PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of March 28 – April 1, 2022
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
E&E News – BLM could open 27.5M more acres to Alaska Native Veterans
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will make the final decision on a proposal that would allow Alaska Natives who served in the Vietnam War to claim parcels of federal land. (Francis Chung/E&E News)
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of March 28 – April 1, 2022
Top Stories
EPA – Statement by EPA Administrator Regan on the President’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
E&E News – Inside Biden’s $5.8T budget: More for climate, clean energy
NTAA News!
Registration for the 2022 National Tribal Forum on Air Quality is now open! Click here to register to attend in-person or virtually. NTFAQ’s Planning Committees have been busy planning this year’s forum hosted by the Miscogee Nation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 2-5, 2022. You can learn more about the NTFAQ 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!
Call For Proposals for The National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference is now open!
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.
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes News
Daily Beast – Ukraine Officials Afraid Chernobyl’s Forest Fires Will Spread Radiation
The Washington Post – Large fires becoming even larger, more widespread
Indian Country Today – Creating new paths to leadership
Indian Country Today – Indigenous leaders tell pope of abuses at residential schools
Native News Online – Tribes Awarded Nearly $9 Million to Fund Energy
CNBC – Exxon is mining bitcoin in North Dakota as part of its plan to slash emissions
Here’s your link to this week’s NACAA Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
Axios – Biden’s careful embrace of U.S. gas for Europe
Inside Climate News – With Biden in Europe Promising to Expedite U.S. LNG Exports, Environmentalists on the Gulf Coast Say, Not So Fast
The Tyee – Should Fossil Fuel Companies Get to Teach Kids about Climate Change?
Reuters – U.S. sets May offshore wind auction for areas off the Carolinas
E&E News – Will Biden use the Defense Production Act to boost mining?
CNN – Manchin engaging with Biden administration on new climate and economic bill but timeline unclear
Politico – Biden’s most effective climate warrior faces potential doom in the Senate
Utility Dive – Grid-scale storage installations tripled to a record 3 GW in 2021: report
Yale Climate Connections – A simple way cities can make it easier for people to go solar
ITEP Tribes and Climate Change Monthly Newsletter
Toxics/Mobile Sources
Canary Media – Amid backlash, USPS orders more EVs — but will still mostly run on gas
NPR – Gas prices got you wanting an electric or hybrid car? Well, good luck finding one
Canary Media – Major airlines are getting serious about hydrogen-powered planes
Axios – Major fast food companies pledge to phase out “forever chemicals”
CCJ Digital – Christenson Transportation set to roll out 500 autonomous trucks, operate nearly around the clock
JD Supra – Tenth Circuit Decision Reinforces Federal Clean Air Act Citizen Suits Against Mobile Sources
JD Supra – SEC Proposed Rule on Climate-Related Disclosures: A Look at Scope 3 Emissions Reporting Requirements
Indoor Air Quality
NPR – Indoor Air Quality is Cool for Schools
McKnights – White House pivots to air quality focus for COVID-19 infection control
Jackson Lewis – EPA Publishes Best Practices for Indoor Air Quality in Combating COVID-19
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of March 28 – April 1, 2022
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
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! U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) leaders spoke on a Tribal consultation session on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. ET. DOE is developing more than 60 new programs, with $62.5 billion in BIL funding, implementing the largest investment in generations in our nation’s infrastructure. Related resources can be found on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Program webpage and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook.
NEW! Alliance for Electric School Buses, WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative Webinar
March 30, 2022 | 1:00 pm ET | Click Here To Register
About the “Electric School Buses: Getting on Board” series:
Diesel school buses make up the vast majority of the U.S. school bus fleet, emitting harmful pollutants at rates up to 12x higher than ambient levels. Electric school buses offer a clean alternative, with no tailpipe emissions and air quality benefits that support students’ health and cognitive development.
As the EPA launches its Clean School Bus Program, providing up to $5 billion in funding for electric school buses, this is the moment to bring the benefits of electric school buses to the communities most harmed by air pollution. Join us for “Electric School Buses: Getting on Board,” a webinar series in which we’ll explore the electric school bus adoption process and how you can help bring electric school buses to your community.
NEW! EPA: Informational Call & Webinar for Tribes and Indigenous Peoples: EJ Small Grants & Other Financial Assistance Programs
April 7, 2022 | 2:30 am – 3:30 pm PT | Click Here To Register and For More Information
EPA is hosting two separate events to discuss the availability of $1.6 million to fund tribal government efforts to establish or modify public participation programs where fair treatment and meaningful participation priorities have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is provided by American Rescue Plan (ARP) resources, through the EPA’s Environmental Justice Small Grants (EJSG) program.
The informational call and separate webinar will provide information on this new EJSG opportunity for federally-recognized tribal governments for projects that help residents of tribal communities understand, address and participate in local environmental and public health issues. The webinar will also include a tribe’s experience with applying for and managing an EJSG, information on additional EPA EJ financial assistance programs available to tribes and indigenous peoples, and a short demonstration on the use of EJScreen.
NEW! American Lung Association: Can Prescribed Fires Mitigate Health Harm? A Review of Air Quality and Public Health Implications of Wildfire and Prescribed Fire
The final prescribed fire report commissioned by the American Lung Association and created by PSE Healthy Energy. The report is titled “Can Prescribed Fires Mitigate Health Harm? A Review of Air Quality and Public Health Implications of Wildfire and Prescribed Fire” and is posted on ALA’s website here. Please feel free to share this with anyone who might be interested.
NEW! 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).
The consultations will take place at the following times:
Tribal Consultation 1:Tuesday, April 5, 2022. 3:30-5:30 pm EDT
Register in advance for the meeting here: https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_KMwXKWx2QFypxyaOgxV2UQ
Tribal Consultation 2: Friday, April 29, 2022. 3:00 – 5:00 pm EDT Register in advance for the meeting here:
https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_NOcHbTPzTZSgmhHr9eUcFA
Please view the Dear Tribal Letter Here . If you have any questions regarding this effort, please contact ITEK@ostp.eop.gov.
NEW! EPA to Hold Public Listening Session on Draft Lead Strategy For All Regions
February – March 2022 | Register Here For Your Regions Listening Session
EPA is hosting Zoom virtual public comment sessions in each of its ten geographic regional office areas from early February to early March 2022. The sessions will be an opportunity for the public to provide verbal input on the draft Lead Strategy to EPA. We encourage the public to share with the Agency thoughts on how to address lead issues in their communities during these regional sessions (e.g., Northeast, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, etc.).
EPA will use the feedback received during this public comment period to determine if additional revisions need to be incorporated into the Lead Strategy before it is finalized.
- EPA will accept public comments until March 16, 2022.
- Comments can be submitted in writing to docket EPA-HQ-OLEM-2021-0762 at Regulations.gov.
NEW! EPA to Hold Tribal Fleet and Vehicle Operator Workshop on Proposed Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards
April 7, 1-2pm EST | Register Here To Attend
Given the potential interest by Tribal governments, the EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) will hold a Zoom webinar for Tribal stakeholders on April 7, 2022, from 1-2 PM Eastern Time. Through the webinar, EPA hopes to get feedback from tribal fleet and vehicle operators and servicers on these serviceability-related provisions in the proposed Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards rule.
In response to EPA’s January 2020 Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR), we received comments from Tribal stakeholders indicating that service information and tools should be made easily available and affordable for individual owners to diagnose and fix their own vehicles, which can be especially important for small businesses, Tribes, and those in rural areas with less ready access to original equipment manufacturer dealer networks. We also received comments from Tribal stakeholders indicating a potential interest in information on our proposal that may address concerns about engine derating in response to emission aftertreatment system faults.
- For more information on the proposed rule, visit: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/proposed-rule-and-related-materials-control-air-1
- Register to attend prior the workshop here: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_-U6eipKsQwCzxqT8QV3MNw
NEW! 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! https://www.airnow.gov/earth-daycrossword-puzzle-and-activities/
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 all our classroom curriculum at https://www.airnow.gov/air-quality-flagprogram-classroom-curriculum-publications/.
NEW! EPA Announces the “Clean Air in Buildings Challenge” to Help Building Owners and Operators Improve Indoor Air Quality and Protect Public Health
On March 17th, as part of President Biden’s National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan released March 3rd, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is releasing the “Clean Air in Buildings Challenge,” a call to action and a concise set of guiding principles and actions to assist building owners and operators with reducing risks from airborne viruses and other contaminants indoors. The Clean Air in Buildings Challenge highlights a range of recommendations and resources available to assist with improving ventilation and indoor air quality, which can help to better protect the health of building occupants and reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.
Click Here For Full Press Release.
NEW! 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 at https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/apti/index.html. 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 at https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/apti/index.html.
EPA Awards $1.5 Million for Cleaner School Buses in the Pacific Southwest: American Rescue Plan Funds Help Buy Electric School Buses
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the winners of two national competitive efforts to support transitions to cleaner school buses: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) School Bus Rebates. The two rebate efforts total approximately $17 million in combined funding nationwide for schools and bus fleet owners to replace older, high-polluting diesel school buses. In the Pacific Southwest, EPA is awarding a total of $1.5 million towards new school buses in Arizona, California, and Hawaii. Replacing these buses will improve air quality in and around schools and communities, reduce greenhouse gas pollution, and better protect children’s health overall.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides an unprecedented $5 billion over five years for the Clean School Bus Program to replace existing school buses with cleaner models. In Spring 2022, EPA plans to announce a new Clean School Bus rebate program for applicants to replace existing school buses with low- or zero-emission school buses. EPA may prioritize applications that replace school buses in high need local educational agencies, low-income and rural areas, Tribal schools, and applications that provide cost share. To learn more about the upcoming Clean School Bus Program, please visit http://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus.
To learn more about the rebate programs, applicant eligibility, and selection process, visit https://www.epa.gov/dera/rebates and https://www.epa.gov/dera/2021-american-rescue-plan-arp-electric-school-bus-rebates.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.
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.
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Attend by clicking here. | Wednesday, March 30,
10 am AK |
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, March 31, 2pm ET |
Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday,
April 7, 2 pm ET |
IAQ Work Group: Join the bi-monthly calls of the NTAA IAQ work group. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, April 21, 2pm 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, April 28,
2pm 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! 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).
NEW! 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: https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/tribal-greenhouse-gas-inventory-tool
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
NEW! MULTI-STATE MEDIUM- AND HEAVY-DUTY ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE ACTION PLAN: A Policy Framework to Eliminate Harmful Truck and Bus Emissions
On behalf of the signatories of the Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) has released a draft Multi-State MHD ZEV Action Plan for a 45- day public comment period. Comments should be submitted through NESCAUM’s Public Input Portal by April 25, 2022.
NEW! 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.
Choose the Right Portable Air Cleaner for the Home
Whether you are in the market for a portable air cleaner for your home or you were thinking about gifting one this holiday season, EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home can help you make a well-informed decision.
Tips for selecting and using a portable air cleaner:
- Never buy or use an air cleaner that generates ozone, a lung irritant.
- Choose an air cleaner with a clean air delivery rate (CADR) that is large enough for the size of the room. The higher the CADR the more particles an air cleaner can capture and remove from the air and the larger the room it can be used in.
- Running your air cleaner at a higher speed and for a longer time will help improve the air cleaner’s effectiveness.
- Place your air cleaner in the rooms where you spend more of your time such as your living room or bedroom.
- Replace filters regularly and follow all air cleaner manufacturing maintenance instructions.
Read EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home for more details and tips.
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 March 28 – April 1, 2022
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
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.
Red Feather Development Group: Program Coordinator
Red Feather Development Group (Red Feather) partners with the Navajo and Hopi Nations to provide sustainable solutions to the housing needs within their communities. Red Feather programs include healthy home educational outreach, healthy home case management, and the facilitation and management of home repairs for qualified families. Red Feather works closely with government officials, community members, professionals, and volunteers within each community to develop and implement these programs.
To apply Send a cover letter and resume to email: shannon@redfeather.org
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
NEW! New Indoor Air Quality Funding Opportunity Available from EPA Partner
The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH), an EPA partner organization, has announced an exciting new funding opportunity to help communities build capacity and advance evidence-based efforts to improve health in indoor home environments by reducing exposures to common indoor air contaminants including radon, mold and moisture, dust mites, environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke), pests, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), combustion byproducts (e.g., CO and NO2,), and other emerging IAQ issues – the 2022 Indoor Air Quality Grants: Building Systems to Improve Indoor Air Quality.
Communities can apply for a bundled award of coaching and support over eighteen months that includes on-call access to technical assistance from a network of national experts, opportunities to engage in peer learning, and a $15,000 grant.
Eligible applicants include local, regional, or state non-profit and community-based organizations and state, county, local, and tribal government agencies. Funding should be used to build capacity within a community and help communities achieve policy, practice, or systems change.
Online applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. ET, Tuesday April 12, 2022.
Funding is made possible for this competitive solicitation through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Click here to learn more and apply for this opportunity.
NEW! 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.
Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize
The Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize is designed to create a more inclusive and equitable innovation ecosystem in climate and renewable energy technologies. We are working to diversify the communities that have access to Department of Energy funding. The primary goal of this prize is to fund organizations to lead engagement efforts with underrepresented communities and support applicants to apply for DOE and other federal funding opportunities. Up to 10 organizations will share a total prize pool of up to $2.5 million.
EPA: P2 Grant Program Funding Availability
EPA has released two P2 Grant Funding Availability Announcements for FY 2022 – FY 2023. Applicants are welcome to apply to one or both announcements.
- EPA-HQ-OPPT-2022-001:EPA anticipates awarding approximately $9.38 million in total federal pollution prevention grant funding over a two-year funding cycle ($4.69 million in FY 2022 funds and $4.69 million in FY 2023 funds). Individual grant awards could be up to $800,000 for the two-year funding period or $400,000 funded per year. Cost share/match requirement is fifty percent. Federally recognized tribes and intertribal consortia that receive a P2 grant award and place the approved workplan into a performance partnership agreement will have their cost share/match requirement reduced from fifty percent to zero.
- For project examples and more information please visit P2 grant program web page.
- Or call your P2 Regional Contact: https://www.epa.gov/p2/p2-regional-contacts
- EPA-I-OCSPP-OPPT-FY2022-001: Through funds provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA anticipates awarding approximately $13.9 million in total federal pollution prevention grant funding to support a two-year P2 grant agreement (FY 2022 and FY 2023). Grants will be fully funded at the initial award with a maximum individual award ceiling of $350,000. There will be NO cost share/match requirements and assistance agreements are ineligible for inclusion into performance partnership grant agreements.
- For project examples and more information please visit P2 grant program web page.
- Or call your P2 Regional Contact: https://www.epa.gov/p2/p2-regional-contacts
Communication Channels for NASA Funding Opportunities
Please consider signing up for the following communication channels. These channels will ensure that you are informed of student engagement and other funding opportunities:
- Register for an account with NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one. Once you have an account you’ll be able to sign up for notifications to be alerted when new funding opportunities are released. There are sometimes opportunities released specifically for Minority Serving Institutions (including TCUs and other indigenous serving higher education institutions) so it’s good to receive the notifications to stay on top of new opportunities.
- Sign up for our MUREP Newsletter which goes out every 2 weeks on Fridays.
- Check our MUREP website for 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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