TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of April 25-29, 2022
Top Stories
PBS News Hour – Oklahoma wants the Supreme Court to pull back part of its historic ruling on Native rights
Time – Warmer Winters Are Erasing Alaskan Native Traditions in the Arctic
Frontline – A Government Scientist Warned About Climate Change in 2001. Exxon Mobil Sought to Have Him Removed.
E&E – Western wildfires reverse US clean air gains — study
NTAA News
SEE YOU IN TULSA NEXT WEEK! In-person registration is now closed for the 2022 National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTFAQ), but you can still register virtually here! NTFAQ’s Planning Committees have been busy planning this year’s forum hosted by the Muscogee Nation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 2-5, 2022. You can find details on the NTFAQ agenda and NTAA’s Annual Meeting that will take place during NTFAQ on NTAA’s website here. Be sure to contact andy.bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions!
Next week is Air Quality Awareness Week (AQAW)! If you will be at Muscogee’s River Spirit Casino Resort or anywhere else taking deep breaths next week, we look forward to celebrating #AQAW2022 with you!
Our great AQ partners at the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) are excited for this year’s celebration and can’t wait for you to check out their “AQ IQ” through the daily trivia question on Twitter. Join in on the AQ fun!
Still planning your AQAW activities? Check out the AQAW Toolkit, which includes general information like this year’s theme, daily topics, and suggestions for ways to get involved. The Toolkit also contains our main AQAW social media accounts, hashtags, and sample social media posts. If you have any questions about AQAW, please reach out to Rachel McIntosh-Kastrinsky (mcintoshkastrinsky.rachel@epa.gov) or Debra Lee (lee.debra@epa.gov).
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes News
New York Times – Wildfires Burn more than 150,000 Acres in Three States
The 19th News – Pregnant people are at ‘greater risk’ in states hit hard by wildfire smoke, air pollution, new report shows
The Hill – The best and worst U.S. cities for air quality
CBS – Wood pellet industry may be falsely marketing itself as a green renewable energy source, critics say
NPR – More than 137 million Americans live in areas with poor air quality, report finds
High Country News – Interior is pushing states to replace derogatory place names with colonial ones
Phys.org – Microbial response to a changing and fire-prone arctic ecosystem
Here’s your link to this week’s NACAA Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
E&E News – Will Manchin’s bipartisan energy gambit bear fruit?
NPR – How climate change is affecting marginalized communities in Nevada
EPA – EPA Releases White Paper on Reducing Climate Pollution from New Gas-Fired Turbines
Navajo Times – ‘It’s proven technology’: DOE awards Kayenta’s Nááts’íílid Initiative $1.2M to power 24 homes
AP – Incandescent light bulbs being phased out to save energy
E&E News – Interior rule delays underscore Biden’s energy challenge
ABC – Youth-led climate change lawsuits are increasing across the country
CBS – Fewer Americans see climate change as a priority than they did a year ago – CBS News poll
ITEP Tribes and Climate Change Monthly Newsletter
Toxics/Mobile Sources
Inside Climate News – EPA Opens Civil Rights Investigation Into Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’
The Hill – People of color more likely to be harmed by pesticides, study shows
Phys.org – Microplastics are everywhere, but their dangers largely remain a mystery, experts say
E&E News – Citing ‘clean energy,’ progressives mount mining law overhaul
NPR – Despite U.S. sanctions, oil traders help Russian oil reach global markets
Yale Environment – How U.S. Gas Exports to Europe Could Lock in Future Emissions
NPR – In an effort to make schools greener, the White House is offering billions of dollars
Indoor Air Quality
Scary Mommy – Researchers Are Ripping The Gas Stoves Out Of Their Houses For Their Kids’ Health
Forbes – Why Recent Announcements By The White House Around Indoor Air Quality Matter
New York Times – The White House emphasizes the importance of indoor air quality as the pandemic moves into a new phase
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of April 25 – 29, 2022
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
NEW! Enhancing Tribal Environmental Health Programs Engagement in
COVID-19 Response Webinar Series
Wednesday, April 27; 4 – 5:30pm ET | Register Here
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) invites you to the fourth webinar of the Free Enhancing Tribal Environmental Health Programs Engagement in COVID-19 Response Webinar Series. This webinar series will strengthen environmental health networks in Indian Country, foster a learning community, and aid in creating environmental protocols and guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to build on Tribes and Tribal organization’s capabilities to address environmental and human health impacts from the virus that causes COVID-19.
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.
On Wednesday, April 27, 2022 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm EDT, EPA will hold a virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams about the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act which gives EPA authority to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a class of climate-damaging chemicals mainly used in refrigeration and air conditioning applications, foams, aerosols, and fire suppression.
EPA will give an overview of the AIM Act and the phasedown of HFCs, as well as two upcoming rulemakings. One rulemaking will update the HFC Allowance Allocation and Tracking Program which phases down HFCs through a licensing system, and the other rulemaking will facilitate transitions to next-generation technologies by placing restrictions on HFCs in certain applications such as refrigeration and air conditioning. To RSVP for the meeting or for further information, please contact Nancy Akerman at akerman.nancy@epa.gov or (202) 507-3473.
EPA: Webinar on The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act April 27, 2022 | 3:00 – 4:00 pm EDT
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act which gives EPA authority to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a class of climate-damaging chemicals mainly used in refrigeration and air conditioning applications, foams, aerosols, and fire suppression. EPA will give an overview of the AIM Act and the phasedown of HFCs, as well as two upcoming rulemakings. One rulemaking will update the HFC Allowance Allocation and Tracking Program which phases down HFCs through a licensing system, and the other rulemaking will facilitate transitions to next-generation technologies by placing restrictions on HFCs in certain applications such as refrigeration and air conditioning.
To RSVP for the meeting or for further information, please contact Nancy Akerman at akerman.nancy@epa.gov or (202) 507-3473.
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) invite you to a Tribal consultation to discuss the development of Guidance for Federal Agencies on Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK).
Tribal Consultation 2: Friday, April 29, 2022. 3:00 – 5:00 pm EDT Register in advance for the meeting here. If you have any questions regarding this effort, please contact ITEK@ostp.eop.gov.
Native Women Rising: Inspiring the Future
White House Native Women Symposium Series
Session 1: Implementation of the Violence Against Women Act
Wednesday, April 27 from 3:00 to 4:30 PM EST Registration Link here.
This first session will celebrate the recent reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and include a panel of Tribal advocates and leaders discussing the importance of VAWA in Indian Country. There will also be a presentation by staff from the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior on next steps for implementation of the new provisions in VAWA. We will be joined by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and there will be a special message from Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. We hope you can join us virtually on Wednesday, April 27th from 3:00 – 4:30 PM EST. Please register for the event here. This session is closed to the press.
Call For Proposals for The National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference!
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Tribes and Climate Change Program announced the opening for the call for proposals for the upcoming 2022 National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference (NTICC) in St. Paul, MN and online August 29 – September 1, 2022. We welcome proposals that discuss climate-related impacts, assessments, tools, adaptation, mitigation, actions, and the intersection of Traditional/Indigenous Knowledges with western science and adaptation strategies and are accepting both in-person and virtual proposals. Proposal submissions include: Presentations, Trainings, Working Groups, & Climate Conversations
We are particularly excited about our new Climate Conversation proposal category which is seeking submissions for art, games, posters, demonstrations, films, and more to further engage NTICC attendees in Tribal climate work.
Application deadline: Friday, April 22nd by close of business
Letter of notification: Monday, June 6th
Materials deadline: Friday, August 5th
For more information and to apply, please visit our website.
Air Quality Flag Program Earth Day 2022 Lesson Plans
As you plan your Earth Day celebrations, consider some options from the Flag Program. Do fun activities (otherwise known as lesson plans but we won’t tell), read or watch the Why is Coco Orange?, fill out a crossword on air quality, or choose something from our Things to Do list. We’ve got something for everyone! Whatever you do, have fun and thank you for helping make the Earth a better place! More information, click here.
This year’s theme is Be Air Aware & Prepared! During the week, organizations nationwide plan events that increase air quality awareness and encourage people to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily. Flag Program participants already do that! This year’s daily topics include:
- Monday – Wildfires & Smoke
- Tuesday – Asthma and Your Health
- Wednesday – Citizen Science & Sensors
- Thursday – Environmental Justice & Air Quality
- Friday – Air Quality Around the World
Find out more about our classroom curriculum.
New AirKnowledge E–Learning Content
The AirKnowledge 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 AirKnowledge 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 roll-call, 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. | Thursday, May 19,
2 pm ET |
Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday,
June 2, 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. |
Thursday, June 16, 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. | Thursday, May 26,
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, May 25,
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
Save the Date: 2022 Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit
May 16 – 18, 2022 @ the Pala, CA | Register Here
In partnership with the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, the Pala Band of Mission Indians, and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, the Climate Science Alliance is excited to co-host the 2022 Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit (SWTCCS).
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’s Clean School Bus Program will be hosting a Zoom Webinar on Wednesday, April 27th @ 1 PM Eastern about the upcoming Zero-Emission and Clean School Bus Rebates.
Please share this email and the attached flyer with any stakeholders that would be interested in applying for this program.
- Click here to register for the April 27th Webinar (pre-registration is required).
- Click here to learn more about how to prepare for the upcoming rebate application.
- Click here to sign-up for the Clean School Bus News listserv to guarantee you receive regular program updates.
- Add cleanschoolbus@epa.gov to your email contacts to ensure our messages don’t go to your spam folder.
- Click here to access the EPA Clean School Bus website to learn more about the program and the benefits of clean school buses.
- Email cleanschoolbus@epa.gov with any questions or feedback to improve the program.
NEW! Applying the Pre-Incident All-Hazards Waste Management Plan Guidelines
The ITEP Waste & Response Program partnered with the U.S. EPA’s ORD to create a series of webinars and virtual trainings. Using the Four-Step Waste Management Planning Process to address natural disasters. This particular webinar will be using flooding as the scenario. You can look over the attached document to learn a bit more about these guidelines.
The first webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 25, 10 am (Alaska); 11 am (Pacific); 12 pm (Mountain); 1 pm (Central); 2 pm (Eastern). The webinar will be held on Zoom, which you can access here:
- Zoom Link
- Password – 979363
- Toll-free number – 877 853 5247
Planning Considerations for a Successful Electric School Bus Deployment
Please join us to hear about lessons the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) learned while collaborating with the Franklin Pierce School District and Tacoma Power on the school district’s electric school bus fleet program. The school district was the first in Washington state to receive and operate an electric school bus and has plans to expand its electric fleet further. This webinar will cover lessons learned by both the school district, the utility, and the PNNL, who developed a tool to assist with planning for school bus fleet electrification. This webinar takes place on April 28, 2022 at 10:30 AM Pacific Time. Register here.
The World Resources Institute (WRI) presents the Getting on Board Electric School Bush (ESB) webinar series. The second webinar is on May 10th at 1pm ET and will provide timely details on the EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program. You can register here.
This April, the U.S. EPA is expected to officially launch its new Clean School Bus Program, which will provide billions of dollars to help school districts invest in electric school buses over the next five years. Join the webinar to learn more about this unprecedented funding opportunity and how you can leverage it for your school district and community. Drawing on years of federal and local experience, panelists will offer unique and helpful insights into applying for, receiving and deploying clean school bus funding. WRI is a global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being.
Transportation, Climate Change and Health Resources for U.S. Tribes
The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Jamul Indian Village of California (JIVoC) were funded by Caltrans’s 2019 Adaption Planning Grant (per Senate Bill 1) to complete the Tribal Transportation Climate Adaptation Project. By Feb 2022, this project produced analysis and reports outlining current and anticipated transportation-related impacts of more extreme wildfires, storms, flooding, and heat on Pala and Jamul’s valued social, cultural, economic, natural, and built assets, with a strong focus on protecting the health and safety of members, residents, employees, and visitors. Click Here to Learn More
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
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.
U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools
Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:
- Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
- Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
- Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC filtration. Note: Do
not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.
- Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social distancing.
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of April 25 – 29, 2022
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: Job announcement for an Intergovernmental Specialist-Tribal position within FERC’s Office of External Affairs.
This position will work within the State, International, and Public Affairs Division (with Keith and myself) and help us build up our Tribal engagement work. This position works across the Commission in collaboration with numerous program offices such as the newly established Office of Public Participation, the Office of Energy Projects, and the Office of General Counsel’s Environmental Justice & Equity Team. The listing is here on USA Jobs.
Gila River Indian Community: Director, Department of Environmental Quality
Click Here For Full Job Listing and Click Here To Apply
The Director is responsible for the overall direction, management, and operations of the Gila River Indian Community’s Department of Environmental Quality, whose overall mission is to protect human health by maintaining and improving the quality of the environment in the area of air quality, pesticides, waste management, water quality, and wildlife. This position exercises considerable initiative and independent judgement in representing the Community within its assigned area of responsibilities, including frequent interaction with local and federal agencies. This position is responsible for protecting the Community’s sovereign authority, ensuring compliance with the Community’s environmental ordinances and federal regulations; establishes departmental policies, goals, and standards of work; financial management, including budget planning, development, monitoring, and record keeping; grants management, including grant writing, review, performance monitoring, and compliance; review and evaluation of departmental systems and programs.
Northern Arizona University Native American Water & Land 2022 Student Summer Internship
Spend your summer working on tribal water and land issues. Internships are available with tribal organizations, state and federal agencies, or water or land management NGOs. The internships have a research, technical, educational, or policy focus. We are offering approximately 10 internships. You can apply for all the sites with one application. The internship program provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend for 8 weeks or a $6,000 stipend for 10 weeks. Travel and housing stipends are available for interns who must relocate for the internship. We anticipate some internships may be virtual, with the intern telecommuting from their home location. Students must meet the following criteria:
- S. Citizen
- Full-time undergraduate or graduate college student during Spring 2022
- Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Majoring in an environmental, land, or water management field—e.g., environmental science, engineering, hydrology, planning, public policy, geography, law, agriculture
- Interest in pursuing a career in water or land management after graduation •
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interest in working with Native American tribes
- If you need an exception, contact EEOP- INTERN@nau.edu.
- The host site project descriptions will be posted on the website after April 15 for review. Interns will select which host sites receive their application. Applications are due by April 29, 2022.
- To register for more information: http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/eeop/Internships/wls_internship
- For questions contact: nelson@nau.edu or text 928 221-1222.
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency: Executive Director
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) is a special-purpose, regional government agency chartered by state law in 1967. The Agency’s jurisdiction covers King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. These four counties are home to more than 4.1 million people, over half the state’s population.
The Executive Director is responsible for strategic and inspirational leadership as well as overall operational management of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The Executive Director serves as a key external face of the Agency, responsible for productive relationships between the Agency and the State Legislature, the State Department of Ecology, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Association of Clean Agencies, and other local air agencies. In addition, the Executive Director ensures that staff members are aligned with the organization’s mission and vision and are working together to successfully achieve strategic objectives.
To Apply or For More Information About The Position. Click Here.
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
ETR (Education, Training, and Research) is seeking a Project Coordinator.
The Project Coordinator will report to the Director of Tribal Projects, this position will be responsible for coordinating, developing, and executing the California Clean Air Project (CCAP) scope of work (SOW) components of the project. These include but not limited to, facilitating and training Tribal representatives, coordinating other capacity building assistance and related activities, coordinating and ensuring delivery of day-to-day deliverables, planning and designing specific project deliverables, contributing to ideas to project/department strategic planning and resource development, and assisting in writing reports, proposals, re-applications and progress reports, all with general oversight of supervisor.
For More Information and to Apply for this Position click here
ETR (Education, Training, and Research) is seeking a Project Coordinator II Tribal Community Coordinating Center (TCCC). The Project Coordinator II (TCCC) will report to the Director of Tribal Projects, the Project Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of one large project or multiple small projects (600K or less). Plans, coordinates, designs, and delivers project activities in the ATOD content area, specifically Tribal Community Coordinating Center (TCCC) Project. Writes reports, supervises staff, assists in resource development, and contributes to business unit strategic planning. California-based position.
For More Information and to Apply for this Position 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
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is hiring a Sustainability Specialist and want to reach as wide an audience as possible. You can also get there through this link.
You can find a great listing of Indian Country jobs on NCAI’s website here.
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
EPA Announces Availability of up to $1.6 Million in Environmental Justice Grants for Tribal Public Participation Project
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of up to $1.6 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to support Tribal government efforts to establish or modify programs on environmental justice water and air quality issues. Earlier this year, EPA announced spending plans for the $100 million in ARP funding appropriated by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and health outcome disparities, with $50 million being designated to improve ambient air quality monitoring, and $50 million designated to address disproportionate environmental or public health harms and risks in underserved communities. Congress made up to $1.6 million in ARP funding available to Tribes, recognizing the importance of supporting Tribal public engagement programs and related priorities that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA anticipates awarding 16 to 20 grants nationwide in amounts of up to $100,000 per award.
Applicants interested in this funding opportunity must submit grant proposal packages by May 19, 2022. Applicants should plan for projects to begin on October 1, 2022. To learn more about the pre-application assistance calls and how to apply for funding, visit: Environmental Justice Small Grants Program.
For more information about EPA’s programs in Indian Country, visit: Environmental Protection in Indian Country
For more information on EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice, visit: Environmental Justice.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Department of Energy – Bioenergy Technologies Office
The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) supports groundbreaking technologies to produce fuels, products, and power from biomass and waste resources. BETO is interested in broadening its pool of participants and seeks to fund non-traditional, emerging, and historically underfunded investigators from Minority Serving Institutions. Focus areas of research include Advanced Algal Systems, Advanced Terrestrial waste feedstock technologies, Accelerating catalyst development for biofuel production.
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
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 April 18 – 22, 2022
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
Washington Magazine – Field Notes: Researching air pollution in Fairbanks, Alaska
Field Notes travels to Fairbanks, Alaska, where Karolina Cysneiros de Carvalho, a PhD student at the McKelvey School of Engineering, studied how cold and dark conditions impact air pollution. Photo captured from this YouTube video.
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of April 18 – 22, 2022
Top Stories
The Hill – Biden administration announces clean energy growth on public lands
E&E News – Biden restores climate to NEPA, undoing Trump’s efforts
NTAA News
Please join use in welcoming NTAA’s newest members, the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma and Lisa Gover! With the Ottawa Tribe’s membership, NTAA’s family of member Tribes has grown to 155 member Tribes! In addition, please join us in welcoming NTAA’s newest Associate Member, Lisa Gover, the Region 9 RTOC’s Policy Advisor. Congratulations to both Lisa and the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma! Be sure to learn more about NTAA membership here!
In-person registration for the 2022 National Tribal Forum on Air Quality is now closed! But you can still register, virtually here! NTFAQ’s Planning Committees have been busy planning this year’s forum hosted by the Muscogee Nation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 2-5, 2022. You can find details on the NTFAQ agenda and NTAA’s Annual Meeting that will take place during NTFAQ on NTAA’s website here. Be sure to contact andy.bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions!
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes News
E&E News – White House announces Earth Day climate push
E&E News – Jackson confirmed to Supreme Court in bipartisan vote
Reuters – White House restores rule requiring stringent environmental review
Yale Climate Connections – NASA mission will monitor air pollution
KNAU – Environmental groups sue EPA over air pollution in national parks and other public lands
The Hill – Biden climate adviser pushes back on departure rumors
Native News Online – EPA Announces $1.6 million in Grant Funding to Support Tribal Water and Air Quality
Greenwire – Inside Biden’s sparsely staffed, high-pressure environmental shop
Indian Country Today – Proposal to restore sovereignty to tribes in Maine advances
Indian Country Today – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approves Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s water quality standards
Indian Country Today – In drought-stricken West, officials weigh emergency actions
The Hill – Trump-era EPA chief Scott Pruitt files to run for Senate in Oklahoma
TV 6 News – EPA awards $75,000 grant to Keweenaw Bay Indian Community to assess pollution
Science Daily – Air pollution linked to higher risk of COVID-19 in young adults
Here’s your link to this week’s NACAA Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
Greenwire – Biden admin restarts oil leases on federal land
Energywire – Biden tosses $6B lifeline to save struggling nuclear plants
Indian Country Today – The toll of climate change, time, tradition and trust: The Navajo Nation takes on a changing climate
CNBC – Natural gas surges to highest level since 2008 as Russia’s war upends energy markets
E&E News – Mining for Clean Energy Could Undermine Biden’s Environmental Justice Goals
Reuters – IMF expects ‘significant’ pledges for new climate, pandemics trust
Reuters – Lawmaker Raskin sees hope for U.S. climate legislation this year
Grist – Cows, coal, and climate change: A Q&A with the new BLM director
ITEP Tribes and Climate Change Monthly Newsletter
Toxics/Mobile Sources
E&E News – How electric buses reduce toxic exposure for kids
US News and World Report – Boston to Replace School Buses With Electric Ones by 2030
CNBC – From the F-150 Lightning to Rivian, here are the 11 hottest electric vehicles coming out in 2022
Indoor Air Quality
E&E News – Gas ban 2.0: Building wars