Reuters – A U.S. tribe’s uphill battle against climate change
A seawall, damaged by storm surges and high tides, stands along the coastline near Quinault Indian Nation’s main village. REUTERS/STEPHANIE KEITH
2020 Tribal DERA RFA is open!
EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is now soliciting applications nationwide for the 2020 Tribal Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funded projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets located in areas designated as having poor air quality. EPA anticipates $2 million will be awarded to eligible Tribal applicants for two to eight grants. The deadline for submission of applications is Thursday, July 9, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. (ET). More information can be found in the Mobile Sources Resources & Funding section below.
The Tribal Healthy Homes Network, ITEP and NTAA participated in a webinar last week on COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfecting Tribal homes. Click here to view the recorded webinar.
ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program would like your feedback!
While ITEP is not currently able to provide in-person trainings for Tribes on air quality issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can make ourselves available to provide tribes with webinars and on-line learning opportunities. Answering the questions at this link will greatly aid us in understanding how best we can meet your current training needs. If you have any questions, contact mansel.nelson@nau.edu
EPA – EPA Proposes to Retain NAAQS for Particulate Matter
Axios – EPA declines to change air quality standards despite health risks
Salon – Higher rates of air pollution linked to more COVID-19 deaths, study shows
NPR – A Treacherous Choice and a Treaty Right
NPR – With Coronavirus Lockdown, India’s Cities See Clear Blue Skies as Air Pollution Drops
High Country News – Casino closures in Indian Country hit core tribal services
Grist – Coronavirus could cause the first big emissions drop in a decade
EPA – EPA Takes Corrective Action on Standards for Coal-Refuse Power Plants
EPA – EPA Requests Comments on Designations and Recommendations for Recycled-Content Products
Emory – Emory scientists working with NASA to map air pollution and its impact on health
NASA – NASA Satellite Data Show 30 Percent Drop In Air Pollution Over Northeast U.S.
National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update
E&E News – Want to cut CO2? Here’s a technology playbook
Green Tech Media – 7 Transmission Projects That Could Unlock a Renewable Energy Bounty
LA Times – Should we spend billions on clean energy? It worked during the last crisis
The Hill – Democrat questions WH transparency in rollback of bedrock environmental law
Vanity Fair – “Climate Change Is Exacerbating…Risks”: Stressed by Coronavirus, First Responders Prep for a Dangerous Summer
E&E News – Exxon moves to slash methane emissions at 1,000 sites
E&E News – How ending the price war on oil could affect emissions
Yes! Magazine – How the Climate Change Generation Is Redefining Community
High Country News – Tribal nations demand response to climate relocation
CarbonBrief – Deep emissions cuts this decade could prevent ‘abrupt ecological collapse’
CarbonBrief – Analysis: Coronavirus set to cause largest ever annual fall in CO2 emissions
Utility Dive – Clearer picture of coronavirus-driven grid load declines emerges in US after weeks of lockdowns
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry – Don’t Look to Mature Forests to Soak up Carbon Dioxide Emissions
NPR – Carbon Emissions Are Falling, But Still Not Enough, Scientist Say
EPA – EPA Proposes Money-Saving Updates to Existing Gasoline, Diesel, Other Fuels Regulations
Grist – Green transportation, from electric cars to walkable cities
Utility Dive – Global EV sales will drop 43% in 2020 due to COVID-19, lower oil prices: WoodMac
Bloomberg News – Makers of Covid-19 Disinfectants Given More Flexibility by EPA
Discover – Spending Lots of Time Indoors? Here’s How to Improve Air Quality in Your Home
Curbed – Breathe cleaner air everywhere
EWG – Cooped Up Because Of Coronavirus? Keep the Air Fresh
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
EPA Tools and Resources Webinar: Citizen Science at EPA
April 15, 2020, 3:00 to 4:00 PM ET
To join this webinar, please register here.
With the advent of new technologies for environmental monitoring and tools for sharing information, community volunteers are more engaged than ever before in collecting environmental data, and many environmental agencies are using these data. A major challenge is ensuring the quality of the data collected by citizen science organizations. One of the keys to breaking down this barrier is a Quality Assurance Project Plan. EPA’s Handbook for Citizen Science Quality Assurance and Documentation is for organizations that are starting or growing a citizen science project, and where transparency in the scientific methods for collecting the data are central to the outcome of the project. This webinar will provide an overview of citizen science at the Agency and showcase several EPA citizen science activities that involve partnerships with state, tribal and local governments on a diversity of issues, including 1) monitoring for cyanobacteria in waterbodies, 2) building and operating “real-time,” low-cost water quality sensors in Georgia; 3) demonstration of a new test method for community mapping of radon in Puerto Rico; 4) the Los Angeles Public Library air sensor loan program; and 5) using citizen science to analyze underwater video in the Great Lakes. For more information, visit EPA’s Citizen Science webpage. For registration questions, please email: tools_resources_webinar@epa.gov.
Save the Date & Call for Papers: National Ambient Air Monitoring Conference
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 10-13, 2020. Abstracts due April 17, 2020.
EPA in conjunction with the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA) and the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) are pleased to announce the 2020 National Ambient Air Monitoring Conference. Interested in presenting a paper or a poster at the Conference? Great! We want to hear from you. We are interested in receiving proposals related to the following technical topics: PAMS, PM2.5 and Chemical Speciation, Near Road, Air Toxics, Tribal Monitoring, Field Operations, Sensors, Quality Assurance, Data Analysis & Data Visualization, Special Studies and Emerging Issues. This year we are also considering some time on the agenda for “Lightening Talks”. These would be 5-10 minute maximum time slots for quick presentations on issues/topics related to ambient air monitoring and data analysis. In addition, if you’re planning to present a poster, please indicate if you would be interested in giving a 1-minute lightening talk about your poster. Abstracts are required for technical presentations, technical lightening talks, and posters. Please send your one-page abstract along with a bio to Laurie Trinca (trinca.laurie@epa.gov) no later than April 17, 2020. Registration is expected open in April 2020. Additional details will be available on EPA’s website in the coming months.
The NTAA Requests Photos of Air Quality Work from Member Tribes
The NTAA is putting out a request for Member Tribes to send in photos to use on the cover of the 2020 Status of Tribal Air Report (STAR) that highlight work being done to improve air quality. Photos may include air monitoring equipment, staff completing assessments, education/outreach, clean energy development, clean mobility efforts, or any other air quality related image. Please include photo credit and send images to Dara.Marks-Marino@nau.edu by April 23.
EPA’s EnviroAtlas Training Webinar:
Helping Users Capture Nature’s Benefits, Map a Sustainable Future
April 28, 2020 at 2:00 to 3:30 PM ET
As follow-up to the January EPA Tools & Resources Webinar on EnviroAtlas, EPA’s Office of Research and Development will provide a more in-depth training webinar on EnviroAtlas. Register and join the webinar. If you do not have an EPA ID, please register as a guest. How do environmental managers and public health officials identify the benefits that local forests, parks, wetlands and other natural areas provide to their local communities? One way is through EnviroAtlas. EPA’s EnviroAtlas provides users with a host of interactive tools, geospatial data and resources for exploring the benefits people derive from nature and potential stressors that might impede their provision.
NEW! AirNow’s 2020 Air Quality Awareness Week
May 4-8, 2020
The theme for this year is Better Air, Better Health! Our goal is to promote events that increase air quality awareness and encourage people to check the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily. We plan to focus on the following daily topics this year, featuring one each day on the AQAW website (which will be released on May 4, the first day of AQAW):
Stay tuned here for more information!
NEW! U.S. EPA would like to share with you a new student engagement activity that was developed this year, Why I Care about Clean Air (instructions found in link), that can easily be distributed and completed from home. With Air Quality Awareness Week coming up soon May 4-8, they hope this activity will prompt students of all ages to express themselves creatively as well as think about how air quality issues impact their own lives on a personal level.
Draft Guidance: Interpretation of “Begin Action Construction” Under the NSR Preconstruction Permitting Regulations
Comments due: May 11, 2020
EPA is providing an opportunity for interested stakeholders to review and comment on the draft guidance titled, Interpretation of “Begin Actual Construction” Under the New Source Review Preconstruction Permitting Regulations. This guidance addresses EPA’s interpretation of “begin actual construction” under the regulations implementing the New Source Review (NSR) permitting program. In this draft guidance, EPA is adopting a revised interpretation that is more consistent with the regulatory text. Under this revised interpretation, a source owner or operator may, prior to obtaining an NSR permit, undertake physical on-site activities – including activities that may be costly, that may significantly alter the site, and/or are permanent in nature – provided that those activities do not constitute physical construction on an emissions unit. EPA will accept comment on this draft guidance through Monday, May 11, 2020. The draft guidance, and a link for submitting comments, is available at: https://www.epa.gov/nsr.
E-Enterprise National Meeting: Envisioning the Future of Environmental Protection
EE2020 is the latest in a long-running series of meetings sponsored by E-Enterprise for the Environment and the National Environmental Information Exchange Network. On May 12-14, 2020, EE2020 will bring together a broad community of attendees from state, tribal, and local environmental agencies, U.S. EPA, vendors, and other stakeholders with an interest in improving the productivity and responsiveness of the environmental protection enterprise. The meeting integrates content on information technology, program modernization, and process improvement. Click here to learn more about EE2020, the benefits of attending, and ways to get involved.
Save the Date: Tribal Lands and Environment Forum on August 17-20, 2020
This year’s Tribal Lands and Environment Forum: A National Conversation on Waste and Response Strategies, will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 17-20, 2020. Registration, session proposal forms, travel information, and field trip announcements will all be coming soon. Stay tuned! www.nau.edu/TLEF
Tribal Grants Education and Technical Assistance Webinar Series Second Wednesday of Every Month at 1pm ET
For more information, click here!
NTAA Upcoming Calls. The toll-free number is 1-800-309-2350. If you do not need to call toll free, or would like to help conserve NTAA funding, you can call 1-805-309-2350. Both numbers use code 928-523-0526#. 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.
| Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country. | Thursday, April 16, 2pm ET |
| STAR Planning Call: The NTAA Status of Tribal Air Report (STAR) helps tell the story of Tribal Air Programs, why additional funding for Tribes is critical to advance air quality, and is a great resource for Tribes. | Wednesday, April 22, 2 pm ET |
| EPA Policy Call: Call in to hear updates from EPA on policies, actions, and tools relevant to Indian Country and Air Quality. | Thursday, April 30, 2pm ET |
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. | Thursday, May 7, 2pm ET
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| Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. | Thursday, May 21, 2pm ET |
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional’s (ITEP’s) Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars and other events related to tribes and climate change.
Click here for ITEP’s other trainings and events.
Click here for ITEP’s new Tribal Environmental Management and Planning Online Courses. New courses have been added, so check it out!
ITEP’s FY20 AIAQTP Course Schedule
| Course Title | Dates | Location | Course Level |
| 2020 | |||
| Air Pollution Technology (Postponed!) | TBD | Flagstaff, AZ | 2 |
| Meteorological Monitoring (Postponed!) | Fall 2020 | TAMS Center, Las Vegas, NV | 3 |
| Air Pollution Modeling | Fall 2020 | TAMS Center, Las Vegas, NV | 3 |
| Air Quality Outreach | TBD | TBD | 1 |
| National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTFAQ) (Postponed!) | May 2021 | Tulsa, OK | n/a |
| Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke | Anytime | Series of 6 recorded webinars | n/a |
| Indoor Air Quality – Independent Study | Anytime | Independent Study | 1 |
| Building Performance: Improving IAQ in Cold Climates | Open | Online | 1 |
| Building Performance: Improving IAQ in Warm Climates | In development | Online | 1 |
| Residential Building Science Review | Open | Online | 1 |
| Radon Fundamentals | Open | Online | 1 |
| Quality Assurance Fundamentals (QA 101) | Open | Online | 1 |
| Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) (QA 201-209) | Open | Online | 2 |
| Emissions Inventory Fundamentals | Open | Online | 2 |
| Emissions Inventory Advanced | Open | Online | 3 |
| Note: This schedule is subject to change. For up-to-date information, course descriptions, and applications please visit http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air/ | |||
April 15, 22 and 29, Noon (ET) – Ask the Expert
Every Wednesday ENERGY STAR holds a Portfolio Manager “Ask the Expert” session. It’s a live webinar that gives all users an opportunity to ask their questions directly to EPA experts in an open forum. Want to talk to a “real” person? Have a question about how Portfolio Manager calculates your score? Want to learn more about entering Green Power? Join ENERGY STAR, and they’ll answer all your questions about ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager in this public forum.
April 21, 1 PM (ET) – Portfolio Manager 301
With a good background on the basic functionality of EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Tool, learn about some advanced features including: using spreadsheet upload templates to update property data; setting goals and targets to plan energy improvements for properties; creating custom reports; and using the Sustainable Buildings Checklist.
NEW! Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE): Dealing with Burnout and Mental Health in the Workplace
April 23, 2020, 2pm-3pm ET. Register here.
If you feel like sometimes life is moving at hyper-speed and you aren’t always able to keep up – you are not alone. Now more than ever, we each need to unlock our capacity to remain resilient and flourish in the face of uncertainty and great challenge. Join us for an interactive discussion on understanding the impact of climate change on mental health, recognizing the signs of burnout, and cultivating resilience. In these uncertain times, learn ways to build your personal resiliency by fostering a positive attitude, practicing healthy habits and using self-care to stay mindful.
April 29, 11 AM (MT) – Developing your energy vision: what do you want your tribe’s energy vision to be?
Once the low-hanging fruit of energy efficiency has been addressed, longer-term planning on future energy needs and energy options is needed. If you don’t identify where you want to go, you can’t plot the course to get there. This webinar will explore how tribes can develop a vision for their energy future.
Deadline Extended! Call for Proposals: National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference August 31-September 3, 2020, St. Paul, Minnesota
Proposals now due: May 1, 2020
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is honored to host the United States’ first Biennial National Tribal and Indigenous Climate Conference (NTICC) along with support from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Resilience Program. The NTICC is open to all US tribal nations and Indigenous Peoples from throughout the world, with an emphasis on including our Elders and
Youth. The NTICC will convene experts on climate change and will include a balance of Traditional Indigenous Knowledges and Western Science. We invite people to submit proposals discussing climate-related impacts, assessments, tools, adaptation planning, mitigation and actions in one or more of the following tracks:
CC 202 Online Course: Tribal Hazard Mitigation Planning, application deadline extended to May 1
October 2020-September 2021
Course Goal: To support Tribe’s hazard mitigation planning through peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchanges in a facilitated cohort focused on the process of developing or updating a Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan, which looks “at natural hazards that may affect tribal governments and suggests actions to reduce losses from those hazards” (FEMA Tribal Mitigation Planning Resources). The course will be based around FEMA’s hazard mitigation plan requirements and will connect participants to resources, tools, information, and additional specialized expertise on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, various natural hazards, climate change in the context of natural hazards, FEMA’s four-phases of emergency management (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery), cultural considerations, Tribal/Indigenous Knowledges, community outreach and engagement, hazard identification and risk assessment, asset inventorying, and developing and implementing an action plan. Follow this link to find out more information and to register. Contact Karen.Cozzetto@nau.edu with questions.
South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center: Earth to Sky Workshop
Earth to Sky is a partnership between NASA, NPS, and USFWS that enables and encourages informal educators to access and use relevant NASA science, data, and educational and outreach products in their work. The partnership’s focus is on climate change science and communication. Join us for three days of training with native informal educators from across the South Central region who recognize the importance of teaching climate change. The workshop will take place July 15-17 in Sulphur, OK. Learn more here.
Save the Date: Southwest Tribal Climate Resilience Camp
Date: July 26-31, 2020
Location: Navajo Technical University – Crownpoint, NM
The Tribal Climate Resilience Camp will support teams of Tribal Leaders, climate change coordinators, planners, and program managers to build skills, gather information, and develop Tribal policies and plans needed for Tribal Nations to address climate change impacts. Information about travel, lodging, and registration will be available soon. You may contact Althea Walker, Tribal Climate Science Liaison, at AWalker@aihec.org or (480) 258-3963 with questions.
SEEKING TRIBAL DELEGATES
We are currently recruiting 10 Southwest Tribes to participate in the 2020 Camp. Each Tribe should identify three delegates per Tribe. The delegates must participate for the entire week curriculum. Delegates may include climate change staff, tribal policy leaders, Tribal Council, natural resource and environmental managers and staff, administrators, department staff from health, public works, education, housing, and other relevant departments that should engage in climate change planning. FOR APPLICATIONS Visit this link.
Save the Date: Shifting Seasons Summit 3, October 6-8, 2020, Keshena, WI
Contingency dates: March 2021
The Shifting Seasons Summit is a gathering that focuses on climate resilience planning and implementation within Tribes and across Tribal ceded territories in the Northeast Region. This summit will also include network-building opportunities and initiatives developed outside of the Northeast by capacity building organizations, academic institutions and Tribes. Visit www.NICRN.org for more details.
ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online! Learn more about the courses and register here.
NEW! Environmental Law Institute’s webinar: Aftermarket Defeat Devices: Enforcing & Mitigating Mobile Air Pollution
April 21, 2020, 12pm-1:30pm Eastern Time
More information on the content of this webinar can be found here. This event is open to the public but you must register (there is a $50 fee for those who are not members of ELI). Please REGISTER HERE by APRIL 17. If you are unsure if you are an ELI member, contact mcmurrin@eli.org PRIOR to registering (or go HERE to join before registering).
Postponed: Green Transportation Summit & Expo and the West Coast Collaborative Partners Meeting has been postponed until August 24-26, 2020
After careful consideration of the growing public health concerns associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Green Transportation Summit & Expo and the US EPA West Coast Collaborative is postponing our GTSE | WCCPM event until
August 24 – 26, 2020, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in Tacoma, WA.
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) and the Green Transportation Summit & Expo (GTSE) have partnered to provide 25 complimentary full-conference passes to the Green Transportation Summit & Expo. The GTSE is the Pacific Northwest’s premier clean fleet and transportation event, focusing on fleets, fuels, technologies, policy & practice, with a regional focus and a national scope. We will provide you the opportunity to see, touch, drive, and learn about new transportation technologies firsthand, such as electric, hydrogen, natural gas and propane-powered heavy-duty vehicles, off-road utility vehicles, generators, and others. Workshops on DERA, VW funding, other federal funding opportunities, and alternative fuels will be presented. Please join us at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center for the 10th annual GTSE to learn about clean transportation, how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollutants, and costs in your fleet operations. To learn more about the conference, check out our website. To receive the code for the complimentary passes, please contact ITEP’s Dara Marks Marino at Dara.Marks-Marino@nau.edu.
New Radon Testing and Mitigation Standards Webinars – April 14th and 16th
Join members from the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), Conference of Radon Control Program Directors (CRCPD), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for two free webinars on the new radon testing and mitigation standards. The April 14th webinar is primarily designed for CRCPD members and the April 16th webinar is geared towards AARST members; however anyone interested in learning more about the new testing and mitigation standards is welcome to join either webinar. In 2019, EPA issued guidance on the use of voluntary consensus standards (VCS) for state indoor radon grant recipients. The guidance recommends that all State Indoor Radon Grant recipients reference the most current VCS when implementing their radon programs. These standards undergo a rigorous development and a periodic review process to include new science, new technology, and marketplace evolution. EPA is encouraging the use of current codes and standards to help ensure public health protection. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. EPA estimates that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. Learn more about radon and how to address it.
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
Arizona Conservation Corps is hiring one USFWS Biological Science Crew Leader and seven Biological Science Interns
Every summer, the Arizona Conservation Corps’ internship program in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Whiteriver, offers paid internships with the Apache Trout Recovery Program, where interns take part in recovery actions for the threatened Apache Trout. The interns are a part of a seasonal field crew conducting backpack electro-fishing surveys of local streams for the purpose of monitoring the status of Apache Trout populations. This year, there are 7 internship spots open, and each comes with an AmeriCorps Education Award (with successful completion of the internship). We are also running a Crew Leader position that will serve as the leader of the Apache Trout intern crew. The Crew Leader position is also paid and comes with health insurance, but does not include an Education Award. Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Native American applicants, and these positions are specifically geared toward White Mountain Apache adults who are seeking experience or an eventual career in natural resources, or just those who may be looking for a fun summer internship. I have attached position descriptions for these internships. For those looking to apply, the application portal is at: https://azcorps.org/individual-placement-openings. Please feel free to contact Preston Sands psands@conservationlegacy.org if you have any questions, or if you would like to discuss the internship opportunities in more detail.
GS-12 and GS-13 Tribal Coordinator Positions in Region 10
Region 10 is announcing open positions in the Tribal Trust and Assistance Branch to serve as a Tribal Coordinator (Seattle, WA and Boise, ID). Both postings can be found on USAJOBS. The closing date for both is April 24, 2020.
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/564565500
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/564600700
NEW! Indigenous Environmental Network’s COVID-19 Emergency Mutual Aid Fund
IEN has launched a COVID-19 Emergency Mutual Aid Fund to quickly mobilize resources to our frontline communities and groups that have a demonstrated need experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Community-based Indigenous peoples and organizations from the U.S. and Canada are eligible to apply. Small grants up to $2,000 are being offered to assist with either of the following three situations:
In line with the Principles of Respect and the Consciousness of Caring for our Relatives, IEN invites those in need, to apply for support. This is the link to the Application Form.
NEW! USDA Forest Service’s Wildfire Risk to Communities
Wildfire Risk to Communities is a website with interactive maps, charts, and resources to help communities understand, explore, and reduce wildfire risk. A project of the USDA Forest Service, this is the first time wildfire risk to communities has been mapped nationwide. Learn more here!
EPA OAR Community-Scale Air Toxics Ambient Monitoring – $5 million
Applications Due: May 1, 2020
Eligible Entities: A state, interstate, local, or tribal air pollution control agency
EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) is soliciting applications from eligible entities for projects designed to assist state, local, and tribal air agencies in identifying and characterizing air toxics, also known as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), through work that falls into one of four categories. Those categories are:
Air toxins of particular interest to EPA in this solicitation include ethylene oxide, chloroprene, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and metals such as hexavalent chromium, nickel, and arsenic. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
Native American Agricultural Fund (NAAF) Request for Applications Open
Today we announce our 2020 Request for Applications (RFA), the second application cycle to date. Since NAAF was launched in 2018, our Board of Trustees and staff have taken steps to craft a strategy that can begin to realize the promise we knew was possible when NAAF was created. Agriculture across Indian Country is as diverse as our Native nations and we hope the applications for funding will reflect that diversity. Native farmers and ranchers are key to the success of Native food systems and diversification of our agriculture economies. We look forward to the next step on this journey. Even in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, we know that it is important to keep moving forward and ensure that Native farmers, ranchers, fishers and food champions are provided support. Prospective applicants are encouraged to view the RFA at NativeAmericanAgricultureFund.org/2020-RFA. The request for applications opened on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Eligible applicants must submit a complete application no later than Monday, June 1, 2020 by 11:59 pm CT. NAAF will provide flexibility for applicants with hardships applying due to COVID-19. Please visit our website, email or call for further details.
Grants are available to eligible grant recipients in the mission areas of business assistance, agricultural education, technical support and advocacy services. We are also accepting applications across four special emphasis areas listed below:
– Traditional Foods and Food Sovereignty
– Advocacy
– Agriculture Extension
– Youth (available in a separate application process)
Prospective applicants may register for informational RFA webinars at NativeAmericanAgricultureFund.org/grants-webinar. Technical assistance relating to the application process is available by emailing grants@NativeAmericanAgricultureFund.org or calling 479-445-6226.
DOI BOR Native American Affairs: Technical Assistance to Tribes for FY20 and FY21 – $1 million
Applications Due: October 28, 2020 for FY21
Eligible Entities: federally recognized tribes or tribal organizations of the 17 Western States identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902
The objective of this opportunity is to invite federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations to submit proposals for financial assistance for projects and activities that develop, manage, and protect tribal water and related resources. Through this opportunity, Reclamation provides funding for projects that increase water reliability consistent with sections 3 and 4 of the October 19, 2018, Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
Explore the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s newly designed and updated online Air Sensor Toolbox. The toolbox offers easier navigation and more information on what EPA is doing to advance and support the development of air sensors for measuring local air quality.
Sign up for alerts about newly released publications, events and other air sensor announcements.
To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!
USDA RUS Assistance to High Energy Cost Communities – $10 million
Applications Due: April 27, 2020
Eligible Entities: Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), City or township governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Special district governments, County governments, State governments
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the availability of up to $10 million in competitive grants to assist communities with extremely high energy costs. The grant funds may be used to acquire, construct, or improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving communities where the average annual residential expenditure for home energy exceeds 275% of the national average. Eligible projects also include on-grid and off-grid renewable energy projects and the implementation of energy efficiency and energy conservation projects for eligible communities. Projects cannot be for the primary benefit of a single household or business. Grant funds may not be used for the preparation of the grant application, operating costs, or for the purchase of any equipment, structures, or real estate not directly associated with the provision of community energy services. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOE Announces Up To $15 Million for Tribes to Deploy Energy Technology
Deadline to Apply: July 1, 2020
DOE is soliciting applications to install energy technology on tribal lands. Specifically, the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs is soliciting applications to:
Applications may also be submitted on behalf of an Indian Tribe(s) by an authorized Tribal Organization, provided evidence of that authority is included as part of the application. See the FOA for all eligibility requirements. Applications are due July 1, 2020.
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!
EPA Seeks Nominations for Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals
EPA is announcing its request for nominations of candidates for the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). Nominations are due no later than April 20, 2020. Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to the SACC. Individuals also may self-nominate. Further details of information to be included in a nomination are provided in the March 20, 2020, Federal Register Notice in docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0135. The preferred method for submitting nominations is via email to Steven Knott, the SACC’s Designated Federal Officer (knott.steven@epa.gov). For more information on the TSCA SACC, visit this site.
EPA Announces Community-Scale Air Toxics Monitoring Grant Competition
Deadline Extended to: May 1, 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications for funding for air toxics monitoring projects under the Community-Scale Air Toxics Ambient Monitoring grants competition. As part of the Agency’s mission to protect human and environmental health, EPA periodically awards these grants to help state, local and tribal air agencies conduct air quality monitoring projects to address localized air toxics issues. EPA anticipates awarding up to $5 million from this competition to fund projects that fall into four categories:
Air toxics, also known as hazardous air pollutants, are linked to cancer or other serious health effects. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA regulates 187 listed air toxic pollutants. While grant applications may address any air toxic pollutant, air toxics of particular interest to EPA in this competition include ethylene oxide, chloroprene, benzene, 1.3-butadiene, and metals such as hexavalent chromium, nickel and arsenic.
To receive the grants, applicants must be air pollution control agencies as defined by Section 302(b) of the Clean Air Act that also are eligible to receive grants under Section 105 of the Clean Air Act. Funding for the grants comes from State and Tribal Assistance (STAG) funding. Congress appropriates STAG funds for state, local and tribal air agencies to use in implementing and maintaining environmental programs.
Agencies applying for the air toxics monitoring grants may partner with or provide “subgrants” to other organizations for their monitoring projects. The Agency expects to award grants for 10 to 20 projects, depending on funding availability and the quality of applications received. The amount for each grant may vary; however, no grant may be for more than $750,000. Click here for additional information, and to download the Request for Application.
NEW! 2020 Tribal DERA RFA is open!
EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality solicited applications nationwide for DERA Tribal projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets located in areas designated as having poor air quality. EPA anticipates $2 million will be awarded to eligible Tribal applicants for two to eight grants. The deadline for submission of applications is Thursday, July 9, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
NEW! THHN Webinar: Safe Cleaning – Follow-up Information
The PowerPoints from the webinar have been slow getting posted on the website, meanwhile you can download the webinar PowerPoints from this temporary location. A recording of the webinar is available here. The PowerPoints and other resources will be located on the Tribal Healthy Homes Network website in the near future. If you would like to make sure you get future announcements about Indoor Air Quality webinars, training, and information, join the IAQ listserv. You can also access ITEP’s newsletters and other list serves you may find useful. Questions, contact mansel.nelson@nau.edu
Be sure to sign up for EPA’s Healthy Indoor Air newsletter.
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.
Washington Post – ‘We could get wiped out’: American Indians are bracing for covid-19 – yet another deadly virus
The Lummi Tribal Health Center in Washington State is bracing for the deadly coronavirus. (Jovelle Tamayo/For the Washington Post)
NY Times – New Research Links Air Pollution to Higher Coronavirus Death Rates
From the article: Coronavirus patients in areas that had high levels of air pollution before the pandemic are more likely to die from the infection than patients in cleaner parts of the country, according to a new nationwide study that offers the first clear link between long-term exposure to pollution and Covid-19 death rates.
Free Webinar Today at 3 pm EDT!
Issues Affecting Native American Communities during the COVID-19 Crisis
The American Bar Association (ABA) is hosting a number of free webinars related to Covid-19. The COVID 19 crisis is affecting Native American tribes and urban communities in ways that are unique to this population in terms of health challenges, economic impact and legal issues. This webinar will discuss how Native Americans are being impacted through this crisis both from a health perspective and an economic perspective. This webinar will be segmented into three parts: (1) First, there will be discussion of the provisions in the stimulus packages that are directed to Native communities; (2) Second, the panelists will discuss the unique health and operational challenges in both rural and urban Native communities; and (3) Finally, this webinar will address the economic and legal impact both in the short-term and long-term in tribal communities.
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Register here. More information is available here.
The NTAA Requests Photos of Air Quality Work from Member Tribes
The NTAA is putting out a request for Member Tribes to send in photos to use on the cover of the 2020 Status of Tribal Air Report (STAR) that highlight work being done to improve air quality. Photos may include air monitoring equipment, staff completing assessments, education/outreach, clean energy development, clean mobility efforts, or any other air quality related image. Please include photo credit and send images to Dara.Marks-Marino@nau.edu by April 23.
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) – COVID-19 Resources for Indian Country
EPA – EPA Announces Extended Comment Period on Supplement to Science Transparency Proposed Rule
Editor’s Note: NTAA recorded an informational webinar for Tribes yesterday on this proposal that can be found on NTAA’s Policy Resource Kit website here.
Cronkite News – EPA defends plan to ease compliance requirements in face of coronavirus
NPR – As Coronavirus Cases Rise, Navajo Nation Tries To Get Ahead Of Pandemic
Colorlines – Native Americans Fight Multiple COVID-19 Crises
Tribal Tribune – Need something to do while stuck at home? Get ready for fire season with these suggestions
E&E News – Pandemic stalls water, tribal lands cases indefinitely
National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update
Yes! Magazine – Saving People from Coronavirus Can Teach Us How to Do the Same for Climate Change
Carbon Brief – Coronavirus: What could lifestyle changes mean for tackling climate change?
NPR – Pandemic Delays International Climate Change Negotiations
E&E News – Carbon Capture: EPA issues rule for CO2 injection
The Hill – EPA loses case seeking modeling behind Obama mileage rollback
NY Times – Trump Calls New Fuel Economy Rule a Boon. Some Experts See Steep Costs.
AP – Cleanup of US nuclear waste takes back seat as virus spreads
The Hill – Advocates raise questions about proposal to allow some nuclear waste to be disposed in landfills
Oregon Live – 5 ways to improve indoor air quality, thwart respiratory illnesses
Huffpost – Cleaning Your Home for Coronavirus? Don’t Forget Your Indoor Air.
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
Tribal Consultation Announced on $8B Coronavirus Relief Fund for Tribes
The U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. The Department of Treasury announced today through a Dear Tribal Leader Letter from the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs that they will be holding at least two Tribal Leader Consultations to determine how to distribute $8 billion in funds set aside for tribal governments and tribal entities in the Coronavirus Relief Fund within The CARES Act. In addition to attending these Consultations, Tribal Leaders are encouraged to provide their input in writing no later than April 13 by emailing consultation@bia.gov and tribal.consult@treasury.gov.
Call for Nominations: TAMS Steering Committee
The TAMS Center is announcing a call for nominations for one (1) position on the TAMS Steering Committee. The positon will serve from October 2020 to September 2023. Further information and the nomination forms are online and can be accessed at: TAMS Steering Committee Nomination Form. The deadline to submit a nomination is April 14, 2020. We sincerely appreciate your time to consider submitting a nomination. For further information, please contact either Farshid Farsi, TAMS-EPA Codirector (Farsi.Farshid@epa.gov or 702-784-8263), or Christopher Lee, TAMS-ITEP Codirector (Christoper.Lee@nau.edu or 702-784-8278).
Save the Date & Call for Papers: National Ambient Air Monitoring Conference
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 10-13, 2020. Abstracts due April 17, 2020.
EPA in conjunction with the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies (AAPCA) and the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA) are pleased to announce the 2020 National Ambient Air Monitoring Conference. Interested in presenting a paper or a poster at the Conference? Great! We want to hear from you. We are interested in receiving proposals related to the following technical topics: PAMS, PM2.5 and Chemical Speciation, Near Road, Air Toxics, Tribal Monitoring, Field Operations, Sensors, Quality Assurance, Data Analysis & Data Visualization, Special Studies and Emerging Issues. This year we are also considering some time on the agenda for “Lightening Talks”. These would be 5-10 minute maximum time slots for quick presentations on issues/topics related to ambient air monitoring and data analysis. In addition, if you’re planning to present a poster, please indicate if you would be interested in giving a 1-minute lightening talk about your poster. Abstracts are required for technical presentations, technical lightening talks, and posters. Please send your one-page abstract along with a bio to Laurie Trinca (trinca.laurie@epa.gov) no later than April 17, 2020. Registration is expected open in April 2020. Additional details will be available on EPA’s website in the coming months.
EPA Tools and Resources Webinar: Citizen Science at EPA
April 15, 2020, 3:00 to 4:00 PM ET
To join this webinar, please register here.
With the advent of new technologies for environmental monitoring and tools for sharing information, community volunteers are more engaged than ever before in collecting environmental data, and many environmental agencies are using these data. A major challenge is ensuring the quality of the data collected by citizen science organizations. One of the keys to breaking down this barrier is a Quality Assurance Project Plan. EPA’s Handbook for Citizen Science Quality Assurance and Documentation is for organizations that are starting or growing a citizen science project, and where transparency in the scientific methods for collecting the data are central to the outcome of the project. This webinar will provide an overview of citizen science at the Agency and showcase several EPA citizen science activities that involve partnerships with state, tribal and local governments on a diversity of issues, including 1) monitoring for cyanobacteria in waterbodies, 2) building and operating “real-time,” low-cost water quality sensors in Georgia; 3) demonstration of a new test method for community mapping of radon in Puerto Rico; 4) the Los Angeles Public Library air sensor loan program; and 5) using citizen science to analyze underwater video in the Great Lakes. For more information, visit EPA’s Citizen Science webpage. For registration questions, please email: tools_resources_webinar@epa.gov.
EPA’s EnviroAtlas Training Webinar:
Helping Users Capture Nature’s Benefits, Map a Sustainable Future
April 28, 2020 at 2:00 to 3:30 PM ET
As follow-up to the January EPA Tools & Resources Webinar on EnviroAtlas, EPA’s Office of Research and Development will provide a more in-depth training webinar on EnviroAtlas. Register and join the webinar. If you do not have an EPA ID, please register as a guest. How do environmental managers and public health officials identify the benefits that local forests, parks, wetlands and other natural areas provide to their local communities? One way is through EnviroAtlas. EPA’s EnviroAtlas provides users with a host of interactive tools, geospatial data and resources for exploring the benefits people derive from nature and potential stressors that might impede their provision.
Draft Guidance: Interpretation of “Begin Action Construction” Under the NSR Preconstruction Permitting Regulations
Comments due: May 11, 2020
EPA is providing an opportunity for interested stakeholders to review and comment on the draft guidance titled, Interpretation of “Begin Actual Construction” Under the New Source Review Preconstruction Permitting Regulations. This guidance addresses EPA’s interpretation of “begin actual construction” under the regulations implementing the New Source Review (NSR) permitting program. In this draft guidance, EPA is adopting a revised interpretation that is more consistent with the regulatory text. Under this revised interpretation, a source owner or operator may, prior to obtaining an NSR permit, undertake physical on-site activities – including activities that may be costly, that may significantly alter the site, and/or are permanent in nature – provided that those activities do not constitute physical construction on an emissions unit. EPA will accept comment on this draft guidance through Monday, May 11, 2020. The draft guidance, and a link for submitting comments, is available at: https://www.epa.gov/nsr.
E-Enterprise National Meeting: Envisioning the Future of Environmental Protection
EE2020 is the latest in a long-running series of meetings sponsored by E-Enterprise for the Environment and the National Environmental Information Exchange Network. On May 12-14, 2020, EE2020 will bring together a broad community of attendees from state, tribal, and local environmental agencies, U.S. EPA, vendors, and other stakeholders with an interest in improving the productivity and responsiveness of the environmental protection enterprise. The meeting integrates content on information technology, program modernization, and process improvement. Click here to learn more about EE2020, the benefits of attending, and ways to get involved.
Save the Date: Tribal Lands and Environment Forum on August 17-20, 2020
This year’s Tribal Lands and Environment Forum: A National Conversation on Waste and Response Strategies, will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 17-20, 2020. Registration, session proposal forms, travel information, and field trip announcements will all be coming soon. Stay tuned! www.nau.edu/TLEF
Tribal Grants Education and Technical Assistance Webinar Series Second Wednesday of Every Month at 1pm ET
For more information, click here!
NTAA Upcoming Calls. The toll-free number is 1-800-309-2350. If you do not need to call toll free, or would like to help conserve NTAA funding, you can call 1-805-309-2350. Both numbers use code 928-523-0526#. 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 Planning Call: The NTAA Status of Tribal Air Report (STAR) helps tell the story of Tribal Air Programs, why additional funding for Tribes is critical to advance air quality, and is a great resource for Tribes. | Wednesday, April 8, 2 pm ET |
| Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country. | Thursday, April 16, 2pm ET |
| EPA Policy Call: Call in to hear updates from EPA on policies, actions, and tools relevant to Indian Country and Air Quality. | Thursday, April 30, 2pm ET |
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. | Thursday, May 7, 2pm ET
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| Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. | Thursday, May 21, 2pm ET |
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional’s (ITEP’s) Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars and other events related to tribes and climate change.
Click here for ITEP’s other trainings and events.
Click here for ITEP’s new Tribal Environmental Management and Planning Online Courses. New courses have been added, so check it out!
ITEP’s FY20 AIAQTP Course Schedule
| Course Title | Dates | Location | Course Level |
| 2020 | |||
| Air Pollution Technology (Postponed!) | TBD | Flagstaff, AZ | 2 |
| Meteorological Monitoring (Postponed!) | Fall 2020 | TAMS Center, Las Vegas, NV | 3 |
| Air Pollution Modeling | Fall 2020 | TAMS Center, Las Vegas, NV | 3 |
| Air Quality Outreach | TBD | TBD | 1 |
| National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTFAQ) (Postponed!) | May 2021 | Tulsa, OK | n/a |
| Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke | Anytime | Series of 6 recorded webinars | n/a |
| Indoor Air Quality – Independent Study | Anytime | Independent Study | 1 |
| Building Performance: Improving IAQ in Cold Climates | Open | Online | 1 |
| Building Performance: Improving IAQ in Warm Climates | In development | Online | 1 |
| Residential Building Science Review | Open | Online | 1 |
| Radon Fundamentals | Open | Online | 1 |
| Quality Assurance Fundamentals (QA 101) | Open | Online | 1 |
| Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) (QA 201-209) | Open | Online | 2 |
| Emissions Inventory Fundamentals | Open | Online | 2 |
| Emissions Inventory Advanced | Open | Online | 3 |
| Note: This schedule is subject to change. For up-to-date information, course descriptions, and applications please visit http://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Training/training_air/ | |||
NEW! April 8, 15, 22 and 29, Noon (ET) – Ask the Expert
Every Wednesday ENERGY STAR holds a Portfolio Manager “Ask the Expert” session. It’s a live webinar that gives all users an opportunity to ask their questions directly to EPA experts in an open forum. Want to talk to a “real” person? Have a question about how Portfolio Manager calculates your score? Want to learn more about entering Green Power? Join ENERGY STAR, and they’ll answer all your questions about ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager in this public forum.
NEW! April 8, 2 PM (ET) – Portfolio Manager 101
Learn about EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Tool. Attendees will learn how to: navigate Portfolio Manager; add a property and enter details about it; enter energy and water consumption data; and generate template performance reports to assess progress.
NEW! April 14, 1 PM (ET) – Portfolio Manager 201
Continue to learn about EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Tool with a deeper dive into more advanced functionalities such as: editing property data; correcting and updating property use details; using the data quality checker; and sharing property data.
NEW! April 21, 1 PM (ET) – Portfolio Manager 301
With a good background on the basic functionality of EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Tool, learn about some advanced features including: using spreadsheet upload templates to update property data; setting goals and targets to plan energy improvements for properties; creating custom reports; and using the Sustainable Buildings Checklist.
NEW! April 29, 11 AM (MT) – Developing your energy vision: what do you want your tribe’s energy vision to be?
Once the low-hanging fruit of energy efficiency has been addressed, longer-term planning on future energy needs and energy options is needed. If you don’t identify where you want to go, you can’t plot the course to get there. This webinar will explore how tribes can develop a vision for their energy future.
Deadline Extended! Call for Proposals: National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference August 31-September 3, 2020, St. Paul, Minnesota
Proposals now due: May 1, 2020
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is honored to host the United States’ first Biennial National Tribal and Indigenous Climate Conference (NTICC) along with support from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Resilience Program. The NTICC is open to all US tribal nations and Indigenous Peoples from throughout the world, with an emphasis on including our Elders and
Youth. The NTICC will convene experts on climate change and will include a balance of Traditional Indigenous Knowledges and Western Science. We invite people to submit proposals discussing climate-related impacts, assessments, tools, adaptation planning, mitigation and actions in one or more of the following tracks:
The U.S. EPA has posted 10 upcoming webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others.
All webinars are offered free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. Let EPA know if you have upcoming webinars you would like us to include in future newsletters. Visit EPA’s website for other energy resources for state, local, and tribal governments. Archived webinars can be found here.
CC 202 Online Course: Tribal Hazard Mitigation Planning, application deadline extended to May 1
October 2020-September 2021
Course Goal: To support Tribe’s hazard mitigation planning through peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchanges in a facilitated cohort focused on the process of developing or updating a Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan, which looks “at natural hazards that may affect tribal governments and suggests actions to reduce losses from those hazards” (FEMA Tribal Mitigation Planning Resources). The course will be based around FEMA’s hazard mitigation plan requirements and will connect participants to resources, tools, information, and additional specialized expertise on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, various natural hazards, climate change in the context of natural hazards, FEMA’s four-phases of emergency management (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery), cultural considerations, Tribal/Indigenous Knowledges, community outreach and engagement, hazard identification and risk assessment, asset inventorying, and developing and implementing an action plan. Follow this link to find out more information and to register. Contact Karen.Cozzetto@nau.edu with questions.
South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center: Earth to Sky Workshop
Earth to Sky is a partnership between NASA, NPS, and USFWS that enables and encourages informal educators to access and use relevant NASA science, data, and educational and outreach products in their work. The partnership’s focus is on climate change science and communication. Join us for three days of training with native informal educators from across the South Central region who recognize the importance of teaching climate change. The workshop will take place July 15-17 in Sulphur, OK. Learn more here.
Save the Date: Southwest Tribal Climate Resilience Camp
Date: July 26-31, 2020
Location: Navajo Technical University – Crownpoint, NM
The Tribal Climate Resilience Camp will support teams of Tribal Leaders, climate change coordinators, planners, and program managers to build skills, gather information, and develop Tribal policies and plans needed for Tribal Nations to address climate change impacts. Information about travel, lodging, and registration will be available soon. You may contact Althea Walker, Tribal Climate Science Liaison, at AWalker@aihec.org or (480) 258-3963 with questions.
SEEKING TRIBAL DELEGATES
We are currently recruiting 10 Southwest Tribes to participate in the 2020 Camp. Each Tribe should identify three delegates per Tribe. The delegates must participate for the entire week curriculum. Delegates may include climate change staff, tribal policy leaders, Tribal Council, natural resource and environmental managers and staff, administrators, department staff from health, public works, education, housing, and other relevant departments that should engage in climate change planning. FOR APPLICATIONS Visit this link.
Save the Date: Shifting Seasons Summit 3, October 6-8, 2020, Keshena, WI
Contingency dates: March 2021
The Shifting Seasons Summit is a gathering that focuses on climate resilience planning and implementation within Tribes and across Tribal ceded territories in the Northeast Region. This summit will also include network-building opportunities and initiatives developed outside of the Northeast by capacity building organizations, academic institutions and Tribes. Visit www.NICRN.org for more details.
ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online! Learn more about the courses and register here.
Postponed: Green Transportation Summit & Expo and the West Coast Collaborative Partners Meeting has been postponed until August 24-26, 2020
After careful consideration of the growing public health concerns associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Green Transportation Summit & Expo and the US EPA West Coast Collaborative is postponing our GTSE | WCCPM event until
August 24 – 26, 2020, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in Tacoma, WA.
The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) and the Green Transportation Summit & Expo (GTSE) have partnered to provide 25 complimentary full-conference passes to the Green Transportation Summit & Expo. The GTSE is the Pacific Northwest’s premier clean fleet and transportation event, focusing on fleets, fuels, technologies, policy & practice, with a regional focus and a national scope. We will provide you the opportunity to see, touch, drive, and learn about new transportation technologies firsthand, such as electric, hydrogen, natural gas and propane-powered heavy-duty vehicles, off-road utility vehicles, generators, and others. Workshops on DERA, VW funding, other federal funding opportunities, and alternative fuels will be presented. Please join us at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center for the 10th annual GTSE to learn about clean transportation, how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollutants, and costs in your fleet operations. To learn more about the conference, check out our website. To receive the code for the complimentary passes, please contact ITEP’s Dara Marks Marino at Dara.Marks-Marino@nau.edu.
NEW! Covid-19 Webinar: Expert Panel on Safe Cleaning & Disinfecting of Indoor Environments, for Tribal and Impacted Communities
Thursday, April 9, 2020, 10am-11:45am Pacific Standard Time
Join us for a Tribal webinar hosted by the Partnership for Air Matters, with the Tribal Healthy Homes Network, the WA State Department of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Disease Control, and Indian Health Service. Register here!
New Radon Testing and Mitigation Standards Webinars – April 14th and 16th
Join members from the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), Conference of Radon Control Program Directors (CRCPD), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for two free webinars on the new radon testing and mitigation standards. The April 14th webinar is primarily designed for CRCPD members and the April 16th webinar is geared towards AARST members; however anyone interested in learning more about the new testing and mitigation standards is welcome to join either webinar. In 2019, EPA issued guidance on the use of voluntary consensus standards (VCS) for state indoor radon grant recipients. The guidance recommends that all State Indoor Radon Grant recipients reference the most current VCS when implementing their radon programs. These standards undergo a rigorous development and a periodic review process to include new science, new technology, and marketplace evolution. EPA is encouraging the use of current codes and standards to help ensure public health protection. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. EPA estimates that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. Learn more about radon and how to address it.
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
NEW! Arizona Conservation Corps is hiring one USFWS Biological Science Crew Leader and seven Biological Science Interns
Every summer, the Arizona Conservation Corps’ internship program in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Whiteriver, offers paid internships with the Apache Trout Recovery Program, where interns take part in recovery actions for the threatened Apache Trout. The interns are a part of a seasonal field crew conducting backpack electro-fishing surveys of local streams for the purpose of monitoring the status of Apache Trout populations. This year, there are 7 internship spots open, and each comes with an AmeriCorps Education Award (with successful completion of the internship). We are also running a Crew Leader position that will serve as the leader of the Apache Trout intern crew. The Crew Leader position is also paid and comes with health insurance, but does not include an Education Award. Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Native American applicants, and these positions are specifically geared toward White Mountain Apache adults who are seeking experience or an eventual career in natural resources, or just those who may be looking for a fun summer internship. I have attached position descriptions for these internships. For those looking to apply, the application portal is at: https://azcorps.org/individual-placement-openings . Please feel free to contact Preston Sands psands@conservationlegacy.org if you have any questions, or if you would like to discuss the internship opportunities in more detail.
NEW! GS-12 and GS-13 Tribal Coordinator Positions in Region 10
Region 10 is announcing open positions in the Tribal Trust and Assistance Branch to serve as a Tribal Coordinator (Seattle, WA and Boise, ID). Both postings can be found on USAJOBS. The closing date for both is April 24, 2020.
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/564565500
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/564600700
EPA OMS National Environmental Information Exchange Network Grant Program – $8 million
Application extended to: April 10, 2020
An amended version of the FY2020 Exchange Network Solicitation Notice is available on our website.
Eligible Entities: territories, tribes, and inter-tribal consortia, states, U.S. territories, federally recognized tribes
The EPA Exchange Network Grant Program is soliciting project applications using the Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN) to:
For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
EPA OAR Community-Scale Air Toxics Ambient Monitoring – $5 million
Applications Due: May 1, 2020
Eligible Entities: A state, interstate, local, or tribal air pollution control agency
EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) is soliciting applications from eligible entities for projects designed to assist state, local, and tribal air agencies in identifying and characterizing air toxics, also known as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), through work that falls into one of four categories. Those categories are:
Air toxins of particular interest to EPA in this solicitation include ethylene oxide, chloroprene, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and metals such as hexavalent chromium, nickel, and arsenic. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
NEW! Native American Agricultural Fund (NAAF) Request for Applications Open
Today we announce our 2020 Request for Applications (RFA), the second application cycle to date. Since NAAF was launched in 2018, our Board of Trustees and staff have taken steps to craft a strategy that can begin to realize the promise we knew was possible when NAAF was created. Agriculture across Indian Country is as diverse as our Native nations and we hope the applications for funding will reflect that diversity. Native farmers and ranchers are key to the success of Native food systems and diversification of our agriculture economies. We look forward to the next step on this journey. Even in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, we know that it is important to keep moving forward and ensure that Native farmers, ranchers, fishers and food champions are provided support. Prospective applicants are encouraged to view the RFA at NativeAmericanAgricultureFund.org/2020-RFA. The request for applications opened on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Eligible applicants must submit a complete application no later than Monday, June 1, 2020 by 11:59 pm CT. NAAF will provide flexibility for applicants with hardships applying due to COVID-19. Please visit our website, email or call for further details.
Grants are available to eligible grant recipients in the mission areas of business assistance, agricultural education, technical support and advocacy services. We are also accepting applications across four special emphasis areas listed below:
– Traditional Foods and Food Sovereignty
– Advocacy
– Agriculture Extension
– Youth (available in a separate application process)
Prospective applicants may register for informational RFA webinars at NativeAmericanAgricultureFund.org/grants-webinar. Technical assistance relating to the application process is available by emailing grants@NativeAmericanAgricultureFund.org or calling 479-445-6226.
DOI BOR Native American Affairs: Technical Assistance to Tribes for FY20 and FY21 – $1 million
Applications Due: October 28, 2020 for FY21
Eligible Entities: federally recognized tribes or tribal organizations of the 17 Western States identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902
The objective of this opportunity is to invite federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations to submit proposals for financial assistance for projects and activities that develop, manage, and protect tribal water and related resources. Through this opportunity, Reclamation provides funding for projects that increase water reliability consistent with sections 3 and 4 of the October 19, 2018, Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
Explore the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s newly designed and updated online Air Sensor Toolbox. The toolbox offers easier navigation and more information on what EPA is doing to advance and support the development of air sensors for measuring local air quality.
Sign up for alerts about newly released publications, events and other air sensor announcements.
To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!
USDA RUS Assistance to High Energy Cost Communities – $10 million
Applications Due: April 27, 2020
Eligible Entities: Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), City or township governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Special district governments, County governments, State governments
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the availability of up to $10 million in competitive grants to assist communities with extremely high energy costs. The grant funds may be used to acquire, construct, or improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving communities where the average annual residential expenditure for home energy exceeds 275% of the national average. Eligible projects also include on-grid and off-grid renewable energy projects and the implementation of energy efficiency and energy conservation projects for eligible communities. Projects cannot be for the primary benefit of a single household or business. Grant funds may not be used for the preparation of the grant application, operating costs, or for the purchase of any equipment, structures, or real estate not directly associated with the provision of community energy services. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOE Announces Up To $15 Million for Tribes to Deploy Energy Technology
Deadline to Apply: July 1, 2020
DOE is soliciting applications to install energy technology on tribal lands. Specifically, the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs is soliciting applications to:
Applications may also be submitted on behalf of an Indian Tribe(s) by an authorized Tribal Organization, provided evidence of that authority is included as part of the application. See the FOA for all eligibility requirements. Applications are due July 1, 2020. An informational webinar will be held April 7, 2020, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, to provide potential applicants with information on the FOA. Register for the webinar.
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!
NEW! EPA Seeks Nominations for Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals
EPA is announcing its request for nominations of candidates for the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). Nominations are due no later than April 20, 2020. Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to the SACC. Individuals also may self-nominate. Further details of information to be included in a nomination are provided in the March 20, 2020, Federal Register Notice in docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-0135. The preferred method for submitting nominations is via email to Steven Knott, the SACC’s Designated Federal Officer (knott.steven@epa.gov). For more information on the TSCA SACC, visit this site.
EPA Announces Community-Scale Air Toxics Monitoring Grant Competition
Deadline Extended to: May 1, 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications for funding for air toxics monitoring projects under the Community-Scale Air Toxics Ambient Monitoring grants competition. As part of the Agency’s mission to protect human and environmental health, EPA periodically awards these grants to help state, local and tribal air agencies conduct air quality monitoring projects to address localized air toxics issues. EPA anticipates awarding up to $5 million from this competition to fund projects that fall into four categories:
Air toxics, also known as hazardous air pollutants, are linked to cancer or other serious health effects. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA regulates 187 listed air toxic pollutants. While grant applications may address any air toxic pollutant, air toxics of particular interest to EPA in this competition include ethylene oxide, chloroprene, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and metals such as hexavalent chromium, nickel and arsenic.
To receive the grants, applicants must be air pollution control agencies as defined by Section 302(b) of the Clean Air Act that also are eligible to receive grants under Section 105 of the Clean Air Act. Funding for the grants comes from State and Tribal Assistance (STAG) funding. Congress appropriates STAG funds for state, local and tribal air agencies to use in implementing and maintaining environmental programs.
Agencies applying for the air toxics monitoring grants may partner with or provide “subgrants” to other organizations for their monitoring projects. The Agency expects to award grants for 10 to 20 projects, depending on funding availability and the quality of applications received. The amount for each grant may vary; however, no grant may be for more than $750,000. Click here for additional information, and to download the Request for Application.
Be sure to sign up for EPA’s Healthy Indoor Air newsletter.
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.
NATIONAL TRIBAL AIR ASSOCIATION
Our mission is to advance air quality management policies and programs, consistent with the needs, interests, and unique legal status of American Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives.
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