UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of January 24 – 28, 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! EPA Webinar: Addressing State, Tribal, and Local Needs related to Wildland Fire and Climate & Equity Research.
January 25, 11-Noon AK – webinar will summarize listening sessions on fire/climate/equity. Register here and see below for more information.
NEW! U.S. EPA’s Quality Program Virtual Training Event 2022
February 8 – 10 | Register Here
The 2022 Virtual Training Event is hosted by the Office of Mission Support, Office of Enterprise Information Programs, Enterprise Quality Management Division. This year’s theme is ‘Quality Connections: Ready, Set, Grow.’ This event will take place from February 8-10th on the platform Zoom (federally approved version). The full agenda is attached to this invitation (subject to change) and we hope that you will be able to join us. All meeting materials can be found at the following website https://www.rossstrategic.net/EPA2022QATraining/.
If you are interested in attending this event – you must register for each individual session you are interested in attending using the links below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the links to add the events to your calendar. All times are listed in EST.
Call For Proposals for the National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTFAQ)
May 2–5, 2022
The NTFAQ planning committee is actively seeking proposals for presentations until January 28th. Click here to submit a proposal. The NTFAQ will have a range of sessions and topics including, but not limited to:
- Case studies of tribal Air Programs
- Air Monitoring Technology
- Indoor Air Quality Studies
- Community Outreach and Engagement
- Emission Inventories
- Innovative Community Projects
- Climate Change & Air Quality etc.
For more information Contact: Andy Bessler (andy.bessler@nau.edu), Mehrdad Khatibi (mehrdad.khatibi@nau.edu), or Christopher Lee (Christopher.lee@nau.edu)
Introduction to Meteorological Monitoring | Webinar Hosted by Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)
February 8 & 10, 2022 | 9am (AK), 10am (PT), 11am (MT), 12pm (Central), and 1pm (ET) Register Here
This webinar series will provide Tribal professionals basic information on meteorology and meteorological monitoring guidance for in-situ primary meteorological monitoring variables (wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, precipitation, pressure, and solar radiation). The webinars will provide general information on the sensors used for in-situ measurements: measurement quality objectives, verification/calibration, and accuracy criteria, as well as guidance on siting and exposure of meteorological towers.
Webinar Topics:
- Webinar 1
-
- Introduction to meteorology
- Interpreting wind rose from met data
- Webinar 2
- Meteorological tower siting criteria and installation
- Verification/calibration of meteorological sensors
- Maintenance of meteorological sensors, towers, and supporting equipment
- Identifying appropriate uses of meteorological data
Addressing Air Quality in Tribal Communities (for Beginners)
January 25-27, 2022 | 9am-2pm PDT; 10am-3pm MDT; 12pm-5pm EDT
(2-hour session, 1-hour break, 2-hour session, Daily)
Apply Now: https://forms.gle/1S3amRpocRphTMuX7
Course capped at 12 participants
Topics:
- Identifying air quality sources and concerns in a community
- Tribal Air Program Case Studies
- Resources for tribal air quality professionals
The application is due on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the workshop via email by Tuesday, January 18. Those accepted to participate in the workshop will receive the Zoom link and password to join the workshop. The link and password are unique and should not be shared with others.
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. | Tuesday, February 8,
1pm 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, January 26,
11 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, January 27, 2pm ET |
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, February 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
Applications open for the Arctic Rivers Summit, March 2022
Scheduled to take place at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Alaska, March 29-31, 2022. The Summit is part of the Arctic Rivers Project funded by the National Science Foundation’s Navigating the New Arctic Program. The Summit will be an in-person workshop to discuss the current and potential future states of Alaskan and Yukon rivers and fish and how we can adapt. It will bring together up to 150 Tribal and First Nation leaders, community members, managers, and knowledge holders, academic, Indigenous, federal, state, and provincial researchers, non-governmental organizations, and others.
Applications are due by January 23, 2022. For more information, please visit the Arctic Rivers Summit website.
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). The OTAQ team will be giving more information on this rule in the next NTAA Mobile Sources Workgroup call on Thursday, February 3 at 2pm ET. Attend by clicking here.
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
Learn more here about the online application process, which allows you to highlight how your program emphasizes environmental management as a standard component of care. You can also access the downloadable checklist to help you through the application process. EPA is looking for comprehensive programs that demonstrate improved asthma outcomes, compelling financial outcomes and progress toward financial sustainability. Check out examples of successful asthma programs and previous winners in the Hall of Fame – Applications Due February 1, 2022
Have questions about your application?
Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org/awards for more information, or contact us at EPALeadershipAwards@AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org
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.
Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper
The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.
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 January 24 -28, 2022
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
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
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Hiring Webinar for Students And Alumni Of Native Serving Institutions And Tribal Colleges on Tuesday, January 25th at 3:00 PM EST
Join the Teams Meeting by clicking here. The webinar will provide information on job opportunities for students and recent graduates, how to apply to federal positions, creating a USA Jobs profile and saving searches, education and transcript requirements, federal pay, benefits and retirement, EPA’s work toward Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. For questions, contact Kate Fox at fox.kate@epa.gov.
Northern Arizona University Assistant Professor of Indigenous Forestry
Classification: On–Site, Full Time
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona, Mountain Campus
Application Procedure: To apply for this position, please click on the “Apply” button at the end of the job description if viewing this position through the NAU HR website. Otherwise, to view the original post and to apply, proceed to nau.jobs, follow the ‘Faculty and Administrator Openings’ link, locate vacancy 605923, and then “Apply” at the bottom of the page.
Applications must include: (1) a letter of interest highlighting your qualifications for this position, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial graduate transcripts of all college level work, (4) one-page DEIJ statement (see description above), (5) a statement of teaching philosophy, and (6) names and contact information for three professional references (phone number, email, and address). Save all items as PDF documents.
For more information, please contact Dr. Carol Chambers, Search Committee Chair, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ 86011-5018; phone: 928-523-0014. Email: Carol.Chambers@nau.edu
Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu Coordinator
Closing date: January 31, 2022
Classification: 3-year, full time (Renewable dependent on funding)
Location: Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission, Odanah, WI
Salary: Salary range: $39,707-$43,679 depending on qualifications.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit a completed GLIFWC application for employment (available at www.glifwc.org), letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to: Robert Croll, Climate Change Program Coordinator 715-682-6619 rcroll@glifwc.org
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 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.
Institute for Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Internship Opportunities
The Student Summer Internship (SSI) program is an 8-week program. The purpose of this internship program is for students to gain hands-on skills and experience with EPA or other governmental and tribal environmental offices in managing and monitoring air quality. The internship program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Air Quality Internship (SSI) Program. Learn about paid 8-week summer internship opportunities for college students
The Water and Land Summer Internship program is an 8 to 10-week program. The purpose of this internship program is for students to gain hands-on skills and experience with tribal organizations, state and federal agencies, and water or land management NGO’s. The internship program is funded by the Catena Foundation, Mighty Arrow Foundation and the Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy.
- Water and Land Summer Internship Program. Learn about paid summer internship opportunities for college students.
Reach out to Mansel Nelson (mansel.nelson@nau.edu) for more information and application process. Applications due by February 1, 2022
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.
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
NEW! EPA to evaluate impacts of emissions from leaded aviation fuel: On 1/12/22, EPA announced that it will evaluate whether emissions from piston-engine aircraft operating on leaded fuel contribute to air pollution that endangers public health and welfare. The agency plans to issue a proposal for public review and comment in 2022 and take final action in 2023. To learn more, see the press release from this week (below) and join the NTAA-hosted Alaska Tribal Air Workgroup call on January 26th at 10 am AK. EPA will provide a brief overview of this work on the call and be available for questions.
EPA Announces $10 Million Available for States, Tribes, and Territories to Address Environmental Challenges
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of Multipurpose Grant (MPG) funding to support states, Tribes, and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues, including PFAS, environmental justice and climate change. For more information on eligibility, use of funding, process for award, and timelines, please reference the Multipurpose Grant guidance.
Recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2022
You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.
Indoor Air Quality
Resource for Healthy Indoor Air Quality
Check out the website https://forhealth.org/ for many resources related to healthy homes and indoor air quality!
The Tribal Healthy Homes Network (THHN) has a webpage dedicated to Funding Opportunities! Additionally, THHN has developed a Funding Guide for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities.
Most Recent Listing: EPA Rules from the Federal Register can be found here.
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PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of January 18 – 21, 2022
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
National Geographic – How Martin Luther King, Jr.’s multifaceted view on human rights still inspires today
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of January 18 – 21, 2022
Top Stories
Be sure to join today’s NTAA Informational Webinar on EPA’s Proposed Methane Rule at 2pm ET. You can register and attend NTAA’s webinar here. The 1 ½ hour webinar will include a Panel Discussion with:
- NTAA’s Ian Fisher and Laura McKelvey
- American Lung Association’s Laura Kate Bender
- Moms Clean Air Force’s Shaina Oliver and Celerah Hewes
- EDF’s Eric Kills a Hundred and Edwin LaMair
You can learn more and comment from NTAA’s Policy Resource Kits page here.
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes News
E&E News – EPA to review rules for largest source of lead in air
Indian Country Today – Tribal sovereignty ballot initiative smashes threshold
Inside Climate News – In the Latest Rights of Nature Case, a Tribe Is Suing Seattle on Behalf of Salmon in the Skagit River
Mongabay News – By cultivating seaweed, Indigenous communities restore connection to the ocean
ABC News – Low-income schools facing string of challenges after natural disasters: Report
The Hill – GOP senator blocks Biden EPA nominees over coal plant decision
Indian Country Today – Setting a climate course when politics divides
Indian Country Today – Vicious circle: Tribal broadband program hindered
Here’s your link to this week’s NACAA Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
Reuters – How the White House hopes to save Biden’s Build Back Better bill
E&E News – DOT to allot $27B to fix bridges, ensure climate resilience
E&E News – Interior reveals plans for orphan well cleanup
E&E News – EPA tackles coal-to-crypto industry trend
Energy Wire – Power companies back EPA climate authority at Supreme Court
The Guardian – Global heating linked to early birth and damage to babies’ health, scientists find
Grist – Biden is ending Trump’s war on green appliances — but not very quickly
Reuters – Emissions set to rise with global power demand – IEA
ITEP Tribes and Climate Change Monthly Newsletter
Toxics/Mobile Sources
NBC News – California’s Salton Sea is a potential hotspot for lithium production
CNBC – How the U.S. fell behind in lithium, the ‘white gold’ of electric vehicles
The Guardian – Chemical pollution has passed safe limit for humanity, say scientists
The Verge – Bill Gates’ climate fund looks to funnel billions into carbon removal, green hydrogen, and more
Indoor Air Quality
Street Insider – Clean Air Matters; How Effective Clean Air Technology Is Becoming Essential to a Healthy Future
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of January 18 – 21, 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! Call For Proposals for the National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTFAQ)
May 2–5, 2022
The NTFAQ planning committee is actively seeking proposals for presentations until January 28th. Click here to submit a proposal. The NTFAQ will have a range of sessions and topics including, but not limited to:
- Case studies of tribal Air Programs
- Air Monitoring Technology
- Indoor Air Quality Studies
- Community Outreach and Engagement
- Emission Inventories
- Innovative Community Projects
- Climate Change & Air Quality etc.
For more information Contact: Andy Bessler (andy.bessler@nau.edu), Mehrdad Khatibi (mehrdad.khatibi@nau.edu), or Christopher Lee (Christopher.lee@nau.edu)
NEW! EPA has made available modeling data including projected ozone design values for 2023, 2026, and 2032 and ozone contributions in 2023 and 2026 at individual monitoring sites, nationwide. These data are based on the 2016v2 emissions platform (https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-modeling/2016v2-platform)
While these data do not reflect any policy or regulatory decisions, EPA expects to use this information in upcoming rulemaking actions, including ozone transport actions. States could also use this information to the extent they wish to review their implementation plans with respect to interstate transport for the 2015 ozone standards. The data are available at: https://www.epa.gov/air-emissions-modeling/2016v2-platform. Interested parties can obtain the full set of modeling inputs and outputs when these data are used to support regulatory actions.
NEW! Introduction to Meteorological Monitoring | Webinar Hosted by Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)
February 8&10, 2022 | 9am (AK), 10am (PT), 11am (MT), 12pm (Central), and 1pm (ET)
This webinar series will provide Tribal professionals basic information on meteorology and meteorological monitoring guidance for in-situ primary meteorological monitoring variables (wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, precipitation, pressure, and solar radiation). The webinars will provide general information on the sensors used for in-situ measurements: measurement quality objectives, verification/calibration, and accuracy criteria, as well as guidance on siting and exposure of meteorological towers.
Webinar Topics:
Webinar 1
- Introduction to meteorology
- Interpreting wind rose from met data
Webinar 2
- Meteorological tower siting criteria and installation
- Verification/calibration of meteorological sensors
- Maintenance of meteorological sensors, towers, and supporting equipment
- Identifying appropriate uses of meteorological data
Register Now:
https://nau.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcOGgqDIiEtftsyo6HrD30UtNPgfq7YzC
NEW! Addressing Air Quality in Tribal Communities (for Beginners)
January 25-27, 2022 | 9am-2pm PDT; 10am-3pm MDT; 12pm-5pm EDT
(2-hour session, 1-hour break, 2-hour session, Daily)
Apply Now: https://forms.gle/1S3amRpocRphTMuX7
Course capped at 12 participants
Topics:
- Identifying air quality sources and concerns in a community
- Tribal Air Program Case Studies
- Resources for tribal air quality professionals
The application is due on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the workshop via email by Tuesday, January 18. Those accepted to participate in the workshop will receive the Zoom link and password to join the workshop. The link and password are unique and should not be shared with others.
A Sense of Place: Indigenous Perspectives on Earth, Water and Sky featuring Larry Campbell, Swinomish Elder
Registration is open for our next webinar! Register now for our 9th webinar “A Sense of Place: Indigenous Perspectives of Earth, Water and Sky,” featuring Larry Campbell, Swinomish Elder, Thursday January 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM, Pacific Time. Space is limited so please register now.
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.
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, February 3,
2pm ET |
| STAR Work Group: Join the Status of Tribal Air work group to provide input on the report. | Wednesday,
January 25, 3pm 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, January 20,
2pm ET
|
| 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, January 27, 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 |
| Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Attend by clicking here. | Wednesday, January 26, 11 am AK |
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! Applications open for the Arctic Rivers Summit, March 2022
Scheduled to take place at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Alaska, March 29-31, 2022. The Summit is part of the Arctic Rivers Project funded by the National Science Foundation’s Navigating the New Arctic Program. The Summit will be an in-person workshop to discuss the current and potential future states of Alaskan and Yukon rivers and fish and how we can adapt. It will bring together up to 150 Tribal and First Nation leaders, community members, managers, and knowledge holders, academic, Indigenous, federal, state, and provincial researchers, non-governmental organizations, and others.
Applications are due by January 23, 2022. For more information, please visit the Arctic Rivers Summit website.
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! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is initiating consultation and coordination with federally recognized Indian tribes on Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category (the Steam Electric ELG). The Steam Electric ELG regulations cover wastewater discharges from power plants. The current rulemaking specifically focusses on wastewaters generated by coal-fired power plants. These limitations on the discharge of pollutants will subsequently be incorporated into National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, potentially reducing pollutant discharges into waters of the United States.
On July 26, 2021, EPA announced its decision to undertake a rulemaking in which the Agency will determine whether more stringent limitations and standards for coal-fired power plants are appropriate and consistent with the technology-forcing statutory scheme and the goals of the Clean Water Act.
The tribal consultation letter and consultation and coordination plan for this action are attached. These consultation materials are also available on EPA’s Tribal Consultation Opportunities Tracking System (TCOTS) website located at:https://tcots.epa.gov. Additional information on the Steam Electric ELG can be found athttps://www.epa.gov/eg/steam-electric-power-generating-effluent-guidelines.
EPA plans to hold two identical Tribal Webinars and Listening Sessions on February 1 and 9, 2022 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM Eastern Time. These webinars will be an opportunity for EPA to provide an overview of this forthcoming rulemaking and to receive input from tribal representatives about this action. To register:
- February 1 Tribal Webinar and Listening Session: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_dR5Vg1NbSq-5_e0r4p2Wyw.
- February 9 Tribal Webinar and Listening Session: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_c3TOTjz-TuOIg5ABN7GN1Q.
The EPA ‘s anticipated timeline for the consultation and coordination period on this action is expected to extend from January 18, 2022 to March 29, 2022.
For any questions, please contact Richard Benware with EPA’s Office of Science and Technology by email at benware.richard@epa.gov or by phone at (202) 566-1369.
NRC invites comment on Draft Programmatic Agreement on protection of archaeological sites affected by proposed placement of mine waste repository on top of reclaimed Church Rock uranium mill tailings deposit: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is requesting comment on a draft Programmatic Agreement (PA) between the NRC, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Navajo Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Office (NNTHPO), New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office (NMSHPO), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and United Nuclear Corporation (UNC). The purpose of this draft PA is to resolve any adverse effects to historic properties identified during consultation for a proposed license amendment application for the UNC Mill Site.
Submit comments by January 21, 2022.
> Federal Register (TBA)
> Download: Draft Programmatic Agreement , Nov. 30, 2021 (PDF)
> Access Docket ID NRC-2019-0026
Indoor Air Quality
Learn more here about the online application process, which allows you to highlight how your program emphasizes environmental management as a standard component of care. You can also access the downloadable checklist to help you through the application process. New! EPA is looking for comprehensive programs that demonstrate improved asthma outcomes, compelling financial outcomes and progress toward financial sustainability. Check out examples of successful asthma programs and previous winners in the Hall of Fame – Applications Due February 1, 2022
Have questions about your application?
Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org/awards for more information, or contact us at EPALeadershipAwards@AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org
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.
Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper
The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.
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!