NTAA

The National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) is a membership organization dedicated to advancing air quality management policies and programs, consistent with the needs, interests, and unique legal status of American Indian tribes and Alaskan Natives.

History

In November 2000, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) passed a resolution giving tribal leadership support for the formation of a national tribal air quality organization. In February 2002, under an EPA grant, NTEC-NTAA's sponsor formed the National Tribal Air Committee (NTAC) Working Group to create the organization's infrastructure. The NTAA held its first national tribal air quality management conference in October 2002. During NCAI's November 2002 annual conference, a resolution was passed establishing a working relationship between NTAA and NCAI. Today, NTAA continues to build partnerships and working relationships with governmental and non-governmental organizations, with the intent of advancing air quality issues in Indian Country.

NTAA Composition

The NTAA membership has three-tiers. The first level is the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is comprised of a primary and an alternate representative from each EPA Region (10 Regions) and a delegate from Alaska. The second tier are the principal members. Principal members are persons who work within the tribal environmental profession and have had a resolution/letter of intent to join the NTAA submitted by their respective tribal leaders. Principal members have full membership, including voting rights. Associate members are the final tier. Associate members do not need a letter or resolution from tribal leaders, but merely an interest to participate. Associate members do not need to be tribal environmental professionals-associate membership is open to all persons interested in tribal air issues. Associate members have full membership with the exception of voting rights.

MISSION
To advance air quality management policies and programs, consistent with the needs, interests, and unique legal status of American Indian Tribes, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

GOALS
To advocate and advance tribal environmental, cultural, and economic interests in the development of air policy at all levels of government (tribal, federal, state, local, and international).

To promote the development, funding, and capacity building of tribal air management programs.

To promote and facilitate air quality policy and technical information that may include research and scientific and medical studies.

To advance the recognition and acceptance of tribal sovereign authority by conducting effective communication and outreach to state, local, federal, and international agencies, and the general public.

To encourage and support appropriate consultation with all tribal governments in accordance with tribal structures and policies.

NTEC/National Tribal Air Association
2501 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, Suite A
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 242-2175 Ofc (505) 242-2654 Fax
www.ntaatribalair.org