PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of November 1 – 5, 2021
Photo From the Field
Indian Country Today – Leaders vow to protect forests, plug methane leaks
Tuntiak Katan, Indigenous Organisations of the Amazon River Basin (COICA), Global Alliance of Territorial Communites (GATC) speaking at the Forest event at the SEC, Glasgow. 02/11/2021. Photograph: Karwai Tang/ UK Government
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of November 1 – 5, 2021
Top Stories
NEW! NTAA has released Policy Resource Kits including two new template letters for Tribes to use in responding to several EPA proposed actions including:
- EPA’s draft Strategic Plan for FY 2022-2026. Comments are due into EPA by November 12th.
- EPA’s proposed guidance for PM and Ozone modelling. Comments are due into EPA by November 19th.
NEW! EPA’s Community and Tribal Programs Group has been working on a webpage with publicly-facing Tribal Actions and Events calendar
This calendar includes the following information:
- Upcoming outreach activities (e.g., rulemaking webinars, trainings)
- National Tribal Council (NTC) monthly meetings,
- National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) meetings,
- Regional Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC) meetings, and
- Upcoming regulatory dates (e.g., expected rule proposal dates).
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 calendarsor 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 Tanya Abrahamian (abrahamian.tanya@epa.gov) with any feedback.
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
NY Times – Forced Relocation Left Native Americans More Exposed to Climate Threats, Data Show “In the past, we used to go to the high country, where we had our summer camps. That’s where we would cool off,” Nikki Cooley, co-manager of the Tribes & Climate Change Program at Northern Arizona University and a citizen of the Diné (Navajo) Nation, in what is now northern Arizona. “We don’t have that, because all of the high-elevation communities are off the reservation.”
U.S EPA – U.S. to Sharply Cut Methane Pollution that Threatens the Climate and Public Health
The White House – Fact Sheet: President Biden Tackles Methane Emissions, Spurs Innovations, and Supports Sustainable Agriculture to Build a Clean Energy Economy and Create Jobs
The Hill – EPA to consider tighter air quality standards for smog
ProPublica – Poison in the Air: The EPA allows polluters to turn neighborhoods into “sacrifice zones” where residents breathe carcinogens. ProPublica reveals where these places are in a first-of-its-kind map and data analysis.
Nature Communications – Consumption in the G20 nations causes particulate air pollution resulting in two million premature deaths annually
Law 360 – Business Groups Urge Stay On Vacating Trump Water Rule
PBS – Native American tribes land buybacks start a commercial approach to social justice
KLCC – Ancient Native American forest practices demonstrated in burn near Eugene
NDN Collective – LANDBACK Movement
Tulsa World – Tulsa, Owasso join state in seeking to overturn McGirt ruling
Here’s where you’ll find this week’s NACAA Washington Update!
Climate Change/Energy
NBC – At U.N.’s COP26 climate summit, Indigenous voices are calling for more than lip service
Reuters – COP26 coalition worth $130 trillion vows to put climate at heart of finance
BBC – COP26 climate change summit: So far, so good-ish
Reuters – G20 offers little new on climate, leaving uphill task for COP26
Washington Post – Democrats accuse Big Oil execs of ‘obviously lying’ about climate change in historic hearing
The Washington Post – He’s the youngest Chief in his First Nation’s history. Now he’s leading their fight against climate change.
Law 360 – Draft Plan Illuminates EPA’s Enviro Justice, Climate Priorities
Reuters – U.S. EPA to draft power plant emissions rules despite court ruling
AP – China offers few new climate targets ahead of UN conference
The Guardian – $555bn in climate action but no new tax on billionaires: what’s in Biden’s plan?
AZ Central – Indigenous peoples seek greater voice and more influence at COP26 climate conference
Toxics/Mobile Sources
The Guardian – Coal pledges and a methane deal: what could Cop26 achieve?
The Hill – National emissions to be a factor in drilling lease sales
Great Lakes Now – Enbridge temporarily stops Michigan pipeline due to protests
NY Times – G20 Nations Agree to New Limits on Coal-Burning Power Plants
Environmental Health News – Environmental groups petition EPA to rescind factory farms’ “free pass to pollute”
Indoor Air Quality
The Washington Post – How and when to check indoor air quality in your home
NBC News – How to improve indoor air quality in apartments and small spaces
eSchool News – Schools are getting creative as they strive to improve indoor air quality
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of November 1 – 5, 2021
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
NEW! The EPA Administrator has signed a proposed rule that will take a significant step in fighting the climate crisis and protecting public health. This proposal would sharply reduce methane and other harmful air pollution from both new and existing sources in the oil and natural gas industry. The proposal would expand and strengthen emissions reduction requirements that are currently on the books for new, modified and reconstructed oil and natural gas sources, and would require states to reduce methane emissions from hundreds of thousands of existing sources nationwide for the first time.
To help engage with stakeholders on the proposed oil and natural gas methane rule, EPA will host three half-day training events. The training will provide: background information on the oil and gas production process; an overview of the proposed rules; panel discussions with environmental justice communities, tribes, and small business stakeholders; and information on how to effectively engage in the regulatory process. This event will be open to the public; however, the targeted audiences are communities/environmental justice stakeholders, tribes, and small business stakeholders. These events will be held using Zoom, and a toll-free call-in number will be available. To learn more about this rule and the training, please click here.
This virtual event is FREE and open to the public. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TRAINING INFORMATION:
DATE: Tuesday, November 16, 2021 – Targeting EJ Communities and Tribes TIME: 12:30PM – 5:00PM (Eastern time)
TOPICS:
- Background: Understanding the Oil and Gas Production Process, Climate- and Health-Impacts, and
- Overview of the Oil and Gas Proposed Rulemaking
DATE: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 – Targeting EJ Communities and Tribes TIME: 12:30PM – 5:00PM (Eastern time)
TOPICS:
- Dialogue Among Grassroot Community Members and Tribal Nations,
- How to Participate in the Comment Period and Public Hearings, and
- Group Discussions
DATE: Thursday, November 18, 2021 – Targeting Small Business Stakeholders TIME: 12:30PM – 6:30PM (Eastern time)
TOPICS:
- Overview of the Oil and Gas Proposed Rulemaking and the Small Business Advocacy Review Panel,
- Dialogue Among Small Businesses Stakeholders,
- How to Participate in the Comment Period and Public Hearings, and
- Group Discussions
HOW TO REGISTER: Click here to register for the upcoming training events. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.
NEW! The U.S. EPA is seeking nominations for technical experts to serve on its Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC), a federal advisory committee to the Office of Research and Development. The BOSC provides independent scientific and technical peer review, consultation, advice, and recommendations for each of its research programs.
Individuals and organizations can nominate themselves or others, respectively, by using the nomination form on the BOSC website. The nomination period is open until November 12, 2021.
- Information on the BOSC can be found at https://www.epa.gov/bosc.
- Information on ORD’s research can be found
at: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-research-and-development-ord.
- Details regarding areas of expertise sought, process for submitting nominations, and selection criteria can also be found in the relevant Federal Register notice published on October 18, 2021.
Please contact the BOSC Designated Federal Officer, Tom Tracy (tracy.tom@epa.gov), with any questions or additional assistance.
Applications for EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards are Now Being Accepted! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases.
The five award categories are:
- Clean Air Technology
- Community Action
- Education/Outreach
- State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations
- Transportation Efficiency
The award application and more information are available here. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically to OAR_Clean_Air_Excellence_Awards@epa.gov.
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
The Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center is announcing a call for nominations for an open position on the TAMS Steering Committee.
This position will complete a term that was recently vacated. This term will
end in September 2024. The Nomination Form can be found on the TAMS website link below. The deadline to submit a nomination is November 1., 2021. Please contact the TAMS Center ITEP Program Manager or EPA Codirector for any questions. Click here for more information!
Host Sites Needed For Summer Internship Program
The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.
The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a work-place and supervision for the intern. Some internships may be virtual. You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual projects and in-person projects.
The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in tribal communities. Submit an application online here by the deadline of December 3, 2021.
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, November 4, 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, November 18, 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, TBA, 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, December 16, 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.
Climate Change / Energy
The Department of the Interior (DOI) is excited to announce an upcoming virtual listening session focused on climate change and Tribal youth.
Information and registration for this listening session may be found on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) webpage.
This listening session is open to Tribal middle school, high school, and college students. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, priorities, and experience to help shape policies and programs that promote and advance Tribal climate resilience.
US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments
The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.
ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online! Learn more about the courses and register here.
Toxics/Mobile Sources
NEW! Final Air Toxics Standards for Carbon Black Production
Nov. 1, 2021. The technology review of the standards for Carbon Black production major source and area facilities did not identify any developments that would further reduce hazardous air pollutant emissions beyond the original NESHAP. More information, including a summary fact sheet and a pre-publication version of the final rule, is available here.
NEW! Final Air Toxics Standards for Cyanide Chemicals Manufacturing
Nov. 1, 2021. EPA is not amending the NESHAP as a part of the technology review. However, as a part of our technology review, we did identify previously unregulated emission sources and finalized changes to the NESHAP that add standards for these sources. More information is available here.
NEW! Final Air Toxics Standards for Flexible Polyurethane Foam NESHAP and RTR Final Rule
Oct. 29, 2021. EPA identified one technology-related development that is a current industry practice. Accordingly, EPA is amending the definition of “hazardous air pollutants (HAP)-based adhesive” so that major source new and existing loop slitters are prohibited from using adhesives containing one percent or more by weight of total HAP. More information is available here.
NEW! Final Air Toxics Standards for Refractory Products Manufacturing
Oct. 29, 2021. EPA identified one technology-related development that reflects current industry best practices. As a result, EPA is amending the work practices that are required to minimize air toxics emissions during scheduled maintenance of control devices for continuous kilns. More information is available here.
EPA’s 2021 School Bus Rebates Applications Being Accepted Two Separate School Bus Rebate Programs Deadline to Apply – November 5 (4:00 p.m. ET).
EPA is excited to announce two funding opportunities for school bus fleets that serve public schools: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates,
and the 2021 DERA School Bus Rebate Program. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is accepting applications nationwide for rebates to assist in replacing older, dirtier diesel school buses with new school buses. Please take a look at the descriptions below to learn more about each opportunity and visit the new 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website for a table showing the differences between the two rebate programs. 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates for Underserved School Districts
The newest program is the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates. This $7 million program exclusively funds the replacement of old diesel school buses with new electric school buses for underserved school districts, tribal schools, and private fleets serving those schools. A list of eligible school districts is available on the 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website. Please check the list to see if you qualify for this new funding opportunity. This new program will offer $300,000 per bus for up to four electric school bus replacements for eligible applicants selected in a lottery process.
The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in October 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.
- October 28, 2021: EPA releases report highlighting manufacturers’ compliance with 2011 heavy-duty greenhouse gas emissions standards.
- October 27, 2021: EPA recognizes 72 companies with a 2021 SmartWay Excellence Award for exceptional environmental performance among EPA SmartWay partners.
Indoor Air Quality
Please join us for EPA’s next Indoor Air Quality Science Webinar Using CO2 Monitoring to Manage Building Ventilation with guest speaker Andrew Persily, Ph.D. from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and hosted by Jordan Zambrana of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division on Wednesday, November 17 from 2-3:30 pm ET.
The measurement of indoor carbon dioxide concentrations has been used for many years to assess and control building ventilation rates, as well as to characterize indoor air quality. Over the years these applications of indoor CO2 monitoring have been misunderstood, despite the publication of technical papers and guidance documents and the organization of conference sessions in an attempt to reduce some of the confusion.
There is renewed interest in such applications of CO2 measurement in the context of airborne infectious disease control. This presentation will review the application of indoor CO2 monitoring to building ventilation and IAQ, and discuss several issues regarding these measurements and their interpretation. Note: This presentation reflects the opinions of the guest speaker and not necessarily those of the U.S. EPA.
More information on the Featured Speakers here. Space is limited so save your seat here!
Outdoor Air Affects Indoor Air, Especially During Wildfires: Take Steps to Protect Your Indoor Air Quality!
During a wildfire, smoke can make the outdoor air unhealthy to breathe. Local officials may advise you to stay indoors during a smoke event. You should be aware that some of the smoke from outdoors can enter your home and make it unhealthy to breathe indoor air, too. |
There are things you can do, such as staying indoors with the doors and windows closed and filtering the air indoors to reduce your family’s exposure to smoke. Reducing exposure to smoke is important for everyone’s health — especially children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease.
See our webpage on Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for steps you can take to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke inside your home. |
Resources
- New Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors – also see guidance below!
- Wildfire Smoke Employer Training Checklists for employee safety in OR and WA
- Updated EPA webpage on Emergencies and Indoor Air Quality: Includes tips on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from weather-related and man- made emergencies and disasters that affect indoor environments, including Wildfires, Volcanic Eruptions, and Dust Storms, Power Outages, Hurricanes and Flooding, Extreme Heat, Snow and Ice, Earthquakes
- Two books for Indigenous Youth on COVID-19: Our Smallest Warriors, Our Strongest Medicine, developed by Tribes and partners at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (these are really well done – order copies here)
- New interagency hosted ed.gov website – inventory of resources promoting healthy school environments
- Host sites needed for tribal air quality summer internship program – The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply by 12/3/21
- 2021 State of Our Schools Report from the 21st Century School Fund, the International WELL Building Institute, and the National Council on School Facilities released
- Consumer warning from FDA: Consumers that use of the Max-Lux Safe-T- Lite UV WAND may expose the user or any nearby person to unsafe levels of ultraviolet-C radiation and may cause injury to the skin, eyes, or both after a few seconds of use. Consumers may use the wand to try to disinfect surfaces and kill germs in the home or similar spaces. The FDA recommends that consumers consider using safer alternative disinfection
If You Use DIY Air Cleaners, Use Them Safely During Wildfire Smoke Events
Picture of a filter attached to a box fan to create a DIY Box Fan Filter
If portable air cleaners are not available or affordable, you may decide to use do-it- yourself (DIY) air cleaners as a temporary alternative to commercial air cleaners. DIY air cleaners are made by attaching a furnace filter to a box fan with tape, brackets, or a bungee cord. There may be drawbacks to using a DIY air cleaner as compared to a commercial air cleaner such as:
- Increased noise and heat generation from the fan
- Limited data on how well DIY air cleaners filter smoke
If you use a DIY air cleaner, it is probably most effective in a small room where you spend a significant amount of time, such as a bedroom. For better filtration, choose a high-efficiency filter, preferably rated MERV 13 or higher, and align the arrows on the filter with the direction of the air flow through the fan. Try to get a good seal between the fan and the filter.
For more information on the testing and research by EPA, visit Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors. The web page includes frequently asked questions and safety tips for using DIY air cleaners and other resources to protect public health from wildfire smoke. For more information on how to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke inside the home, visit Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.
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.
Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.
Remember:
- Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
- Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
- inside your house or garage
- on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
- near where anyone is sleeping.
For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality
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 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
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of November 1 – 5, 2021
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
Moms Clean Air Force is hiring several positions that can be found here.
The open positions include a Senior Policy Analyst, EcoMadres Campaign Manager, Program Coordinator, Media and Public Engagement, New Mexico field consultant and an Arizona field consultant.
The BIA Tribal Climate Resilience Program is hiring a Tribal Climate Resilience Liaisons in the North Central, Midwest and Northeast/Southeast regions of the DOI Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) through the BIA’s Tribal Resilience Program (Program).
Eligible applicants include tribal non-profit, non-governmental organizations and tribally-controlled colleges or universities (TCUs) that serve federally-recognized tribes. Other entities may participate as sub-grantees. The solicitation is available on grants.gov, and named TCRP-16241. This provides a mechanism for the BIA to provide the selected Tribal organizations with non-recurring funding for mutually agreed upon tasks in keeping with the climate science needs of the BIA and all tribal communities in the North Central, Midwest, and Northeast/Southeast CASC regions (learn more and see map of DOI CASCs here. Applications are due December 17, 2021.
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is pleased to announce the availability of funding to support the hiring of Tribal Climate Resilience Liaisons in Alaska, the Northwest, and the Southwest through the BIA’s Tribal Resilience Program (Program).
Eligible applicants include tribal non-profit, non-governmental organizations and tribally-controlled colleges or universities (TCUs) that serve federally-recognized tribes. Other entities may participate as sub-grantees. The solicitation is available on grants.gov, and named BIA-2021-TCRP.
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
2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates
EPA will fund $7 million for electric school bus rebates in underserved communities. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) appropriated funds to the EPA for “activities that identify and address disproportionate environmental or public health harms and risks in minority populations or low-income populations” under several programs, including the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).
Rebate Application Form and Supporting Documents
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Eligibility List (pdf)
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Program Guide
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Application
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Eligible Applicants
- Public school districts listed on the ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Eligibility List
- Districts on the eligibility list are estimated to have 30% or more students living in poverty based on the US Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) School District Estimates for 2019.
States with zero school districts that make this cutoff will have one school district with the highest percent of students in poverty represented in the eligibility list.
- Tribal schools
- Private fleets that operate school buses under a contract with an eligible entity listed above
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 2021
You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.
Indoor Air Quality
The Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center announces two funding opportunities through its grants programs, supported by the USDA- NIFA.
Applications must be submitted online and are due by Thursday, November 11, 2021. An Informational Webinar about the RFA was held on October 6, 2021. For more information on the application process and guidelines, and to download the application, visit the Northeastern IPM Center website at www.northeastipm.org or the IPM Partnership Grants Program page at www.northeastipm.org/rfa/partnership. For both programs, there is a 12-month time limit on funded projects, and the application deadline is November 11, 2021.
IPM Partnership Grants
Each year, the Center offers funding through its IPM Partnership Grants Program. Funded projects must foster the development and adoption of IPM, address or identify regional priorities, and benefit the northeastern region at large.
The program supports three project types:
- IPM Applied Research
- IPM Working Groups
- IPM Communications
Up to $150,000 in total will be available for 2022, generally with a maximum of
$30,000 per award, although Applied Research projects that include an 1890 land- grant institution or Native American-affiliated organization may apply for up to
$40,000. For more information or to apply for a Partnership Grant, visit neipmc.org/go/cnJQ.
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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TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of October 25 – 29, 2021
Top Stories
The NTAA has been working with California Tribes and the California Air and Resource Board to create a PRK on information regarding Supplemental Environmental Projects, known as SEPs. NTAA is today releasing a new Policy Resource Kit (PRK) for California Tribes to help access CARB’s Supplemental Environmental Program (SEP).
The NTAA PRK includes:
- NTAA Fact Sheet with CARB Resources
- La Jolla Band of Mission Indians’ SEP
Tribal Templates for SEP projects including:
- Minimizing Asthma in Home and Schools
- Tribal Microgrid-EV Charging Station
- Tribal Green Roof Projects
- CARB SEP Budget Template
On NTAA’s website you will find SEP Project examples to see if your potential project will fit CARB’s program. For more information on CARBs SEP Program, visit https://bit.ly/CARBSEPS or contact CARB at SEP@arb.ca.gov.
NTAA Region 8 Monthly Video Update is now available!
The short video includes updates from Region 8 Primary Representative, Randall Ashley with the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes! Click here to watch the video and get all of the latest updates from NTAA!
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
Yale Climate Connections – Tiny Leaks, big impacts: New research points to urban indoor methane links
High Country News – How tribal leaders want Chuck Sams to lead the Park Service
E&E – The key for EPA rules? Inside the methane tech revolution
NPR – Greenhouse gas levels reached record highs in 2020, even with pandemic lockdowns
Bloomberg – The Methane Hunters
Axios – 10,000 trees near giant sequoia groves to be removed after fires
High Country News – The White Sands discovery only confirms what Indigenous people have said all along
Here’s where you’ll find this week’s NACAA Washington Update!
Climate Change/Energy
NPR – The COP26 summit to fight climate change is about to start. Here’s what to expect
The Sacramento Bee – The records are in: Here’s how much rain fell Sunday from Sacramento’s ‘bomb cyclone’ storm
NY Times – Comb Cyclone and ‘Atmospheric River’ Pummel California With Rain and Wind
NY Times – Yes, There Has Been Progress on Climate. No, It’s Not Nearly Enough.
Toxics/Mobile Sources
New Mexico Political Report – Navajo group alleges U.S. violated human rights in uranium mine licensing
E&E – EPA Deems ‘Forever Chemical’ Haunting N.C. Toxic to Humans
Reuters – Rocky Mountain high: U.S. looks to Colorado for methane emissions policy
Grist – Report: Plastic is on track to become a bigger climate problem than coal
Indoor Air Quality
Regional Foundation Repair – Everything You Need To Know About Radon
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins