MONTHLY UPDATES2024-08-07T16:21:59+00:00

TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of March 20 – 24, 2023

We are now accepting proposals for sessions at the Tribal Lands and Environment Forum! Visit the 2023 TLEF website to learn more about this year’s forum. To submit a proposal, click “Call for Proposals” in the menu at the top of the page. Registration will open soon and link to our host hotel will be added so you can make your lodging reservations at a special reduced rate. More information is coming soon – we look forward to seeing you in Syracuse, or online!

 

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

EPA.gov – Statement by Administrator Regan on the President’s FY 2024 Budget

CNBC – Here are the most polluted cities in the US and world

NACAA Washington Update – This Week in Review

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

CNN – Only 13 countries and territories had ‘healthy’ air quality in 2022

EPA.gov – EPA Announces Final “Good Neighbor” Plan to Cut Harmful Smog, Protecting Health of Millions from Power Plant, Industrial Air Pollution

Nature – Ohio train derailment: scientists scan for lingering toxics

Toxics/Mobile Sources

The Guardian – World can still avoid worst of climate collapse with genuine change, IPCC says

The Guardian – Big oil firms touted algae as climate solution. Now all have pulled funding

Indoor Air Quality/Environmental Justice

Sierra Club – Close Polluter Loopholes Now–Clean Air Can’t Wait!

TVO Today – Waiting for big changes to rules about indoor air quality? Don’t hold your breath

Boston Childrens Hospital – Study seeks to identify household triggers for chronic lung disease in children

TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of March 20 – 24, 2023

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! Thursday,

May 11,

10 am AK or 2 pm ET

Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! Thursday, April 6, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! March 29,

10 am AK or 2 pm ET

NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are held on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! Thursday, March 30, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! Thursday, April 13, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)

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

 

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

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

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

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

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

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

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

 

Interagency Wildland Fire Resource Advisor Course (N-9042)

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

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

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

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

For More Information, email Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu for the full flyer

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

For further information or to email nominations, include in the subject line CAAAC Membership 2023 and send to caaac@epa.gov.

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Climate Change / Energy

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

 

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

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

 

Regional Tribal Environmental Health Summits

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

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Indoor Air Quality

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

Environmental Justice

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

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

RFAs

RFI

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

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

 

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

Para recibir información actualizada sobre oportunidades de financiamiento de Justicia Ambiental, eventos y seminarios web, suscríbase al listserve de Justicia Ambiental de la EPA enviando un mensaje en blanco de correo electrónico a: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Síganos en Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice.

 

NOW HIRING!

NEW! ITEP is HIRING!

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

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

 

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

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

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

Apply: https://nau.edu/careers

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

In these entry level positions, you will:

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

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

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

 

Headquarters (Washington, D.C. metro area)

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

Region 7 - Serving IA, KS, MO, and NE

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

Learn more about Environmental Justice at EPA

Learn more about careers at EPA

Learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act

 

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

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

Food Systems Specialist

Water Resources Specialist

 

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

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

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

CALLS/WEBINARS/EVENTS|

RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: March 20 – 24, 2023

RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES!

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

REMINDER! Selections for the ARP Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring Competitive Grant EPA selected 132 projects, in 37 states, to receive a total of $53.4 million to conduct ambient air monitoring of pollutants in communities across the country with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA will start the process to award the funding by the end of 2022, once the grant applicants have met all legal and administrative requirements. This table can be sorted by clicking on each column header. A downloadable version is available HERE.

 

EPA Resource: EPA is pleased to announce that we have updated our Local Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool and our Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool.

Updates include:

  • Revised Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) factors from through 2020, as available.
  • Updated default stationary energy emission factors and heat contents from the latest Climate Registry, EPA GHG Emissions Factor Hub, and US Inventory publications.
  • Global Warming Potential (GWP) values are now editable on the Factors tab. The bottom of the Control Sheet tab also contains new guidance on updating the GWP values and a navigation button to the GWP Entry section on the Factors tab.

Download the updated local community and government operations tool and users’ guides.

Download the updated tribal community and government operations tool and users’ guides.

Find our State Inventory and Projection Tool and additional State and Tribal greenhouse gas data

and resources here.

 

EPA Resource: EPA’s Home Heating Fuel Use Web App

Are you curious about how people heat their homes? EPA has developed a Home Heating Fuel Use Web App that lets you visualize American Community Survey 5-year average home heating fuel data across the U.S. by census tract. Use this data to inform outreach or implementation planning related to energy efficiency, residential electrification, wood stove change-outs, and more.

 

EPA Resource: EPA’s Tracking Matrix

            Does your community have climate goals to meet or brownfields that might be suitable for solar? Check out EPA’s Tracking Matrix to learn more about geothermal, biomass, solar and wind installations being built on contaminated lands across the country. EPA’s RE-Powering America’s Land Initiative 2022 Tracking Matrix shows current trends in the development of renewable energy on contaminated lands. Project examples include successful community solar projects in Nashville, Tennessee; Schenectady County, New York; Morrisville, Vermont; and Spanish Fork, Utah.

 

Tribal Air Quality Flag Program Packet

Customize this flyer/poster template to share information with your community about air quality, how it can affect health, and actions to take on a bad air quality day.

You may need a PDF reader to view files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more. Tribal Air Quality Flag Program Packet

 

Department of Energy (DOE) Announces $32 Million to Reduce Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Sector

All interested applicants must register and submit application materials through Fed Connectregister here for an account. All questions must be submitted through FedConnect.

 

Air Monitoring Equipment Available for Loan to State, Local, and Tribal Agencies

In 2021, EPA’s Office of Research and Development initiated the Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Response Technology (WSMART) Pilot, loaning air monitoring technologies to state, local, and Tribal air organizations to support supplemental air monitoring in areas affected by wildfire smoke and with observational data coverage gaps. During 2022, this pilot technology loan program will continue to provide several technology types – including stationary air sensor systems and a compact mobile monitoring system – to state and local air agency monitoring staff and professional Tribal air quality staff members upon request. The equipment is not available for public use. For more information and access to the loan request webform, please visit the WSMART website:https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox/wildfire-smoke-air-monitoring-response-technology-wsmart-pilot

For technical questions, please contact smoketech@epa.gov.

Climate Change/Energy

EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program will use this newsletter to share updates and opportunities as they become available and to let you know how the EPA’s IRA programs can help your jurisdiction.

Our monthly funding newsletter will also continue to provide information on climate and clean energy grant and technical assistance opportunities and deadlines for state, local, and Tribal governments. You can also visit the White House’s website about clean energy and climate action in the IRA. Use it to learn how you can save on utility bills, get support to purchase electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances, and more. Share the news: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades have been Extended!

Under the IRA, federal tax credits for energy-efficient home upgrades have been extended. This means that if you made any qualifying home improvements to your primary residence after December 31, 2021, you may be eligible to claim credit on your federal taxes when you file for 2022. Qualifying upgrades include ENERGY STAR-certified products, as well as improvements to your home’s envelope or exterior – such as windows, doors, and insulation. To learn more, read through ENERGY STAR’s property tax credit guidance.

Renewable Energy tax credits have also been extended and will be available through the end of 2023. These include incentives for Geothermal Heat Pumps, Residential Wind Turbines, Solar Energy Systems, and Fuel Cells.

What’s New for Federal Tax Credits in 2023? There will be new efficiency tax credits in place starting January 1, 2023, lasting 10 years – through 2032. The tax credit amount is generally limited to 30% of the project cost. The previous lifetime cap of $500 has been changed to an annual cap of $1,200 to $2,000 depending on the efficiency improvements you make. This means you will be able to claim credit for more projects, especially if they are spread out over multiple years.

For more information and to stay up to date on available tax credits, make sure to bookmark ENERGY STAR’s page on Federal Tax Credits so you can maximize savings on your home energy efficiency projects.

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

U.S. Department of Energy: Electric Vehicles with Final Assembly in North America

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-169) amended the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit (IRC 30D), now known as the Clean Vehicle Credit, and added a new requirement for final assembly in North America that took effect on August 17, 2022. For more details on the credit, see Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Tax Credit. Also see the full list of alternative fuel vehicle incentives amended or created by the Inflation Reduction Act. Click Here for more information.

 

Indoor Air Quality

Resource for Healthy Indoor Air Quality:

Check out the website https://forhealth.org/ for many resources related to healthy homes and indoor air quality!

 

The Tribal Healthy Homes Network (THHN) has a webpage dedicated to Funding Opportunities! Additionally, THHN has developed a Funding Guide for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities.

Environmental Justice

REMINDER! Calling Children’s Health Organizations! New Environmental Justice and Climate Grants at EPA!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the availability of multiple funding opportunities totaling $650 million for projects that advance environmental justice in underserved and overburdened communities across the country. Additionally, EPA is seeking public input on the new Environmental and Climate Justice program that will distribute $3 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act funding. 

This unprecedented opportunity will advance the protection of our children, especially in vulnerable communities, with support and participation from applicable children’s health organizations.

Learn more about these opportunities and how your children’s health organization could apply:

Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) 

 

The EJCPS Program will provide an estimated $30 million in funding directly to community-based nonprofit organizations (and partnerships of these organizations), with $5 million reserved for small community-based nonprofit organizations with five or fewer full-time employees. In total, the Agency anticipates funding approximately 50 awards of $500,000 and 30 awards of $150,000.

 

EPA’s EJCPS Cooperative Agreement Program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working on or planning to work on projects to address local environmental and/or public health issues in their communities. The program assists recipients in building collaborative partnerships with other stakeholders (e.g., local businesses and industry, local government, medical service providers, academia) to develop solutions that will significantly address environmental and/or public health issues at the local level.

 

Interested applicants must submit proposal packages on or before April 14, 2023, to be considered for the available funding. Applicants should plan for projects to begin on October 1, 2023.

 

The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program 

 

The EJG2G Program (formerly known as the State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement program) will provide an estimated $70 million in funding. Of this, $20 million will be for State governments to use in conjunction with Community-Based Organization (CBO) partners, $20 million will be for local government with CBO partners, $20 million will be for Federally Recognized Tribal Nations with CBO partners, and $10 million will be for U.S. territories and remote tribes with limited access to CBO partners. In total the Agency anticipates funding approximately 70 projects of up to $1 million each for a 3-year project.

 

The EJG2G Program works to support and/or create model state activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health results in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks. These models should leverage or utilize existing resources or assets of state agencies to develop key tools and processes that integrate environmental justice considerations into state governments and government programs.

 

CBOs must partner with an eligible entity to apply. Interested applicants must submit proposal packages on or before April 14, 2023, to be considered for the available funding. Applicants should plan for projects to begin on October 1, 2023.

 

Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM)

 

The EJ TCGM program will fund up to 11 entities to serve as Grantmakers to community-based projects that reduce pollution. Selected Grantmakers will design competitive application and submission processes, award environmental justice subgrants, implement a tracking and reporting system, provide resources and support to communities.

 

The entities eligible to apply under this Request for Applications (RFA) and serve as an Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaker fall into four categories. They include:

  • A community-based nonprofit organization;
  • A partnership of community-based nonprofit organizations;
  • A partnership between a Tribal Nation and a community-based nonprofit organization; or,
  • A partnership between an institution of higher education and a community-based nonprofit organization.

Application packages must be submitted on or before May 31, 2023.

 

More information on the Inflation Reduction Act.

 

More information the EPA’s Children’s Environmental Health Grants. 

 

Newsletters, Calendars, and Recorded Webinars

 

Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Grants and Technical Assistance for Environmental Product Declarations       

            March 22, 2023, 2–3:30 p.m. EST  

This webinar will ask for feedback on new grant and technical assistance programs to help business calculate and report the greenhouse gas emissions data for construction materials and products though Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Registration to come.

 

Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Carbon Labeling

April 19, 2023, 2–3:30 p.m. EST     

This webinar will ask for feedback on how the EPA should develop a new carbon labeling program for construction materials and products and products with substantially lower embodied greenhouse gas emissions.

Registration to come.

 

Join NCAI’s Climate Action email listserv here!

 

Sign up for the Alliance for Green Heat’s newsletter!

 

To view and/or receive ITEP’s Climate Change newsletter, click here!

 

ITEP’s 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.

 

ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices

 

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

Click here to see all past and upcoming webinars hosted by the EPA.

 

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

 

EPA Rules from the Federal Register can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/environmental-protection-agency

 

EPA’s Community and Tribal Programs Group – Tribal Actions and Events calendar

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 Amanda Kaufman (Kaufman.Amanda@epa.gov) with any feedback.

 

To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!

 

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.

 

OLDER UPDATES!

Updated Version of EPA’s Air Sensor Guidebook Released!

Recognizing the ever-increasing availability of air sensors, expanding user base, and growing scientific knowledge, the U.S. EPA updated the popular Air Sensor Guidebook, originally published in 2014. The refreshed version, called “The Enhanced Air Sensor Guidebook”, includes updated content and new topics that incorporate best practices, current knowledge, and recommendations to guide the use of air sensors.

 

The Enhanced Guidebook supports users in planning and collecting air quality measurements using air sensors. The Guidebook can help sensor users:

  • Learn the basics of air quality, air pollution monitoring, and air sensors
  • Plan and conduct an air quality monitoring study
  • Select, setup, and use air sensors
  • Analyze, interpret, communicate, and act on results
  • Understand the basics of air sensor performance

Find out more and access the Enhanced Air Sensor Guidebook.

Visit EPA’s Air Sensor Toolbox.

Find out more about EPA’s Air Research.

 

Air Knowledge E–Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to Tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

  • A course that explains key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
  • A course that explains the basic components of state and Tribal implementation plans,
  • A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
  • A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
  • A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), Tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website.

 

Follow up on the second session of the Million Hearts Climate Change and Cardiovascular Disease Collaborative, Interventions to Address Particle Pollution and Heart Disease. You can access a recording of the session here (passcode: W$Bb8t*!)

Helpful links/resources from the chat

 

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RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES|

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of March 13 – 17, 2023

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD

REGISTRATION is open! Financial Scholarships to cover costs for Registration & Lodging at the conference hotel are available for Tribes on a limited basis. Deadline to request a scholarship is March 24, 2023.  Details provided in the registration form.

There is a $250.00 registration fee for NTFAQ attendees. Registration fee covers admission to all sessions, Virgil Masayesva Awards dinner, morning continental breakfast, afternoon snack breaks, field trips, and pre-conference trainings.

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD|

TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of March 13 – 17, 2023

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

TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

NATIONAL TRIBAL AIR ASSOCIATION

Our mission is to advance air quality management policies and programs, consistent with the needs, interests, and unique legal status of American Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives.

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