RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

NOW HIRING!

The MANO Project and National Park Service’s (NPS) Juan Bautista de Anza Trail are partnering to provide a paid, year-long internship, Connecting Communities with the Anza Trail. This opportunity is open to students, recent graduates, and early career professionals who identify as Indigenous, Native, and/or American Indian.

The MANO Project connects, builds and develops young leaders of color who share a passion for serving and strengthening their communities. This project will entail cross-cultural outreach in preparation for the trail’s 250th Anniversary of the Anza Expedition. The intern will…

• Engage local tribal organizations and contacts with the intent to center Indigenous voices in the narrative of the Anza Expedition and legacy.
• Receive mentorship and support from Anza trail staff, MANO project staff and interns/fellows across the country, and Tribal partners.

Interested? Here’s what you need to know:

• The project description – including a list of benefits – and application can be found at https://jobapply.page.link/TMdfY. I have also attached a PDF copy.
• We are currently accepting applications through Sunday, November 13, 2022, 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
• If you want to learn more about the opportunity before applying, schedule a virtual Q&A session with me here: https://calendar.app.google/3ThBv3xejg1dRxzX8.

 The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation’s Environmental Trust is hiring for two positions including Climate Action Coordinator and an Air Quality Technician. For full description, please refer to www.colvilletribes.com/jobs or contact Human Resources attn.: Amber Seymour, HR Analyst Sr. at 509-634-2181 or amber.seymour.hrs@colvilletribes.com.

 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.

TAMS Tribal Air Monitoring Technology Specialist

Being Age 55 or Older is Good for The Environment! The Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program offers unique opportunities in Scientific, Technical, and Administrative / Office support for individuals aged 55 and over to support the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through a grant administered program through National Older Worker Career Center (NOWCC). This is a unique program where your talents, expertise and experience will truly be valued. The EPA provides a wonderful work atmosphere, and you’ll be working side-by-side with EPA staff that are doing important work every day.

Pay & Benefits: Pay rate: $18.01 /hr.

Benefits: Paid Health Insurance Premium if working 30+ hours per week, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time, Paid Federal Holidays plus one Individual Holiday, and optional Vision and Dental Insurance available. Must be U.S Citizen and age 55 or older to apply. The duties of this position must be performed onsite at the EPA office location in Las Vegas, NV. For Full Description and to Apply Click Here 

The Clean Energy Corps is hiring. We need talented, diverse, kind, and hardworking people like you to join this team. Apply Now!

With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Clean Energy Corps is charged with investing more than $62 billion to deliver a more equitable clean energy future for the American people by:

• Investing in American manufacturing
• Creating good paying jobs
• Expanding access to energy efficiency and clean energy for families, communities, and businesses
• Delivering reliable, clean, and affordable power to more Americans
• And building the technologies of tomorrow through clean energy research, development, and demonstrations

You can find a great listing of Indian Country jobs on NCAI’s website here.

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! Native American Natural Resource Research Scholarship

Application Due: November 20, 2022, 5:00 PM PST

The Intertribal Timber Council (ITC), in partnership with the USDA Forest Service Research and Development is pleased to announce scholarship opportunities for Native American students who are planning or currently conducting tribally relevant research in a natural resource issue.

Award: Varies, not to exceed $5,000

Purpose: The ITC Research Scholarship is designed to support tribally relevant, natural resource-based research being conducted by Native American scholars enrolled in a graduate program.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: The ITC Education Selection Committee will review and rank only those applications that completely address the following criteria:

1. Letter of Application: The letter must include your name, permanent mailing address, email address and phone number. Discuss your current educational program and how the tribally relevant proposed research fits into both your degree in natural resources and your future.
2. Resume
3. Evidence of validated enrollment in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Corporation, as established by the U.S. Government. A photocopy of your enrollment card, front and back, or Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) is sufficient.
4. Mini Research Proposal: Please keep this concise (4 page maximum not counting budget and justification). Required elements include a) abstract stating research merit and explaining how this research is relevant to tribal natural resource interests b) timeline and methodology c) dissemination plan, including a tribal component d) budget and budget justification 5.
5. Letters of reference/support from an academic advisor or committee member is required. Additionally, a second letter of support from a tribal resource manager or a tribal representative with tribal approval of the project or the relevancy of the project to the tribe is required. Reference letters are not accepted directly from referrals, submit with your completed application.

DELIVERY OF APPLICATION: Create one email attaching all required documents and submit to intertribaltimbercouncil@gmail.com  up until the close of business (5:00 p.m. PST) November 30, 2022. Incomplete applications will not be considered. PDF attachment(s) preferred, download free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print PDF documents. Google docs are not accepted.

Questions can be submitted to ITC by phone 503-282-4296 or email intertribaltimbercouncil@gmail.com.

 NEW! Deadline Extended: Provide Your Input to EPA on New Grant Program for Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings

Deadline Extended through November 14, 2022

EPA is extending, until November 14, the opportunity to provide feedback on the design of EPA’s new $4 million grant program for wildfire smoke preparedness in community buildings and related activities. EPA is seeking input on the types of projects and grant recipients that may be eligible for the program. Stakeholder feedback may also inform funding priorities and the number and size of individual awards.

EPA is especially interested in:

• What types of buildings are in need of assistance and how could they be better prepared for wildfire smoke events over the long term?
• What lessons from these projects could be applied to future projects with similar goals?
• What kind of support would be helpful to potential applicants, especially those in economically distressed communities?

Send your feedback to WildfireSmokeGrants_Feedback@epa.gov  by November 14.

Slides from our October 13 public listening session are now available and a recording is coming soon. To view the slides and to learn more about the grant program, visit our Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program Website.

 EPA Seeks Public Input on Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a coordinated stakeholder engagement strategy to help shape the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is a $27 billion fund that will provide competitive grants to states, local governments, tribes and eligible non-profit financing institutions to mobilize financing and leverage private capital for clean energy and climate projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with an emphasis on projects that benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities. EPA’s strategy includes several steps, outlined below.

Issuing a Request for Information

EPA published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public comment on core design aspects of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The notice has been published on EPA’s website and on Regulations.gov and will be open until December 5, 2022.

Launching a National Listening Session Series

EPA is launching a stakeholder listening session series to enable key stakeholders and members of the public to provide input directly to EPA staff on the implementation of the Fund. The series will begin with two sessions on November 1 and November 9 from 7:00PM – 9:00PM ET. For more information on the Inflation Reduction Act and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, visit the new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund webpage.

Soliciting Expert Input from the Environmental Finance Advisory Board (EFAB)

EPA is soliciting expert input on key program design questions from the Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB), a Federal Advisory Committee that provides advice and recommendations to EPA’s Administrator and regional and program offices on ways to lower the costs of, and increase investments in, environmental and public health protection. The EFAB will provide its advice and recommendations to EPA by December 15, 2022.

EPA, Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) announce $2 Million EJ4Climate Grant Program

Proposals Due November 11, 2022, 5:00 PM ET | Click Here For Application

The CEC established this grant program in 2021 to fund projects that target underserved and vulnerable communities, and Indigenous communities, in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, to prepare them for climate-related impacts. The EJ4Climate Grant Program provides funding directly to community-based organizations and seeks to support environmental justice by facilitating the involvement and empowerment of communities searching for solutions and the development of partnerships to address their environmental and human health vulnerabilities, including those due to climate change impacts. Any Questions Please Contact: Angela Hackel (hackle.angela@epa.gov ), Senior Advisor to the Assistant Administrator

Office of International and Tribal Affairs (OITA)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

202.566.2977 (office)

202.763.3945 (cell)

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 Connect; register here for an account. All questions about the FOA must also be submitted through FedConnect.

Department of Commerce (DOC) Climate Program Office FY 2023 – $11.1 million

Applications Due: November 21, 2022 | Funding Opportunity Number: NOAA-OAR-CPO-2023-2007440

Eligible Entities: State governments, local governments, tribal governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofits, international organizations 

As part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climate portfolio within the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), the Climate Program Office (CPO) addresses climate challenges by managing competitive research programs through which high-priority climate science, assessments, decision-support research, outreach, education, and capacity-building activities are funded to advance our understanding of the Earth’s climate system, and to foster the application and use of this knowledge to improve the resilience of our Nation and its partners.  For more information, visit the funding opportunity description. 

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 general 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.

Communication Channels for NASA Funding Opportunities

Please consider signing up for the following communication channels. These channels will ensure that you are informed of student engagement and other funding opportunities:

• Register for an account with NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one. Once you have an account, you’ll be able to sign up for notifications to be alerted when new funding opportunities are released. There are sometimes opportunities released specifically for Minority Serving Institutions (including TCUs and other indigenous serving higher education institutions) so it’s good to receive the notifications to stay on top of new opportunities.
• Sign up for our MUREP Newsletterwhich goes out every 2 weeks on Fridays.
• Check our MUREP websitefor announcements regarding MUREP specific funding opportunities.

 Office of Research and Development recently conducted planning discussions regarding the WSMART program.

One decision we are activating now is a testing partner loan option during periods of lower wildfire activity (winter through early spring), with loans for up to 3 months. The website FAQs were updated today to outline that option (refer to: “Can I request this equipment to try out before the next wildfire season?”): https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox/wildfire-smoke-air-monitoring-response-technology-wsmart-pilot

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

Climate Change/Energy

NEW!  USDA Seeks Public Input on Ways to Make Funds Available Through the Inflation Reduction Act to Advance Clean Energy for People in Rural America

Listening Sessions November 3 & 4, 2022, | 2:00 – 4:00 PM ET | November 3, 2022, Webinar Registration | November 4, 2022, Webinar Registration

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is seeking public input on how to use Inflation Reduction Act funding to advance clean energy for people in rural America. This commitment to cleaner energy will help USDA Rural Development provide resources to reduce climate pollution and ensure that communities have access to a clean, secure energy supply to keep rural people and economies prepared for the future.

In August, Congress passed the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic legislative package known as the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce energy costs for families and create thousands of good-paying jobs for people across rural America.

To learn more, read the full Stakeholder Announcement [lnks.gd].

Biden-Harris Administration Launches $1 Billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Program to Enhance Energy Systems in Rural and Remote Communities

• DOE Seeks Public Input on New Program to Improve Energy Systems in Areas with Fewer than 10,000 People

The Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program will strengthen the resilience, reliability, and availability of energy systems, helping communities unlock the public health and cost-saving benefits cleaner, more efficient energy provides.

The ERA program will provide federal support to rural or remote communities to:

• Improve the overall cost-effectiveness of energy generation, transmission, or distribution systems;
• Site or upgrade transmission and distribution lines;
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation by rural or remote areas;
• Provide or modernize electric generation facilities;
• Develop microgrids; and
• Increase energy efficiency

https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-launches-1-billion-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-program

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.

 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!

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! The CRCPD E25 Committee on Radon is pleased to announce the following details on the 2023 National Radon Poster and Video Contests

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2022

• All states and/or tribes must submit their 1st place poster and/or video to kelley@state.co.usby November 30, 2022.
• The CRCPD E25 Committee on Radon will vote on the posters and videos for the National Radon Poster and Video Contest in mid-December. Winners will be announced during National Radon Action Month, January 2023.
• The American Lung Association (ALA) will be providing the following prizes to the national winners:

Poster prizes:
1st place –$1,000
2nd place –$300
3rd place – $200

Video prize:
1st place –$1,000If your state radon program and/or tribe is interested in conducting a video contest, ALA has great information on their website on the Illinois video contest that you can use as a guide https://www.lung.org/local-content/il/radon-video.  Feel free to contact Chrys Kelley (chrys.kelley@state.co.us) if you have any questions.

NEW! Forth: Request for Proposal for School Bus Repower

Applications Due: December 2, 2022

Forth and Beaverton School District are accepting proposals in response to our new Request for Proposals (RFP) for vendors able to repower a diesel school bus with an electric powertrain. The RFP includes project specifications as well as a virtual presentation component for top-scoring applicants. Organizations who submitted previously are welcome to review the changes and resubmit. The Evaluation Committee will be hosting a LIVE pre-bid webinar on Wednesday, November 2 at 1:00 PM PST to address changes and answer any additional questions. Register here to join the webinar.

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

 NEW! CMM Webinar—Rethink IAQ: How to Blend Science and Cleaning to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Facilities

November 16, 2022, | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET | Register Here

The pandemic has brought enhanced cleaning and improved indoor air quality to the forefront, and the industry doesn’t want to lose the momentum it has experienced the past few years. While the industry as a whole understands the value and impact of cleaning, disinfecting, and improving IAQ in facilities, there are some common myths, misunderstandings, and issues that may hinder real improvements needed today.

In this one-hour, fast-paced webinar, featuring industry experts who understand the issues you face, you will learn what improving IAQ really means, how to do it, and steps and procedures that go beyond what many are doing today. You will learn what it takes to be an IAQ expert and how to really serve those who use your buildings and facilities.

Topics Include:

• How to determine the quality of the indoor air in your facilities
• Monitoring options to guarantee cleaning staff has valuable data
• Determining if your cleaning equipment is sufficient for the task
• What you can do beyond filtering the air in facilities
• Strategies to handle large-scale, increased occupancy situations
• Industry assets to help you with your IAQ improvement programs
• Identifying potentially dangerous or unhealthy indoor air quality situations
• Simple, easy-to-implement tips to use right now to improve IAQ
• And more!

During the webinar, attendees can engage panelists throughout the presentation, and there will be a dedicated Q&A session as well. Come prepared to ask the toughest questions you need answers to right now.

 The Indoor Air Quality Association’s (IAQA) Emerging Professional Scholarship Fund was created to offer early career professionals the opportunity to further develop their understanding and expertise within the IAQ field. For the 2023 program, they are pleased to offer the following:

IAQA 2023 Annual Meeting & Expo Travel Award & IAQA University Award
One candidate will receive a $2,000 travel stipend award for hotel, airfare, miscellaneous expenses as well as a complimentary registration for the IAQA 2023 Annual Meeting & Expo and the 50- course bundle. Two candidates will receive the 50- course bundle for IAQA University featuring all four S.M.A.R.T. Education Courses/Badges –value up to $3250 (access for a period of 18 months). Click here to apply!

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.

Most Recent Listing: EPA Rules from the Federal Register can be found here.

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