Free Webinar for The National Electric Vehicle Initiative for Tribal Nations

You are invited to join the Economic Development, Energy, and Infrastructure Committee of the White House Council on Native American Affairs to discuss the National Electric Vehicle Initiative for Tribal Nations on Wednesday, March 15th, from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Eastern Time.

This meeting will provide an overview of a new initiative to ensure that Tribal Nations are part of the EV future of the country. The meeting will include an overview of the federal resources for EV development to be equitably shared and supportive of Tribal economies towards the physical buildout of a national EV network that includes Tribal lands and Native communities. This meeting will be facilitated and hosted by the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals’ Tribal Clean Transportation Program.

This event is free and open to the public on Wednesday, March 15th from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm ET. You can register and attend by clicking here.

REMINDER! Greetings from the TAMS Center! We are announcing a call for nominations for the Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award Further information and nomination form can be accessed at the TAMS Website.

Virgil Masayesva Tribal Air Programs Excellence Award

– https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tams/docs/forms/TAMS-VMAward-NomForm_2023.docx

Deadline for the VM Award Nominations – March 24, 2023

Top Stories

Whitehouse.gov – President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget requests $12.083 billion

EPA News Release – Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $16 Million for Pollution Prevention in Environmental Justice Communities

EPA – Indoor Environments – Overview of EPA’s State & Tribal Indoor Radon Grants Program 2022

NACAA Washington Update – This Week In Review

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

GAO.gov – Wildfire Smoke: Opportunities to Strengthen Federal Efforts to Manage Growing Risks

The Guardian – Revealed: the 10 worst places to live in US for air pollution

The Mancunion – Clean air, clean mind: The impact of air pollution on our brains

Toxics/Mobile Sources

USC Price – Pollution Paradox: Study finds L.A. residents who drive less are exposed to more air pollution

EHS Daily Advisor –  Back to Basics: Hazardous Air Pollution

The Pulse – EPA proposes new rules for toxic pollutants discharged from coal-fired power plants

Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Justice

NBC DFW – Dallas Air Quality Monitoring Program to Collect Pollution Data

Nature – Indoor air is full of flu and COVID viruses. Will countries clean it up?

EIN News – Improve Indoor Air Quality in Schools with Available ESSER Funds

REMINDER! Greetings from the TAMS Center! We are announcing a call for nominations for the Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award Further information and nomination form can be accessed at the TAMS Website.

Virgil Masayesva Tribal Air Programs Excellence Award

– https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tams/docs/forms/TAMS-VMAward-NomForm_2023.docx

Deadline for the VM Award Nominations – March 24, 2023

Top Stories

The Hill – EPA outlines another $550 million toward addressing environmental inequity

Forbes  – Air Pollution Might Make People 16% More Likely To Die From Heart Disease

NACAA Washington Update – This Week in Review

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

Science Alert – Air Pollution Is Making Human Bones More Brittle, Study Suggests

Science News – Air pollution made an impression on Monet and other 19th century painters

The Tyee – Can We End Deaths from Air Pollution?

Toxics/Mobile Sources

Afro News – EPA moves to restore rule on mercury from power plants

The Guardian – Ohio rail crash: toxic waste removal suspended amid contamination fears

Alaska Beacon – Alaska lakes’ levels of ‘forever chemicals’ revealed as officials ponder actions to reduce risks

Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Justice

WKYT – Home air quality could be a threat to cardiac health

Forbes – Clean Air Can Boost Children’s Lung Capacity

Grist – Why the White House’s environmental justice tool is still disappointing advocates

Acceptance letters for NTFAQ presentations/panels/workshops/trainings have been sent out! Thank you to everyone who applied. We’re looking forward to another great event.

Keep an eye out for registration early March.

Top Stories

EPA – Air Sensor Loan Programs: Promoting Air Quality Education by Bringing Sensors to You!

Native Science Report – Will Teslas Become the New Rez Car?

NACAA Washington Update – This Week in Review

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

American Heart Association – Mom’s exposure to air pollution, even before pregnancy, may raise baby’s heart defect risk

Forbes – Air Pollution More Dangerous Than Previously Understood: Here Are The Biggest Health Risks And How To Reduce It

Psychology Today – 7 Ways to Help Protect Your Brain From Air Pollution

Toxics/Mobile Sources

E&E – EPA undoes Trump-era power plant rollback

Earthjustice – EPA Reaffirms Mercury and Air Toxics Standards will Save Lives

Autoblog – For EV drivers, realities may dampen the electric elation

Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Justice

Homes & Garden – This is what is making your home dusty, and what to do about it

Caltech – Paul Wennberg discusses gas stoves and other factors that can contribute to poor indoor air quality

E&E – Biden orders agencies: Do more on racism, environmental justice

REMINDER! Greetings from the TAMS Center! We are announcing a call for nominations for the Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award and for two (2) open positions on the TAMS Steering Committee. Further information and the nomination forms are online and can be accessed at the TAMS Website.

Virgil Masayesva Tribal Air Programs Excellence Award

– https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tams/docs/forms/TAMS-VMAward-NomForm_2023.docx

Deadline for the VM Award Nominations – March 24, 2023

TAMS SC Nominations Forms:

TAMS Steering Committee Nomination Form

– https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tams/docs/forms/TAMSSCNomForm_022023.docx

– https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tams/SCommittee/SC_overview

 Deadline for TAMS SC Nominations – February 17, 2023

Top Stories

The Hill – EPA announces second $1 billion round of infrastructure funding for Superfund cleanup

The Hill – Democrat says Biden’s EPA air pollution limit doesn’t go far enough

ScienceAlert – Air Pollution isn’t only bad for Lungs, Say Studies. It’s also bad for Mental Health

NACAA Washington Update – This Week In Review

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

The Daily Beast – Poor Air Quality May Explain Why Your Sports Team Is Losing

The Hill – EPA pressed to go stricter on air pollution limit

US News –  Wildfire Smoke May Send Pregnant Women Into Premature Labor

Climate Change/Energy

The New Republic – The Climate Apocalypse Will Be Googled Mapped

E&E  – U.S. coal power refuses to die. What that means for climate

AP News  – UAE’s COP28 leader: ‘Fight climate change, not each other’

Toxics/Mobile Sources

E&E – Judge backs federal approval of massive lithium mine

Gizmodo – Exxon gives up on much-hyped algae biofuels

Native Science Report – Will Teslas Become the New Rez Car?

Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Justice

The Guardian – Gas stove pollution: will air purifiers or even plants make your home safer?

Nature – Hidden harms of indoor air pollution — five steps to expose them

EHS Daily Advisor – Biden Administration’s Guidance on Climate Change and Environmental Justice

NTAA NEWS!

REMINDER! Greetings from the TAMS Center! We are announcing a call for nominations for the Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award and for two (2) open positions on the TAMS Steering Committee. Further information and the nomination forms are online and can be accessed at the TAMS Website.

Virgil Masayesva Tribal Air Programs Excellence Award

– https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tams/docs/forms/TAMS-VMAward-NomForm_2023.docx

Deadline for the VM Award Nominations – March 24, 2023

TAMS SC Nominations Forms:

TAMS Steering Committee Nomination Form

– https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tams/docs/forms/TAMSSCNomForm_022023.docx

– https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tams/SCommittee/SC_overview

 Deadline for TAMS SC Nominations – February 17, 2023

Top Stories

Environmental Health News – In polluted cities, reducing air pollution could lower cancer rates as much as eliminating smoking would

Firstpost – How air pollution can checkmate chess players

The EOP Inflation Reduction Act guidebook is live and an excellent resource for stakeholders!  IRA webpage with the “living guidebook” and links to the PDF and downloadable data set: https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/inflation-reduction-act-guidebook/

NACAA – Washington Update

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

The Hill – UN seeks to streamline air pollution tracking

USA Today – Exposure to air pollution increases risk for anxiety or depression. What can you do?

The Columbian – In Our View: Wildfire preparation can protect health, lives

Climate Change/Energy

New Scientist – US megadrought has led to more air pollution from power plants

USA Today – UN Secretary-General: ‘No more baby steps’ on climate change

The Hill – Strong pollution standards can ensure decarbonization of the power sector

Toxics/Mobile Sources

The Hill – California neighborhoods with more EVs see better air quality, public health

Grist – States are taking aim at toxic chemicals

Earth Justice – EPA Will Consider Closing Massive Loophole Exempting Much of Toxic Coal Ash from Health Protections

Indoor Air Quality

EPA News Release – EPA Opens Public Comment Period for Indoor airPLUS Program Update

AIRMD – February Is National Care About Your Indoor Air Month

New Atlas – Genetically modified worms glow in the presence of indoor air pollution

NTAA NEWS!

NEW! Greetings from the TAMS Center!  We are announcing a call for nominations for the Virgil Masayesva Environmental Excellence Award and for two (2) open positions on the TAMS Steering Committee.  Further information and the nomination forms are online and can be accessed at the TAMS Website:

Nominations Forms:

TAMS Steering Committee Nomination Form

– https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tams/docs/forms/TAMSSCNomForm_022023.docx

– https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tams/SCommittee/SC_overview

 Deadline for TAMS SC Nominations – February 17, 2023

Virgil Masayesva Tribal Air Programs Excellence Award

– https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/tams/docs/forms/TAMS-VMAward-NomForm_2023.docx

Deadline for the VM Award Nominations – March 24, 2023

Top Stories

The Hill – Are EPA programs creating more barriers for polluted communities?The New York Times – Depleted Under Trump, a ‘Traumatized’ EPA Struggles with its Mission

The EOP Inflation Reduction Act guidebook is live and an excellent resource for stakeholders!  IRA webpage with the “living guidebook” and links to the PDF and downloadable data set: https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/inflation-reduction-act-guidebook/

NACAA – Washington Update

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

The Daily Yonder – A Vision for Tribal Sovereignty through Sustainable Energy

EPA – EPA takes key step to stop unsafe PFAS from reentering commerce

The New Yorker – How Native Americans Will Shape the Future of Water in the West

Climate Change/Energy

Climate Connections – Dozens of billion-dollar weather disasters hit Earth in 2022

High Country News – In a warming world, California’s trees keep dying

Politico – Hawaii youth push climate claims in court

Toxics/Mobile Sources

Trains – G&W locomotives to scrap or upgrade per EPA decree in 2023

Climate Connections – Can EVs meet the needs of rural drivers? Increasingly, the answer is yes.

King 5 – This Washington study might make you think twice about your makeup choices

Indoor Air Quality

Vox – The war over gas stoves hides easier ways to fix indoor air pollution

The Guardian – These homes replaced their gas stoves – and saw a huge drop in indoor pollution

Connecticut Education Association – CT Voters Support Changes to Improve School Health

NTAA NEWS!

Top Stories

NY Times – Depleted Under Trump, a ‘Traumatized’ E.P.A. Struggles With Its Mission

E&E – EPA Unveils 100M for Environmental Justice

The EOP Inflation Reduction Act guidebook is live and an excellent resource for stakeholders!  IRA webpage with the “living guidebook” and links to the PDF and downloadable data set: https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/inflation-reduction-act-guidebook/

Upcoming informational webinar on the newly released Request for Applications for the Environmental Justice Government-to-Government Cooperative Agreements (G2G).

There are two tribal government “tracks” in this program:  $20 million available to all federal recognized tribes, and $10 million available to “remote tribes.” Date Time (Eastern Time) Zoom Webinar Information:

January 26, 2023 (EJG2G Live Webinar) 2:00pm – 3:30pm ET Zoom Webinar Format – Applicants may ask general questions about this RFA. Visit the following link for log-in information: Join the January 26, 2023 EJG2G webinar. Registration is NOT required.

This webinar is the best way for tribes to learn about this new EPA environmental justice financial assistance program and to get answers. For more information on the EJG2G Program, Please visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-government-government-program for more information.

NACAA – Washington Update

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

Bloomberg Law – EPA Settlement sets deadlines for oil and gas air toxics rules

Ohio Capital Journal – Air quality impacting maternal, infant health of Ohions

KSL – Utah sir quality has been good, but that may change soon

Climate Change/Energy

CT Mirror – Air pollution can affect health. Climate change is worsening both

Yale Climate Connection – Researchers study how to help forests thrive in a warmer climate

Yahoo News – Secretary of energy praises Texas’s green energy production surpassing California’s

Now This News – Experts: Climate change could mean more polar bear attacks on humans

Toxics/Mobile Sources

Yale Climate Connections – Myths about fossil fuels and renewable energy are circulating again. Don’t buy them.

KOMO News – 50 years after the Clean Water Act, toxic substances are still dumped in US waterways

Inside Climate News – NOAA Climate Scientists cruise Washington and Baltimore for Hotspots – of Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollutants

Indoor Air Quality

Vancouver Sun – Parents demand B.C. schools do more to improve air quality

Clean Link – Fast Facts: How vacuum filtration helps improve indoor air

GBH – Worried about indoor air pollution from gas stovetops? Try induction cooktops

NTAA NEWS!

Top Stories

The Guardian – Atmospheric dust may have hidden true extent of global heating

The Guardian – How fracking is taking its toll on Argentina’s indigenous people

E&E – EPA Unveils 100M for Environmental Justice

The EOP Inflation Reduction Act guidebook is live and an excellent resource for stakeholders!  IRA webpage with the “living guidebook” and links to the PDF and downloadable data set: https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/inflation-reduction-act-guidebook/

IRA Guidebook PDF – https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Inflation-Reduction-Act-Guidebook.pdf

Information for IRA and other competitive grants –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DsRrod7XKk

NACAA – Washington Update

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

Environmental Defense Fund – EPA Methane Proposal makes critical progress but work remains to Quickly Finalize Protective Standards

PBS News – Researchers look for link between air pollution and brain disease

Yale Climate Connections – Breathe easier during wildfire season with this inexpensive air filter

NPR – Grassroots efforts bring Firewood to Hopi People

Climate Change/Energy

NPR – California storms bring more heavy rain, flooding and power outages

Yale Climate Solutions – How artists can raise awareness of climate risks and solutions

Yale Climate Solutions – The US had 18 different billion dollar weather disasters in 2022

Toxics/Mobile Sources

CleanTechnica – EPA Requirement keeps Electric Buses out of low-income Schools

KNKX –New state study fuels renewed efforts to ban toxic chemicals from cosmetics in Washington

MIT Technology Review – How old batteries will help power tomorrow’s EVs

Indoor Air Quality

The Washington Post – 6 Ways to Improve your home’s air quality this Winter

The Weather Channel – Indoor Air Pollution Could be Up to Five Times Worse than Outdoor Air Pollution, Say Experts

MindBodyGreen – How a minimalist lifestyle can help improve your air quality

NTAA NEWS!

REMINDER! Call for proposals for NTFAQ 2023 is open until January 27th! All applications are welcome!  https://forms.gle/GXLS8QztLLMs5H518

Join the national conversation on how Tribes are implementing the Clean Air Act in partnership with the U.S. EPA to improve air quality in our communities. Forum organizers are actively seeking proposals for presentations, trainings, and other informational sessions that support our NTFAQ conference goals! Proposals should relate to air quality topics relevant to tribal stakeholders and should discuss direct experiences and/or original research.

Timeline:

Presentation Proposals Due:  January 27th, 2023

Letter of Notification (will include instructions and timeline): February 20th, 2023.

If you have questions about the agenda, presentation options, or other ways to participate in the event, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Top Stories

EPA.gov – EPA Proposes to Strengthen Air Quality Standards to Protect the Public from Harmful Effects of Soot

E&E – EPA Unveils 100M for Environmental Justice

The EOP Inflation Reduction Act guidebook is live and an excellent resource for stakeholders!  IRA webpage with the “living guidebook” and links to the PDF and downloadable data set: https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/inflation-reduction-act-guidebook/

IRA Guidebook PDF: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Inflation-Reduction-Act-Guidebook.pdf

NACAA – Washington Update

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

Environmental Defense Fund – EPA Methane Proposal makes critical progress but work remains to Quickly Finalize Protective Standards

CNN Health – EPA proposes new rule to crack down on deadly air pollution

Healio – Air pollution associated with nonviral asthma attacks among urban youth

Earthjustice – Why your Air Quality Matters and how you can fix It

NRDC – Local air quality monitoring lagging across U.S., NRDC Finds

Climate Change/Energy

GreenWire – Great Salt Lake could vanish in 5 years, report says

University of California – UC awards $16.4M in grants to address climate change, health inequities

USGS – National Climate Action Science Center Collaborates on New Tribal Climate Resilience Assessment Report

NPR – Climate change makes heat waves, storms and droughts worse, climate report confirms

E&E Climatewire – How sending climate aid abroad helps the U.S.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

Geek Wire – Washington, Oregon, join California in requiring all new vehicle sales to be EVs by 2035

E&E – How carmakers are crafting the EV-charging experience

E&E – EPA inks deal to clean up Keystone spill

The Hill – Biden Officials lay out Roadmap for Net Zero Transportation by 2050

Indoor Air Quality

The Guardian – Too many smelly candles? Here’s how scents impact the air quality in your home

Harvard Business Review – Designing Buildings that are both Well-Ventilated and Green

Los Angeles Times – U.S. Safety Agency to Consider ban on gas stoves amid health fears

NTAA News!

The NTAA is excited to present the 2022 Status of Tribal Air Report! A recording of yesterday’s STAR release webinar is available on NTAA’s website.

Call for proposals for NTFAQ 2023 is now open! https://forms.gle/GXLS8QztLLMs5H518

Top Stories

CNBC – The U.S Passed a Historic Climate Deal this Year – Here’s a Recap of what’s in the Bill

NACAA – Washington Update

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

AP News – EPA Investigating Colorado for Discriminatory Air Pollution

The New York Times – EPA Tightens Rules on Pollution from Vans, Buses, and Trucks

Reuters – Environmental Cases to Watch in 2023

E&E – EPA Clampdown on Soot Pollution Imminent

Climate Change/Energy

VOX – 5 Doable Resolutions for US Climate Policy in 2023

AP News – Northern Arizona Tribe to get Federal Aid for Flood Damage

Inside Climate News – Snapshots, Hotshots, and Moonshots: Images of Climate Change in 2022

Canary Media – Huge Opportunities and Huge Threats Loom for US Clean Energy in 2023

NPR – California Offshore Wind Promises a new Gold Rush while Slashing Emissions

Toxics/Mobile Sources

WHYY – Delaware could join California in 2035 ban on sales of gas-powered cars

Bloomberg – 2023 Will be the Year of the Electric SUV

Indoor Air Quality

Propmodo – Indoor Air Quality is Important for Mental Health Too

Pressherald – How to Improve your Indoor Air Quality