RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of July 11 – July 15, 2022
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
State Air Resources Board is hiring for Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist Air Pollution Specialist
Final Filing Date: 07/23/2022
The Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist will update CARB’s Tribal Relations website and listserv to ensure tribes are also informed on upcoming and current CARB policies, programs, and regulations. The Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist will also draft the annual CalEPA Tribal Activities Report, coordinate with CARB’s Tribal Coordinators in each CARB division, update the Tribal Consultation Policy as needed, and attend important tribal meetings (meetings with tribes, Tribal Advisory Committee, CalEPA Tribal Liaison, and Governor’s Office Tribal Liaison meetings, Native American Day, etc.). The Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist will perform duties such as coordinating outreach with priority communities and tribes via tours and listening sessions, as well as working closely with CARB divisions to partner with environmental justice communities and tribes that should be engaged in the development of CARB policies, regulations, and procedures. The Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist will also oversee CARB’s Environmental Justice blog and newsletter to ensure that environmental justice communities and tribes are informed of CARB’s upcoming events—as well as other agencies and organizations’ events as it relates to environmental justice.
For Information about Job Requirements and Application Process follow the following link. Job posting is up for Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist – you can see it here (or scroll below) https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=313059
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Tribes and Climate Change Program is excited to announce another summer internship opportunity with the Tanana Chiefs Conference working with the Henshaw weir doing salmon restoration work in Alaska. This position is open until filled and begins as soon as possible and goes through the end of August. Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to Kelsey.Morales@nau.edu
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking for experienced communicators to be part of its community involvement program. The program is responsible for engaging communities near its federal Superfund hazardous waste cleanup sites throughout the cleanup process. Many communities near these cleanup sites are underserved and face many environmental burdens. The community involvement program aims to give community members the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and environment and constructively engage with EPA during cleanups.
Ideal candidates have:
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to collaborate and build partnerships across organizations and connect at the individual level
- Experience preparing public-facing written materials (like fact sheets), website content and/or other outreach materials for diverse audiences
- Experience developing and implementing community outreach strategies
A New fund is asking for donations to help Alaska Native communities facing environmental disasters A new fund is calling for private donations to help Alaska Native communities facing climate change-related disasters. That source of funding will almost certainly not be enough money to fully respond to the environmental disasters that Alaska communities face, but it has at least one advantage over traditional grants. Click Here For More Information.
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
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Tribes and Climate Change Program Summer internship opportunity with the Tanana Chiefs Conference working with the Henshaw weir doing salmon restoration work in Alaska.
Click Here For More Information
This position is open until filled and begins as soon as possible and goes through the end of August. Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to Kelsey.Morales@nau.edu
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.
Now Open: 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Program
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 authorizes EPA to offer rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission (ZE) models. The 2022 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebates process includes SAM.gov account registration, application submission, review and selection by EPA, purchase order submission and request for payment, payment receipt, new bus delivery and old bus replacement, and close out. The program guidance and application process differ from prior EPA school bus rebate programs in many ways, so please review the summary of program requirements below and the detailed Program Guide before proceeding. Clean School Bus Rebate Program Online Rebate Application Information
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
| 2022 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebates open. EPA begins accepting online application submissions here. | May 20, 2022 – August 19, 2022 |
| EPA reviews applications and begins the selection process. | September 2022 |
| EPA notifies applicants of selection status and posts list of applicants and selectees online. Selectees can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. | October 2022 |
| Selectees submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating that new buses and eligible infrastructure have been ordered. | October 2022 – April 2023 |
| Project period deadline for selectees to receive new buses, install eligible infrastructure, replace old buses, and submit Close Out Forms. | October 2024 |
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.
EPA recently shared documents from the May 2021 Workshop on Wildfire Smoke and Children’s Health.
The workshop summary recaps expert presentation and topics discussed during the May event. The recommendations were drafted by multistakeholder workgroups and contain a collection of evidence-based information for decision making and for developing educational materials.
You can find the documents attached and posted on the AirNow website: https://www.airnow.gov/wildfire-guide-post-publication-updates/
At this site you will also see a link to A Story of Health, a multimedia eBook from the Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit that explores how our environments interact with our genes to influence health across the lifespan. The latest chapter, Sofia’s Story, explores the health effects of wildfires. Go directly to Story of Health here: https://wspehsu.ucsf.edu/main-resources/for-clinical-professionals/training/a-story-of-health-a-multi-media-ebook/. For more information, contact EPA’s Martha Berger at Berger.Martha@epa.gov.
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
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
Recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2022
You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.
Indoor Air Quality
Community Health Worker Training Program (CHWTP)
Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=336498
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Community Health Worker and Health Support Worker Training Program (CHWTP). The purpose of this program is to expand the public health workforce through the training of new Community Health Workers (CHWs) and health support workers and to extend the knowledge and skills of current CHWs and other health support workers. Through this program, HRSA plans to train 13,000 new and current CHWs and other health support workers to support essential public health services and to focus on experiential training and employment through registered apprenticeships and job placements. The CHWTP aims to increase access to care, improve public health emergency response, and address the public health needs of
underserved communities.
Individuals trained through the program will acquire knowledge, skills, and expertise to respond to public health needs and public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in underserved communities through a network of partnerships.
Eligibility
- State governments
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- County governments
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- In addition to the 50 states, eligible applicants include the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Tribes and Tribal organizations may apply for these funds, if otherwise eligible. Foreign entities and individuals are not eligible for this HRSA award.
More information is available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=336498
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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TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of July 5 – 8, 2022
NTAA News!
Join us on Thursday, July 7th for the NTAA Mobile Sources Work Group at 2 pm ET to hear updates from EPA on policies, actions, and tools relevant to Indian Country and Air Quality.
- NTAA Mobile Sources Work Group Call will have a presentation from Rachael Nealer from the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation and EV Infrastructure beyond the EPA.
- To join follow the links below.
- Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/882424405You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212Access Code:882-424-405Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
You can view a recording of the NTAA Informational Webinar on NTAA’s Baseline Needs Assessment on NTAA’s homepage here under latest news section. You can also access the full report on NTAA’s website as well!
Reminder that there is one week left to submit your feedback for the National Radon Action plan! Survey Closes July 13th, 2022.
The new National Radon Action Plan 2021–25, which was released in January, sets a goal for the nation to find, fix and prevent high indoor radon levels in 8 million buildings by 2025 and prevent at least 3,500 lung cancer deaths per year. The plan revolves around actions that will save lives by fixing existing buildings, constructing new buildings with radon-resistant features, and expand the certified, professional radon workforce. It also spotlights addressing radon as a health equity challenge and prioritizes new strategies to reduce radon risk in underserved communities, particularly low-income populations and communities of color. Click Here to take the survey.
Tribal and Insular Area Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA)
Request for Applications Opens early July 2022!
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is excited to announce plans to request applications for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions. EPA anticipates awarding approximately $8 million in total DERA funding and will have no mandatory cost share requirement for projects under this RFA. Click Here For Fact Sheet with more information and contacts.
Top Stories
Native News Online – US Supreme Court: The New Battleground for War on Indian Country
Indian Country Today – Cherokee receives Medal of Honor: ‘Taking orders and causing trouble’
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes News
High Country News – The Supreme Court’s attack on tribal sovereignty, explained
Grist – The farmers restoring Hawaii’s ancient food forests that once fed an island
EPA – EPA Administrator Regan Issues Statement on West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency
Climate Change/Energy
E&E News – ‘Defining challenge’: NATO names climate as major threat
Politico – Biden will not directly ask Saudis to increase oil production during visit
Grist – Green energy jobs are on the rise as fossil fuel companies lose workers
Reuters – U.S. to add 6 GW offshore wind capacity through 2029 -EIA
Canary Media – US green hydrogen hub will put long-haul energy storage to the test
Toxics/Mobile Sources
The Guardian – How the gas industry aims to rebrand as ‘clean’ energy to appeal to Black and Latino voters
DBusiness – GM Expands EV Safety Program Among First Responders in U.S. and Canada
Business Insider – Satellites can now find the sources of methane leaks. The tech will reshape global climate accountability.
The Guardian – Methane much more sensitive to global heating than previously thought – study
Indoor Air Quality
Business Wire – US Indoor Air Quality Monitor Market 2022-2027: Rising Popularity of Smart Homes/Ambient Assisted Living Fueling Growth – ResearchAndMarkets.com
PR Newswire – Indoor Air Quality Solutions Market Size to Grow by USD 14.61 billion | 3M Co. and Aeroqual Ltd. Among Key Vendors | Technavio
UC Riverside News – Upward ventilation offers better protection from indoor coronavirus transmission
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of July 5 – 8, 2022
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
NEW! EPA Webinar: EPA’s Air Sensor Loan Pilot Programs – Successes, New Resources, and Lessons Learned
July 13, 2022, | 3:00 PM ET | Register Here
This talk will briefly highlight the pilot air sensor loan programs that EPA launched through partnerships with local organizations in EPA Regions 5, 9, and 10. Additionally, newly developed resources to support these programs will be highlighted including 5 fully developed hands-on lesson plans that can be used for group or individual instruction for elementary through adult learners. Other educational efforts will also be shared. The presentation will discuss lessons learned and best practice suggestions for others interested in developing and offering similar air sensor loan programs in the future.
EPA Clean School Bus Program – 2022 Rebates
EPA is offering $500 million in rebates for electric and low-emission school buses. Register Today for the Webinars Below! Program Now Open!
SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES
- July 13 – Office of the Inspector General: Fraud Prevention
- July 27 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session
- August 10 – U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rural Electric Cooperatives Infrastructure Funding All webinars will be held at 1:00 PM Eastern.
- Submit Your Rebate Application by August 19, 2022 ATTENTION:
- Applying for a Rebate? Be sure to get an Active SAM.gov Account First!
CSB Rebates Application deadline is August 19, 2022. SAM.gov entity registration required.
- Click hereto view the program guidance and a list of eligible/priority applicants.
- Click hereto begin the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Application process.
- Click hereto sign-up for the Clean School Bus News listserv and add cleanschoolbus@epa.gov to your email contacts to guarantee you receive regular program updates and our messages don’t go to your spam folder.
- Click hereto access the EPA Clean School Bus website to learn more about the program and the benefits of clean school buses.
- Email cleanschoolbus@epa.govwith any questions or feedback to improve the program.
The Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership, in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park, is excited to announce an upcoming course for interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals on the Colorado Plateau.
September 6 – 9, 2022 | Click Here for Application | Click Here to Learn More
This course is offered by the Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park. Together we will provide participants a foundation in climate science and effective climate communication and interpretation; an understanding of the connections between global and local processes; and perspectives on the interdependence of culture and climate on the Colorado Plateau. The course emphasizes a supportive, collegial learning environment. You will:
- Meet with NASA and regional scientists to learn about the latest global and regional climate research and discuss their insights on understanding and responding to changing climate
- Observe, practice, and discuss techniques for successful climate change interpretation and communication
- Hear Native perspectives on climate change and learn about Tribal resilience and adaptation strategies
- Experience first-hand evidence of and responses to local climate change impacts on a field trip
- Meet colleagues from around the region and join a community of interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals committed to communicating regional climate issues and solutions
- Depart with cutting-edge knowledge about climate change, and a plan for bringing the climate story to your visitors in relevant, engaging, inspiring, and hopeful ways
- Learn how you can stay connected with these scientists, fellow climate communicators, and the national Earth to Sky community of practice over the long term. You’re not alone in your efforts!
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 Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or 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.
| EPA Policy Call: Call in to hear updates from EPA on policies, actions, and tools relevant to Indian Country and Air Quality. Attend by clicking here. | TBA
Thursday, 2 pm ET |
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday,
July 7, 2 pm ET |
| IAQ Work Group: Join the bi-monthly calls of the NTAA IAQ work group. Attend by clicking here.
The call this week has been cancelled, so next call will take place on June 16th at 2pm ET. |
TBA
Thursday, 2 pm ET |
| Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. | July 26
Thursday, 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! | Thursday
July 7, 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! Clean Energy Group Webinar: Scaling Up Solar – The Montgomery County Green Bank and Sunnova’s Low-and Moderate-Income Solar Pilot Program
July 7, 2022, | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT | Register Here
Earlier this year, the Montgomery County Green Bank launched a new $600K low- and moderate-income (LMI) solar pilot program to test a different approach to solar access in LMI communities. The pilot includes a dual track (ownership and third party-owned) and an innovative third party owned pricing structure with solar company Sunnova.
During this webinar hosted by the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), Tom Deyo, Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery County Green Bank (MCGB) and Stephen Morel, its Chief Investment Officer will present the structure and the initial results of the pilot. Bert Hunter, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Connecticut Green Bank, and Secretary of the Board of Directors of MCGB will moderate a Q&A to help viewers better grasp differences and similarities with the CT Solar for All program that is the focus of CESA’s Scaling Up Solar for Under-Resourced Communities Project. CESA Project Director Vero Bourg-Meyer will host.
NEW! U.S Department of Energy Better Building Webinar: Financing Solutions that Drive Energy Efficiency in the Water Nexus
July 12, 2022, | 11:00 am ET | Register Here
The efficient use of water results in lower operating costs, a more reliable water supply, and improved water quality. Join to learn how market leaders in the hospitality sector finance and deploy projects that tackle energy efficiency and the water conservation nexus.
NEW! EPA Webinar: Building Performance Standards Development and Implementation
July 12, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | Register Here
EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) are hosting a collaborative webinar series designed to support state and local agencies interested in learning more about designing and implementing building performance standards. This webinar will introduce the teams at EPA and DOE, discuss relevant subnational goals and processes, and dig a little deeper into available resources and technical assistance.
NEW! U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Webinars: Organizing for the Transition to a Cleaner and More Sustainable Energy Future
July 13, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | 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.
The realities of climate change and the goals of the Biden Administration provide significant support for tribes who choose to lead the transition to a more sustainable energy future. The opportunities are growing and accelerating; how can tribes position themselves to take advantage of and benefit from those opportunities? This webinar will provide some ideas.
NEW! U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Webinars: Energy Access and Reliability on Tribal Lands Virtual Listening Session
July 28, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | Register Here
This virtual listening session, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, will explore challenges and potential solutions related to energy access and reliability on tribal lands. The goal is to gather important insight directly from Native Nations regarding the current status of unelectrified homes and electricity reliability issues facing tribal communities.
The Energy Act of 2020 included specific requirements for DOE to conduct research and report back to Congress on these topics. In accordance with that Act, the Office of Indian Energy is hosting this listening session to provide tribal leaders and staff from energy, planning, natural resources, and other relevant departments the opportunity to make recommendations on the report.
This is a follow-up to the first listening session the Office of Indian Energy hosted in November 2021; however, attendance at the first session is not a prerequisite to participate in this one. During this listening session, the Office of Indian Energy will discuss the results of the questionnaire conducted during the first session and share findings from the report to date.
Please note that there is a capacity limit for this listening session of 500 participants. Tribes and tribal staff will be given priority to attend if the capacity limit is reached.
EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool
EPA’s free, spreadsheet-based Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool, first launched in 2013 and updated annually, is based on nationally and internationally recognized GHG accounting and reporting principles.
This year’s updates include:
- An optional market-based method to calculate Scope 2 emissions from electricity purchased through contractual instruments, such as Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
- Revised Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) factors from 1990 through 2019, as available.
- Updated default stationary energy emission factors and heat contents.
- Kerosene and distillate fuel oil as additional stationary energy fuel types.
Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here. Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:
ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online!
Learn more about the courses and register here.
Toxics/Mobile Sources
EPA is seeking nominations from representatives of nonfederal interests to serve on the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee (MSTRS).
EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on its Federal Advisory Committees. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of people from all racial and ethnic groups. MSTRS members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment to a second term.
The MSTRS, a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, counsel, and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of programs related to mobile source air pollution and its control. The subcommittee’s website is at https://www.epa.gov/caaac/mobile-sources-technical-review-subcommittee-mstrs-caaac.
For more information on how to submit a nomination, please see the Federal Register Notice announcing the request for nominations. Nominations must be received by July 11, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact: Julia Burch, Designated Federal Officer; email: burch.julia@epa.gov.
EPA Proposes Stronger Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles to Promote Clean Air, Protect Communities, and Support Transition to Zero-Emissions Future
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new, stronger standards to promote clean air and reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year (MY) 2027. The proposed standards would reduce emissions of smog- and soot-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) from heavy-duty gasoline and diesel engines and set updated greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for certain commercial vehicle categories. This proposed rule would ensure the heavy-duty vehicles and engines that drive American commerce and connect people across the country are as clean as possible while charting a path to advance zero-emission vehicles in the heavy-duty fleet. Click Here for Full Press Release.
U.S. Department of Energy: The Information Source for Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles
The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decision makers find ways to reach their energy and economic goals through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and other fuel-saving measures. Click Here for more information about the resources available.
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! EPA Webinar: Why Indoor Chemistry Matters: Findings from a National Academies Consensus Study
July 7, 2022 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET | Register Here
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) recently released the consensus study report, Why Indoor Chemistry Matters, sponsored by EPA, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, CDC, and NIEHS. This webinar will present the main conclusions and recommendations of the report, which identifies gaps in the current understanding of indoor chemistry and new approaches that can be applied to measure, manage, and limit chemical exposures. Dr. David Dorman, who served as Chair of the study committee, will summarize high-level main messages from the report, followed by a deeper dive into the report’s findings related to the management and removal of contaminants indoors. The published consensus study report is available to download for free from the National Academies Press website.
NEW! 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!
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Released Allergy Capitals 2022.
This report ranks the top 100 cities in the continental United States where it is most challenging to live with seasonal pollen allergies, which may worsen chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. AAFA’s report is an annual research and educational project designed to help people recognize, prevent and manage allergy symptoms. It also helps communities see where the needs of people with allergic diseases, like seasonal allergies, can be better met.
Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranks #1 overall again this year. City rankings are based on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in the area. Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org to see if your city made the list and see what actions you can take to reduce your contact with pollen.
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 July 5 – July 8, 2022
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
NEW! Skeo is Hiring a Community Involvement Associate – Navajo Nation
Final Filing Date: 07/11/2022 | Click Here for Full Listing
Skeo Solutions is seeking a motivated, energetic and earnest person with at least a bachelor’s degree or higher to join their team on a full-time basis. Skeo expects candidates will support a wide range of activities that are likely to include but not be limited to: coordinating, managing and supporting multiple tribal community involvement projects, primarily on Navajo Nation; coordinating, managing and supporting other tribal community involvement projects; coordinating non-tribal community involvement projects; and supporting other Skeo work as needed. Projects will be undertaken as part of efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address contaminated sites. Candidates will be expected to develop and implement project plans, oversee project teams and ensure their effectiveness in the field. Related support may include:
- Scheduling, participating in and leading regular meetings (in person or virtual) with community members, and federal, tribal, state and local agencies.
- Taking notes during meetings and developing meeting summaries.
- Coordinating and providing logistics support for in-person meetings involving community members and agencies.
- Supporting interviews or interviewing community members and government officials either in person or virtually to inform technical assistance needs assessments, community involvement plans and related projects.
- Coordinating, developing and delivering related presentations and/or community outreach materials.
- Assisting with a wide-range of community informational outreach that may include developing and posting public notices in newspapers, radio programs or local television channels.
- Coordinating for translation assistance when needed.
- Drafting various reports or memos regarding work done in the field, including professionally laid out reports.
NEW! State Air Resources Board is hiring for Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist Air Pollution Specialist
Final Filing Date: 07/23/2022
The Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist will update CARB’s Tribal Relations website and listserv to ensure tribes are also informed on upcoming and current CARB policies, programs, and regulations. The Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist will also draft the annual CalEPA Tribal Activities Report, coordinate with CARB’s Tribal Coordinators in each CARB division, update the Tribal Consultation Policy as needed, and attend important tribal meetings (meetings with tribes, Tribal Advisory Committee, CalEPA Tribal Liaison, and Governor’s Office Tribal Liaison meetings, Native American Day, etc.). The Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist will perform duties such as coordinating outreach with priority communities and tribes via tours and listening sessions, as well as working closely with CARB divisions to partner with environmental justice communities and tribes that should be engaged in the development of CARB policies, regulations, and procedures. The Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist will also oversee CARB’s Environmental Justice blog and newsletter to ensure that environmental justice communities and tribes are informed of CARB’s upcoming events—as well as other agencies and organizations’ events as it relates to environmental justice.
For Information about Job Requirements and Application Process follow the following link. Job posting is up for Tribal Affairs Liaison and Community Engagement Specialist – you can see it here (or scroll below) https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=313059
NEW! The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Tribes and Climate Change Program is excited to announce another summer internship opportunity with the Tanana Chiefs Conference working with the Henshaw weir doing salmon restoration work in Alaska. This position is open until filled and begins as soon as possible and goes through the end of August. Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to Kelsey.Morales@nau.edu
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking for experienced communicators to be part of its community involvement program. The program is responsible for engaging communities near its federal Superfund hazardous waste cleanup sites throughout the cleanup process. Many communities near these cleanup sites are underserved and face many environmental burdens. The community involvement program aims to give community members the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and environment and constructively engage with EPA during cleanups.
Ideal candidates have:
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to collaborate and build partnerships across organizations and connect at the individual level
- Experience preparing public-facing written materials (like fact sheets), website content and/or other outreach materials for diverse audiences
- Experience developing and implementing community outreach strategies
A New fund is asking for donations to help Alaska Native communities facing environmental disasters A new fund is calling for private donations to help Alaska Native communities facing climate change-related disasters. That source of funding will almost certainly not be enough money to fully respond to the environmental disasters that Alaska communities face, but it has at least one advantage over traditional grants. Click Here For More Information.
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
NEW! The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Tribes and Climate Change Program Summer internship opportunity with the Tanana Chiefs Conference working with the Henshaw weir doing salmon restoration work in Alaska.
Click Here For More Information
This position is open until filled and begins as soon as possible and goes through the end of August. Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to Kelsey.Morales@nau.edu
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.
Now Open: 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Program
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 authorizes EPA to offer rebates to replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission (ZE) models. The 2022 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebates process includes SAM.gov account registration, application submission, review and selection by EPA, purchase order submission and request for payment, payment receipt, new bus delivery and old bus replacement, and close out. The program guidance and application process differ from prior EPA school bus rebate programs in many ways, so please review the summary of program requirements below and the detailed Program Guide before proceeding. Clean School Bus Rebate Program Online Rebate Application Information
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
| 2022 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebates open. EPA begins accepting online application submissions here. | May 20, 2022 – August 19, 2022 |
| EPA reviews applications and begins the selection process. | September 2022 |
| EPA notifies applicants of selection status and posts list of applicants and selectees online. Selectees can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. | October 2022 |
| Selectees submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating that new buses and eligible infrastructure have been ordered. | October 2022 – April 2023 |
| Project period deadline for selectees to receive new buses, install eligible infrastructure, replace old buses, and submit Close Out Forms. | October 2024 |
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.
EPA recently shared documents from the May 2021 Workshop on Wildfire Smoke and Children’s Health.
The workshop summary recaps expert presentation and topics discussed during the May event. The recommendations were drafted by multistakeholder workgroups and contain a collection of evidence-based information for decision making and for developing educational materials.
You can find the documents attached and posted on the AirNow website: https://www.airnow.gov/wildfire-guide-post-publication-updates/
At this site you will also see a link to A Story of Health, a multimedia eBook from the Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit that explores how our environments interact with our genes to influence health across the lifespan. The latest chapter, Sofia’s Story, explores the health effects of wildfires. Go directly to Story of Health here: https://wspehsu.ucsf.edu/main-resources/for-clinical-professionals/training/a-story-of-health-a-multi-media-ebook/. For more information, contact EPA’s Martha Berger at Berger.Martha@epa.gov.
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
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
Recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2022
You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.
Indoor Air Quality
Community Health Worker Training Program (CHWTP)
Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=336498
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Community Health Worker and Health Support Worker Training Program (CHWTP). The purpose of this program is to expand the public health workforce through the training of new Community Health Workers (CHWs) and health support workers and to extend the knowledge and skills of current CHWs and other health support workers. Through this program, HRSA plans to train 13,000 new and current CHWs and other health support workers to support essential public health services and to focus on experiential training and employment through registered apprenticeships and job placements. The CHWTP aims to increase access to care, improve public health emergency response, and address the public health needs of underserved communities.
Individuals trained through the program will acquire knowledge, skills, and expertise to respond to public health needs and public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in underserved communities through a network of partnerships.
Eligibility
- State governments
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- County governments
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- In addition to the 50 states, eligible applicants include the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Tribes and Tribal organizations may apply for these funds, if otherwise eligible. Foreign entities and individuals are not eligible for this HRSA award.
More information is available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=336498
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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