PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of May 25-29, 2020
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
BBC – Why First Nations communities are uninviting visitors
BBC – Why First Nations communities are uninviting visitors
The NTAA has published the 2020 Update to A White Paper Detailing the Science and Connections Between Air Pollution, Tribes, and Public Health
The NTAA originally published this white paper in 2019 as a resource to Tribes. The white paper has now been updated to reflect research that has been published since then on the connection between air quality and health, as well as the emerging connections between air pollution and health outcomes from COVID-19. The 2020 update can now be found using the above link or by going directly to the NTAA’s website, and will be included as an attachment to the NTAA 2020 Status of Tribal Air Report (STAR), which will be published June 22.
Drilled – Trump Is Racing to Finalize Environmental Rollbacks. This Obscure Regulation May Be One Reason Why
Forbes – America’s Air Is Getting Worse: Here’s Why
National Law Review – U.S. EPA Proposes Rule That Would Transform the Guidance Process
E&E News – EPA starts ‘measured and deliberate’ reopening
E&E News – Air Pollution: Lawsuit marks first step in legal brawl over toxics rule
E&E News – Army Corps makes last-minute change in Pebble plan
Air Quality News – Air pollution linked to Parkinson’s disease
Bloomberg Law – Insight: What’s at Stake in EPA’s MATS Finding Reversal
Biomass Magazine – EPA opens comment period on wood heater proposal
National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update
Independent – Trump administration slows on fracking plans after outcry for impacted Navajo Nation
Reuters – Help us protect the headwaters of the Amazon from oil companies, elders say
Inside Climate News – New York’s Use of Landmark Climate Law Could Resound in Other States
New Orleans Public Radio – ‘There Is No Way Back Anymore’: Louisiana’s Coastal Land Loss Is Inevitable
E&E News – Wis. utility to close coal plant blamed for high costs
E&E News – What’s next for oil? 3 questions answered
E&E News – Trail of spills haunts Dakota Access developer
NY Times – ‘Expect More’: Climate Change Raises Risk of Dam Failures
NY Times – What a Week’s Disasters Tell Us About Climate and the Pandemic
CarbonBrief – Webinar [recording]: What impact is Covid-19 having on global CO2 emissions?
ENN – Marine Species Are Outpacing Terrestrial Species In The Race Against Global Warming
The Hill – Automakers fight effort to freeze fuel efficiency standards
AP – Democrats protest removal of Transportation watchdog
NPR – Our Pandemic Habits Cut Carbon Emissions, But It’s Not Clear They’ll Last
NPR – On Nearly Emptied Roads, Motor Vehicle Fatality Rate Spikes By 14% In March
EPA – EPA Takes Next Step to Implement PFAS Legislation
E&E News – Tesla’s ‘Battery Day’: Business as usual or an EV coup?
E&E News – Commuter are adapting to the virus. What it means for CO2
CarbonBrief – Fuel savings in US cars have ‘cut 17bn tonnes of CO2 since 1975’
National Herald – Indoor air quality and asthma during COVID-19
Fast Company – We spend 90% of our time inside – why don’t we care that indoor air is so polluted?
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
NEW! On the Front Lines: Tribal Nations Take on COVID-19
Tuesday, May 26, 2020; 1-2pm
Virtual Event, Information Here
Like governments around the world, America’s 574 federally recognized tribal nations are racing to protect their citizens from the coronavirus. Impacting tribes at a rate four times higher than for the US population, the pandemic is testing the limits of tribal public health infrastructures. Simultaneously, shuttered casinos and other business enterprises are crippling tribal economies. Coupled with an inefficient federal response, resources to provide critical governmental services are being rapidly depleted, intensifying the crisis.
To learn more about how tribal nations are taking on COVID-19, please join the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for an insightful conversation.
Public Hearings on the Proposed Rule: Review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter
EPA has published this proposal in the Federal Register, and the NTAA is developing a full Policy Resource Kit. The proposal states that no changes to the NAAQS for particulate matter will be taken at this time. The deadline to comment is June 29, 2020, and two virtual public hearings will be held on May 20 and May 21.
NEW! NCAI COVID-19 Forum: “Tribal Governments in Action: Leveraging the CARES Act for Response and Recovery”
Wednesday, May 27th, 2020; 1-2:15pm EDT
This forum, hosted by NCAI’s Partnership for Tribal Governance, shares the stories of how four tribal governments are using CARES Act funding to protect their communities and help them recover in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
EPA Tools & Resources Webinar: EPA Expands Research on COVID-19 in the Environment
Wednesday, May 27, 2020; 2-3pm ET
EPA scientists are building on a foundation of world-class research by applying their knowledge to reduce the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This research will help states & territories, tribes, and local governments, including public health agencies guide homeowners, business owners, and others reduce the risk of exposure. This webinar will highlight research EPA is working on with CDC, including the following:
NEW! SEER Native American Resources Committee virtual networking event
Thursday, May 28th, 2020; 12-1pm ET
This event will discuss how COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting Indian Country, both in terms of public health and the economy. Both are inextricably linked to environment and environmental resources. Four examples are access to water, indoor air quality, climate change, and dependence on oil and gas for revenue. Join us for this event to learn about ways Tribes and organizations are working to mobilize and take action to protect the health of Tribal members and their communities.
To register for this event, please complete and submit this form. Please address any questions to Kevin Gordon, Membership Associate, at Kevin.Gordon@americanbar.org or (312) 988-6256
NEW! Defending Treaty Rights in the time of COVID-19
Friday May 29th, 2020; 9-10:30am PST
This webinar will share Indigenous Peoples’ initiatives to defend the inherent and sovereign rights affirmed in Nation-to-Nation Treaties during the time of COVID-19. Hosted by the International Indian Treaty Council.
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.
EPA Policy Call: Call in to hear updates from EPA on policies, actions, and tools relevant to Indian Country and Air Quality. | Thursday, May 28, 2pm ET |
Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. | Thursday, June 4, 2pm ET
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Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country. | Thursday, June 18, 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/ |
May 27, 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.
May 27, 1 PM (ET) – Tribal Energy Project Technology Options
The energy landscape continues to evolve rapidly. In many areas, costs continue to drop as technology improvements and other market drivers create greater opportunity for distributed generation. This webinar will provide an overview of several common energy technology options. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, the 2020 Tribal Energy Webinar Series will focus on how to accomplish specific tasks related to energy development on tribal lands. Presenters will provide instruction and sharing tools and resources.
May 28, 2 PM (ET) – Strategies for Setting Effective Energy Performance Goals
Are you aiming to set meaningful energy performance goals for your buildings? Join this webinar to hear from three ENERGY STAR partners how to use a technical approach to estimate the energy efficiency improvement potential of a building and set effective goals. Boston Properties will share how they used a scientific method for setting performance goals for targets to make them realistic and achievable. In addition, CommonWealth Partners will talk about how they provide guidance on tracking emissions through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to all their properties and established science-based emissions targets. Finally, Hudson Pacific Properties will discuss how they setting performance goals and updating targets for their buildings, and how to incorporate carbon reduction goals into a program.
Speakers:
NEW! National Adaptation Forum Webinar: Meeting the Rural Resilience Imperative: Integrating Resilience into Rural Planning & Action
May 28, 2020, 2pm ET
Learn about the Resilient Rural America Project’s approach to integrate extreme weather resilience into local comprehensive planning through risk assessment and implementation of practical resilience strategies. The training mainstreams the Steps to Resilience into rural planning using selected resources from the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit, EcoAdapt, Geos Institute, and the Model Forest Policy Program. Webinar participants will gain greater understanding of the importance of rural resilience, the barriers rural communities face, and new ways to advance rural resilience strategies.
June 3, 2PM (ET) – Equity in Action: Heat Planning in Greater Phoenix
This 90 minute webcast will cover how The Nature Conservancy Arizona, Arizona State University, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, and other partners developed the Heat Action Planning Guide for Neighborhoods of Greater Phoenix. This team worked directly with community members using a participatory process to identify challenges and create community driven solutions to mitigate and adapt to future heat. Specific cooling solutions include revitalizing vacant lots with trees and vegetation, and increasing shade along transit routes and at bus stops. The process was designed to develop awareness, agency, and social cohesion in underserved communities.
Speakers:
Indigenous Peoples Climate Change Working Group Webinar Series
The Indigenous Peoples Climate Change Working Group (IPCCWG) would like to invite you to join us for a 4-part webinar series that will discuss the future generations of American Indian and Alaskan Native geoscience professionals, educators, and workforce. An in-person IPCCWG meeting will take place at the National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference. To register for the May 14 webinar, please click HERE. We also greatly appreciate you sharing within your networks. The webinar schedule is as follows:
If you have any questions regarding registration or anything else, please do not hesitate to reach out to Althea Walker at awalker@aihec.org or 480-258-3963.
Registration Is Now Open: National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference
August 31-September 3, 2020, St. Paul, Minnesota
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 before May 29, 2020, discussing climate-related impacts, assessments, tools, adaptation planning, mitigation and actions in one or more of the following tracks:
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.
Managing Road Dust webinar series
Webinar #1: Introduction to Managing Road Dust, May 28, 2020 at 10am (AKDT)
Road dust from unpaved roads is a major air quality concern in many tribal communities. Dust (also called Particulate Matter (PM)) has negative impacts on health, road safety and quality of life. This webinar is the first of a series of four webinars to help tribal environmental and transportation staff to manage road dust, resulting in improved air quality. Presenters from US Environmental Protection Agency, University of Alaska, Alaska Department Environmental Conservation, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals will provide information to help tribal environmental and transportation staff create community partnerships to:
Participants will also be introduced to a variety of online resources to help with planning for road dust management. Training Certificates will be available for everyone who completes all 4 webinars. Webinar recordings will be available to anyone registered for the webinars.
Contact Mansel.Nelson@nau.edu with questions.
Tribal Consultation Period Extended for EPA’s Draft Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country
Extended through August 3, 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) – Office of Pesticide Programs is provide notice to federally-recognized tribes that EPA’s Tribal Consultation on the Draft EPA Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country is extended through August 3, 2020 to accommodate a recent tribal request. The timeline for the consultation and consultation period will extend from February 10–August 3, 2020. During this period, a third consultation session will be conducted. To participate, the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) invites you and/or your designee to join us during the following consultation session:
Conference Line: 866-299-3188; Code: 202-566-0603
Adobe Connect: https://epawebconferencing.acms.com/draftepaplan3
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.
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
The Fort Independence Tribe is seeking qualified individuals for the following positions:
Positions listed have the following benefits: Life, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K Retirement Plan, Gym Membership, Cell Phone Stipend & Mileage Stipend. Call: 760-878-5160 or email: ata@fortindependence.com for job description and application. CLOSING DATE: Open until filled. First round of applications will be reviewed Monday, June 22, 2020 by 4:00 p.m.
Dissecting the US Treasury Department’s Round 1 Allocations of CARES Act COVID‐19 Relief Funding for Tribal Governments
This study dissects the US Department of the Treasury’s formula for distributing first-round CARES Act funds to Indian Country. The Department has indicated that its formula is intended to allocate relief funds based on tribes’ populations, but the research team behind this report finds that Treasury has employed a population data series that produces arbitrary and capricious “over-” and “under-representations” of tribes’ enrolled citizens.
Read the Full Report Here
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.
EPA Children’s Healthy Learning Environments Grant Initiative – $315 thousand
Applications Due: June 1, 2020
Eligible Entities: state or state agencies, local governments, city or township governments, county governments, and federally recognized tribes
The purpose of the Children’s Healthy Learning Environments Grant Initiative is to provide capacity building to address children’s environmental health in school and childcare settings. The Children’s Healthy Learning Environments Grant Initiative provides funding directly to organizations to support school- and/or childcare center-based capacity building projects that help school communities understand and address local environmental and public health issues that affect children. EPA anticipates awarding two grants of approximately $145,000 each for up to a two-year funding period. Grant applications should reflect multi-media and holistic approaches for reducing environmental exposures in schools and childcare settings through capacity building, trainings, and technical assistance. Proposals should also demonstrate a broad reach and collaborative problem-solving with appropriate partners. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOI BLM National Threatened and Endangered Species Funding Opportunity – $2 million
Application Due: June 01, 2020
Eligible Entities: City or township governments, State governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), special district governments, County governments
This funding opportunity is to work with partner organizations at a national level to assist with the conservation of various species, to include federally-listed, candidate and Bureau sensitive species across state boundaries. Conservation includes, but is not limited to, gaining knowledge about species and their habitats, providing for protection or management of species and their habitats, augmenting species, restoring, and enhancing rare species habitat. This program is in support of creating a conservation stewardship legacy second to only Teddy Roosevelt by providing an opportunity to strengthen state and local partnerships, implement priority species and habitat monitoring, support restoration activities that enhance habitat connectivity and resiliency, and enhances opportunities for volunteer service and youth engagement on public lands. 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.
Two New Funding Opportunities Available Through Engagement Opportunities in NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project for American Indian and Alaska Native STEM Engagement – NASA MAIANSE
This National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Research Announcement (NRA), entitled Engagement Opportunities in NASA STEM (EONS) – 2020, solicits proposals for competitive funding opportunities in support of the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) administered by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. EONS 2020 is an omnibus announcement that includes a wide range of NASA science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Engagement opportunities for basic and applied science and technology research and education. Specific opportunities will be issued periodically throughout the year as Appendices to this solicitation with individual requirements and milestones. For more information regarding the following opportunities and scheduled information sessions, please visit the ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN NASA STEM (EONS-2020) page on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) website and click on ‘List of Open Program Elements’.
First Funding Opportunity: APPENDIX I: MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) Planning Grant
Proposals due: June 15, 2020
In support of NASA’s Artemis program, the MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) activity is established, to strengthen and develop the research capacity and infrastructure of U.S. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in areas of strategic importance and value to NASA’s mission and national priorities. Overall, M-STAR awards act as planning grants with the goals of promoting literacy in STEM and enhancing the capability of institutions to participate in NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) opportunities. Awards are up to $40k for a maximum duration of four months. For general inquiries, contact: NASAMSTAR@nasaprs.com.
Second Funding Opportunity: APPENDIX J: NASA MUREP INCLUDES Planning Grant
Proposals due: June 15, 2020
In response to the Federal STEM Education Strategic Plan, MUREP is working with the NSF to expand the NSF INCLUDES (Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discovers in Engineering and Science) National Network of partners. This NRA invites planning grant proposals to assist in the formulation and convening of MSI-led coalitions in support of broadening participation in engineering. This is a novel and strategic partnership initiative, enabling MSIs to assemble and lead coalitions comprised of multiple organizations, institutions and agencies. The planning grant enables applicants to prepare for response to a full solicitation, tentatively scheduled to be released in Fall 2020. Awards are up to $50k for a maximum duration of four months. For general inquiries, contact: NASAMUREP-INCLUDES@nasaprs.com.
EPA State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement Program (SEJCA) / COVID-19 Projects – $1 million
Applications Due: June 30, 2020
Eligible Entities: state governments, local governments, tribal governments
The purpose of this cooperative agreement program is to support and/or create model state activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health results in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks. These models should leverage or utilize existing resources or assets of state agencies to develop key tools and processes that integrate environmental justice considerations into state governments and government programs. The SEJCA program goals are to (1) achieve measurable and meaningful environmental and/or public health results in communities; (2) build broad and robust, results-oriented partnerships, particularly with community organizations within disproportionately impacted areas; (3) pilot activities in specific communities that create models, which can be expanded or replicated in other geographic areas; (4) reinforce connections to EPA regional EJ activities and priorities and, (5) strengthen the development and implementation of specific approaches to achieve environmental justice. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
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.
To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!
DOE Seeking Partners to Expand Access to Community Solar
Registration is open to join the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP), a coalition of stakeholders working to expand access to affordable community solar to every American household by 2025. NCSP plans to accomplish this goal through a network infrastructure, technical assistance, and collaboration. Through this partnership, DOE will work to equip partners with the tools and information needed to design and implement successful community solar models. To learn more about and join NCSP, email community.solar@ee.doe.gov. View slides from the recent NCSP webinar on energy.gov and learn about upcoming webinars at the NSCP website.
DOE GFO Solar Energy Technologies Office Fiscal Year 2020 Funding Program – $125.5 million
Applications Due: May 21, 2020
Eligible Entities: unrestricted
This funding opportunity is being issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). SETO supports solar energy research and development (R&D) in three technology areas—photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP), and systems integration—with the goal of improving the affordability, reliability, and performance of solar technologies on the grid. This section describes the overall goals of the Solar Energy Technologies Office Fiscal Year 2020 (SETO 2020) funding program and the types of projects being solicited for funding support through this FOA.
The SETO 2020 funding program seeks to advance R&D of solar technologies that reduce the cost of solar, increase the competitiveness of American manufacturing and businesses, and improve the reliability of the grid. These projects will advance R&D in PV, CSP, and energy management technologies, while also working to improve cyber security, expand solar to new applications like agricultural solar, integrate solar and storage, and utilize artificial intelligence to address research challenges. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOE BIA Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development: National Tribal Broadband Grant (NTBG) – $1.2 million
Applications Due: June 15, 2020
Eligible Entities: county governments, state governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Native American tribal governments (federally recognized and other than federally recognized)
The Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED), Office of the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs is soliciting proposals from Indian Tribes, as defined at 25 U.S.C. § 5304(e), for grant funding to hire consultants to perform feasibility studies for deployment or expansion of high-speed internet (broadband) transmitted, variously, through digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modem, fiber, wireless, satellite and broadband over power lines (BPL).
TBG grants may be used to fund an assessment of the current broadband services, if any, that are available to an applicant’s community; an engineering assessment of new or expanded broadband services; an estimate of the cost of building or expanding a broadband network; a determination of the transmission medium(s) that will be employed; identification of potential funding and/or financing for the network; and consideration of financial and practical risks associated with developing a broadband network. 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. The intended results of the 50% cost-shared projects selected under this FOA are to reduce or stabilize energy costs and increase energy security and resiliency for Indian Tribes and tribal members. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOE GFO Educational Materials for Professional Organizations Working on Efficiency and Renewable Energy Developments (EMPOWERED) – $4.5 million
Applications Due: July 8, 2020
Eligible Entities: county governments, state governments, city or township governments, special district governments, native american tribal organizations
(EMPOWERED) funding program is a collaborative effort across EERE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), and Building Technologies Office (BTO), to provide professionals with educational materials and training resources in fields newly interacting with distributed energy resources (DER). In this program, DER includes distributed solar, like on homes and businesses, as well as efficient building technologies and sustainable transportation technologies, such as electric vehicles. The goal of this program is to create resources that will help those on the front lines of DER adoption—like first responders, safety officials, and building managers and owners keep up with these rapidly emerging and advancing technologies. These professionals are at the forefront of America’s energy transition and play a role in easing adoption, ensuring safety, and reducing installation costs. Because of this, the participating EERE offices see these professionals as key to enabling understanding and acceptance of new energy technologies. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOE BIA Offshore Wind Energy Atmospheric Science and Project Development – $20 million
Applications Due: July 9, 2020
Eligible Entities: unrestricted
The Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) is within the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). EERE advances America’s leadership in science and technology through early-stage research and development in sustainable transportation, renewable power, and energy efficiency. This FOA has Two Topic Areas:
Topic Area 1: The overall goal of this Topic Area is to provide funding for a project that will improve wind resource modeling and predictions in offshore wind energy development areas. Using lessons-learned and information gained during the previous program work in complex-terrain wind resource modeling and prediction, this Topic Area will focus on improving wind resource model physics for foundational wind forecasts and other applications in offshore wind energy development areas.
Topic Area 2: The overall goal of this Topic Area is to provide funding for a project(s) that will enable demonstration of a novel technology and/or methodology that will advance the state-of-the-art of offshore wind energy in the United States. The proposed project must either implement an innovative technology at engineering/pilot or full-scale, and/or employ a novel methodology that has yet to be utilized commercially in the United States for offshore wind.
For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
Join NCAI’s Climate Action email listserv here!
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To view and/or receive ITEP’s Climate Change newsletter, click here!
The Federal Highway Administration FHWA is making $250,000 available for up to 5 proposals for testing new RLINE source types in AERMOD. While the recipient must be a state DOT, state DOTs could partner with another agency on a proposal, such as a tribal air quality agency. The FHWA is soliciting proposals from State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), to test two new source types: RLINE and RLINEXT in AERMOD, an air pollution dispersion model, using real or hypothetical project examples and input data, and to create case studies.
Agencies interested in participating in this effort are asked to submit a proposal to Victoria Martinez (Victoria.Martinez@dot.gov) and Cecilia Ho (Cecilia.Ho@dot.gov) with FHWA’s Office of Natural Environment and copy their respective FHWA Division Office by July 13, 2020. An informational webinar for potential applicants will be held on June 2, 2020 at 1:00 ET. To attend, please visit https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/newsourcetypetesting/.
EPA OAR 2020 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Tribal Grants – $2 million
Applications Due: July 9, 2020
Eligible Entities: Tribal governments (or intertribal consortia) and Alaska Native Villages, which have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality.
EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced by diesel engines and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets located in areas designated as having poor air quality. DERA grants provide funding to eligible recipients so that they may implement programs which incentivize and accelerate the upgrading or retirement of the legacy diesel fleet. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description. Here are several helpful links as well:
EPA Announces Cooperative Agreement to Support the National Tribal Toxics Council (NTTC)
Applications due June 15, 2020
The EPA is seeking applications from federally-recognized tribes, Native American organizations, and non-government organizations to provide technical support for the National Tribal Toxics Council (NTTC). The NTTC works collaboratively with EPA to represent tribal interests in the development and implementation of chemical risk assessment, risk management, and pollution prevention programs.
EPA anticipates awarding one cooperative agreement for approximately $800,000 over a five-year period that will focus on the following activities:
Applications are due by June 15, 2020. Additional information is available on www.grants.gov, under Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-003.
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.
NY Times – In a First, Renewable Energy Is Poised to Eclipse Coal in U.S.
The Coal Creek Station in North Dakota, which will close by 2022. Photo credit: Brandon Thibodeaux for The New York Times
The NTAA Submitted Comments on EPA’s Transparency in Science SNPRM
The NTAA submitted a comment letter on EPA’s Transparency in Science supplemental proposal on May 18, 2020. You can view the letter here, as well as access all of NTAA’s Policy Resource Kits here. Also, the following article highlights other responses to this proposal: Inside Climate News – EPA’s ‘Secret Science’ Rule Meets with an Outpouring of Protest on Last Day for Public Comment
NPR – Traffic Is Way Down Because Of Lockdown, But Air Pollution? Not So Much
The Hill – EPA effort to limit guidance could undermine past administration policy
The Hill – Trump orders agencies to cut regulations that ‘inhibit economic recovery’
Reuters – In Brief: 9th Circuit won’t stay ruling canceling Keystone XL pipeline permit
PBS – Keystone pipeline project proceeds amidst COVID-19 pandemic
The Hill – House Democrats seek to codify environmental inequality mapping tool
Earther – ‘I’m Scared’: Study Links Cancer Alley Air Pollution to Higher Death Rates From Covid-19
Yes Magazine – What’s in a Social Justice Diet?
Washington Post – The Energy 202: Public hearings on Zoom have Native Americans worried they won’t be heard on oil projects
The Guardian – Canada: Wet’suwet’en sign historic deal to negotiate land rights
Reuters – Judge tosses CERCLA lawsuit against U.S. Steel over coke plant emissions
Heated – A deadly re-opening. The Grand Canyon is re-opening, apparently without informing visitors of the Navajo Nation’s strict lockdown.
Reuters – Court rules U.S. environment agency must protect states from upwind air pollution
National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update
Al Jazeera – A moment of reckoning – when coronavirus meets climate change
Reuters – Trump admin slaps solar, wind operators with retroactive rent bills
The Guardian – Coal industry will never recover after coronavirus pandemic, say experts
Wyoming Public Media – Employment, Revenue Threatened With “Multi-Year Low” Natural Gas Pricing
NY Times – Natural Gas Exports Slow as Pandemic Reduces Global Demand
Axios – The post-coronavirus greenhouse gas emissions bounce back
Mother Jones – There’s a Lot Less Pollution But Climate Change Is Still Getting Worse
Time – As the Rest of the World Plans a Green Recovery, America Is Once Again Falling Behind
Earther – Looming Landslide in Alaska Could Trigger Enormous Tsunami at Any Moment, Scientists Warn
NY Times – In the Shadows of America’s Smokestacks, Virus Is One More Deadly Risk
Washington Post – EPA staff warned that mileage rollbacks had flaws. Trump officials ignored them.
Bloomberg Law – California Sues EPA, Highway Agency Over Emissions Waiver
The Guardian – Is the Covid-19 crisis the catalyst for greening the world’s airlines?
E&E News – Justices reject renewable fuel standard, NEPA disputes
Bloomberg Law – Round-the-Clock Cremations Stoke Mercury Fears for Neighborhoods
Utility Dive – Energy storage poised to tackle grid challenges from rising EVs as mobile chargers bring new flexibility
NY Times – The Pandemic Will Permanently Change the Auto Industry
Grist – Will social distancing kill car-free culture?
Reuters – Exclusive: Tesla’s secret batteries aim to rework the math for electric cars and the grid
E&E News – EPA packs ‘economic relief’ for industry into stove rule
American Council on Science and Health – Air Pollution And COVID-19: Stay In Or Get Out?
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
Wildland Fire Community Engagement and Data Visualization Tools Webinar
Wednesday, May 20, 3-4pm ET. Register here.
This presentation will highlight two wildland fire smoke and health projects. Smoke Sense is a crowdsourcing, citizen science app which engages the public to broaden awareness of wildland fire smoke locally as well as health protective measures and behaviors. This presentation will share findings from the past two wildfire seasons including community engagement and data visualization tools. The Smoke Ready Communities project offers a model and framework to help communities improve their response. It supports collaboration and capacity building and also fosters preparedness and response to wildfire smoke episodes. This presentation will share a solutions-driven approach for helping reduce the public health burden of smoke intrusion at the community level. Participants will learn about how these projects can integrate a community capacity lens with resources specifically related to wildland fire smoke, air quality and health.
NEW! ELI’s Webinar Fighting Fire with Fire: Restoring Traditional Indigenous Practices for Ecological Stewardship
May 21, 12-130pm
Register and get more information here.
What are the opportunities for empowering tribes to collaborate with state, local, and federal stakeholders to return prescribed burning practices to indigenous communities? What legal and pragmatic obstacles remain? How can stakeholders address the challenges of collaborating across jurisdictions as well as limited funding and other resources? How can this serve as an opportunity to address historical injustices committed against indigenous peoples, and support tribes in regaining lost traditional ecological knowledge? Join the Environmental Law Institute and expert panelists as they explore these questions and more.
NEW! An International Indian Treaty Council Webinar: “Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Heath: Restoring and Defending Our Ways of Healing in the Time of COVID-19”
Friday, May 22, 2020, 9-10:30am PDT. Click here to find your time zone.
This webinar will share Indigenous Peoples’ initiatives to defend their Right to Health and restore their traditional healing systems during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. The voices of Indigenous elders and knowledge holders will be featured. For more information contact: communications@treatycouncil.org.
Public Hearings on the Proposed Rule: Review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter
EPA has published this proposal in the Federal Register, and the NTAA is developing a full Policy Resource Kit. The proposal states that no changes to the NAAQS for particulate matter will be taken at this time. The deadline to comment is June 29, 2020, and two virtual public hearings will be held on May 20 and May 21.
EPA Tools & Resources Webinar: EPA Expands Research on COVID-19 in the Environment
Wednesday, May 27, 2020; 2-3pm ET
EPA scientists are building on a foundation of world-class research by applying their knowledge to reduce the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This research will help states & territories, tribes, and local governments, including public health agencies guide homeowners, business owners, and others reduce the risk of exposure. This webinar will highlight research EPA is working on with CDC, including the following:
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, May 20, 2 pm ET |
Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. | Thursday, May 21, 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, May 28, 2pm ET |
Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. | Thursday, June 4, 2pm ET
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Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country. | Thursday, June 18, 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/ |
May 20 and 27, 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.
May 20, 2 PM (ET) – Tracking GHG Emissions in Portfolio Manager
This webinar will provide a closer look at tracking and reporting your GHG emissions using the EPA’s Portfolio Manager tool.
Attend this webinar if you’re interested in:
NEW! ITEP’s Tribal Resiliency Webinar Series Part 3 of 3: Programs to Support Tribal Mental Health and Cultural Resiliency
Thursday, May 21, 2020, 1-2:15pm PDT
May 21, 2 PM (ET) – Renewable Energy Options for Small Businesses and Congregations
Electricity use is often the single largest source of an organization’s emissions and air pollution footprint, not to mention being a significant expense. Making the simple choice to use renewable energy can offer environmental, economic and community benefits. On this webinar, you will learn about the various options available in the market to buy green power through retail purchase, self-generation and direct purchase from a renewable project. You will learn about how to align your desired energy and environmental outcomes to specific green power supply options. You will learn about the role of renewable energy certificates and how they can support your organization meeting its renewable energy and carbon footprint reduction goals. Speaker: James Critchfield, Program Manager, EPA Green Power Partnership
May 27, 1 PM (ET) – Tribal Energy Project Technology Options
The energy landscape continues to evolve rapidly. In many areas, costs continue to drop as technology improvements and other market drivers create greater opportunity for distributed generation. This webinar will provide an overview of several common energy technology options. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, the 2020 Tribal Energy Webinar Series will focus on how to accomplish specific tasks related to energy development on tribal lands. Presenters will provide instruction and sharing tools and resources.
May 28, 2 PM (ET) – Strategies for Setting Effective Energy Performance Goals
Are you aiming to set meaningful energy performance goals for your buildings? Join this webinar to hear from three ENERGY STAR partners how to use a technical approach to estimate the energy efficiency improvement potential of a building and set effective goals. Boston Properties will share how they used a scientific method for setting performance goals for targets to make them realistic and achievable. In addition, CommonWealth Partners will talk about how they provide guidance on tracking emissions through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager to all their properties and established science-based emissions targets. Finally, Hudson Pacific Properties will discuss how they setting performance goals and updating targets for their buildings, and how to incorporate carbon reduction goals into a program.
Speakers:
NEW! National Adaptation Forum Webinar: Meeting the Rural Resilience Imperative: Integrating Resilience into Rural Planning & Action
May 28, 2020, 2pm ET
Learn about the Resilient Rural America Project’s approach to integrate extreme weather resilience into local comprehensive planning through risk assessment and implementation of practical resilience strategies. The training mainstreams the Steps to Resilience into rural planning using selected resources from the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit, EcoAdapt, Geos Institute, and the Model Forest Policy Program. Webinar participants will gain greater understanding of the importance of rural resilience, the barriers rural communities face, and new ways to advance rural resilience strategies.
June 3, 2PM (ET) – Equity in Action: Heat Planning in Greater Phoenix
This 90 minute webcast will cover how The Nature Conservancy Arizona, Arizona State University, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, and other partners developed the Heat Action Planning Guide for Neighborhoods of Greater Phoenix. This team worked directly with community members using a participatory process to identify challenges and create community driven solutions to mitigate and adapt to future heat. Specific cooling solutions include revitalizing vacant lots with trees and vegetation, and increasing shade along transit routes and at bus stops. The process was designed to develop awareness, agency, and social cohesion in underserved communities.
Speakers:
Indigenous Peoples Climate Change Working Group Webinar Series
The Indigenous Peoples Climate Change Working Group (IPCCWG) would like to invite you to join us for a 4-part webinar series that will discuss the future generations of American Indian and Alaskan Native geoscience professionals, educators, and workforce. An in-person IPCCWG meeting will take place at the National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference. To register for the May 14 webinar, please click HERE. We also greatly appreciate you sharing within your networks. The webinar schedule is as follows:
If you have any questions regarding registration or anything else, please do not hesitate to reach out to Althea Walker at awalker@aihec.org or 480-258-3963.
Registration Is Now Open: National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference
August 31-September 3, 2020, St. Paul, Minnesota
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 before May 29, 2020, discussing climate-related impacts, assessments, tools, adaptation planning, mitigation and actions in one or more of the following tracks:
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.
Managing Road Dust webinar series
Webinar #1: Introduction to Managing Road Dust, May 28, 2020 at 10am (AKDT)
Road dust from unpaved roads is a major air quality concern in many tribal communities. Dust (also called Particulate Matter (PM)) has negative impacts on health, road safety and quality of life. This webinar is the first of a series of four webinars to help tribal environmental and transportation staff to manage road dust, resulting in improved air quality. Presenters from US Environmental Protection Agency, University of Alaska, Alaska Department Environmental Conservation, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals will provide information to help tribal environmental and transportation staff create community partnerships to:
Participants will also be introduced to a variety of online resources to help with planning for road dust management. Training Certificates will be available for everyone who completes all 4 webinars. Webinar recordings will be available to anyone registered for the webinars.
Contact Mansel.Nelson@nau.edu with questions.
Tribal Consultation Period Extended for EPA’s Draft Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country
Extended through August 3, 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) – Office of Pesticide Programs is provide notice to federally-recognized tribes that EPA’s Tribal Consultation on the Draft EPA Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country is extended through August 3, 2020 to accommodate a recent tribal request. The timeline for the consultation and consultation period will extend from February 10–August 3, 2020. During this period, a third consultation session will be conducted. To participate, the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) invites you and/or your designee to join us during the following consultation session:
Conference Line: 866-299-3188; Code: 202-566-0603
Adobe Connect: https://epawebconferencing.acms.com/draftepaplan3
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.
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
The Washoe Tribe is hiring an Environmental Program Coordinator
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.
DOI OSM Science and Technology Projects Related to Coal Mining and Reclamation – $1.5 million
Applications Due: May 25, 2020
Eligible Entities: tribal governments, state governments
The United States Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is requesting Applied Science proposals for projects that develop and demonstrate improved science and technologies related to the mining of coal and the reclamation of the land after mining. Funded projects will help address important OSMRE issues related to implementation of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). Applicants may request funding up to $200,000. The award will be by cooperative agreement (or as an Interagency Agreement if another Federal Agency is involved). Each cooperative agreement will be for a period of time consistent with the proposal but not to exceed two years from date of award. Each cooperative agreement grantee may apply for and be granted non-funded extensions of time only as necessary to complete the project. OSMRE will only grant extensions if the delays are beyond the control of the Principle Investigator (PI). Included in this document are instructions for preparing the proposal including a list of eligible issues and a description of the proposal review process. OSMRE will only accept proposals that address the specific list of eligible issues. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
EPA Children’s Healthy Learning Environments Grant Initiative – $315 thousand
Applications Due: June 1, 2020
Eligible Entities: state or state agencies, local governments, city or township governments, county governments, and federally recognized tribes
The purpose of the Children’s Healthy Learning Environments Grant Initiative is to provide capacity building to address children’s environmental health in school and childcare settings. The Children’s Healthy Learning Environments Grant Initiative provides funding directly to organizations to support school- and/or childcare center-based capacity building projects that help school communities understand and address local environmental and public health issues that affect children. EPA anticipates awarding two grants of approximately $145,000 each for up to a two-year funding period. Grant applications should reflect multi-media and holistic approaches for reducing environmental exposures in schools and childcare settings through capacity building, trainings, and technical assistance. Proposals should also demonstrate a broad reach and collaborative problem-solving with appropriate partners. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOI BLM National Threatened and Endangered Species Funding Opportunity – $2 million
Application Due: June 01, 2020
Eligible Entities: City or township governments, State governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), special district governments, County governments
This funding opportunity is to work with partner organizations at a national level to assist with the conservation of various species, to include federally-listed, candidate and Bureau sensitive species across state boundaries. Conservation includes, but is not limited to, gaining knowledge about species and their habitats, providing for protection or management of species and their habitats, augmenting species, restoring, and enhancing rare species habitat. This program is in support of creating a conservation stewardship legacy second to only Teddy Roosevelt by providing an opportunity to strengthen state and local partnerships, implement priority species and habitat monitoring, support restoration activities that enhance habitat connectivity and resiliency, and enhances opportunities for volunteer service and youth engagement on public lands. 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.
Two New Funding Opportunities Available Through Engagement Opportunities in NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project for American Indian and Alaska Native STEM Engagement – NASA MAIANSE
This National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Research Announcement (NRA), entitled Engagement Opportunities in NASA STEM (EONS) – 2020, solicits proposals for competitive funding opportunities in support of the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) administered by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. EONS 2020 is an omnibus announcement that includes a wide range of NASA science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Engagement opportunities for basic and applied science and technology research and education. Specific opportunities will be issued periodically throughout the year as Appendices to this solicitation with individual requirements and milestones. For more information regarding the following opportunities and scheduled information sessions, please visit the ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN NASA STEM (EONS-2020) page on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) website and click on ‘List of Open Program Elements’.
First Funding Opportunity: APPENDIX I: MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) Planning Grant
Proposals due: June 15, 2020
In support of NASA’s Artemis program, the MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) activity is established, to strengthen and develop the research capacity and infrastructure of U.S. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in areas of strategic importance and value to NASA’s mission and national priorities. Overall, M-STAR awards act as planning grants with the goals of promoting literacy in STEM and enhancing the capability of institutions to participate in NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) opportunities. Awards are up to $40k for a maximum duration of four months. For general inquiries, contact: NASAMSTAR@nasaprs.com.
Second Funding Opportunity: APPENDIX J: NASA MUREP INCLUDES Planning Grant
Proposals due: June 15, 2020
In response to the Federal STEM Education Strategic Plan, MUREP is working with the NSF to expand the NSF INCLUDES (Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discovers in Engineering and Science) National Network of partners. This NRA invites planning grant proposals to assist in the formulation and convening of MSI-led coalitions in support of broadening participation in engineering. This is a novel and strategic partnership initiative, enabling MSIs to assemble and lead coalitions comprised of multiple organizations, institutions and agencies. The planning grant enables applicants to prepare for response to a full solicitation, tentatively scheduled to be released in Fall 2020. Awards are up to $50k for a maximum duration of four months. For general inquiries, contact: NASAMUREP-INCLUDES@nasaprs.com.
NEW! EPA State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement Program (SEJCA) / COVID-19 Projects – $1 million
Applications Due: June 30, 2020
Eligible Entities: state governments, local governments, tribal governments
The purpose of this cooperative agreement program is to support and/or create model state activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health results in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks. These models should leverage or utilize existing resources or assets of state agencies to develop key tools and processes that integrate environmental justice considerations into state governments and government programs. The SEJCA program goals are to (1) achieve measurable and meaningful environmental and/or public health results in communities; (2) build broad and robust, results-oriented partnerships, particularly with community organizations within disproportionately impacted areas; (3) pilot activities in specific communities that create models, which can be expanded or replicated in other geographic areas; (4) reinforce connections to EPA regional EJ activities and priorities and, (5) strengthen the development and implementation of specific approaches to achieve environmental justice. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
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.
To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!
NEW! DOE Seeking Partners to Expand Access to Community Solar
Registration is open to join the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP), a coalition of stakeholders working to expand access to affordable community solar to every American household by 2025. NCSP plans to accomplish this goal through a network infrastructure, technical assistance, and collaboration. Through this partnership, DOE will work to equip partners with the tools and information needed to design and implement successful community solar models. To learn more about and join NCSP, email community.solar@ee.doe.gov. View slides from the recent NCSP webinar on energy.gov and learn about upcoming webinars at the NSCP website.
DOE GFO Solar Energy Technologies Office Fiscal Year 2020 Funding Program – $125.5 million
Applications Due: May 21, 2020
Eligible Entities: unrestricted
This funding opportunity is being issued by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO). SETO supports solar energy research and development (R&D) in three technology areas—photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP), and systems integration—with the goal of improving the affordability, reliability, and performance of solar technologies on the grid. This section describes the overall goals of the Solar Energy Technologies Office Fiscal Year 2020 (SETO 2020) funding program and the types of projects being solicited for funding support through this FOA.
The SETO 2020 funding program seeks to advance R&D of solar technologies that reduce the cost of solar, increase the competitiveness of American manufacturing and businesses, and improve the reliability of the grid. These projects will advance R&D in PV, CSP, and energy management technologies, while also working to improve cyber security, expand solar to new applications like agricultural solar, integrate solar and storage, and utilize artificial intelligence to address research challenges. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
NEW! Climate Adaptation Leadership Awards for Natural Resources Nominations Deadline Extended!
Deadline extended to Friday, May 22, 2020
Click here to access the nomination form!
The Climate Adaptation Leadership Awards for Natural Resources is seeking nominations for 2020! The Award recognizes the outstanding and exemplary leadership by individuals, agencies, businesses, students, and youth to reduce effects and advance adaptation of the Nation’s vital natural resources in a changing world.
DOE BIA Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development: National Tribal Broadband Grant (NTBG) – $1.2 million
Applications Due: June 15, 2020
Eligible Entities: county governments, state governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Native American tribal governments (federally recognized and other than federally recognized)
The Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED), Office of the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs is soliciting proposals from Indian Tribes, as defined at 25 U.S.C. § 5304(e), for grant funding to hire consultants to perform feasibility studies for deployment or expansion of high-speed internet (broadband) transmitted, variously, through digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modem, fiber, wireless, satellite and broadband over power lines (BPL).
TBG grants may be used to fund an assessment of the current broadband services, if any, that are available to an applicant’s community; an engineering assessment of new or expanded broadband services; an estimate of the cost of building or expanding a broadband network; a determination of the transmission medium(s) that will be employed; identification of potential funding and/or financing for the network; and consideration of financial and practical risks associated with developing a broadband network. 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. The intended results of the 50% cost-shared projects selected under this FOA are to reduce or stabilize energy costs and increase energy security and resiliency for Indian Tribes and tribal members. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
NEW! DOE GFO Educational Materials for Professional Organizations Working on Efficiency and Renewable Energy Developments (EMPOWERED) – $4.5 million
Applications Due: July 8, 2020
Eligible Entities: county governments, state governments, city or township governments, special district governments, native american tribal organizations
(EMPOWERED) funding program is a collaborative effort across EERE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), and Building Technologies Office (BTO), to provide professionals with educational materials and training resources in fields newly interacting with distributed energy resources (DER). In this program, DER includes distributed solar, like on homes and businesses, as well as efficient building technologies and sustainable transportation technologies, such as electric vehicles. The goal of this program is to create resources that will help those on the front lines of DER adoption—like first responders, safety officials, and building managers and owners keep up with these rapidly emerging and advancing technologies. These professionals are at the forefront of America’s energy transition and play a role in easing adoption, ensuring safety, and reducing installation costs. Because of this, the participating EERE offices see these professionals as key to enabling understanding and acceptance of new energy technologies. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOE BIA Offshore Wind Energy Atmospheric Science and Project Development – $20 million
Applications Due: July 9, 2020
Eligible Entities: unrestricted
The Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) is within the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). EERE advances America’s leadership in science and technology through early-stage research and development in sustainable transportation, renewable power, and energy efficiency. This FOA has Two Topic Areas:
Topic Area 1: The overall goal of this Topic Area is to provide funding for a project that will improve wind resource modeling and predictions in offshore wind energy development areas. Using lessons-learned and information gained during the previous program work in complex-terrain wind resource modeling and prediction, this Topic Area will focus on improving wind resource model physics for foundational wind forecasts and other applications in offshore wind energy development areas.
Topic Area 2: The overall goal of this Topic Area is to provide funding for a project(s) that will enable demonstration of a novel technology and/or methodology that will advance the state-of-the-art of offshore wind energy in the United States. The proposed project must either implement an innovative technology at engineering/pilot or full-scale, and/or employ a novel methodology that has yet to be utilized commercially in the United States for offshore wind.
For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
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The Federal Highway Administration FHWA is making $250,000 available for up to 5 proposals for testing new RLINE source types in AERMOD. While the recipient must be a state DOT, state DOTs could partner with another agency on a proposal, such as a tribal air quality agency. The FHWA is soliciting proposals from State Departments of Transportation (DOTs), to test two new source types: RLINE and RLINEXT in AERMOD, an air pollution dispersion model, using real or hypothetical project examples and input data, and to create case studies.
Agencies interested in participating in this effort are asked to submit a proposal to Victoria Martinez (Victoria.Martinez@dot.gov) and Cecilia Ho (Cecilia.Ho@dot.gov) with FHWA’s Office of Natural Environment and copy their respective FHWA Division Office by July 13, 2020. An informational webinar for potential applicants will be held on June 2, 2020 at 1:00 ET. To attend, please visit https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/newsourcetypetesting/.
EPA OAR 2020 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Tribal Grants – $2 million
Applications Due: July 9, 2020
Eligible Entities: Tribal governments (or intertribal consortia) and Alaska Native Villages, which have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality.
EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced by diesel engines and diesel emissions exposure, particularly from fleets located in areas designated as having poor air quality. DERA grants provide funding to eligible recipients so that they may implement programs which incentivize and accelerate the upgrading or retirement of the legacy diesel fleet. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description. Here are several helpful links as well:
EPA Announces Cooperative Agreement to Support the National Tribal Toxics Council (NTTC)
Applications due June 15, 2020
The EPA is seeking applications from federally-recognized tribes, Native American organizations, and non-government organizations to provide technical support for the National Tribal Toxics Council (NTTC). The NTTC works collaboratively with EPA to represent tribal interests in the development and implementation of chemical risk assessment, risk management, and pollution prevention programs.
EPA anticipates awarding one cooperative agreement for approximately $800,000 over a five-year period that will focus on the following activities:
Applications are due by June 15, 2020. Additional information is available on www.grants.gov, under Funding Opportunity Announcement EPA-HQ-OPPT-2020-003.
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.
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.