UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact [email protected] if you have any questions about any call. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

 

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact [email protected] to join the call!	TBD, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact [email protected] to join the call!	*Webinar* July 6, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact [email protected] to join the call!	Wednesday, July 26, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are held on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a holiday. Contact [email protected] to join the call!	Thursday, July 27, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. [email protected] to join the call!	Thursday, August 10, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)

Click Here for ITEP’s new Tribal Environmental Management and Planning Online Courses. Sign up for a self-paced course hosted by ITEP’s Waste and Response and Tribal Air Quality programs.

 

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 

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! Wildfires, News, Resources and Funding

The Community Wildfire Defense Program, or CWDG, is intended to help at-risk local communities and Tribes; plan for and reduce the risk of wildfire.

This program, which was authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, prioritizes at-risk communities in an area identified as having high or very high wildfire hazard potential, are low-income, or have been impacted by a severe disaster that affects the risk of wildfire.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/grants

 

As the primary intertribal organization that supports the common goals of the majority of Indian Tribes with significant forested landscapes, the Intertribal Timer Council plays a vital role in addressing the threat posed by wildfire. On September 14, the Intertribal Timber Council and Interior Department announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to improve collaboration on wildland fire management.

https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfire/improving-wildland-fire-management-across-tribal-and-federal-lands

 

In support of the mission, the Division of Wildland Fire Management (DWFM) provides wildland fire protection and ecosystem improvement to federal trust lands held in trust for federally recognized Tribes and individual Indians. The DWFM’s support is implemented through direct services, cooperative agreements, self-determination, and self-governance, where applicable.

https://www.bia.gov/bia/ots/dwfm

 

REMINDER! EPA Invites Youth to Serve on Agency’s First-Ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the formal establishment of the agency’s first-ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC). The NEYAC will provide independent advice and recommendations to Administrator Michael S. Regan on how to increase EPA’s efforts to address a range of environmental issues as they relate to youth communities. The NEYAC will provide a critical perspective on how the impacts of climate change and other environmental harms affect youth communities. The Administrator announced his intent to launch the youth council last June at the Austrian World Summit.

 

EPA is soliciting applications for youth to fill 16 vacancies on the NEYAC. Selected applicants will contribute to a balance of perspectives, backgrounds, and experience of the council and will be appointed by the Administrator. As a first-of-its-kind committee, all members of NEYAC will be between the ages of 16 and 29.

 

As part of the agency’s commitment to centering environmental justice communities, at least 50% of the overall membership of NEYAC will come from, reside primarily in, and/or do most of their work in disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) as part of Justice40.

 

“We can’t tackle the environmental challenges of our time without input from our younger communities, who’ve long been at the forefront of social movements,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This committee will help ensure that the voices and perspectives of our youth are included and valued in EPA’s decision-making as we continue to advance President Biden’s commitment to ensuring everyone in this country has access to clean air, safe water and healthy land, now and for generations to come.”

Applications to the NEYAC are due by August 22, 2023, at 11:59PM ET. To apply for appointment to the council, the below information is required:

1. Contact information

1. Resume OR short biography OR qualification essay
2. Statement of interest
3. Media Project

 

Visit the EPA NEYAC webpage for more information on the council and to apply.

 

EPA will be hosting another virtual application webinar where the public can ask EPA staff questions live. The webinar will be on Zoom and will be hosted at the following time:

 

Monday, August 7, 2023 @ 12PM – 1PM ET // Register here

 

REMINDER! 2023 Air Sensors Quality Assurance (QA) Workshop – July 25-27, 2023

The 2023 Air Sensors Quality Assurance (QA) Workshop will help the air sensor community better understand established and emerging QA methods for collecting accurate air sensor data and any associated limitations.

Registration: The formal registration for the workshop is now open through the end of June! Register Now!

Note: All attendees must register through Whova even if they previously filled out the pre-registration questionnaire.

Important Hotel Deadline: The $115/night room rate is only available through June 23, 2023. Reserve Your Room Today!

Event Overview: The need for more accurate air sensor data is crucial as air agencies and other organizations rapidly install air sensor networks across the United States and the world. The 2023 Air Sensors Quality Assurance Workshop will help the air sensor community better understand established and emerging QA methods for collecting accurate air sensor data and any associated limitations. The workshop will be a 3-day hybrid event for both in-person and virtual attendees and presenters. Sessions will include presentations and panel discussions with various air sensor experts.

The preliminary agenda is now available and describes the general times, topics, and sessions for the workshop. View the Preliminary Agenda.

 

REMINDER! EPA Grants Trainings Available!

EPA’s Office of Grants and Debarment is pleased to announce the availability of several new and updated training resources for grant applicants and recipients.

• NEW—Learn how to Register in SAM.gov and Grants.gov to apply for EPA grants. This webpage will help you register your organization in SAM.gov, create an applicant profile in Grants.gov, and get familiar with using Workspace.
• The How to Develop a Budget training was recently updated. This course will help you prepare work plans, budgets, and budget narratives for EPA grants.
• The EPA Grants Management Training for Applicants and Recipients course introduces key aspects of the grant life cycle starting with preparing an application through closing out a grant. The six modules can be completed individually.

Reminder: Stay tuned to EPA’s Grants Webinars schedule to register for upcoming webinars and access recordings, helpful links, and FAQs.

If you have any questions regarding these trainings or have suggestions for new training or webinar topics, please send an email to [email protected]

 

REMINDER! Wildfire Smoke 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 2023, this pilot technology loan program will continue to provide several technology types – including stationary air sensor systems and a compact vehicle add-on mobile monitoring system (VAMMS) – to state and local air agency monitoring staff and professional tribal air quality staff members upon request.

 

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 [email protected].

 

REMINDER! April 12, 2023, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan announced new, more ambitious proposed standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027 in two separate regulatory actions:

• Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3

Given the potential interest by Tribal governments, the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) we will be offering virtual information sessions on the proposed rule through upcoming regularly scheduled calls hosted by the National Tribal Air Association. If your Tribe has questions about the proposed rule or would like to engage in individualized government-to-government consultation with EPA, contact Jessie Mroz at (202)-564-1094 or  [email protected].

More information on these proposals: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-proposes-strongest-ever-pollution-standards-cars-and

 

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

 

Climate Change / Energy

NEW! The Tribal Climate Change Guide is a searchable database that features up-to-date information on available grants, adaptation plans, climate programs, and climate tools to assist Native peoples in addressing impacts of climate change on their communities and ways of life. The guide also features national events, climate job postings, education resources, publications, and a directory of climate change scientists.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/tool/tribal-climate-change-guide

 

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

Toxics/Mobile Sources

REMINDER! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

Tacoma, WA (Aug 22-24). For a three-day pass for tribes to attend GTSE (travel and lodging costs not included), use conference code: DERA-TRIBES For more information, go to:  https://www.gtsummitexpo.com/. To be added to the Mobile Source Workgroup, send an email to [email protected]

 

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

 

​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.   For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

 

REMINDER!  EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

 

Indoor Air Quality

REMINDER! Information Session for Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program Recording and Q&A Now Available

EPA hosted an information session for potential applicants to the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program on April 10. During the webinar, EPA provided an overview of the Notice of Funding Opportunity and the application process.

The webinar recording is now posted on the funding opportunity webpage along with the slides from the webinar. Questions and answers from the webinar have also been added to the current Questions and Answers document on the webpage.

 

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

 

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

 

Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!

Environmental Justice

REMINDER! EPA Launches EJSCREEN 2.2, The Community Environmental Justice Mapping Tool & Trainings

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated EJScreen, the Agency’s publicly available environmental justice (EJ) screening and mapping tool. EJScreen 2.2 makes important improvements to better meet the needs of users, including a redesigned and enhanced report, a new environmental indicator with corresponding indexes, and refreshed demographic and environmental data.

EJScreen 2.2 provides updated reports which compile various datasets into one document to help users better understand the multiple factors that impact their community. It also includes a new environmental indicator on Toxic Releases to Air, as well as associated EJ and supplemental indexes. This new indicator quantifies the relative potential human health impacts from exposure of Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) chemicals into the air. More information on the new indicator can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen/overview-environmental-indicators-ejscreen.

The main purpose of these annual EJScreen updates is to build in the newest available demographic and environmental datasets. The update uses the 2017-2021 American Community Survey demographic data from the U.S. Census and refreshed EPA data for the environmental indicators. Additionally, EJScreen 2.2 features new map layers on health disparities including cancer and persons with disabilities; critical service gaps on accessibility to housing, health insurance, transportation; and EPA regulated facilities that are currently or have been out of compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

Training:

EPA is holding multiple trainings and office hours for users on EJScreen 2.2. The trainings will provide an:

• Overview Presentation on EJScreen 2.2
• Discussion of the New Features
• Live Demonstration
• Q&A session

The training courses will feature the same content and will be accessible via Zoom, registration is not required. More information can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen/ejscreen-office-hours-training. The upcoming opportunities are listed below:

Office Hours Date/Time/Link: August 16 at 12pm EST – Click here to join

The Office Hours will be a chance for the public to talk with EPA EJScreen experts about many topics including how to use and apply the tool, technical issues, and any other questions.

We hope that you will test the new features of EJScreen 2.2 to see how it can serve your needs and provide us feedback on how we can continue to improve this tool. For more information on EJSCREEN, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen.

 

NOW HIRING!

NEW! Quinault Indian Nation – Air Quality Program Specialist

Job Summary: The Air Quality Program Specialist is expected to manage a comprehensive air quality program dealing with air quality issues within the Quinault Reservation. This program includes implementation of the necessary actions for compliance with the Clean Air Act, and Federal Air Rules for Reservations. The incumbent will conduct ongoing air quality sampling, participation in planning processes, and working with issues related to both point and non-point source pollution. The position shall monitor processes within and outside of the Quinault Usual and Accustomed area that may affect air quality. The position will work with other departments within the Division of Natural Resources, and with other divisions of the Quinault Indian Nation on air related issues. This position is currently funded at 30 hours/week or at a 75% position, the position does have the capability of becoming a full time (40 hours) per week if funding is available or acquired in the future. For more information, visit: https://www.quinaultindiannation.com/jobs.htm

 

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.