MONTHLY UPDATES2024-08-07T16:21:59+00:00

TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of February 14 – February 18, 2022

Top Stories

NTAA News!

NTAA seats New Chairwoman and Secretary!

NTAA would like to congratulate Syndi Smallwood for becoming the new chairwoman of NTAA! Syndi serves as the Environmental Director of the Jamul Indian Village, Region 9, in California. NTAA would also like to congratulate Billie Toledo for becoming the new secretary for NTAA! Billie is from the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Indians, Region 7, in Kansas. Visit NTAA’s website to learn more about NTAA’s Executive Committee here.

NTAA welcomes the newest NTAA Member Tribe, The Rappahannock Tribe, Region 3, in Virginia! Join us in welcoming them to the family of 154 NTAA Member Tribes! If you and/or your Tribe would like to join the Rappahannock Tribe and NTAA as a member, please visit NTAA’s website here!

The NTAA is currently seeking story submissions for the 2022 Status of Tribal Air Report!

We are asking that you draft the short story or nominate someone who you may think has a great idea! Please list or write a short paragraph below for one (or two) of the topics given in the Google Form. You may also submit another form response. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: Friday, February 25th, 2022

The NTAA STAR is an annual publication intended to provide an understanding of the importance and impact of Tribal air programs. As such, one of the biggest components to the STAR is the unique perspectives of air programs within Tribal communities. In last year’s STAR, there was mention of needs not being met when it comes to implementing programs or projects due to the lack of funding and infrastructure. Our hope for this STAR is to emphasize funding, and not just the need for more funding for Tribes, but more emphasis on how Tribes are utilizing funds to implement projects and programs. So please provide your success and challenge stories, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Mariah.Ashely@nau.edu, NTAA Community Program Coordinator, for any questions.

NTAA has released a new template letter that Tribes can use to respond to EPA’s Proposed revisions for National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Primary Copper Smelters. Comments to EPA are due on February 25, 2022. You can find the template letter here and find NTAA’s fact sheet here. To learn more, visit NTAA’s website here or EPA’s website here.

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes News

The Washington Post – Biden Administration Sets Interim Greenhouse Pollution Cost Estimates

E&E News – EPA pushes school ventilation upgrades as mask mandates fall

NM Political Report – Clean Future Act heads to House floor

Politico – Biden’s climate agenda stalls, and progressives fume

E&E News – White House CCS guidance exposes environmental justice rifts

E&E News – Inflation news throws more cold water on ‘Build Back Better’

E&E News – A devastating blaze picked a fight with scientists

The Hill – Biden administration announces green manufacturing push

High Country News – The first answer for food insecurity: data sovereignty

Grist – Climate change brings thinner, more unstable ice to the Great Lakes

Indian Country Today – An Indigenous Super Bowl champion

Here’s your link to this week’s NACAA Washington Update

Climate Change/Energy

NBC News – U.S. megadrought worst in at least 1,200 years, researchers say

NPR – Ocean water along U.S. coasts will rise about one foot by 2050, scientists warn

E&E News – With climate bill stalled, Democrats push EJ agenda

AP News – UN to finalize science report on how warming hits home hard

Montana Public Radio – Youths suing Montana over climate change will have their day in court

Politico – Climate investing ‘boycott bills’ flood state capitals

The Guardian – Facts give lie to claim record oil money is being poured into green projects

The Washington Post – Manchin wants ‘good things on climate.’ What does that mean?

Utility Dive – US senators express bipartisan support for hydrogen as states vie to become hydrogen ‘hubs’

NPR – How climate change is forcing cities to rebuild stormwater systems

The Independent – Super Bowl heatwave – you can thank climate change

The Hill – Congress must find common ground on climate

ITEP Tribes and Climate Change Monthly Newsletter

Toxics/Mobile Sources

E&E News – Who wants Biden’s EV-charging money? Everybody

USA Today – Fact check: EV transition does not require every gas station in the U.S. to go electric

Bloomberg Green – Sticking With Gas-Guzzlers Over EVs Could Delay Postal Upgrade

Reuters – U.S. energy department advances $6 bln nuclear plant program

CNBC – These 23-year-old Texans made $4 million last year mining bitcoin off flare gas from oil drilling

The Guardian – Experts skeptical of Shine Energy’s proposed ‘flexible’ coal power station

Utility Dive – PJM stakeholders advance interconnection reform plan to speed process, clear clean energy backlog

Grist Biden’s 500,000 EV charging stations get a $5 billion start

Axios – How artificial intelligence could help fuel the electric vehicle revolution

Indoor Air Quality

Why is this Happening? – 50 min. Chris Hayes PodcastAn Indoor Clean Air Act? with Dr. Linsey Marr

E&E News – EPA pushes school ventilation upgrades as mask mandates fall

9News – Cooking with gas could create in-home air pollution

RE Journals – Is indoor air quality now an incentive for employees? Honeywell study suggests it is

TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of February 14 – February 18, 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.

EPA Office of Air Quality Planning & Standards (OAQPS) Seeking Input

February 17th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET

EPA would like to seek early input from tribal ambient air monitoring programs on potential options to improve the monitoring and data calculations as part of the notice of proposed rulemaking for the PM NAAQS Reconsideration.  We will cover several technical areas such as: data calculations, efficiencies to the PM2.5 FRM, approval of reference and equivalent methods, quality assurance, ambient monitoring, network design and relationship to EJ, comparability of PM2.5 FEMs, and probe and siting criteria.

If you would like to participate on this Microsoft Teams meeting scheduled for February 17th from 2:00 – 3:00 Eastern, please contact James Payne with the EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards at payne.jamesj@epa.gov. This meeting will be recorded and available after; a call-in number will also be available.

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 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.

The White House is hosting a special interagency Tribal broadband briefing on Friday, February 18 from 2:30 PM-4:30 PM Eastern Time. This session will highlight existing and upcoming opportunities across the Biden-Harris Administration to support Tribal broadband development through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the American Rescue Plan, and other agency programs. Here is a registration link.

President Biden has set a clear goal of ensuring all Americans have access to reliable, affordable, and high-speed internet to learn, work, and participate in the 21st century economy. This includes Native Americans, many of whom lack sufficient access to the internet and the educational and economic opportunities that the internet provides.

The Administration has taken a number of recent actions to provide broadband resources to Indian Country. In December 2021, the White House announced nearly $10 million in funding awards from the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and Agriculture that will be leveraged to expand access to affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet services to Tribal Nations. These resources will help facilitate connections between Tribal communities, deliver laptops and tablets to Tribal members, support capital broadband projects, foster economic growth, and more. Click HERE to learn more.

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 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.

 

STAR Work Group: Join the bi-weekly Status of Tribal Air work group to provide input on the report.

Attend by clicking here.

Tuesday, February 22,

1pm ET

IAQ Work Group: Join the bi-monthly calls of the NTAA IAQ work group. Attend by clicking here. Thursday, February 17, 2pm ET
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, February 24, 2pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. Thursday, March 3,

2pm  ET

Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. Thursday, February 17, 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, March 24,

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! 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:

February 22, 2 PM (ET) – Local and Tribal GHG Inventory Tool Office Hours. EPA is hosting online drop-in office hours for the Local and Tribal GHG Inventory tools on February 22. During this session, EPA staff will offer technical assistance on the tools, provide guidance on data collection, and answer questions about local and tribal GHG inventories. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/us-epa-local-and-tribal-greenhouse-gas-inventory-tool-office-hours-tickets-247279388307

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

‘Control of Air Pollution from Aircraft Engines: Emission Standards and Test Procedures Rule’ is in the comment period. Here is the relevant information (https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OAR-2019-0660-0130).

EPA is rescheduling the virtual public hearing for its proposed rule to February 17, 2022. This hearing is being rescheduled from the previous date of January 20, 2022. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this hearing will be held virtually only using Zoom (i.e., there will be no in-person hearing). In order to attend the February 17, 2022, virtual public hearing, all attendees (including those who will not be presenting verbal testimony) must register. The EPA is requesting that you pre-register by February 14, 2022 to allow for the orderly scheduling of testimony. To register, visit Aircraft Engine Particulate Matter Public Hearing Webinar Registration EPA WEBSITE.

Indoor Air Quality

         On behalf of the Conference of Radiation Control Program Director’s Committee on Radon (CRCPD E-25), we are pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 National Radon Poster and Video Contest.  Details regarding the contest and the winners are in the attached press release going out today from the American Lung Association (ALA).   A big thanks goes out to ALA for coordinating the contest.  Congratulations to all how participated, especially the top three posters and the winning video.NEW! Good morning, State and Tribal Radon Partners!

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:

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

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

CALLS/WEBINARS/EVENTS|

RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of February 14 – February 18, 2022

RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Now Hiring!

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

Spark Northwest is seeking a Program Director for their Seattle, Washington Office.

Spark Northwest seeks a dynamic leader who is passionate about clean energy and social justice to join our team. The Program Director oversees the design and delivery of Spark Northwest’s clean energy programs. This position is responsible for all aspects of program administration including charting strategic direction, overseeing the project managers, and evaluating success. The Program Director also manages institutional funding relationships with local governments, utilities and foundations. This position reports to the Executive Director.

How to Apply

Position will remain open until filled, but applications received by Friday February 11th will receive priority consideration. Expected start date is early April. Please submit the following to jobs@sparknorthwest.org with the subject line: “Your Full Name, Program Director”:

  • A cover letter explaining how this position aligns with your previous experience and career goals
  • A current resume with specific dates of employment (month/year)
  • A writing sample reflecting your original work

Spark Northwest is seeking a Part-Time Policy Manager for their Washington & Oregon Offices

Spark Northwest seeks a Policy Manager to serve as our point person on community generated clean energy policy in Oregon and Washington. We are looking for someone who shares our vision of a just transition to clean energy. The Policy Manager cultivates relationships with allies and deploys our policy strategy to advance clean energy that benefits BIPOC and low-wealth communities.

How to Apply

Position will remain open until filled, but applications received by February 12th will receive priority consideration. Expected start date in early April.

Please submit the following to jobs@sparknorthwest.org with the subject line: “Your Full Name, Policy Manager”:

  • A cover letter explaining how this position aligns with your previous experience and career goals
  • A current resume with specific dates of employment (month/year)
  • A writing sample reflecting your original work

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

Apply Now!

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.

Public Lands Internship Program (PLIP)

The Public Lands Internship Program (PLIP), which is a partnership between Northern Arizona University and various land management agencies, such as the National Park Service (NPS). The Northern Arizona University (NAU) Public Lands Internship Program (PLIP) aims to place 10 or more interns and practicum students from the College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences (CEFNS) as well as other partner colleges at NAU each year.

Current internship opportunities are available at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area; Flagstaff Area, Aztec Ruins, and Montezuma Castle National Monuments; and Grand Canyon National Park. Indigenous and Native American students are strongly encouraged to apply. Visit the PLIP website for more information and please share these internship opportunities with your networks.

You can find a great listing of Indian Country jobs on NCAI’s website here.

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! 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.

  1. 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.
  1. 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.

EPA HQ will present three webinars on Pollution Prevention Grant Opportunities:

EPA is accepting air quality monitoring grant applications!

With funding from the American Rescue Plan, EPA is opening a grant competition for a total of $20 million to enhance ambient air monitoring in communities with health outcome disparities from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entities eligible to apply include States (including the District of Columbia); local governments; U.S. territories and possessions; Indian tribes; and community-based, nonprofit organizations. For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.

Applications must be submitted no later than February 25, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. EST. EPA expects to award the grants in summer 2022.

Application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through www.grants.gov. For tips and more information on how to apply through Grants.gov, visit the EPA Grants page: https://www.epa.gov/grants.

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.

You have received this email as a subscriber to the NTAA Weekly Update. To unsubscribe or modify your subscriptions, click the appropriate link below:

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RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES|

NATIONAL TRIBAL AIR ASSOCIATION

Our mission is to advance air quality management policies and programs, consistent with the needs, interests, and unique legal status of American Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives.

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