PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of October 31 – November 4, 2022
Natural gas is flared off during an oil drilling operation in the Permian Basin oil field on March 12, 2022 in Midland, Texas. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Grist – A NASA satellite launched to detect dust has discovered huge methane leaks
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of October 31 – November 4, 2022
NTAA News!
NEW! NTAA 2022 STAR Webinar Announcement!
November 13, 2022, | 3:00 PM ET
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 874 6085 4795
Password: star
Dial by your location
Find your local number: https://nau.zoom.us/u/kdRII64pNV
The NTAA’s 2022 STAR is an annual publication intended to provide an understanding of the importance and impact of Tribal air programs. Nationally vetted Tribal needs, priorities, and recommendations are all outlined, and the successes and challenges experienced by the environmental professionals are highlighted by way of personal narratives submitted by the Tribes themselves. A highlight of this year’s STAR is the Baseline Needs Assessment (BNA) that provides the first-of-its kind assessment that demonstrates the need for increased funding for Tribal Nations to address air quality and climate change on and around Tribal Lands. Join NTAA and Partners for this year’s release of the 2022 NTAA STAR!
NEW! U.S. EPA Informational Webinar for Tribes on Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Funding Programs
November 15, 2022, | 2:30 PM ET | Register Here
Consistent with EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes (Policy), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering Tribes the opportunity to consult on the financial assistance program(s) identified in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Tribal governments are critical partners in achieving EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment, especially as the climate changes.
EPA is seeking input from tribes on how EPA can use the IRA funding, based on the eligible activities and entities in the law. EPA would like to hear how we can support the efforts of tribal governments and tribal and indigenous communities to advance environmental and public health protection in Indian country and in other areas of interest to tribes and indigenous communities in the United States, to include U.S. territories and free-associated states.
Tribal consultation will be held to obtain input from tribes, based on the general programs authorized by the IRA. This consultation period will take place from October 28, 2022 – December 27, 2022.
NEW! EPA 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Award Winners Announced!
At this time, through a lottery system, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected nearly 400 applications totaling almost $1 billion to support the purchase of over 2,400 buses, 95% of which will be electric. EPA will distribute awards to school districts in all 50 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students make up 99% of the projects that were selected. More applications are under review, and the agency plans to select more to reach the full $965 million in the coming weeks. Award winners were notified of selection via email and must refer to that email notification for their official award details and instructions on how to proceed. Click here to view the results.
Top Stories
E&E News – High court Harvard admissions case may thwart Biden EJ push
NBC News – Biden administration to invest nearly $1 billion in green school buses
Protocol – How to get electric school bus incentives just right
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News
Reuters – Idled St. Croix refinery risks explosion, ‘catastrophic’ releases: EPA
Yale Climate Connections – U.S. coal use is falling, but some communities still bear pollution burden
The Guardian – Carbon emissions from energy to peak in 2025 in ‘historic turning point’, says IEA
UN News – Climate change: No ‘credible pathway’ to 1.5C limit, UNEP warns
High Country News – Treaty-less tribes struggle to have their rights recognized
AZO Clean Tech – Space-Based CO2 Observations Quantify Emission Reductions
NACAA – Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
Utility Dive – ESG backlash unlikely to derail SEC climate risk rule
E&E News – A ‘lean’ team is making sure the climate law doesn’t fail
Inside Climate News – A Big Federal Grant Aims to Make Baltimore a Laboratory for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
The Hill – Climate change-fueled heat waves have cost the world’s economy trillions: study
Protocol – 3 things to know about the state of clean energy tech
Utility Dive – Electric utilities aren’t doing enough to address inequities in today’s power system, advocates say
E&E News Energy Wire – Utility CEOs expect climate law to boost profits, lower rates
Utility Dive – National Grid, DOE panelists call for ‘grid-enhancing technologies’ to quickly boost transmission capacity
The Hill – Climate change: A communications failure
Toxics/Mobile Sources
The Hill – Biden signs climate treaty aimed at limiting greenhouse gases used in refrigeration
The Hill – Khanna bill would ban gas exports during price spikes
Canary Media – Electric buses are ready for takeoff at US airports
E&E News – Will electric vehicles kill the gas station?
Yale Climate Connections – Scientists probe newly discovered methane emissions
The Verge – There was a record-breaking increase in methane in Earth’s atmosphere last year
Utility Dive – BMW invests $1.7B to expand EV output in the US
Indoor Air Quality
Air Quality News – Why indoor air quality is a key issue you should be addressing now
Indian Express – Is an air purifier enough to beat indoor air pollution? Which kind is best for the home?
Beyond Pesticides – EPA Opens Door to Indoor Air Contamination with Virus Spray, Efficacy Questioned
Bloomberg Law – Groups Urge Department of Housing to Address Indoor Air Quality
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of October 31 – November 4, 2022
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
NEW! University of Oregon Webinar Series: Addressing Equity and Environmental Justice in the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy
November 2, 2022, | 10:00 Am AZ | Register Here
Webinar #2 in the Equity and Environmental Justice Webinar Series
The U.S. Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that is funding the agency’s initial investments to reduce wildfire risk under the Strategy, both call for considering equity and environmental justice when implementing projects. We present practical applications of our research on the environmental justice implications of hazardous fuels reduction, including new tools, that help address this need.
Presented by: Susan Charnley & Mark Adams; US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station
- Wildfires, Communities, and Environmental Justice Tues. Nov. 8, 10am PDT —– REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3SprpKI
- Webinar #3 in the Equity and Environmental Justice in Wildfire Series. This webinar will go over results of a recent literature review of studies that focus on the environmental justice aspects of wildfire, as well as present preliminary findings on how different socio-demographic groups have been affected by wildfires across California in the last decade.
- Presented by: Francisco Escobedo; US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station
- Considering Equity in Wildfire Risk and Protection Thurs. Dec. 1, 10am PDT —– REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3dWM1Lw
- Webinar #4 in the Equity in Environmental Justice Series This webinar will summarize recent research examining the equity implications of rising wildfire risk and associated costs, including insurance coverage and the comparative costs for risk management activities in populations with different incomes.
- Presented by: Matthew R. Auer; The University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs
NEW! EPA Webinar: One Health
November 16, 2022, | 3:00 PM ET | Register Here
One Health is a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach—working at the local, regional, national, and global levels—with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) has been partnering with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), and the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) to raise awareness of One Health. In 2021, EPA and our state partners hosted a 2-part public webinar series on One Health and a virtual workshop where state environmental, health, and fish & wildlife agencies discussed the importance of the One Health approach and the role of different health professionals within the One Health framework, as well as brainstormed potential projects to collaborate on at both the state and national levels.
In honor of One Health Day on November 3rd, this webinar will provide a brief overview of One Health and more information on how EPA is collaborating with our state partners to educate, inform and share best practices on One Health, including examples of EPA One Health research and how the One Health approach being applied in Alaska and Missouri.
2022 WHITE HOUSE TRIBAL NATIONS SUMMIT ANNOUNCEMENT
The President will host the next White House Tribal Nations Summit on November 30 and December 1 at the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C. Since taking office, the President has prioritized strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships, honoring trust and treaty obligations with federally recognized Tribes and advancing Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Through the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Administration is also making historic investments in Tribal communities. Building on the 2021 White House Tribal Nations Summit, this year’s Summit will be an opportunity for Tribal leaders to engage directly with senior administration officials on implementation of these key priorities, new policies, and other important issues facing Tribal communities. Read the statement here.
Limited Stipends Available for the 2022 WHITE HOUSE TRIBAL NATIONS SUMMIT
Greetings Fellow Sovereignty Protectors and Justice Advocates,
In partnership with Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) as our funder, we are pleased to announce that the USET SPF is leading the coordination and management of providing a limited number of stipend payments to support Tribal Leaders from across Indian Country who want to attend the White House Tribal Nations Summit (WHTNS). To qualify, individuals must (1) self-attest a financial need, (2) be a representative of a federally recognized Tribal Nation, and (3) have been accepted by the White House as the Designated Attendee for their federally recognized Tribal Nation.
Stipends in the amount of $2,500 will be made available on a first come, first served basis, until funds are exhausted. Stipends will be paid directly to the federally recognized Tribal Nation. Please see the link below to complete the stipend request form. Click Here for Stipend Request Form
Please join us for a virtual round table discussion hosted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association on either November 8 (3PM MT) or November 9 (9AM MT).
Indian Country represents approximately 2% of the U.S. landmass, but more than 5% of solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in the United States. Despite the significant potential of solar PV development on tribal lands, only a handful of large-scale projects have been installed. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and MTERA have partnered to form the Tribal Solar Initiative in order to address regulatory barriers to tribal solar adoption, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office. The goal of the project is to articulate key barriers to tribal solar and tribal solar-plus-storage adoption at all scales and to ready stakeholders to implement options to address these challenges.
These discussions will focus on the findings of the Tribal Solar Initiative. In March 2022, NREL and MTERA published the draft guidebook “Addressing Regulatory Challenges to Tribal Solar Deployment” and is seeking feedback from interested stakeholders regarding key findings. Final+Guidebooks+Draft.pdf (squarespace.com). We hope that you will join us so that we may improve the guidebook and better enable tribal solar deployment.
Register here for November 8th
Register here for November 9th
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) FY2022 Appropriations
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in connection with CRS’s institutional role.
NC Radon Program Social Media Toolkit
The NC Radon Program has created a free Radon Social Media Toolkit for your use. The materials are in both English and Spanish. All of the materials are in a Google Docs folder. To access this social media toolkit folder
EPA’s Community and Tribal Programs Group has a publicly facing Tribal Actions and Events calendar for all to use!
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 Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback.
New 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 the 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.
More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found in the attached document.
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.
NTAA Upcoming Calls
Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions for NTAA webinars* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time. For other NTAA calls, NTAA will be transitioning to Zoom. 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, November 17, 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, November 3, 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! | November 16, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET (tentative) |
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 usually on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a national holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! | Thursday, November 17, 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, December 15, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET |
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)
Click Here for ITEP’s new Tribal Environmental Management and Planning Online Courses. Sign up for a self-paced course hosted by ITEP’s Waste and Response and Tribal Air Quality programs. New courses have been added, so check it out!
ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program (AIAQTP) hosts the Building Performance: Improving IAQ in Cold Climates, Residential Building Science Review, Radon Fundamentals, Quality Assurance Fundamental, Writing a Quality Assurance Project Plan, Emissions Inventory Fundamentals, and Emissions Inventory Advanced.
AIAQTP Schedule and Registration
Recorded Webinars
Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.
ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.
EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series
Click here to see all past and upcoming webinars hosted by the EPA.
Climate Change / Energy
NEW! U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Webinar: 2022 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Tribes Leading the Way to a More Sustainable Energy Future
December 7, 2022, | 11:00 AM – 1:00 Pm MST | Register Here
Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, the 2022 Tribal Energy Webinar Series will focus on how tribes can position themselves to participate in the energy transition to the benefit of their communities and future generations. Tribes have been working toward a more sustainable future for many years. This webinar will highlight projects across Indian Country and rural Alaska that demonstrate successful steps toward a cleaner energy future.
Toxics/Mobile Sources
REMINDER! U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) EV Grid Assist: Accelerating the Transition initiative Webinar Series
September 8 – November 10, 2022
This webinar series is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) EV Grid Assist: Accelerating the Transition initiative. It aims to support decision makers by providing timely information on a wide range of topics important to the integration of electric vehicles and the grid. To learn more about the EVGrid Assist initiative or to download a recording of past webinars, visit www.energy.gov/evgridassist.
- Charging Station Design – Part 1, September 27, 2022, 3:00 PM – 4:30 EDT, Register Here
- Load Forecasting, October 3, 2022, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM EDT, Register Here
- Rates and Incentives, October 25, 2022, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM EDT, Register Here
- Planning for the future, November 10, 2022, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM EDT, Register Here
EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events
To address these trends and challenges, EPA developed the SmartWay program.
Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:
- provides a comprehensive and well-recognized system for tracking, documenting and sharing information about fuel use and freight emissions across supply chains
- helps companies identify and select more efficient freight carriers, transport modes, equipment, and operational strategies to improve supply chain sustainability and lower costs from goods movement
- supports global energy security and offsets environmental risk for companies and countries
- reduces freight transportation-related emissions by accelerating the use of advanced fuel-saving technologies
- is supported by major transportation industry associations, environmental groups, state and local governments, international agencies, and the corporate community
View the SmartWay timeline and learn about the program’s achievements and key milestones reached since SmartWay’s launch in 2002. Our progress to making freight in the supply chain more sustainable and efficient is due to the vision, commitment and hard work of SmartWay Partners and Affiliates! Two Decades of Progress: SmartWay Partnership Milestones (PDF)(1 pg, 345 K, June 2021, EPA-420-H-21-001). Click Here to view past webinars and upcoming webinars
Indoor Air Quality
EPA Seeks Information to Support Indoor Air Quality Management Improvements to Reduce Disease Transmission and Improve Public Health
Building upon the Biden-Harris Administration’s Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, a key component of the President’s National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment to inform efforts by EPA and others to support the widespread adoption of actions that lead to improvements in indoor air quality in the nation’s building stock, with a particular emphasis on schools and commercial buildings, to help reduce disease transmission indoors and improve public health.
EPA will review information received during this public comment period to support the potential development, improvement, and implementation of technical assistance efforts, including tools, training, guidance, and other strategies to support sustained ventilation, filtration, air cleaning, and other indoor air quality improvements in buildings.
The Agency is inviting comment from the broad array of individuals and organizations with knowledge and expertise relating to the built environment and health, indoor air quality, epidemiology, disease transmission, social sciences, and other disciplines, and from the general public. Comments must be submitted by December 5, 2022. For more information, see FR Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0794. |
EPA Spanish Webinar: Indoor Air Quality: Healthy Homes and Asthma
November 10, 2022, | 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET | Register Here
EPA’s Office of Indoor Environments ─ whose primary goal is to improve indoor air quality where people live, learn and work ─ will host this Spanish-language webinar on the importance and relationship of indoor air quality, healthy homes and asthma. EPA will be joined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Department of Health.
This webinar will provide you with valuable information on:
- Indoor air quality
- Principles of healthy homes
- Asthma in Puerto Rico and the VIAS Home Visiting Project
- Resources available in Spanish
We encourage you to register for this webinar aimed at Spanish speakers in general. Spread the word and forward information about the event to a colleague who may be interested in the topic.
For more information about the webinar, please contact Carmen Torrent at Torrent.carmen@epa.gov
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!
RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of October 31 –November 4, 2022
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:
- 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.
- Resume
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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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PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of October 24 – 28, 2022
More than 100 people participated in the Oct. 22, 2022, peace march to the Mesa Mill, which sits about 5 miles from the tiny community of White Mesa, Utah. (Stina Sieg/CPR News)
CPR – Ute Mountain Ute peace walk draws attention to uranium mill’s environmental and health impacts
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD