PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of May 11-15, 2020
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
BBC – Mark Carney: ‘We can’t self-isolate from climate change’
Source: Ipsos MORI
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of May 11-15, 2020
TOP STORIES
NTAA Publishes a Fact Sheet on EPA’s Proposed Updates to the NAAQS for Particulate Matter
EPA is proposing to retain the NAAQS for particulate matter without changes. The NTAA is developing a full Policy Resource Kit (PRK), including a Fact Sheet, Tribal Template Letter, Informational Webinar, and Comment Letter to help your Tribe in responding to this proposal. The deadline to comment is June 29, 2020. The EPA will be holding public hearings on May 20 and May 21. The Fact Sheet can be found here and stay tuned for the rest of the PRK!
HEADLINES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
Grist – EPA settlements are supposed to hold polluters accountable. Will coronavirus get them off the hook?
New York Times Op-ed – A Life on and Off the Navajo Nation: The reservation has some of the most coronavirus cases per capita in the country.
E&E News – Tensions flare over sluggish EPA revamp of cost-benefit rule
E&E News – Agency leans on 1870s ‘housekeeping’ law to block science
E&E News – Tribes seek delay in Trump’s Tongass rule
Grist – ‘Get the hell off’: The indigenous fight to stop a uranium mine in the Black Hills
Washington Post – The Energy 202: A Harvard study tying coronavirus death rates to pollution is causing an uproar in Washington
Wisconsin Public Radio – Tracking Coronavirus Impacts On Air Quality
EPA – North Dakota Tribes receive $810,000 to cleanup and revitalize properties
EPA – Northern Cheyenne Tribe receives $364,500 to cleanup and revitalize properties
E&E News – Watchdog to study coronavirus’ impacts on EPA
E&E News – Coal: Meet America’s 10 largest emitters
NY Times – The Trump Administration Is Reversing Nearly 100 Environmental Rules. Here’s the Full List.
Editor’s note: The “Air pollution and emissions” category tops the list in the number of both completed and total rollbacks.
NY Times – Tribal Nations Face Most Severe Crisis in Decades as the Coronavirus Closes Casinos
National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
Reuters – States ask Trump administration to pay laid off oil workers to plug abandoned wells
Axios – Too hot to handle
Reuters – Life-threatening extreme heat set to trap millions indoors by 2060
E&E News – Gas peakers to renewable storage: The next climate fight?
Native Sun News Today – Pipeline loses permit, but construction continues
NY Times – Will the Coronavirus Crisis Trump the Climate Crisis?
CarbonBrief – Leading economists: Green coronavirus recovery also better for economy
CarbonBrief – Analysis: What impact will the coronavirus pandemic have on atmospheric CO2?
Utility Dive – Trump’s security order could have ‘chilling effect,’ slow smart grid deployment, experts say
Bloomberg Green – Covid Crisis Will Be Overshadowed by Climate Threat, Engie Says
The New Republic – There Are Green Jobs Hiding in the Oilfields
Toxics/Mobile Sources
E&E News – Lack of rail limits U.S. ability to lower airline emissions
Reuters – U.S. pipeline regulator strikes down Washington state’s crude-by-rail safety limits
Gizmodo – The EPA Introduced the First-Ever US Airplane Carbon Regulations
Bloomberg – The Car Is Staging a Recovery, Spurring Oil’s Recovery
E&E News – Car Rules: Green group threatens to sue EPA for withholding docs
NY Times – New Breed of Pickups Mixes Horsepower and Battery Power
C&EN – CFC replacements are a source of persistent organic pollution in the Artic
CNBC – Goldman Sachs warns jet fuel demand may never fully recover from the crisis
Indoor Air Quality
Safety and Health Magazine – COVID-19 pandemic: EPA, CDC team on guidance for keeping workplaces clean when reopening
Middletown Transcript – Carper asks if EPA plans to reverse decision stopping sale of residential wood heaters
Vox – Gas stoves can generate unsafe levels of indoor air pollution
Bloomberg – California Wants to See How Cooking With Gas Affects Indoor Air
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of May 11-15, 2020
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
The Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association’s Stoves to Homes Initiative’s Donation Program of Remaining Step 1 Wood Heaters and Parts for Tax Deduction is now open until this Friday, May 15, 2020. HPBA reached out to and received official word from EPA that a simple donation program could be set up with qualifying non-profit organizations. These approved non-profit organizations will manage the ownership and distribution of the stoves to identified homeowners who are supported by the organization.
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.
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:
- Environmental Cleanup and Disinfection
- Wastewater Virus Detection
- Salivary Antibody Assay Development
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/ | |||
Climate Change / Energy
May 13, 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 13, 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! Part 2 of ITEP’s Three-Part Cultural Resiliency Webinar Series: Indigenous Framework Approach as a Tool for Cultural Resiliency
Thursday, May 14, 1-2:15pm PT
Click for more info and to register!
NEW! 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:
- May 14 1pm PT/3pm CT/4pm ET – featured speakers include Dr. Daniel Wildcat – Haskell Indian Nations University, Paulette Blanchard – University of Kansas, and Shereena Baker – University of New Mexico
- June 11 1pm PT/3pm CT/4pm ET
- July 16 1pm PT/3pm CT/4pm ET
- August 13 1pm PT/3pm CT/4pm ET
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.
May 14, 2 PM (ET) – Using ENERGY STAR Recognition in Strategic Energy Management Programs
Helping facilities earn recognition for energy performance can be an effective way to demonstrate the value of Strategic Energy Management (SEM) and build support energy management broadly. ENERGY STAR offers several different recognition opportunities for industrial facilities through the Challenge for Industry and the Find the Treasure Campaign that SEM programs can leverage. Join to learn more about these and other SEM resources.
May 15, 2 PM (ET) – Decarbonizing Electricity: The Critical Role of Firm Low-Carbon Resources
Wind, solar, and batteries will be star players in a 100% carbon-free electricity sector. But reaching zero emissions cost-effectively requires completing the low-carbon team with one or more “firm” low-carbon resources. This webinar will summarize research on deep decarbonization of the electricity sector and the portfolio of solutions needed to reach this key goal at an affordable cost. At the conclusion of a presentation by Jesse Jenkins of Princeton University, there will be opportunity for audience questions.
Presenter: Jesse Jenkins, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy & Environment, Princeton University
May 19, 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.
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:
- Understanding the Portfolio Manager GHG emissions inventory
- Learning how to track emissions benefits from green power use in Portfolio Manager
- How to use Portfolio Manager’s reporting functionality to track GHG emissions for the properties in your portfolio
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:
- Ben Myers, Director, Sustainability, Boston Properties
- Jessica Loeper, Director of Sustainability, CommonWealth Partners
- James Soutter, Vice President, Engineering, Hudson Pacific Properties
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:
- Victoria Ludwig, U.S. EPA Heat Island Reduction Program
- Melissa Guardaro, Arizona State University
- David Crummey, Retail, Arts, Innovation & Livability Mesa
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:
- Indigenous Knowledges
- Air, Health & Well-Being
- Land
- Water
- Relocation
- Infrastructure
- Energy Systems
- Food Sovereignty
- Ecosystems and Biodiversity
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.
Toxics/Mobile Sources
NEW! 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:
- Assess current roads.
- Develop community education messages leading to behavioral changes.
- Develop plans to improve road design.
- Consider appropriate use of dust suppressants
- Continue with air quality assessments.
- Create a dust management plan.
- Identify potential funding sources.
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.
- Webinar #1 – Introduction to Managing Road Dust
- Webinar #2 – Introduction to Dust Suppressants (palliatives)
- Webinar #3 – Engaging Community Leaders in Road Dust Management
- Webinar #4 – Case Studies on Road Dust Management
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:
- Session 3: Wednesday, July 15th from 12:00pm-2:00pm ET
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.
NEW! Strategies to Reopen Tribal Casinos 100% Smokefree webinar
Friday, May 15, 2020, 11am-12pm MST
The National Native Network, the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, Black Hills Center for American Indian Health, and the Southwest Navajo Tobacco Education Prevention Project have partnered to present a webinar titled: Strategies to Reopen Tribal Casinos Smokefree There will not be any CEUs offered for this event. There will be an intriguing and informative lineup of speakers from multiple industries that will all be contributing to the conversation around the need for Tribal gaming to implement 100% smokefree environments.
Indoor Air Quality
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of May 11-15, 2020
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
NEW! The Washoe Tribe is hiring an Environmental Program Coordinator
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
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:
- Purchase of essential provisions: food, water, medication, diapers, cleaning supplies, pet food, etc.
- Support with transportation for essential needs and provisions, such as medical appointments and clinic/hospital visits, medication, groceries etc. This includes deliveries, gas money, local transport and getting a ride from your relatives, so long as everyone is practicing precautionary measures to avoid transmission of the virus. In some situations, this can also support getting/leaving home from long distances to care for family members as long as all legal guidelines around travel restrictions are recognized and “Stay in Place” mandates, curfews, etc. are observed.
- Home business slowdowns in sales and other cash flow difficulties (maybe your supplier is shut down, or a big order for an event is canceled). For this support “home business” is referring to things like quilting, regalia making, bead and quillwork, moccasin making, basket making, pottery, silversmithing, etc.
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.
NEW webinar for this grant:
On May 14, 2020 from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm EDT, EPA is hosting an informational webinar to provide an overview of the FY 2020 Children’s Healthy Learning Environments grant initiative and the request for application (RFA) process. There will be time after the presentation for questions and answers.
To register for the webinar, please visit: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3313549121337157899.
Following the webinar, the slides and a FAQ document will be posted at: https://www.epa.gov/children.
For more information on the webinar, please contact: Becky Cook-Shyovitz at cook-shyovitz.becky@epa.gov.
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.
If you are interested please attend the pre-proposal webinar Wednesday April 22, 2020.
Pre-proposal Webinar for the EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES IN NASA STEM 2020 MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) Planning Grant
Wednesday, April 22, 2020, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Eastern Time
The MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) Planning Grant Pre-proposal webinar will give an in-depth overview of the opportunity. During the session, information regarding proposal preparation, guidelines and requirements will be provided. For complete information regarding this NASA opportunity, go to the M-STAR solicitation page in NSPIRES. You must be registered to participate in the webinar, and pre-registration is available now.
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.
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!
Climate Change/Energy
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 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:
- Install energy generating systems and energy efficiency measures for tribal buildings;
- Deploy community-scale energy generating systems or energy storage on tribal lands;
- Install integrated energy systems for autonomous operation (independent of the traditional centralized electric power grid) to power a single facility or multiple essential tribal facilities during emergency situations or for tribal community resilience; or
- Deploy energy infrastructure or integrated energy systems to electrify tribal buildings.
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.
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.
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.
Join NCAI’s Climate Action email listserv here!
Sign up for the Alliance for Green Heat’s newsletter!
To view and/or receive ITEP’s Climate Change newsletter, click here!
Toxics/Mobile Sources
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:
- 2020 Request for Applications
- Important Dates
- Supporting Information for RFA
- Questions and Answers
- Eligible Applicants and Uses of Funding
- Grant Process
- Tool and Resources for Applicants
- Reporting Templates for Grantees
NEW! 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:
- Assist federally-recognized tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and intertribal organizations in selecting and maintaining a geographically diverse membership with a diversity of relevant and technical expertise in the NTTC;
- Assist the NTTC in maintaining a viable charter that covers activities eligible for EPA funding and fulfilling the objectives of that charter; and
- Provide professional and technical support to the NTTC to conduct its meetings and other 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.
Indoor Air Quality
NEW! Resource for Healthy Indoor Air Quality
Check out the website https://forhealth.org/ for many resources related to healthy homes and indoor air quality!
The Tribal Healthy Homes Network (THHN) has a webpage dedicated to Funding Opportunities! Additionally, THHN has developed a Funding Guide for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities.
Most Recent Listing: EPA Rules from the Federal Register can be found here.
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PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of May 4-8, 2020
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
NPR – Greenhouse Gas Emissions Predicted To Fall Nearly 8% – Largest Decrease Ever
The San Gabriel Mountains are seen under a clear sky beyond downtown Los Angeles. Air quality in the U.S. and elsewhere has been improved by reduced traffic from coronavirus restrictions and weeks of rainstorms. Photo credit: David McNew/Getty Images
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of May 4-8, 2020
TOP STORIES
COVID-19 Economic Impact Check Information
The IRS has developed this webpage to help ensure everyone who is eligible receives their economic impact payment.
It’s Air Quality Awareness Week!
Stay tuned here for more information.
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):
- Monday – Wildfires & Smoke
- Tuesday – Asthma & Your Health
- Wednesday – Where’s Your AQI Coming From?
- Thursday – Air Quality Around the World
- Friday – Shout-out of state and local events
U.S. EPA would also 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.
Flexibility with GAP Awards during Coronavirus
EPA’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Grant Issues in Response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency is available here and addresses generally applicable policies and practices. These FAQs address a broad number of issues, including grant procedures, allowable costs, disruption of services, procurement, and extensions, among other topics. Each individual work plan and award situation may be different based on your tribe’s unique situation and tribal personnel policies. We encourage you to work closely with your project officer to address your specific questions. You can also subscribe to the EPA Grants Listserv so that you may receive updates on information as it becomes available. Generally, EPA is working to provide the maximum flexibility permitted by law to continue financial assistance support to tribes and other grant recipients. For GAP recipients, this means:
- You may continue to conduct your GAP work plan activities while teleworking. If your current work plan activities are not suitable for telework, you may work with your project officer to re-negotiate some or portions of your work plan,
- You may request an extension of your project period, and
- If in the 4th year of a stand-alone GAP award (the regulatory limit), AIEO is requesting a one-time waiver so that impacted GAP awards may be extended into a 5th
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.
HEADLINES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
EPA – EPA Provides Grant Funding to Support Environmental Justice Communities Impacted by COVID-19
E&E News – Tribes: Pandemic relief starts flowing
NBC News – 173 years, $170: Why Irish people are donating to help Native Americans hit by coronavirus
Editor’s note: the NTAA has developed a Policy Resource Kit in response to this SNPRM, and will be submitting a comment letter opposing the proposal on May 18.
Alliance for Green Heat – EPA amending wood heater deadline to address pandemic sales slump
AU News – Ozone layer: Largest ever tear over the Arctic has closed
EPA – EPA, CDC Release Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Spaces Where Americans Live, Work, and Play
Indian Country Today – Virtual meetings set for drilling plan near Chaco national park
Indian Country Today – Pressure mounts as tribes seek more time on drilling plan
National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
AP – Judge cancels hundreds of oil, gas leases in Montana
Bloomberg – TC Energy Says Montana Ruling Could Delay Keystone XL by a Year
AP – Takeaways from renewable energy’s struggles amid pandemic
NBC – Cheap oil? A pandemic? No big deal for renewable energy, experts say
Indian Country Today – Virus darkens prospects for solar, wind projects
NY Times – Billions in Clean Energy Loans Go Unused as Coronavirus Ravages Economy
Reuters – Next risk? Coronavirus pandemic underscores climate health threats
Business Insider – How climate change could make infectious diseases even more difficult to combat in the future
E&E News – An Alaska glacier collapsed. Warming was the likely trigger
E&E News – Is gas really better than coal for the climate?
Yes! Magazine – Carbon Emissions Turned Back 10 Years
NY Times – Emissions Declines Will Set Records This Year. But It’s Not Good News.
CarbonBrief – IEA: Coronavirus impact on CO2 emissions six times larger than 2008 financial crisis
NY Times – The Business of Burps: Scientists Smell Profit in Cow Emissions
Toxics/Mobile Sources
Bloomberg – Single-Use Plastics Make a Comeback on Pandemic Fears
EPA – EPA Announces Cooperative Agreement to Support the National Tribal Toxics Council (NTTC)
Indoor Air Quality
Grist – Study: Gas-powered appliances may be hazardous for your health
Utility Dive – Elevating energy efficiency – At last!
YubaNet – How to Reduce Your Exposure to Indoor Air Pollution during COVID-19 Related Lockdowns: New Guide
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of May 4-8, 2020
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
NEW! Hopi Food Sovereignty through Farming and Coalitions
A webinar hosted by the Indigenous Foods Knowledges Network
Join us on Thursday, May 7th, 10 am AKDT/11 am PDT & AZT/12 pm MST/1 pm CDT 2 pm EDT to hear presentations by Terri Honani (Hopi and Tewa) and Dr. Michael Kotutwa Johnson (Hopi). Honani will present about the Natwani Coalition and how the non-profit organization’s initiatives help to preserve Hopi farming traditions, strengthen the local Hopi food system and develop innovative sustainable strategies to promote wellness through “itam naapyani” or “doing the work ourselves.” Dr. Johnson will be presenting about the resiliency of Hopi agriculture and how conservation programs can reinforce American Indian Identity and culture. Registration is required. Questions: Contact Mary Beth Jager- jager@arizona.edu or Noor Johnson- noor.johnson@colorado.edu.
Tribal Lands and Environment Forum (TLEF) is accepting proposals for TLEF: A Virtual Gathering
Deadline: May 8, 2020
As announced a few weeks ago, we will not be conducting an in-person Tribal Lands and Environment Forum this year due to the pandemic. However, we are offering a special TLEF: A Virtual Gathering that will take place this August! This series of events will feature live online events, on-demand prerecorded sessions, and virtual field trips, and we’re also designing opportunities to join online and live group discussions with mentors, presenters and colleagues.
We are now accepting proposals from you! Please check out the TLEF website at www.nau.edu/tlef and click on the Proposal tab for more information and the online submission form. And do note, the deadline is May 8.
These are very uncertain times, when many are facing not only serious health concerns but economic, social, and psychological challenges as well. And yet we all find strength in working with one another. Those of you who have been to past TLEFs know how powerful and inspiring it is to share stories – successes and challenges! – and rekindling our relationships. So we do look forward to seeing your proposals for case studies, virtual tours of your sites and facilities, strategies you’re using to protect your lands and communities. We’ll be sending out additional information over the next few weeks, but in the meantime be sure to visit www.nau.edu/tlef. We wish all of you peace and good health.
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.
NEW! NCAI’s Forum “COVID-19: Economic Impacts and Implications for Indian Country”
May 12, 1:00-2:15 p.m. ET
To register for the forum, please click here.
Part of NCAI’s ongoing COVID-19 Virtual Events series, this forum will document the data and other evidence emerging from Indian Country about the nature and gravity of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on tribal nations, and their necessary implications for tribal governmental action and federal funding support.
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.
Wildland Fire Community Engagement and Data Visualization Tools Webinar
Wednesday, May 20, 3-4pm ET
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! 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:
- Environmental Cleanup and Disinfection
- Wastewater Virus Detection
- Salivary Antibody Assay Development
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 6, 2 pm ET
This is also the deadline for submissions! |
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. | Thursday, May 7, 2pm 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 |
| 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/ | |||
Climate Change / Energy
NEW! May 6, 13, 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.
NEW! May 6, 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! May 7, 2 PM (ET) – Replacing Diesel in an Alaskan Community: Cordova’s New Battery Energy Storage System
Join this webinar with the Cordova Electric Cooperative to learn about its recently installed energy storage system. Cordova installed its 1MW/1MWh utility-scale lithium-ion system in June 2019 to allow the utility to harness more hydropower and reduce reliance on diesel fuel. In this webinar, Cordova Electric will describe how its evaluation, analysis, and modeling led to the installation of the battery. In addition, Cordova Electric will explain the battery’s main functions on its hydropower microgrid and detail the battery’s performance during a 2-day operation last November in which the coop was able to avoid spilling hydro generation capacity. Lastly, the panelists will cover battery operation and project financing.
NEW! May 13, 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! May 14, 2 PM (ET) – Using ENERGY STAR Recognition in Strategic Energy Management Programs
Helping facilities earn recognition for energy performance can be an effective way to demonstrate the value of Strategic Energy Management (SEM) and build support energy management broadly. ENERGY STAR offers several different recognition opportunities for industrial facilities through the Challenge for Industry and the Find the Treasure Campaign that SEM programs can leverage. Join to learn more about these and other SEM resources.
NEW! May 15, 2 PM (ET) – Decarbonizing Electricity: The Critical Role of Firm Low-Carbon Resources
Wind, solar, and batteries will be star players in a 100% carbon-free electricity sector. But reaching zero emissions cost-effectively requires completing the low-carbon team with one or more “firm” low-carbon resources. This webinar will summarize research on deep decarbonization of the electricity sector and the portfolio of solutions needed to reach this key goal at an affordable cost. At the conclusion of a presentation by Jesse Jenkins of Princeton University, there will be opportunity for audience questions.
Presenter: Jesse Jenkins, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and Andlinger Center for Energy & Environment, Princeton University
NEW! May 19, 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! 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:
- Understanding the Portfolio Manager GHG emissions inventory
- Learning how to track emissions benefits from green power use in Portfolio Manager
- How to use Portfolio Manager’s reporting functionality to track GHG emissions for the properties in your portfolio
NEW! 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
NEW! 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.
NEW! 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:
- Ben Myers, Director, Sustainability, Boston Properties
- Jessica Loeper, Director of Sustainability, CommonWealth Partners
- James Soutter, Vice President, Engineering, Hudson Pacific Properties
NEW! 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:
- Victoria Ludwig, U.S. EPA Heat Island Reduction Program
- Melissa Guardaro, Arizona State University
- David Crummey, Retail, Arts, Innovation & Livability Mesa
NEW! 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:
- Indigenous Knowledges
- Air, Health & Well-Being
- Land
- Water
- Relocation
- Infrastructure
- Energy Systems
- Food Sovereignty
- Ecosystems and Biodiversity
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.
Toxics/Mobile Sources
NEW! 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:
- Session 3: Wednesday, July 15th from 12:00pm-2:00pm ET
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.
Indoor Air Quality
NEW! Cleaning Schools to Control for Viruses and Bacteria: Maintaining Healthy Indoor Learning Environments
Save the Date: Thursday, May 7, 2020; 2:00-4:30pm EDT
Cleaning for health, using effective and efficient products, policies and practices, has always been the first line of defense for schools when it comes to controlling the spread of infectious disease and providing healthy, safe and productive indoor learning environments. This webinar is designed to help school district facilities and custodial staff put action plans in place to meet modern day environmental health challenges, while maintaining good indoor environmental quality, ensuring staff safety and protecting occupant health.
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of May 4-8, 2020
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
NEW! EPA is Hiring a Branch Chief of State and Local Energy and Environment Program
Closes May 12, 2020
Application and more information available on USAJOBS at at RTP-OAR-DE-2020-0027, and you can learn more about us on our webpage.
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
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:
- Purchase of essential provisions: food, water, medication, diapers, cleaning supplies, pet food, etc.
- Support with transportation for essential needs and provisions, such as medical appointments and clinic/hospital visits, medication, groceries etc. This includes deliveries, gas money, local transport and getting a ride from your relatives, so long as everyone is practicing precautionary measures to avoid transmission of the virus. In some situations, this can also support getting/leaving home from long distances to care for family members as long as all legal guidelines around travel restrictions are recognized and “Stay in Place” mandates, curfews, etc. are observed.
- Home business slowdowns in sales and other cash flow difficulties (maybe your supplier is shut down, or a big order for an event is canceled). For this support “home business” is referring to things like quilting, regalia making, bead and quillwork, moccasin making, basket making, pottery, silversmithing, etc.
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.
If you are interested please attend the pre-proposal webinar Wednesday April 22, 2020.
Pre-proposal Webinar for the EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES IN NASA STEM 2020 MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) Planning Grant
Wednesday, April 22, 2020, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Eastern Time
The MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) Planning Grant Pre-proposal webinar will give an in-depth overview of the opportunity. During the session, information regarding proposal preparation, guidelines and requirements will be provided. For complete information regarding this NASA opportunity, go to the M-STAR solicitation page in NSPIRES. You must be registered to participate in the webinar, and pre-registration is available now.
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.
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!
Climate Change/Energy
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Climate Leadership Program Applications are Open
Deadline to apply: May 8. Link to Application
350.org is launching a BIPOC Climate Leadership Program. The purpose of the program is to train BIPOC humans with an unapologetic climate justice and racial justice lens. Learn more about the program here. This is a free online + training program! Our main point of contact is out NY Organizer, Dominique Thomas: dominique.thomas@350.org, Phone: 917-693-8246.
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 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:
- Install energy generating systems and energy efficiency measures for tribal buildings;
- Deploy community-scale energy generating systems or energy storage on tribal lands;
- Install integrated energy systems for autonomous operation (independent of the traditional centralized electric power grid) to power a single facility or multiple essential tribal facilities during emergency situations or for tribal community resilience; or
- Deploy energy infrastructure or integrated energy systems to electrify tribal buildings.
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.
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.
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.
Join NCAI’s Climate Action email listserv here!
Sign up for the Alliance for Green Heat’s newsletter!
To view and/or receive ITEP’s Climate Change newsletter, click here!
Toxics/Mobile Sources
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:
- 2020 Request for Applications
- Important Dates
- Supporting Information for RFA
- Questions and Answers
- Eligible Applicants and Uses of Funding
- Grant Process
- Tool and Resources for Applicants
- Reporting Templates for Grantees
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.