UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of October 17 – 21, 2022
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
NEW! Alaskan Tribes are invited to NTAA’s Informational Webinar:
For Alaskan Tribes on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 10 am – 11 am AK Time:
Tribal Consultation 101: An Introduction to the Federal Government’s Tribal Consultation with Alaskan Tribes
The agenda includes the following:
- Welcome and Introductions: Rose Kalistook and Andy Bessler, NTAA
- What is Tribal Consultation and why is it Important: Pilar Thomas, NTAA Policy Advisor
- How the U.S. EPA conducts Tribal Consultation: Pat Childers, Senior Tribal Coordinator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air and Radiation
- Case Study: Alaska Regional Haze Rule: Pat Childers, Senior Tribal Coordinator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air and Radiation
- Questions and Discussion: Andy Bessler, NTAA
This informational webinar will be held via Zoom on this link:
https://nau.zoom.us/j/2828649061?pwd=akxUb08vT05UaDNuY0dmRElDRm9MZz09
Meeting ID: 282 864 9061
Password: NTAA
You can also dial into the webinar via phone using one of these phone numbers:
1-646-931-3860 US or dial toll-free to 1-888-788-0099.
REMINDER! Searching and Effectively Applying for Federal Jobs & the Experience of a Tribal Member
October 25, 2022, | 2:30 PM ET | Register Here
This webinar will discuss how to effectively search and apply for public service positions in the Federal Government. Learn about job openings, understand how to use USA Jobs, the official tool for applying for most federal positions, creating a profile, as well as developing a resume that addresses the required information found in job announcements. Presenters will also discuss the application review and the selection processes. Furthermore, a recent hire of the EPA will speak of her experience with the application and on-boarding processes.
EPA plans to announce many job opportunities, including those for individuals interested in working in the Agency to advance environmental justice.
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 Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time.
| 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 andy.bessler@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 andy.bessler@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 andy.bessler@nau.edu to join the call! | Wednesday, 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, October 27, 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, October 20, 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. 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
REMINDER! Forth: Financing Tools to Increase Electric Vehicle Access
October 18, 2022, | 10:00 AM PT | Register Here
This panel will discuss tangible ways to address financial barriers to EV adoption, the various electric transportation options and alternative programmatic approaches to help individuals find their way into an electric vehicle. For gig driving work or for families, we will consider current options and incentives with key partners to help make real steps towards EVs for all.
REMINDER! Clean Energy Group webinars: Introduction State Leadership in Decarbonizing the Building Sector, Featuring California and New York
October 26, 2022, | 1 PM ET | Register Here
The building sector is a substantial contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. This webinar will highlight two state initiatives that are making a big impact in decarbonizing this sector. The California Energy Commission’s 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for newly constructed buildings and renovated buildings blazes a trail for states seeking to decarbonize aggressively and cost-effectively. The New York Clean Energy Initiative, a joint effort of NYSERDA and New York State Homes and Community Renewal, provides incentives and technical assistance for electrification and high-performance envelope improvements in new and existing multifamily affordable housing developments. In this webinar, representatives from the California Energy Commission and NYSERDA will present their programs and answer questions from the audience. CESA’s Warren Leon will moderate. These programs were recipients of the 2022 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards. Learn more at https://www.cesa.org/projects/state-leadership-in-clean-energy/2022-awards/.
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
REMINDER! National Radon Training Event in Seattle, Washington
October 24 – 26, 2022, | Register Here
The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors invites you to join us for our National Radon Training Event in Seattle, Washington October 24 – 26, 2022. It’s an exciting time as we get to meet again in person!
NEW! National Indian Health Board: COVID-19 Essential: Care Kits
October 19, 2022, | 4:00 PM ET | Register Here
As the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spreads, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) urges Tribal Nations to stay prepared for COVID-19 like any other disaster. NIHB encourages all Tribal businesses and communities to prepare a preparedness kit throughout the year. Join us as Desirae Mack provides information on preparing for response and recovery to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. She will include details on what the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium includes in a COVID-19 Care Kit and their outreach activities to mitigate COVID-19 in Alaska.
Objectives:
- Explain how Tribes can customize COVID-19 kits to meet individual and family needs.
- Discuss free or low-cost resources to use during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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 17 –21, 2022
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
NOW HIRING!
NEW! U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Physical Scientist
Application closes: October 24, 2022, | Click Here for the Full Job Description
The positions are in the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Transportation and Climate Division, State Measures and Transportation Planning Center. The location will be determined after a selection has been made for the position; if selected, you must work at one of the locations stated in this announcement. The salary will be commensurate with the location.
NEW! 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 close: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for the 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 focusing 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 colonialism, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to the 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.
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
REMINDER! EPA: Tribal and Insular Area Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Request for Applications OPEN! – $8 million
Applications Due: October 26, 2022
Eligible Entities: Tribal governments (or intertribal consortiums), Alaska Native Villages, or insular area government agencies which have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the availability of grant funding for tribal and certain insular area governments to implement projects which reduce emissions from the nation’s existing fleet of older diesel engines. A total of $7 million will be made available to tribal governments, or intertribal consortia, and Alaska Native villages; and $1 million will be made available to insular area governments, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Funds may be used to upgrade and replace older, dirtier diesel-powered vehicles and equipment with newer, cleaner vehicles and technologies.
Anticipated Timeline and Dates
| Description | Date |
| 2022 Request for Applications (RFA) Opened | Thursday, August 04, 2022
|
|
Information Session Webinars
|
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 – 1:00 PM ET Thursday, August 25, 2022 – 3:00 PM ET Wednesday, August 31, 2022 – 7:00 PM ET
|
| Deadline for Submission of Questions
|
Friday, October 14, 2022 – 11:59 PM ET
|
| Deadline for Applications
|
Wednesday, October 26, 2021—11:59 PM ET
|
| Anticipated Notification of Selected Applicants
|
January 2023
|
| Anticipated Funding of Awards
|
February 2023
|
For more information and to view the full RFA, please visit https://www.epa.gov/dera/tribal-insulararea
| For further Tribal applicant information, contact:
Lucita Valiere DERA Tribal Grants Lead Phone: 206-553-8087 Email: valiere.lucita@epa.gov
|
For further insular area applicant information, contact:
Stephanie Watson DERA Insular Area Grants Lead Phone: 202-564-1409 Email: watson.stephanie@epa.gov
|
EPA, Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) announces $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.
NOAA RESTORE Science Program 2023 – $15 million
Applications Due: November 15, 2022
Eligible Entities: Institutions of higher education; not-for-profit institutions; for-profit organizations; local governments, state governments, tribal governments; and U.S. territories
NOAA RESTORE Science Program is open for proposals for projects up to five years in duration. This announcement invites proposals that request funding from researcher, resource manager, and stakeholder partnerships to execute a previously planned, collaborative research project, develop its findings and products, transfer them to an identified resource manager or management body, and apply them to a specific Gulf of Mexico natural resource management decision. A letter of intent for this proposal is due by August 16, 2022.
For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOC Climate Program Office FY 2023 – $11.1 million
Applications Due: November 21, 2022
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 web form, 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 Newsletter which goes out every two weeks on Fridays.
- Check our MUREP website for 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
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
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.
Join EPA in Observing National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week to raise awareness about childhood lead exposure and lead poisoning, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will observe National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) on October 23–29. Each year, NLPPW is a call to bring together individuals, organizations, industry, and state, tribal, and local governments to reduce childhood exposure to lead by increasing lead poisoning prevention awareness. Additionally, the EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are hosting the following webinars for a wide variety of audiences about preventing exposure to lead:
- Understanding Lead: Join EPA Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 2–3:30 p.m. ET for a live webinar about lead, its impacts, and actions that can be taken to reduce potential lead exposures and lead poisoning. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Register here.
- Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule Awareness: Join EPA Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 12–1 p.m. ET for a live presentation for contractors and local building code and enforcement officials about EPA’s RRP rule, which concerns RRP projects in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978. Register here.
- Lead Awareness Curriculum Train-the-Trainer: Join EPA Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 2:30–4:30 p.m. ET for a live discussion on how to use and modify Lead Awareness in Indian Country: Keeping our Children Healthy! Curriculum for any community. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. Register here.
For more information about NLPPW, lead and lead exposure, event ideas, planning suggestions, sample social media posts and graphics available in six languages, visit our NLPPW webpage in English or in Spanish. If you haven’t already, follow @EPAChemSafety on Twitter, where we will highlight ways to prevent childhood lead exposure.
Indoor Air Quality
The Indoor Air Quality Association’s 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, and miscellaneous expenses, as well as 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 10 – 14, 2022
NASA commercial crew astronaut Nicole Mann poses for a portrait at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, U.S., July 3, 2019. Picture taken July 3, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Blake
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
Reuters – Nicole Mann says she is proud to be first Native American woman in space
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of October 10 – 14, 2022
NTAA News!
Recently, EPA requested comments regarding their intent to address power sector rules related to:
- Greenhouse Gas (GHG) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for New, Modified, and Reconstructed Fossil Fuel-Fired EGUs under CAA section 111(b);
- Developing Proposed GHG Emission Guidelines Under CAA Section 111(d); and
- Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review (RTR) for the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)
EPA is asking five questions related to their pre-proposal that can be read here.
You can learn more from EPA here and at this link: Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0723. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the opening of a non-rulemaking docket for public input. The purpose of this docket is to solicit public input on the Agency’s efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from new and existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs). The goal of this non-rulemaking docket is to gather perspectives from a broad group of stakeholders. This docket will be open for public comment until March 27, 2023. The EPA will provide a separate opportunity for public comment on any future proposed rulemaking(s) for EGUs through a formal comment period. A formal comment period will be announced in the Federal Register notice of any future proposed rulemaking(s).
You can submit your comments to EPA via this link by March 27, 2023. Learn more how to submit comments to EPA here.
NTAA’s PRK for Tribes to use to submit their comments to EPA by the comment deadline of March 27, 2022. This is a pre-proposal opportunity for public comment. EPA will be seeking another round of public comment and Tribal Consultation when a draft rule is released by EPA later in 2023. NTAA has long advocated for strong emission controls on GHG emissions that impact climate change. Tribes and Tribal Air Quality will only benefit the faster we can collectively reduce GHG emissions from existing and new stationary stories.
NTAA’s PRK includes a Tribal Template Letter to use this template that includes NTAA’s comments that will be submitted by the comment period deadline of March 27, 2023).
Top Stories
E&E News – The climate law — and its billions — changed everything
The Hill – EPA proposes deeming lead in aviation fuel a danger to public health
Indian Country Today – Interior to introduce ‘Indigenous food hubs’
CNN – What Indigenous Peoples’ Day means to Native Americans
NPR – Fat Bear Week emerges from scandal to crown a new champion
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News
E&E News – Flush with cash, EPA could toughen methane rules
E&E News – Regan aide eyed to lead EPA environmental justice office
E&E News – Years into fracking boom, air regulators can’t keep up
Washington Post – EPA is ‘falling behind’ on power plant rules, report says
You can view the report mentioned in the article here.
Wisconsin Public Radio – Despite 2 decades of progress, Wisconsin still isn’t meeting national air quality standards
Yahoo News – Methane plume from ruptured Nord Stream is visible from space
E&E News – Inside the environmental justice movement’s big win
E&E News – Biden’s promise to tribes faces test in Great Lakes
U.S. EPA – EPA Launches Updates to Environmental Justice Mapping Tool EJScreen
U.S. News and World Report – State Pollution Rankings: Measuring exposure to pollution and related health risks
NACAA – Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
The Guardian – ‘The US dammed us up’: how drought is threatening Navajo ties to ancestral lands
E&E News – EPA power plant rules could be part of bigger initiative
Bloomberg – Coal Revival Threatens to Push Power Sector Emissions to Record
E&E News – What a Supreme Court case on pigs means for renewable energy
E&E News – U.S.-Saudi relations take a hit as OPEC cuts oil production
E&E News – FEMA plan sparks fears of renewables slowdown
The Hill – West Coast leaders sign agreement to expand regional climate collaboration
San Francisco Chronicle – Children exposed to air pollution before age 5 show significant changes to brain structure
Purdue University News – Something’s in the air: It’s nanoplastic pollution
Toxics/Mobile Sources
E&E News – Can anti-coal tactics work against plastics?
E&E News – U.S. shift on child labor may scramble EV sector
E&E News – General Motors launches electric grid division
U.S. EPA – Biden-Harris Administration Will Double Clean School Bus Rebate Awards to Nearly $1 Billion
Forbes – Toxic Air Pollution Particles Can Get Into Fetus Brains, Lungs, Livers, Says New Study
Safety4Sea – Analysis of shipping emissions reveals larger effect of air pollution than previously thought
Energy Monitor – Can electric boats decarbonize shipping?
Indoor Air Quality
The Guardian – How high fuel bills can worsen air pollution in our homes
U.S. EPA – EPA Announces Nationwide Outreach Initiative to Reduce Lead Exposure in Underserved Communities
Consumer Reports – How to Protect Yourself From Indoor Air Pollution and Other Hidden Home Hazards
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of October 10 – 14, 2022
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
NEW! Searching and Effectively Applying for Federal Jobs & the Experience of a Tribal Member
October 25, 2022, | 2:30 PM ET | Register Here
This webinar will discuss how to effectively search and apply for public service positions in the Federal Government. Learn about job openings, understand how to use USA Jobs, the official tool for applying for most federal positions, creating a profile, as well as developing a resume that addresses the required information found in job announcements. Presenters will also discuss the application review and the selection processes. Furthermore, a recent hire of the EPA will speak of her experience with the application and on-boarding processes.
EPA is planning to announce many job opportunities, including those for individuals interested in working in the Agency to advance environmental justice.
REMINDER! Tribal Forestry Student Summit: Investing in the Future of Tribal Forest Resources Management and Wildland Fire
October 12–14, 2022 | Click Here for More Details
Mark your calendars for this hybrid event, featuring in-person and virtual participation options, to address tribal workforce development. This summit is designed for students in forestry or related resource management programs across the country. For more info, including agenda and summit details, please visit eri.nau.edu/tribal-forestry-student-summit.
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 Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time.
| 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 andy.bessler@nau.edu to join the call! | 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 andy.bessler@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 andy.bessler@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, October 27, 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, October 20, 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 Office of Indian Energy webinars: Developing the Workforce for the Energy Future
October 12, 2022, | 1 PM ET | Register Here
During this U.S. Census Bureau training you will learn how to access demographic, socioeconomic, and housing data about American Indian and Alaska Native populations, reservations, and trust lands. The workshop will teach novice data users, grant writers, and planners to navigate and use Census Bureau data products from the Decennial Census and the American Community Survey to benefit tribal communities.
NEW! Clean Energy Group webinars: Introduction to Floating Wind Technology and Markets
October 13, 2022, | 1 PM ET | Register Here
In this webinar, hosted by the from Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) and World Forum Offshore Wind (WFO) (https://wfo-global.org/), Adrienne Downey with offshore wind project developer Hexicon Group (https://www.hexicongroup.com/) will present the current state of floating offshore wind technology around the world and will chat with California Energy Commissioner Kourtney Vaccaro about the potential of floating offshore wind in the US and the obstacles to its adoption.
NEW! Clean Energy Group webinars: Introduction State Leadership in Decarbonizing the Building Sector, Featuring California and New York
October 26, 2022, | 1 PM ET | Register Here
The building sector is a substantial contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. This webinar will highlight two state initiatives that are making a big impact in decarbonizing this sector. The California Energy Commission’s 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for newly constructed buildings and renovated buildings blazes a trail for states seeking to decarbonize aggressively and cost-effectively. The New York Clean Energy Initiative, a joint effort of NYSERDA and New York State Homes and Community Renewal, provides incentives and technical assistance for electrification and high-performance envelope improvements in new and existing multifamily affordable housing developments. In this webinar, representatives from the California Energy Commission and NYSERDA will present their programs and answer questions from the audience. CESA’s Warren Leon will moderate. These programs were recipients of the 2022 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards. Learn more at https://www.cesa.org/projects/state-leadership-in-clean-energy/2022-awards/.
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
NEW! Listening Session on Grants for Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Last Chance to Register!
EPA is hosting a webinar on Thursday, October 13, 2022 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PDT,
to obtain input on implementation of a new $4 million grant program for wildfire smoke preparedness in community buildings and related activities. At this listening session, EPA is seeking input on the design of the program to inform 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 hearing:
- 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?
If you are unable to attend this webinar, EPA is also collecting feedback during a brief session at the National Environmental Justice Community Engagement Call on October 18 from 2:00 – 4:00pm. Registration is now open. You can also send your feedback to WildfireSmokeGrants_Feedback@epa.gov. EPA is accepting input through November 2. Learn more about the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program.
National Radon Training Event in Seattle, Washington
October 24 – 26, 2022, | Register Here
The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors invites you to join us for our National Radon Training Event in Seattle, Washington October 24 – 26, 2022. It’s an exciting time as we get to meet again in person!
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!