildfires: Take Steps to Protect Your Indoor Air Quality!

Resources

1. New Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors – also see guidance below!
2. Wildfire Smoke Employer Training Checklists for employee safety in OR and WA
3. Updated EPA webpage on Emergencies and Indoor Air Quality: Includes tips on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from weather-related and man- made emergencies and disasters that affect indoor environments, including Wildfires, Volcanic Eruptions, and Dust Storms, Power Outages, Hurricanes and Flooding, Extreme Heat, Snow and Ice, Earthquakes
4. Two books for Indigenous Youth on COVID-19: Our Smallest Warriors, Our Strongest Medicine, developed by Tribes and partners at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (these are really well done – order copies here)
5. New interagency hosted ed.gov website – inventory of resources promoting healthy school environments
6. Host sites needed for tribal air quality summer internship program – The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply by 12/3/21
7. 2021 State of Our Schools Report from the 21st Century School Fund, the International WELL Building Institute, and the National Council on School Facilities released
8. Consumer warning from FDA: Consumers that use of the Max-Lux Safe-T- Lite UV WAND may expose the user or any nearby person to unsafe levels of ultraviolet-C radiation and may cause injury to the skin, eyes, or both after a few seconds of use. Consumers may use the wand to try to disinfect surfaces and kill germs in the home or similar spaces. The FDA recommends that consumers consider using safer alternative disinfection

If You Use DIY Air Cleaners, Use Them Safely During Wildfire Smoke Events

Picture of a filter attached to a box fan to create a DIY Box Fan Filter

If portable air cleaners are not available or affordable, you may decide to use do-it- yourself (DIY) air cleaners as a temporary alternative to commercial air cleaners. DIY air cleaners are made by attaching a furnace filter to a box fan with tape, brackets, or a bungee cord. There may be drawbacks to using a DIY air cleaner as compared to a commercial air cleaner such as:

• Increased noise and heat generation from the fan
• Limited data on how well DIY air cleaners filter smoke

If you use a DIY air cleaner, it is probably most effective in a small room where you spend a significant amount of time, such as a bedroom. For better filtration, choose a high-efficiency filter, preferably rated MERV 13 or higher, and align the arrows on the filter with the direction of the air flow through the fan. Try to get a good seal between the fan and the filter.

For more information on the testing and research by EPA, visit Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors. The web page includes frequently asked questions and safety tips for using DIY air cleaners and other resources to protect public health from wildfire smoke. For more information on how to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke inside the home, visit Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.

Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper

The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.

Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

• Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
• Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
  • inside your house or garage
  • on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
  • near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The

U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

• Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
• Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC Note: Do

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

• Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social

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

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

 Southern NM & Western U.S. Dust Symposium

October 25 – 27 | Register Here

The purpose of this symposium is to ultimately answer one question: “Are opportunities to apply dust research being missed?” Federal, state, and local agencies create policies for clean and healthy air, which benefit from both national and international research. However, difficulties arise in translating research results into policy. This symposium will attempt to bridge the gap between research and applications into policymaking that results in tangible public benefits. Topics on the agenda include dust and PM10 mitigation issues in Southern New Mexico and beyond; dust impacts on environmental quality, transportation safety, and public health; and the state of-the-science in airborne dust research. This symposium focuses on windblown dust in the southwestern U.S. and North America, but with a global context. Contact Armando Paz (Armando.Paz@state.nm.us) and William Sprigg (wsprigg@arizona.edu) for questions.

Applications for EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards are Now Being Accepted!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases.

The five award categories are:

1. Clean Air Technology
2. Community Action
3. Education/Outreach
4. State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations
5. Transportation Efficiency Innovations.

The award application and more information are available here. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically to OAR_Clean_Air_Excellence_Awards@epa.gov.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

The Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center is announcing a call for nominations for an open position on the TAMS Steering Committee. 

This position will complete a term that was recently vacated. This term will end in September 2024.  The Nomination Form can be found on the TAMS website link below.  The deadline to submit a nomination is November 1., 2021. Please contact the TAMS Center ITEP Program Manager or EPA Codirector for any questions. Click here for more information!

Host Sites Needed For Summer Internship Program

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.

The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a work-place and supervision for the intern.  Some internships may be virtual.  You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual projects and in-person projects.

The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in tribal communities.

Submit an application online here 

Deadline: Apply by December 3, 2021

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (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.  New courses have been added, so check it out!

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 

Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

Climate Change / Energy

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is excited to announce an upcoming virtual listening session focused on climate change and Tribal youth. 

Information and registration for this listening session may be found on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) webpage.

This listening session is open to Tribal middle school, high school, and college students. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, priorities, and experience to help shape policies and programs that promote and advance Tribal climate resilience.

2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Energy Projects and Workforce Development: A Win-Win Opportunity: October 27

Energy projects are often labor-intensive during construction—and once they are complete, local capability is needed to operate and maintain those energy systems. Tribes who develop a local workforce in conjunction with developing projects can realize improved project economics while creating local jobs and skilled labor.

This webinar will explore this win-win opportunity. Register now.

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online!

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

FDA has a stop use recommendation list of the products. We will also share it with schools so they can choose a safe sanitizer.

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-consumers-should-not-use

EPA’s 2021 School Bus Rebates Applications Being Accepted Two Separate School Bus Rebate Programs Deadline to Apply – November 5 (4:00 p.m. ET). 

EPA is excited to announce two funding opportunities for school bus fleets that serve public schools: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 DERA School Bus Rebate Program. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is accepting applications nationwide for rebates to assist in replacing older, dirtier diesel school buses with new school buses. Please take a look at the descriptions below to learn more about each opportunity and visit the new 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website for a table showing the differences between the two rebate programs. 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates for Underserved School Districts

The newest program is the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates. This $7 million program exclusively funds the replacement of old diesel school buses with new electric school buses for underserved school districts, tribal schools, and private fleets serving those schools. A list of eligible school districts is available on the 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website. Please check the list to see if you qualify for this new funding opportunity. This new program will offer $300,000 per bus for up to four electric school bus replacements for eligible applicants selected in a lottery process.

The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in September 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

• September 29, 2021: EPA Opens Two Rebate Programs: The 2021 DERA School Bus Rebates, and the new 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebateswith applications due by November 5.
• September 23, 2021: EPA Releases Travel Efficiency User Guide to evaluate the potential of on-road travel efficiency strategies to change travel behavior and reduce criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions.
• September 15, 2021: EPA Releases Case Study on Air Pollution Reductions for the New York/New Jersey Harbor Deepening Project.

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! Outdoor Air Affects Indoor Air, Especially During Wildfires: Take

Steps to Protect Your Indoor Air Quality!

Resources

1. New Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors– also see guidance below!
2. Wildfire Smoke Employer Training Checklistsfor employee safety in OR and WA
3. Updated EPA webpage on Emergencies and Indoor Air Quality: Includes tips on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from weather-related and man-made emergencies and disasters that affect indoor environments, including Wildfires, Volcanic Eruptions, and Dust Storms, Power Outages, Hurricanes and Flooding, Extreme Heat, Snow and Ice, Earthquakes
4. Two books for Indigenous Youth on COVID-19: Our Smallest Warriors, Our Strongest Medicine, developed by Tribes and partners at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (these are really well done – order copies here)
5. New interagency hosted ed.gov website–  inventory of resources promoting healthy school environments
6. Host sites needed for tribal air quality summer internship program– The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply by 12/3/21.
7. 2021 State of Our Schools Reportfrom the 21st Century School Fund, the International WELL Building Institute, and the National Council on School Facilities released
8. Consumer warning from FDA:Consumers that use of the Max-Lux Safe-T-Lite UV WAND may expose the user or any nearby person to unsafe levels of ultraviolet-C radiation and may cause injury to the skin, eyes, or both after a few seconds of use. Consumers may use the wand to try to disinfect surfaces and kill germs in the home or similar spaces. The FDA recommends that consumers consider using safer alternative disinfection methods.

If You Use DIY Air Cleaners, Use Them Safely During Wildfire Smoke Events

Picture of a filter attached to a box fan to create a DIY Box Fan Filter

If portable air cleaners are not available or affordable, you may decide to use do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners as a temporary alternative to commercial air cleaners. DIY air cleaners are made by attaching a furnace filter to a box fan with tape, brackets, or a bungee cord. There may be drawbacks to using a DIY air cleaner as compared to a commercial air cleaner such as:

• Increased noise and heat generation from the fan motor.
• Limited data on how well DIY air cleaners filter smoke particles.

If you use a DIY air cleaner, it is probably most effective in a small room where you spend a significant amount of time, such as a bedroom. For better filtration, choose a high-efficiency filter, preferably rated MERV 13 or higher, and align the arrows on the filter with the direction of the air flow through the fan. Try to get a good seal between the fan and the filter.

For more information on the testing and research by EPA, visit Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors.  The web page includes frequently asked questions and safety tips for using DIY air cleaners and other resources to protect public health from wildfire smoke.

For more information on how to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke inside the home, visit Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.

Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper

The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.

Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

• Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
• Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
• inside your house or garage
• on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
• near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

• Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
• Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC filtration. Note: Do

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

• Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality

This summer, wildfires have spread across the U.S. creating devastation and dangerous smoke events affecting millions of American lives. If you are in need of immediate wildfire guidance, see EPA’s wildfire webpage for more resources.

Smoke from wildfires can adversely affect indoor air quality and put people’s health at risk from exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants. Read on to learn more about:

• How Indoor airPLUS Homes Protect Against the Harmful Effects of Wildfire Smoke
• Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke Inside the Home
• Additional Resources

How Indoor airPLUS Homes Help Reduce the Occurrence of Asthma Triggers in the Home. Here are ways an Indoor airPLUS home can help reduce asthma triggers in the home.

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

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! Soil Science in First Nations Land Management with Dr. Melissa Arcand (Muskeg Lake Cree), Associate Professor in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan

October 18; 3 – 4pm MST

Please join for Native Voices in STEM seminar series co-hosted by Indige-FEWSS, Department of Environmental Science and Sloan Indigenous Graduate Partnership. Dr. Melissa Arcand (Muskeg Lake Cree), Associate Professor in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan. Seminar link and seminar recording will be posted here.

NEW! Southern NM & Western U.S. Dust Symposium

October 25 – 27 | Register Here

The purpose of this symposium is to ultimately answer one question: “Are opportunities to apply dust research being missed?” Federal, state, and local agencies create policies for clean and healthy air, which benefit from both national and international research. However, difficulties arise in translating research results into policy. This symposium will attempt to bridge the gap between research and applications into policymaking that results in tangible public benefits. Topics on the agenda include dust and PM10 mitigation issues in Southern New Mexico and beyond; dust impacts on environmental quality, transportation safety, and public health; and the state of-the-science in airborne dust research. This symposium focuses on windblown dust in the southwestern U.S. and North America, but with a global context. Contact Armando Paz (Armando.Paz@state.nm.us) and William Sprigg (wsprigg@arizona.edu) for questions.

Applications for EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards are Now Being Accepted!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases.

The five award categories are:

1. Clean Air Technology
2. Community Action
3. Education/Outreach
4. State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations
5. Transportation Efficiency Innovations.

The award application and more information are available here. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically to OAR_Clean_Air_Excellence_Awards@epa.gov.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

The Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center is announcing a call for nominations for an open position on the TAMS Steering Committee. 

This position will complete a term that was recently vacated. This term will end in September 2024.  The Nomination Form can be found on the TAMS website link below.  The deadline to submit a nomination is November 1., 2021. Please contact the TAMS Center ITEP Program Manager or EPA Codirector for any questions. Click here for more information!

Host Sites Needed For Summer Internship Program

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.

The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a work-place and supervision for the intern.  Some internships may be virtual.  You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual projects and in-person projects.

The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in tribal communities.

Submit an application online here 

Deadline: Apply by December 3, 2021

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (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.  New courses have been added, so check it out!

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 

Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

Climate Change / Energy

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is excited to announce an upcoming virtual listening session focused on climate change and Tribal youth. 

Information and registration for this listening session may be found on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) webpage.

This listening session is open to Tribal middle school, high school, and college students. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, priorities, and experience to help shape policies and programs that promote and advance Tribal climate resilience.

Tribal Community-scale Solar Solutions for Climate & Community Resilience

Monday, October 18; 9:30 – Noon | RSVP by sending an email to jganion@bluelakerancheria-nsn.gov

Who (would find it useful to attend):  Tribal government leaders, Tribal staff, Tribal community members, Tribal businesses in energy, all those managing or building solar and related systems (i.e., telecom, microgrids, tribal utility authorities) on tribal lands.

Why: For tribal nations seeking to build – or expand – solar energy development within their nations at the community, facility, and/or residential scale, join this lively dialogue-based workshop with experts and practitioners and opportunities for one-on-one follow-up consulting.

2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Energy Projects and Workforce Development: A Win-Win Opportunity: October 27

Energy projects are often labor-intensive during construction—and once they are complete, local capability is needed to operate and maintain those energy systems. Tribes who develop a local workforce in conjunction with developing projects can realize improved project economics while creating local jobs and skilled labor.

This webinar will explore this win-win opportunity. Register now.

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online!

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

 FDA has a stop use recommendation list of the products. We will also share it with schools so they can choose a safe sanitizer.

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-consumers-should-not-use

EPA’s 2021 School Bus Rebates Applications Being Accepted Two Separate School Bus Rebate Programs Deadline to Apply – November 5 (4:00 p.m. ET). 

EPA is excited to announce two funding opportunities for school bus fleets that serve public schools: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 DERA School Bus Rebate Program. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is accepting applications nationwide for rebates to assist in replacing older, dirtier diesel school buses with new school buses. Please take a look at the descriptions below to learn more about each opportunity and visit the new 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website for a table showing the differences between the two rebate programs. 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates for Underserved School Districts

The newest program is the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates. This $7 million program exclusively funds the replacement of old diesel school buses with new electric school buses for underserved school districts, tribal schools, and private fleets serving those schools. A list of eligible school districts is available on the 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website. Please check the list to see if you qualify for this new funding opportunity. This new program will offer $300,000 per bus for up to four electric school bus replacements for eligible applicants selected in a lottery process.

The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in September 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

• September 29, 2021: EPA Opens Two Rebate Programs: The 2021 DERA School Bus Rebates, and the new 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebateswith applications due by November 5.
• September 23, 2021: EPA Releases Travel Efficiency User Guide to evaluate the potential of on-road travel efficiency strategies to change travel behavior and reduce criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions.
• September 15, 2021: EPA Releases Case Study on Air Pollution Reductions for the New York/New Jersey Harbor Deepening Project.

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! Learning Opportunities:

1. 10/20 10 am PT:  EPA National Public Webinar– Federal Interagency Committee on Indoor Air Quality Meeting
2. 10/21 10 am PT: EPA Webinar– Ventilation and COVID-19 in Schools: Using a Framework to Assess, Prioritize, and Plan for HVAC Upgrades and IAQ Improvements
3. 10/25 8 am PT:  Lead Safety Webinar – Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule– Overview for Contractors, Renovation Firms, Painters, others
4. 10/26 11 am PT: Virtual Event:Cleaner Indoor Air During Wildfires Challenge. Winners will share this EPA challenge will share their innovative ideas for low-cost solutions that quietly and safely reduce indoor fine particulate matter (PM₅) during periods when outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations are high.

Resources

1. New Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors– also see guidance below!
2. Wildfire Smoke Employer Training Checklistsfor employee safety in OR and WA
3. Updated EPA webpage on Emergencies and Indoor Air Quality: Includes tips on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from weather-related and man-made emergencies and disasters that affect indoor environments, including Wildfires, Volcanic Eruptions, and Dust Storms, Power Outages, Hurricanes and Flooding, Extreme Heat, Snow and Ice, Earthquakes
4. Two books for Indigenous Youth on COVID-19: Our Smallest Warriors, Our Strongest Medicine, developed by Tribes and partners at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (these are really well done – order copies here)
5. New interagency hosted ed.gov website–  inventory of resources promoting healthy school environments
6. Host sites needed for tribal air quality summer internship program– The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply by 12/3/21.
7. 2021 State of Our Schools Reportfrom the 21st Century School Fund, the International WELL Building Institute, and the National Council on School Facilities released
8. Consumer warning from FDA:Consumers that use of the Max-Lux Safe-T-Lite UV WAND may expose the user or any nearby person to unsafe levels of ultraviolet-C radiation and may cause injury to the skin, eyes, or both after a few seconds of use. Consumers may use the wand to try to disinfect surfaces and kill germs in the home or similar spaces. The FDA recommends that consumers consider using safer alternative disinfection methods.

If You Use DIY Air Cleaners, Use Them Safely During Wildfire Smoke Events

Picture of a filter attached to a box fan to create a DIY Box Fan Fliter

If portable air cleaners are not available or affordable, you may decide to use do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners as a temporary alternative to commercial air cleaners. DIY air cleaners are made by attaching a furnace filter to a box fan with tape, brackets, or a bungee cord. There may be drawbacks to using a DIY air cleaner as compared to a commercial air cleaner such as:

• Increased noise and heat generation from the fan motor.
• Limited data on how well DIY air cleaners filter smoke particles.

If you use a DIY air cleaner, it is probably most effective in a small room where you spend a significant amount of time, such as a bedroom. For better filtration, choose a high-efficiency filter, preferably rated MERV 13 or higher, and align the arrows on the filter with the direction of the air flow through the fan. Try to get a good seal between the fan and the filter.

For more information on the testing and research by EPA, visit Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors.  The web page includes frequently asked questions and safety tips for using DIY air cleaners and other resources to protect public health from wildfire smoke.

For more information on how to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke inside the home, visit Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.

Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper

The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.

Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

• Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
• Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
• inside your house or garage
• on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
• near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

• Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
• Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC filtration. Note: Do

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

• Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality

This summer, wildfires have spread across the U.S. creating devastation and dangerous smoke events affecting millions of American lives. If you are in need of immediate wildfire guidance, see EPA’s wildfire webpage for more resources.

Smoke from wildfires can adversely affect indoor air quality and put people’s health at risk from exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants. Read on to learn more about:

• How Indoor airPLUS Homes Protect Against the Harmful Effects of Wildfire Smoke
• Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke Inside the Home
• Additional Resources

How Indoor airPLUS Homes Help Reduce the Occurrence of Asthma Triggers in the Home. Here are ways an Indoor airPLUS home can help reduce asthma triggers in the home.

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

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

 Join the White Mesa Concerned Community and partners for a virtual conference to learn more and take action to protect the Ute community from toxic and radioactive waste at the White Mesa Mill in southeastern Utah, a mile from #BearsEars National Monument.

• Thursday, October 7 at 5 p.m. MDT: Traditional Knowledge and Protecting Cultural Landscapes
• Friday, October 8 at 10:30 a.m. MDT: The Struggle to Protect Current and Future Generations from the White Mesa Uranium Mill
• Friday, October 8 at 1 p.m. MDT: Indigenous Communities Impacted by Uranium in the U.S.

Visit www.grandcanyontrust.org/environmental-justice-white-mesa-online-conference for more information and Zoom link to join.

You are invited for Part 3 of the INHABITANTS screening & webinar series, featuring Ervin Carlson from the Blackfeet Nation to learn about the history and resilience of the Blackfeet buffalo restoration program. For more information and to register, visit the INHABITANTS website: https://www.inhabitantsfilm.com/

Applications for EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards are Now Being Accepted!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases.

The five award categories are:

1. Clean Air Technology
2. Community Action
3. Education/Outreach
4. State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations
5. Transportation Efficiency Innovations.

The award application and more information are available here. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically to OAR_Clean_Air_Excellence_Awards@epa.gov.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

The Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center is announcing a call for nominations for an open position on the TAMS Steering Committee. 

This position will complete a term that was recently vacated. This term will end in September 2024.  The Nomination Form can be found on the TAMS website link below.  The deadline to submit a nomination is November 1., 2021. Please contact the TAMS Center ITEP Program Manager or EPA Codirector for any questions. Click here for more information!

Host Sites Needed For Summer Internship Program

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.

The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a work-place and supervision for the intern.  Some internships may be virtual.  You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual projects and in-person projects.

The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in tribal communities.

Submit an application online here 

Deadline: Apply by December 3, 2021

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (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.  New courses have been added, so check it out!

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 

Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

Climate Change / Energy 

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is excited to announce an upcoming virtual listening session focused on climate change and Tribal youth. 

Information and registration for this listening session may be found on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) webpage.

This listening session is open to Tribal middle school, high school, and college students. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, priorities, and experience to help shape policies and programs that promote and advance Tribal climate resilience.

Tribal Community-scale Solar Solutions for Climate & Community Resilience

Monday, October 18; 9:30 – Noon | RSVP by sending an email to jganion@bluelakerancheria-nsn.gov

Who (would find it useful to attend):  Tribal government leaders, Tribal staff, Tribal community members, Tribal businesses in energy, all those managing or building solar and related systems (i.e., telecom, microgrids, tribal utility authorities) on tribal lands.

Why: For tribal nations seeking to build – or expand – solar energy development within their nations at the community, facility, and/or residential scale, join this lively dialogue-based workshop with experts and practitioners and opportunities for one-on-one follow-up consulting.

2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Energy Projects and Workforce Development: A Win-Win Opportunity: October 27

Energy projects are often labor-intensive during construction—and once they are complete, local capability is needed to operate and maintain those energy systems. Tribes who develop a local workforce in conjunction with developing projects can realize improved project economics while creating local jobs and skilled labor.

This webinar will explore this win-win opportunity. Register now.

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online!

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

 EPA’s 2021 School Bus Rebates Applications Being Accepted Two Separate School Bus Rebate Programs Deadline to Apply – November 5 (4:00 p.m. ET). 

EPA is excited to announce two funding opportunities for school bus fleets that serve public schools: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 DERA School Bus Rebate Program. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is accepting applications nationwide for rebates to assist in replacing older, dirtier diesel school buses with new school buses. Please take a look at the descriptions below to learn more about each opportunity and visit the new 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website for a table showing the differences between the two rebate programs. 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates for Underserved School Districts

The newest program is the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates. This $7 million program exclusively funds the replacement of old diesel school buses with new electric school buses for underserved school districts, tribal schools, and private fleets serving those schools. A list of eligible school districts is available on the 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website. Please check the list to see if you qualify for this new funding opportunity. This new program will offer $300,000 per bus for up to four electric school bus replacements for eligible applicants selected in a lottery process.

Virtual National Radon Training Event

October 11 – 13, 2021 | Register Here

Building Technical Capacity (BTC) will not be offered for virtual training.

The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) will still have their symposium in person. We will join them virtually on the joint day. To register, view the agenda, and find more information please visit our Radon Training Event Program Website

Due to COVID related travel restrictions, we will not be meeting in Bethesda, MD. Our radon training is now completely virtual.

The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in September 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

• September 29, 2021: EPA Opens Two Rebate Programs: The 2021 DERA School Bus Rebates, and the new 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebateswith applications due by November 5.
• September 23, 2021: EPA Releases Travel Efficiency User Guide to evaluate the potential of on-road travel efficiency strategies to change travel behavior and reduce criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions.
• September 15, 2021: EPA Releases Case Study on Air Pollution Reductions for the New York/New Jersey Harbor Deepening Project.

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! If You Use DIY Air Cleaners, Use Them Safely During Wildfire Smoke Events

If portable air cleaners are not available or affordable, you may decide to use do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners as a temporary alternative to commercial air cleaners. DIY air cleaners are made by attaching a furnace filter to a box fan with tape, brackets, or a bungee cord. There may be drawbacks to using a DIY air cleaner as compared to a commercial air cleaner such as:

• Increased noise and heat generation from the fan motor.
• Limited data on how well DIY air cleaners filter smoke particles.

If you use a DIY air cleaner, it is probably most effective in a small room where you spend a significant amount of time, such as a bedroom. For better filtration, choose a high-efficiency filter, preferably rated MERV 13 or higher, and align the arrows on the filter with the direction of the air flow through the fan. Try to get a good seal between the fan and the filter.

For more information on the testing and research by EPA, visit Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors.  The web page includes frequently asked questions and safety tips for using DIY air cleaners and other resources to protect public health from wildfire smoke.

For more information on how to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke inside the home, visit Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.

U.S EPA is hosting a webinar on Ventilation and COVID-19 in Schools: Using a Framework to Assess, Prioritize and Plan for HVAC Upgrades and IAQ Improvements on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 10 am – 11:30 AM MST.

Learn about proven strategies your school can put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) for students and staff! Putting strategies in place to ensure adequate ventilation and filtration in school buildings – such as increasing ventilation rate, increasing HVAC filter efficiency, and supplementing with portable air cleaners – is critical for providing healthy indoor air to students and staff. Register for the webinar here!

Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper

The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.

Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

• Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
• Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
• inside your house or garage
• on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
• near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

• Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
• Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC filtration. Note: Do

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

• Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality

This summer, wildfires have spread across the U.S. creating devastation and dangerous smoke events affecting millions of American lives. If you are in need of immediate wildfire guidance, see EPA’s wildfire webpage for more resources.

Smoke from wildfires can adversely affect indoor air quality and put people’s health at risk from exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants. Read on to learn more about:

• How Indoor airPLUS Homes Protect Against the Harmful Effects of Wildfire Smoke
• Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke Inside the Home
• Additional Resources

How Indoor airPLUS Homes Help Reduce the Occurrence of Asthma Triggers in the Home

Here are ways an Indoor airPLUS home can help reduce asthma triggers in the home.

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

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

Join the White Mesa Concerned Community and partners for a virtual conference to learn more and take action to protect the Ute community from toxic and radioactive waste at the White Mesa Mill in southeastern Utah, a mile from #BearsEars National Monument.

         Thursday, October 7 at 5 p.m. MDT: Traditional Knowledge and Protecting Cultural Landscapes

Friday, October 8 at 10:30 a.m. MDT: The Struggle to Protect Current and Future Generations from the White Mesa Uranium Mill

Friday, October 8 at 1 p.m. MDT: Indigenous Communities Impacted by Uranium in the U.S.

Visit www.grandcanyontrust.org/environmental-justice-white-mesa-online-conference for more information and Zoom link to join.

You are invited for Part 3 of the INHABITANTS screening & webinar series, featuring Ervin Carlson from the Blackfeet Nation to learn about the history and resilience of the Blackfeet buffalo restoration program. For more information and to register, visit the INHABITANTS website: https://www.inhabitantsfilm.com/

Applications for EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards are Now Being Accepted!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases.

The five award categories are:

1. Clean Air Technology
2. Community Action
3. Education/Outreach
4. State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations
5. Transportation Efficiency Innovations.

The award application and more information are available here. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically to OAR_Clean_Air_Excellence_Awards@epa.gov.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

AQSync: Calibration Station for Sensor-Based Mobile Monitoring

October 6; 10:00am – 10:30am PT | Register Here

With the explosion of sensor use for air monitoring, the eternal question on everyone’s mind is “what about calibration”? Sensor calibration can pose a

daunting task for communities without access to a regulatory site. In this webinar we introduce the new AQSync by 2B Technologies. The AQSync represents an exciting evolution in air monitoring by combining miniaturized FEM and near- FEM instruments in a weatherproof enclosure. In this webinar we will explore some of the current applications of the AQSync, including drive-by calibrations of mobile sensors. Lastly, we will share information on the effort underway to use AQSyncs placed at schools as the hub of community monitoring and air pollution mapping efforts

Fourth National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop, Virtual Event

October 4 – 8, 2021 | Register Here

The 4^th National Cohesive Strategy Workshop will center on this theme and focus sharply on understanding, co-managing, transferring, and accepting risk at federal, state, Tribal and local stakeholder levels to prioritize and invest in decisions, projects and other efforts that result in widespread reduction in risk across landscapes, and communities, the public and firefighters collectively.

Since the inception of The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, we have learned that there are multiple “hard truths” of living with fire that must be accepted in order to make meaningful progress towards the three national goals of Resilient Landscapes, Fire Adapted Communities and a Safe, Effective, Risk- Based Wildfire Response.

NEW! The Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center is announcing a call for nominations for an open position on the TAMS Steering Committee. 

This position will complete a term that was recently vacated. This term will end in September 2024.  The Nomination Form can be found on the TAMS website link below.  The deadline to submit a nomination is November 1., 2021. Please contact the TAMS Center ITEP Program Manager or EPA Codirector for any questions. Click here for more information!

NEW! Host Sites Needed For Summer Internship Program

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.

The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a work-place and supervision for the intern.  Some internships may be virtual.  You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual projects and in-person projects.

The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in tribal communities.

Submit an application online here 

Deadline: Apply by December 3, 2021

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call!

*Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (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. New courses have been added, so check it out!

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.

NEW! ITEP’s Latest Course: Management of Tribal Air Programs and Grants

Course Dates: November 15-19, 2021

Course Times: 11:30pm-3pm ET (1.5 hour session, 30 minute break, 1.5 hour session)

Application Due Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2021.

Apply Now: https://forms.gle/UJG885eKyh6r4fak6 Course Description: This virtual course is designed for environmental professionals who are responsible for managing tribal air programs and grants.  Participants will engage with other participants, instructors, and guest speakers from EPA. This one-week virtual course will have daily presentations, discussions, and group work addressing the uniqueness of tribal air program management. The course will be held via zoom for 3.5 hours per day, see above for course times and dates.

Topics Include:

• The Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Tribal Authority Rule (TAR)
• Elements in a typical tribal air program
• Work plan and budget
• Grant submission, management, and reporting
• Tribal case study
• Discussion with Tribal Air Coordinators and Project Officers

Required Pre-Course Webinars:

Selected participants must watch three pre-course webinars. The webinars are part of the course and must be completed to attend the virtual class. Selected participants will need to complete the pre-course assignment by Wednesday, November 10, 2021. If you have questions please contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu, or phone 928-523-8410.

Apply Now: https://forms.gle/UJG885eKyh6r4fak6

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration

Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

Climate Change / Energy

NEW! The Department of the Interior (DOI) is excited to announce an upcoming virtual listening session focused on climate change and Tribal youth.  Information and registration for this listening session may be found on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) web page: https://www.bia.gov/guide/tribal-climate-listening-sessions

This listening session is open to Tribal middle school, high school, and college students. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, priorities, and experience to help shape policies and programs that promote and advance Tribal climate resilience.

NEW! Tribal Community-scale Solar Solutions for Climate & Community Resilience

Monday, October 18; 9:30 – Noon | RSVP by sending an email to jganion@bluelakerancheria-nsn.gov

Who (would find it useful to attend):  Tribal government leaders, Tribal staff, Tribal community members, Tribal businesses in energy, all those managing or building solar and related systems (i.e., telecom, microgrids, tribal utility authorities) on tribal lands.

Why: For tribal nations seeking to build – or expand – solar energy development within their nations at the community, facility, and/or residential scale, join this lively dialogue-based workshop with experts and practitioners and opportunities for one-on-one follow-up consulting.

2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Energy Projects and Workforce Development: A Win-Win Opportunity: October 27

Energy projects are often labor-intensive during construction—and once they are complete, local capability is needed to operate and maintain those energy systems. Tribes who develop a local workforce in conjunction with developing projects can realize improved project economics while creating local jobs and skilled labor.

This webinar will explore this win-win opportunity. Register now.

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online!

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! EPA’s 2021 School Bus Rebates Applications Being Accepted Two Separate School Bus Rebate Programs Deadline to Apply – November 5 (4:00 p.m. ET). 

EPA is excited to announce two funding opportunities for school bus fleets that serve public schools: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 DERA School Bus Rebate Program. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is accepting applications nationwide for rebates to assist in replacing older, dirtier diesel school buses with new school buses. Please take a look at the descriptions below to learn more about each opportunity and visit the new 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website for a table showing the differences between the two rebate programs. 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates for Underserved School Districts

The newest program is the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates. This $7 million program exclusively funds the replacement of old diesel school buses with new electric school buses for underserved school districts, tribal schools, and private fleets serving those schools. A list of eligible school districts is available on the 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website. Please check the list to see if you qualify for this new funding opportunity. This new program will offer $300,000 per bus for up to four electric school bus replacements for eligible applicants selected in a lottery process.

2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Building Electrification: Why and How: September 29

Hosted by the Office of Indian Energy, this webinar will explore building electrification to utilize electricity rather than fossil fuels for building heating and cooking applications. Doing so can improve indoor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This webinar will explore this trending topic on the path to a clean energy future. Register now.

Toxics in the Community: Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) for Local and Tribal Governments

October 6; 1-2:30pm EDT | Register Here

An ELI and LGEAN Co-Sponsored Public Webinar: The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) created the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to inform the public about potentially hazardous materials in the community. In fact, two out of every three Americans live within three miles of facilities subject to the TRI, which covers over 800 individual chemicals and chemical categories. These substances often originate from manufacturing, mining and hazardous waste management sites and are known to cause significant adverse harm to the environment and human health.

Join the Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN), the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and EPA to learn more about how local and tribal governments can best use the TRI to help protect community members’ health and welfare. EPA experts will provide an overview of the TRI, explaining which local and tribal government facilities may be subject to reporting requirements and how officials can use the TRI and other EPA tools to respond to community concerns and trace chemical releases back to their sources.

Virtual National Radon Training Event

October 11 – 13, 2021 | Register Here

Building Technical Capacity (BTC) will not be offered for virtual training.

The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) will still have their symposium in person. We will join them virtually on the joint day. To register, view the agenda, and find more information please visit our Radon Training Event Program Website

Due to COVID related travel restrictions, we will not be meeting in Bethesda, MD. Our radon training is now completely virtual.

The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

• August 5, 2021: EPA proposes to revise the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for light-duty vehicles for 2023 and later model years to make the standards more stringent.
• August 5, 2021: EPA announces plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other harmful air pollutants from heavy-duty trucks through a series of rulemakings over the next three years.

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper

The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.

Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

• Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
• Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
• inside your house or garage
• on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
• near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

• Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
• Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC Note: Do

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

• Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social

Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality

This summer, wildfires have spread across the U.S. creating devastation and dangerous smoke events affecting millions of American lives. If you are in need of immediate wildfire guidance, see EPA’s wildfire webpage for more resources.

Smoke from wildfires can adversely affect indoor air quality and put people’s health at risk from exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants. Read on to learn more about:

• How Indoor airPLUS Homes Protect Against the Harmful Effects of Wildfire Smoke
• Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke Inside the Home
• Additional Resources

How Indoor airPLUS Homes Help Reduce the Occurrence of Asthma Triggers in the Home

Here are ways an Indoor airPLUS home can help reduce asthma triggers in the home.

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

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! Introduction to Air Quality Modeling for Permitting Programs

September 28 and 30, 2021; 9am AK, 10am PST, 1pm EST | Register Here

This webinar series will provide tribal professionals an introduction to regulatory air dispersion modeling. The webinars will provide an overview of the air dispersion model inputs and methodology so tribal professionals can have a basic understanding of the components of a modeling project and an understanding of how models fit into the permitting process. The series will feature a tribal case study provided by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Webinar Topics:

• What is an air quality dispersion model and why are they
• What general inputs and methodology go into a model
• Understanding and interpreting a modeling protocol.
• Permitting and modeling: How does modeling fit into the permitting
• Fond du Lac Tribal Case Study

If you have questions contact: Christal.Black@nau.edu

NEW! Applications for EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards are Now Being Accepted!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases.

The five award categories are: (1) Clean Air Technology; (2) Community Action; (3) Education/Outreach (4) State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations; and (5) Transportation Efficiency Innovations. In addition, the Clean Air Excellence Award Program will recognize two special award categories: (1) the Gregg Cooke Visionary Program Award, honoring a former EPA Regional Administrator, is given to the air quality project or program that successfully blends two or more of the existing awards categories; and (2) the Thomas W. Zosel Outstanding Individual Achievement Award, honoring a former member of the CAAAC and environmental leader at 3M, recognizes one individual for their outstanding achievement, leadership, and lasting commitment to promote clean air and achieve better air quality.

The award application and more information are available athttps://www.epa.gov/caaac or www.epa.gov/caaac/clean-air-excellence- awards. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically toOAR_Clean_Air_Excellence_Awards@epa.gov. EPA will also accept hard copies of applications mailed to Catrice Jefferson, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation, MC-6103A, Room 5442-Q (WJC-North), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20460.

National Tribal Broadband Summit

Friday, October 1 | Register Here

Today, more than ever before, access to reliable and affordable broadband service is critical to the health, wellbeing, and economic development of Tribal nations. The Biden Administration is making historic investments to broadband in rural and Tribal communities, and is committed to bringing affordable, reliable high-speed broadband to all Americans. The National Tribal Broadband Summit is a unique opportunity for Tribal Leaders, representatives of Tribal organizations, representatives of schools and school districts serving under-connected Native students, tribal libraries, museums, and cultural programs, federal program managers, and policy-makers at multiple levels of government to come together and share their innovations in expanding broadband access and adoption for tribal communities.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

AQSync: Calibration Station for Sensor-Based Mobile Monitoring

October 6; 10:00am – 10:30am PT | Register Here

With the explosion of sensor use for air monitoring, the eternal question on everyone’s mind is “what about calibration”? Sensor calibration can pose a daunting task for communities without access to a regulatory site. In this webinar we introduce the new AQSync by 2B Technologies. The AQSync represents an exciting evolution in air monitoring by combining miniaturized FEM and near- FEM instruments in a weatherproof enclosure. In this webinar we will explore some of the current applications of the AQSync, including drive-by calibrations of mobile sensors. Lastly, we will share information on the effort underway to use AQSyncs placed at schools as the hub of community monitoring and air pollution mapping efforts

Call for Tribal Participants to Help Revise EPA, QAPP, and QMP Requirements/Guidance Documents

EPA is seeking Tribal participation (particularly tribal scientists and environmental staff with experience in writing or updating QMPs and/or QAPPs for their EPA grants) in revising three of the Agency’s most used and downloaded Quality Assurance (QA) documents:

• EPA QA/R-2, EPA Requirements for Quality Management Plans (March 2001)
• EPA QA/R-5, EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans (March 2001)
• EPA QA/G-5, Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans (December 2002)

There are a variety of ways tribes can participate:

• Take part in listening sessions
• Attend document revision webinars on QA topics of interest
• Review and Comment on the draft QMP and QAPP Standards during pre-clearance review
• Contact their Regional QA Manager here
• Provide feedback in implementing revised QA

Please see the Project Notice for more details. For more information, please feel free to contact Linda Himmelbauer, Directives Project Lead, or Katherine Chalfant, Acting, Enterprise Quality Management Division (EQMD) Director.

Fourth National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop, Virtual Event

October 4 – 8, 2021 | Register Here

The 4^th National Cohesive Strategy Workshop will center on this theme and focus sharply on understanding, co-managing, transferring, and accepting risk at federal, state, Tribal and local stakeholder levels to prioritize and invest in decisions, projects and other efforts that result in widespread reduction in risk across landscapes, and communities, the public and firefighters collectively.

Since the inception of The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, we have learned that there are multiple “hard truths” of living with fire that must be accepted in order to make meaningful progress towards the three national goals of Resilient Landscapes, Fire Adapted Communities and a Safe, Effective, Risk- Based Wildfire Response.

EPA’s air quality training program is released three new training materials! These materials are foundational in level, and are being offered to tribal, state, and local air agencies in an e-learning format through our learning management system (LMS).

The materials include:

• A course that explains the purpose of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) within the air quality management
• A module that explains each of the six criteria pollutants under the Clean Air This module represents “micro-learning”— a short, focused bit of training on a particular topic.
• A module that explains what air toxics are. Similar to the criteria pollutants module, this module represents “micro-learning.”

To access the course and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), please

register (if you haven’t already!), then log in and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page.

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call!

*Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (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. New courses have been added, so check it out!

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 Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

Climate Change / Energy

NEW! The Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe is hosting a free workshop for Tribes: Tribal Community-scale Solar Solutions for Climate & Community Resilience October 18, 2021; 9:30am to Noon | RSVP to jganion@bluelakerancheria-nsn.gov Who (would find it useful to attend): Tribal government leaders, Tribal staff, Tribal community members, Tribal businesses in energy, all those managing or building solar and related systems (i.e., telecom, microgrids, tribal utility authorities) on tribal lands.

Why: For tribal nations seeking to build – or expand – solar energy development within their nations at the community, facility, and/or residential scale, join this lively dialogue-based workshop with experts and practitioners and opportunities for one-on-one follow-up consulting.

2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Energy Projects and Workforce Development: A Win-Win Opportunity: October 27

Energy projects are often labor-intensive during construction—and once they are complete, local capability is needed to operate and maintain those energy systems. Tribes who develop a local workforce in conjunction with developing projects can realize improved project economics while creating local jobs and skilled labor.

This webinar will explore this win-win opportunity. Register now.

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online!

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Building Electrification: Why and How: September 29

Hosted by the Office of Indian Energy, this webinar will explore building electrification to utilize electricity rather than fossil fuels for building heating and cooking applications. Doing so can improve indoor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This webinar will explore this trending topic on the path to a clean energy future. Register now.

Toxics in the Community: Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) for Local and Tribal Governments

October 6; 1-2:30pm EDT | Register Here

An ELI and LGEAN Co-Sponsored Public Webinar: The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) created the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to inform the public about potentially hazardous materials in the community. In fact, two out of every three Americans live within three miles of facilities subject to the TRI, which covers over 800 individual chemicals and chemical categories. These substances often originate from manufacturing, mining and hazardous waste management sites and are known to cause significant adverse harm to the environment and human health.

Join the Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN), the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and EPA to learn more about how local and tribal governments can best use the TRI to help protect community members’ health and welfare. EPA experts will provide an overview of the TRI, explaining which local and tribal government facilities may be subject to reporting requirements and how officials can use the TRI and other EPA tools to respond to community concerns and trace chemical releases back to their sources.

NEW! Virtual National Radon Training Event

October 11 – 13, 2021 | Register Here

Building Technical Capacity (BTC) will not be offered for virtual training.

The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) will still have their symposium in person. We will join them virtually on the joint day. To register, view the agenda, and find more information please visit our Radon Training Event Program Website

Due to COVID related travel restrictions, we will not be meeting in Bethesda, MD. Our radon training is now completely virtual.

The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

• August 5, 2021: EPA proposes to revise the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for light-duty vehicles for 2023 and later model years to make the standards more stringent.
• August 5, 2021: EPA announces plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other harmful air pollutants from heavy-duty trucks through a series of rulemakings over the next three years.

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

• Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
• Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
• inside your house or garage
• on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
• near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

• Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
• Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC Note: Do

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

• Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social

Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality

This summer, wildfires have spread across the U.S. creating devastation and dangerous smoke events affecting millions of American lives. If you are in need of immediate wildfire guidance, see EPA’s wildfire webpage for more resources.

Smoke from wildfires can adversely affect indoor air quality and put people’s health at risk from exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants. Read on to learn more about:

• How Indoor airPLUS Homes Protect Against the Harmful Effects of Wildfire Smoke
• Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke Inside the Home
• Additional Resources

How Indoor airPLUS Homes Help Reduce the Occurrence of Asthma Triggers in the Home

Here are ways an Indoor airPLUS home can help reduce asthma triggers in the home.

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

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

National Tribal Broadband Summit

September 17, 24 & October 1 | Register Here

Today, more than ever before, access to reliable and affordable broadband service is critical to the health, wellbeing, and economic development of Tribal nations. The Biden Administration is making historic investments to broadband in rural and Tribal communities, and is committed to bringing affordable, reliable high-speed broadband to all Americans.  The National Tribal Broadband Summit is a unique opportunity for Tribal Leaders, representatives of Tribal organizations, representatives of schools and school districts serving under-connected Native students, tribal libraries, museums, and cultural programs, federal program managers, and policy-makers at multiple levels of government to come together and share their innovations in expanding broadband access and adoption for tribal communities.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

Writing Public Comments: Getting Science on Record

Thursday, September 23; 4-5:30pm ET | Register Here

The Union of Concerned Scientists invites you to a virtual training on how to write effective, science-based public comments for federal rulemaking processes. Collaborate with fellow scientists and experts and learn about ways your scientific expertise can make a difference in creating regulations that protect the health and safety of our communities. This training is for Science Network members who are eager to get involved in the federal rulemaking process, but who do not have prior experience using their expertise to submit substantive written or oral comments.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), within the White House, will hold a Tribal consultation to seek input on the development of the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget.

This Tribal consultation on the President’s FY 2023 Budget will be held via teleconference on:

• Thursday, September 23, 2021 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET)
• Register for the Webinar

AQSync: Calibration Station for Sensor-Based Mobile Monitoring

October 6; 10:00am – 10:30am PT | Register Here

With the explosion of sensor use for air monitoring, the eternal question on everyone’s mind is “what about calibration”?  Sensor calibration can pose a daunting task for communities without access to a regulatory site.  In this webinar we introduce the new AQSync by 2B Technologies.  The AQSync represents an exciting evolution in air monitoring by combining miniaturized FEM and near-FEM instruments in a weatherproof enclosure.  In this webinar we will explore some of the current applications of the AQSync, including drive-by calibrations of mobile sensors.  Lastly, we will share information on the effort underway to use AQSyncs placed at schools as the hub of community monitoring and air pollution mapping efforts

Call for Tribal Participants to Help Revise EPA, QAPP, and QMP Requirements/Guidance Documents

EPA is seeking Tribal participation (particularly tribal scientists and environmental staff with experience in writing or updating QMPs and/or QAPPs for their EPA grants) in revising three of the Agency’s most used and downloaded Quality Assurance (QA) documents:

• EPA QA/R-2, EPA Requirements for Quality Management Plans (March 2001)
• EPA QA/R-5, EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans (March 2001)
• EPA QA/G-5, Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans (December 2002)

There are a variety of ways tribes can participate:

• Take part in listening sessions
• Attend document revision webinars on QA topics of interest
• Review and Comment on the draft QMP and QAPP Standards during pre-clearance review
• Contact their Regional QA Manager here
• Provide feedback in implementing revised QA documents.

Please see the Project Notice for more details. For more information, please feel free to contact Linda Himmelbauer, Directives Project Lead, or Katherine Chalfant, Acting, Enterprise Quality Management Division (EQMD) Director.

Fourth National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop, Virtual Event

October 4 – 8, 2021 | Register Here

The 4^th National Cohesive Strategy Workshop will center on this theme and focus sharply on understanding, co-managing, transferring, and accepting risk at federal, state, Tribal and local stakeholder levels to prioritize and invest in decisions, projects and other efforts that result in widespread reduction in risk across landscapes, and communities, the public and firefighters collectively.

Since the inception of The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, we have learned that there are multiple “hard truths” of living with fire that must be accepted in order to make meaningful progress towards the three national goals of Resilient Landscapes, Fire Adapted Communities and a Safe, Effective, Risk-Based Wildfire Response.

EPA’s air quality training program is released three new training materials! These materials are foundational in level, and are being offered to tribal, state, and local air agencies in an e-learning format through our learning management system (LMS).

The materials include:

• A course that explains the purpose of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) within the air quality management process.
• A module that explains each of the six criteria pollutants under the Clean Air Act. This module represents “micro-learning”— a short, focused bit of training on a particular topic.

• A module that explains what air toxics are. Similar to the criteria pollutants module, this module represents “micro-learning.”

To access the course and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), please register (if you haven’t already!), then log in and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page.

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (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.  New courses have been added, so check it out!

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 

Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

Climate Change / Energy

 2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Energy Projects and Workforce Development: A Win-Win Opportunity: October 27

Energy projects are often labor-intensive during construction—and once they are complete, local capability is needed to operate and maintain those energy systems. Tribes who develop a local workforce in conjunction with developing projects can realize improved project economics while creating local jobs and skilled labor. This webinar will explore this win-win opportunity. Register now.

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be nearly 30 webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of September. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. The webinars begin August 2^nd – 26^th. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online! Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Building Electrification: Why and How: September 29

Hosted by the Office of Indian Energy, this webinar will explore building electrification to utilize electricity rather than fossil fuels for building heating and cooking applications. Doing so can improve indoor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This webinar will explore this trending topic on the path to a clean energy future. Register now.

NEW! Toxics in the Community: Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) for Local and Tribal Governments

October 6; 1-2:30pm EDT | Register Here

An ELI and LGEAN Co-Sponsored Public Webinar: The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) created the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to inform the public about potentially hazardous materials in the community. In fact, two out of every three Americans live within three miles of facilities subject to the TRI, which covers over 800 individual chemicals and chemical categories. These substances often originate from manufacturing, mining and hazardous waste management sites and are known to cause significant adverse harm to the environment and human health.

Join the Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN), the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and EPA to learn more about how local and tribal governments can best use the TRI to help protect community members’ health and welfare. EPA experts will provide an overview of the TRI, explaining which local and tribal government facilities may be subject to reporting requirements and how officials can use the TRI and other EPA tools to respond to community concerns and trace chemical releases back to their sources.

EPA is in the process of conducting a residual risk and technology review of the 2002 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Major Source Primary Copper Smelting and a technology review of the 2007 Primary Copper Smelting Area Sources NESHAP

After EPA publishes the rules in the Federal Register, EPA plans to accept comment on these proposals for at least 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. Interested parties can download additional information and a copy of the proposed rules (when they are officially issued by EPA) from EPA’s website and this website. The proposed rules and other background information will also be available either electronically here, EPA’s electronic public docket and comment system. Materials for the proposed actions can be accessed using Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2020-0430. For further technical information about the rule, contact Tonisha Dawson, EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, at (919) 541-1454 or dawson.tonisha@epa.gov.

The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

• August 5, 2021: EPA proposes to revise the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for light-duty vehicles for 2023 and later model years to make the standards more stringent.
• August 5, 2021: EPA announces plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other harmful air pollutants from heavy-duty trucks through a series of rulemakings over the next three years.

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators!

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

• Douse portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
• Do notuse portable generators under any of the following conditions:
  • inside your house or garage
  • on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
  • near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

• Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
• Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC filtration. Note: Do not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.
• Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality

This summer, wildfires have spread across the U.S. creating devastation and dangerous smoke events affecting millions of American lives. If you are in need of immediate wildfire guidance, see EPA’s wildfire webpage for more resources. Smoke from wildfires can adversely affect indoor air quality and put people’s health at risk from exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants. Read on to learn more about:

• How Indoor airPLUS Homes Protect Against the Harmful Effects of Wildfire Smoke
• Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke Inside the Home
• Additional Resources

How Indoor airPLUS Homes Help Reduce the Occurrence of Asthma Triggers in the Home

Here are ways an Indoor airPLUS home can help reduce asthma triggers in the home.

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