RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES!

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

REMINDER! Recognizing the ever-increasing availability of air sensors, expanding user base, and growing scientific knowledge, the US EPA updated the popular Air Sensor Guidebook, originally published in 2014. The refreshed version, called “The Enhanced Air Sensor Guidebook”, includes updated content and new topics that incorporate best practices, current knowledge, and recommendations to guide the use of air sensors.  The Guidebook can help sensor users learn about: the basics of air quality, air pollution monitoring, and air sensors; planning and conducting an air quality monitoring study; the selection, setup, and use of air sensors; and analyzing, interpreting, communicating, and acting on results.

 

REMINDER! Selections for the ARP Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring Competitive Grant

EPA selected 132 projects, in 37 states, to receive a total of $53.4 million to conduct ambient air monitoring of pollutants in communities across the country with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA will start the process to award the funding by the end of 2022, once the grant applicants have met all legal and administrative requirements. This table can be sorted by clicking on each column header. A downloadable version is available HERE.

 

EPA Resource: EPA is pleased to announce that we have updated our Local Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool and our Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool.

 

Updates include:

  • Revised Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) factors from through 2020, as available.
  • Updated default stationary energy emission factors and heat contents from the latest Climate Registry, EPA GHG Emissions Factor Hub, and US Inventory publications.
  • Global Warming Potential (GWP) values are now editable on the Factors tab. The bottom of the Control Sheet tab also contains new guidance on updating the GWP values and a navigation button to the GWP Entry section on the Factors tab.

 

Download the updated local community and government operations tool and users’ guides.

Download the updated tribal community and government operations tool and users’ guides.

 

Find our State Inventory and Projection Tool and additional State and Tribal greenhouse gas data and resources here.

 

EPA Resource: EPA’s Home Heating Fuel Use Web App

Are you curious about how people heat their homes? EPA has developed a Home Heating Fuel Use Web App that lets you visualize American Community Survey 5-year average home heating fuel data across the U.S. by census tract. Use this data to inform outreach or implementation planning related to energy efficiency, residential electrification, wood stove change-outs, and more.

 

EPA Resource: EPA’s Tracking Matrix

            Does your community have climate goals to meet or brownfields that might be suitable for solar? Check out EPA’s Tracking Matrix to learn more about geothermal, biomass, solar and wind installations being built on contaminated lands across the country. EPA’s RE-Powering America’s Land Initiative 2022 Tracking Matrix shows current trends in the development of renewable energy on contaminated lands. Project examples include successful community solar projects in Nashville, Tennessee; Schenectady County, New York; Morrisville, Vermont; and Spanish Fork, Utah.

 

Tribal Air Quality Flag Program Packet

Customize this flyer/poster template to share information with your community about air quality, how it can affect health, and actions to take on a bad air quality day.

You may need a PDF reader to view files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more. Tribal Air Quality Flag Program Packet

 

Department of Energy (DOE) Announces $32 Million to Reduce Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas Sector

All interested applicants must register and submit application materials through Fed Connect; register here for an account. All questions must be submitted through FedConnect.

 

Air Monitoring Equipment Available for Loan to State, Local, and Tribal Agencies

In 2021, EPA’s Office of Research and Development initiated the Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Response Technology (WSMART) Pilot, loaning air monitoring technologies to state, local, and Tribal air organizations to support supplemental air monitoring in areas affected by wildfire smoke and with observational data coverage gaps. During 2022, this pilot technology loan program will continue to provide several technology types – including stationary air sensor systems and a compact mobile monitoring system – to state and local air agency monitoring staff and professional Tribal air quality staff members upon request. The equipment is not available for public use. For more information and access to the loan request webform, please visit the WSMART website:https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox/wildfire-smoke-air-monitoring-response-technology-wsmart-pilot

For technical questions, please contact [email protected].

 

Climate Change/Energy

NEW! EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: noncompetitive planning grants webinar for tribes, tribal consortia, and U.S. Territories

March 9,2023 10 AM AKST, 11:00 AM PST, 12:00 PM MST, 1:00 PM CST, 2:00 PM EST

Description: EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will provide noncompetitive planning grant opportunities for Federally recognized Tribes, tribal consortia, and U.S. Territories interested in participating in the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program will provide grants to states, territories, tribes, air pollution control agencies, and local governments to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act provides an investment of $5 billion to support these efforts to develop and implement strong, local greenhouse gas reduction strategies. This two-staged grant program provides funding of $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants, and $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants. The CPRG program will provide significant resources to state, territory, local, and tribal governments to develop ambitious climate action and air pollution reduction plans and to implement measures from those plans. EPA is working to release the program guidance for planning grants as soon as March 1. This webinar is intended specifically for tribes, tribal consortia and U.S. Territories and will be recorded and posted to https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/climate-pollution-reduction-grants

 

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Speakers:

  • Jennifer Macedonia, Associate Deputy Assistant Administrator for Implementation, Office of Air and Radiation
  • Megan Brachtl, Associate Director, Air Quality Policy Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Office of Air and Radiation
  • Pat Childers, Tribal Program Manager, Office of Air and Radiation

 

Register Now: https://nau.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvcOugrz8qE9dVkv2vwBF5aj4FlOoCK9a7

 

EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program will use this newsletter to share updates and opportunities as they become available and to let you know how the EPA’s IRA programs can help your jurisdiction.

Our monthly funding newsletter will also continue to provide information on climate and clean energy grant and technical assistance opportunities and deadlines for state, local, and Tribal governments. You can also visit the White House’s website about clean energy and climate action in the IRA. Use it to learn how you can save on utility bills, get support to purchase electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances, and more. Share the news: Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades have been Extended!

Under the IRA, federal tax credits for energy-efficient home upgrades have been extended. This means that if you made any qualifying home improvements to your primary residence after December 31, 2021, you may be eligible to claim credit on your federal taxes when you file for 2022. Qualifying upgrades include ENERGY STAR-certified products, as well as improvements to your home’s envelope or exterior – such as windows, doors, and insulation. To learn more, read through ENERGY STAR’s property tax credit guidance.

Renewable Energy tax credits have also been extended and will be available through the end of 2023. These include incentives for Geothermal Heat Pumps, Residential Wind Turbines, Solar Energy Systems, and Fuel Cells.

What’s New for Federal Tax Credits in 2023? There will be new efficiency tax credits in place starting January 1, 2023, lasting 10 years – through 2032. The tax credit amount is generally limited to 30% of the project cost. The previous lifetime cap of $500 has been changed to an annual cap of $1,200 to $2,000 depending on the efficiency improvements you make. This means you will be able to claim credit for more projects, especially if they are spread out over multiple years.

For more information and to stay up to date on available tax credits, make sure to bookmark ENERGY STAR’s page on Federal Tax Credits so you can maximize savings on your home energy efficiency projects.

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

U.S. Department of Energy: Electric Vehicles with Final Assembly in North America

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-169) amended the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit (IRC 30D), now known as the Clean Vehicle Credit, and added a new requirement for final assembly in North America that took effect on August 17, 2022. For more details on the credit, see Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Tax Credit. Also see the full list of alternative fuel vehicle incentives amended or created by the Inflation Reduction Act. Click Here for more information.

 

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.

Environmental Justice

REMINDER! The 2023 EJ Government-to-Government Program (EJG2G) Request for Applications is NOW OPEN!  

            EPA is soliciting applications for projects that transform overburdened and underserved communities into healthy, thriving communities capable of addressing the environmental and public health challenges they have historically faced, as well as current and future challenges. Applications must show successful partnerships with community-based nonprofit organizations (CBOs) and other stakeholders (e.g., local businesses and industry, medical service providers, academia, etc.) to develop solutions that will significantly address disproportionate environmental and public health harms related to pollution and climate change at the state and local level.

            The EJG2G Program anticipates awarding approximately $70,000,000 of funding through 70 cooperative agreements nationwide, organized in four tracks of funding as follows: 

  • $20,000,000 annual appropriations for States partnering with CBOs proposing projects for up to $1 million each. Approximately 20 awards for up to 1 million each are anticipated under this track.
  • $20,000,000 of Inflation Reduction Act appropriations for tribal governments partnering with CBOs proposing projects for up to $1 million each. Approximately 20 awards for up to 1 million each are anticipated under this track.
  • $20,000,000 of Inflation Reduction Act appropriations for local governments partnering with CBOs proposing projects for up to $1 million each. Approximately 20 awards for up to 1 million each are anticipated under this track.
  • $10,000,000 annual appropriations for U.S. Territories, Freely Associated States, Puerto Rico, and tribes in remote areas proposing projects for up to $1 million each. Approximately 10 awards for up to 1 million each are anticipated under this track.

Cooperative agreements will be funded for a three-year performance period.

Note on Inflation Reduction Act Appropriations: EPA cannot extend the performance periods for EJG2G assistance agreements utilizing Inflation Reduction Act fundings beyond three years. Consistent with section 138(b)(2) of the Clean Air Act, applications submitted in response to this funding opportunity that will receive must address one of the following five broad categories:

  • community-led air and other pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation, and investments in low- and zero-emission and resilient technologies and related infrastructure and workforce development that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants;
  • mitigating climate and health risks from urban heat islands, extreme heat, wood heater emissions, and wildfire events; climate resiliency and adaptation;
  • reducing indoor toxics and indoor air pollution; or
  • facilitating engagement of marginalized communities in Local, State and Federal public processes, such as advisory groups, workshops, and rulemakings.

 

To apply for this opportunity, view the RFA on Grants.gov.  Applications packages must be submitted on or before April 10, 2023, at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time). Applicants should plan for projects to begin on October 1, 2023. For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-government-government-program

Newsletters, Calendars, and Recorded Webinars

 

Webinars that may be of interest:

Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Construction Materials Prioritization and Environmental Data Improvement

            March 2, 2023 2–3:30 p.m. EST     

This webinar will ask for feedback on how to prioritize construction materials and products and how to improve data on embodied greenhouse gas emissions through measurement, standardization, transparency and reporting criteria.

Register for the March 2, 2023 webinar.

 

Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Grants and Technical Assistance for Environmental Product Declarations       

            March 22, 2023 2–3:30 p.m. EST   

This webinar will ask for feedback on new grant and technical assistance programs to help business calculate and report the greenhouse gas emissions data for construction materials and products though Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Registration to come.

 

Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Carbon Labeling

April 19, 2023 2–3:30 p.m. EST      

This webinar will ask for feedback on how the EPA should develop a new carbon labeling program for construction materials and products and products with substantially lower embodied greenhouse gas emissions.

Registration to come.

 

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!

 

ITEP’s 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.

 

ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices

 

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

Click here to see all past and upcoming webinars hosted by the EPA.

 

Information for IRA and other competitive grants https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DsRrod7XKk

 

EPA Rules from the Federal Register can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/environmental-protection-agency

 

EPA’s Community and Tribal Programs Group – Tribal Actions and Events calendar

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 Amanda Kaufman ([email protected]) with any feedback.

 

To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!

 

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.

 

OLDER UPDATES!

Updated Version of EPA’s Air Sensor Guidebook Released!

Recognizing the ever-increasing availability of air sensors, expanding user base, and growing scientific knowledge, the U.S. EPA updated the popular Air Sensor Guidebook, originally published in 2014. The refreshed version, called “The Enhanced Air Sensor Guidebook”, includes updated content and new topics that incorporate best practices, current knowledge, and recommendations to guide the use of air sensors.

 

The Enhanced Guidebook supports users in planning and collecting air quality measurements using air sensors. The Guidebook can help sensor users:

  • Learn the basics of air quality, air pollution monitoring, and air sensors
  • Plan and conduct an air quality monitoring study
  • Select, setup, and use air sensors
  • Analyze, interpret, communicate, and act on results
  • Understand the basics of air sensor performance

Find out more and access the Enhanced Air Sensor Guidebook.

Visit EPA’s Air Sensor Toolbox.

Find out more about EPA’s Air Research.

 

Air Knowledge E–Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to Tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

  • A course that explains key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
  • A course that explains the basic components of state and Tribal implementation plans,
  • A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
  • A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
  • A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), Tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website.

 

Follow up on the second session of the Million Hearts Climate Change and Cardiovascular Disease Collaborative, Interventions to Address Particle Pollution and Heart Disease. You can access a recording of the session here (passcode: W$Bb8t*!)

Helpful links/resources from the chat

 

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