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! 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.

NEW! EPA Awards $5.4 million in Grant Funding for Tribal and Insular Areas to Establish Lower-Emission Diesel Projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced $5.4 million in grant funding is expected to be awarded for Tribal and insular areas to establish lower-emission diesel projects. In total, 12 Tribal and insular area assistance agreements are expected to be awarded as part of the Diesel Emissions Reduction (DERA) program, which funds projects to clean up the nation’s legacy fleet of diesel engines.

Click Here For Full Press Release and Awardees.

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 Proposes “Good Neighbor” Plan to Cut Smog Across Much of the United States

On March 11^th, following clear Clean Air Act requirements and meeting a court deadline, EPA is proposing a federal plan that would cut pollution from power plants and industrial sources that significantly contribute to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, or smog, for millions of Americans who live downwind. Relying on a longstanding regulatory framework and commonly used, affordable pollution controls, this action would help states fully resolve their Clean Air Act “good neighbor” obligations for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), enhancing public health and environmental protections regionally and for local communities. Click Here For The Full Press Release.

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 and Partners Establish a Plan to Eliminate Preventable Lung Cancer Deaths from Radon

Fourteen organizations representing the Federal government, states, Tribes, industry and non-profit sectors have announced a new plan to protect public health and reduce the risks of radon, “The National Radon Action Plan (NRAP) 2021–2025.” The NRAP is a public-private partnership spearheaded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association with a shared goal of preventing 3,500 deaths annually from radon-induced lung cancer.

EPA 2021 Annual State Indoor Radon Grant Activities Report is Now Available

State and Tribal radon programs are critical to the Agency’s national goal of minimizing and preventing radon-related lung cancer. States and tribes are eligible to receive grant funds from EPA through the State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) Program which can be used to help finance risk reduction and outreach activities.

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to share the final 2021 State Indoor Radon Grant Program Activities Report. This report highlights the important work states, territories, and tribes are undertaking across the country to advance radon risk reduction.

Some successful approaches states and tribes are utilizing for reducing radon risk include:

• Education and outreach to the medical community,
• Inclusion of radon in state cancer control plans,
• Testing and remediation of schools in high-risk radon areas,
• Addressing radon in homes and real estate transactions,
• Continuing education and technical support for industry professionals,
• Building support for the adoption of radon-reduction strategies in building codes or state/tribal policy

Biden order requires net-zero federal government emissions by 2050

There will be many opportunities to heat the more rural, northern federal buildings with wood, pellets, and wood chips! The US Forest Service itself has many such buildings and understands the technology and benefits.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

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
Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. Attend by clicking here.	Thursday, March 24, 2pm ET
IAQ Work Group: Join the bi-monthly calls of the NTAA IAQ work group. Attend by clicking here.	Thursday, April 21, 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! Just Released: Call for Proposals Now Open – National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference: August 29-September 1, St Paul, MN (Hybrid)

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Tribes and Climate Change Program is delighted to announce that the call for proposals for the upcoming 2022 National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference (NTICC) is now open. The conference will take place August 29 – September 1, 2022 and will be a hybrid event taking place both in person in St Paul, Minnesota and online.

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 . We are accepting both in-person and virtual proposals. Proposal submissions include:

Presentations

Trainings

Working Groups

Climate Conversations

Application deadline: Friday, April 22^nd by close of business

Letter of notification: Monday, June 6^th

Materials deadline: Friday, August 5th 

NEW! EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs is hosting two separate stakeholder meetings related to two upcoming rulemakings under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020. The first will be on Thursday, March 24, from 2:00 – 3:30 pm EDT on an upcoming proposed rulemaking under subsection (i), “Technology Transitions,” of the AIM Act. This subsection provides EPA authority to restrict the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in sectors or subsectors where they are used. EPA will discuss petitions received under this subsection to restrict the use of HFCs in the refrigeration and air conditioning, aerosols, and foams sectors.

The second will be held Wednesday, March 30, 2022, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm EDT on an upcoming proposed rulemaking to update the HFC Allowance and Allocation and Program under the AIM Act. In September 2021, EPA finalized a framework rule, “Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Establishing the Allowance Allocation and Trading Program under the AIM Act” (86 FR 55116), that established the national HFC phasedown program and an initial methodology for allocating and trading HFC allowances for 2022 and 2023. This upcoming rulemaking will build off the 2021 rulemaking to establish the allowance allocation methodology for 2024 and later years.

Registration information for both meetings will be available at http://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction.  Please contact Nancy Akerman (akerman.nancy@epa.gov) if you have any questions.

NEW! SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming Climate Action & Capacity Building Virtual Workshop Hosted by ITEP

March 22-23, 2022 | Register Here | Registration Closes February 28, 2022

Hosted by:

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & US Mexico Border 2025 Program/Fronterra 2025 Programa
• ITEP’s Tribes & Climate Change Program

Who should attend?

• Tribes in EPA region 9 with an interest in US – Mexico border region
• Tribes in the US – Mexico border region
• Environmental Professionals, Non-profits & others working on climate issues in US – Mexico border region
• Tribes in EPA region 9 and US – Mexico border regions will receive first preference.

Topics will include:

• Climate change impacts
• Adaptation and mitigation
• Indigenous and Traditional knowledge
• Tribal case studies
• Science, data, resources, funding, etc.

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:

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). 

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! WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: EPA Restoration of California Waiver Will Support State Climate Action, Improve Air Quality, and Advance our Electric Vehicle Future

On March 11, EPA reinstated California’s authority under the Clean Air Act to implement its own greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and light trucks, which other states can also adopt and enforce. With this authority restored, EPA will continue partnering with states to advance the next generation of clean vehicle technologies. Click Here For Full Press Release.

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.

EPA Awards Rebates Totaling $17 Million to Fund Clean School Buses that Reduce Diesel Emissions and Protect Children’s Health

Today, at an event with Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the winners of two school bus rebate opportunities: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) School Bus Rebates. The $7 million in ARP funding is directed toward school districts in underserved communities to replace old diesel buses with new, zero-emission electric models, and the $10 million in DERA rebates will assist with 444 school bus replacements across the country. Click Here for full press release.

U.S. Department of Energy: The Information Source for Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles

The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decision makers find ways to reach their energy and economic goals through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and other fuel-saving measures. Click Here for more information about the resources available. 

EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

To address these trends and challenges, EPA developed the SmartWay program.

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

• provides a comprehensive and well-recognized system for tracking, documenting and sharing information about fuel use and freight emissions across supply chains
• helps companies identify and select more efficient freight carriers, transport modes, equipment, and operational strategies to improve supply chain sustainability and lower costs from goods movement
• supports global energy security and offsets environmental risk for companies and countries
• reduces freight transportation-related emissions by accelerating the use of advanced fuel-saving technologies
• is supported by major transportation industry associations, environmental groups, state and local governments, international agencies, and the corporate community

View the SmartWay timeline and learn about the program’s achievements and key milestones reached since SmartWay’s launch in 2002. Our progress to making freight in the supply chain more sustainable and efficient is due to the vision, commitment and hard work of SmartWay Partners and Affiliates! Two Decades of Progress: SmartWay Partnership Milestones (PDF)(1 pg, 345 K, June 2021, EPA-420-H-21-001). Click Here to view past webinars and upcoming webinars 

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! 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.

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.Choose the Right Portable Air Cleaner for the Home

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!