PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD
Colorlines – Fracking and COVID-19 Threaten Navajo and Pueblo People in New Mexico
Chaco Canyon in New Mexico contains a significant amount of ancient Indigenous artifacts. Photo Credit: Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
NTAA Releases the 2020 Status of Tribal Air Report
The NTAA’s STAR is an annual publication intended to provide an understanding of the importance and impact of Tribal air programs. You can access the STAR on NTAA’s website here. To help readers navigate the nearly 150-page report, NTAA will be hosting a national webinar on Wednesday, June 24th at 11 am PT / 2 pm ET.
This webinar will provide an overview of the STAR, share the stories within the STAR, and provide the specific recommendations for national leadership to advance air quality on and around Tribal lands. All members of the public are welcome to join the webinar. Follow this link to register to the event.
*NTAA in the news** The Guardian—Wood heaters too dirty to sell are clean enough to give to tribes, says EPA
EPA—EPA Grants First-Ever Petition to Add to Hazardous Air Pollutants List Under Clean Air Act
EPA—Final Taconite Iron Ore Processing Risk and Technology Review
Yes! Magazine—“It’s About Terrorizing Us”: Environmental Racism Experts Draws Parallels With Police Brutality
Native News Online—Sunday COVID-19 Navajo Nation Update: 27 New Cases and One New Death
Native Sun News Today—Moldy PPE reportedly used at Oyate Health Center
The Hill Op-Ed – The EPA’s emissions rollbacks will be devastating for Americans’ health
EPA—EPA Provides Additional Funding to Help Reduce Excess Nutrients in the Gulf of Mexico Watershed
EPA—EPA Proposal Strengthens Regulations and Protects Children from Exposure to Lead-Contaminated Dust
National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update
US News—States See Uptick in Young Virus Patients
Yes! Magazine—How to Get Off Fossil Fuels Quickly and Fairly
The Hill – Ford aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
NPR—‘Like Poking a Beehive’: The Worrisome Link between Deforestation and Disease
ICCT—NOx and CO2 emissions from trucks: What trade-off?
The Herald Journal—Commercial building owners and managers focusing on ways to reduce the spread of workplace illness while maintaining energy efficiency
International Environmental Technology—How to Minimize Indoor Air Pollution During Lockdown
Forbes—5 Easy-To-Grow Houseplants That Improve Indoor Air Quality
NPR Interview—Amid Confusion About Reopening, An Expert Explains How to Assess COVID-19 Risk
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
New! Health Education & Communication in Indian Country: A Climate and Health Learning Community Event
Tuesday, June 23; 1-2pm ET
Please join National Indian Health Board (NIHB) for a Climate and Health Learning Community webinar: “Health Education and Communication in Indian Country.” This webinar will discuss best practices in conducting health education and communication activities in a Tribal setting; tools and resources that Tribal health professionals have used successfully; and how COVID-19 and other barriers can be overcome to ensure Tribal public health professionals can connect and engage with community members successfully.
NEW! Protecting Tribal Lands and Sacred Places: Current Threats Across Indian Country
Tuesday, June 23; 1-2:30pm EDT
Hosted by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). This Forum will share the stories of five tribal nations working to protect their tribal homelands in the face of baseless and arbitrary attacks by the federal government, and they will discuss how the federal government must recommit to its trust and treaty obligations to all tribal nations in this critical area.
Reminder: Friday, June 26, is the deadline to provide comments on the AirNow Sensor Pilot Map Layer
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have been reviewing those comments as we refine the sensor layer that we plan to pilot on the AirNow Fire and Smoke map later next month. To review the prototype layer and submit comments, please visit https://sensorpilot.app.cloud.gov/. Use the following username and password to access this site: Username: sensor, Password: pilot
If you have any questions, please email the AirNow team at sensordatapilot@epa.gov.
NEW! EPA Research on Environmental Cleanup and Disinfection of SARS-Cov2 Webinar
Tuesday, June 30; 1-2pm EDT
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 related to environmental cleanup and disinfection. More information about EPA Research on COVID-19 in the Environment.
ITEP 4-Part Webinar Series: Managing Road Dust
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 second 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. If you have any questions, contact Mansel.Nelson@nau.edu
Upcoming TBD
Upcoming TBD
EPA is now accepting applications for the 2020 Clean Air Excellence Awards The application guidelines and entry form can be found at here. EPA senior officials will present the awards at a celebration in late 2020 in Washington, DC (date to be determined).
Please help us spread the word by forwarding this information to other organizations and individuals who may be interested and encouraging good candidates to apply for these prestigious awards. Applications are due by July 31, 2020.
On June 5, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed an Information Collection Request (ICR) for ethylene oxide commercial sterilization facilities and is requesting public comment on the action. The data collected through the ICR, in combination with the December 2019 questionnaire that was sent to nine ethylene oxide sterilization companies, will enable EPA to have a better understanding of emissions, emissions sources, processes and control technologies in use at ethylene oxide sterilization facilities nationwide. EPA’s analysis of the ICR data will support the agency’s ongoing review of the Ethylene Oxide Commercial Sterilization and Fumigation Operations National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. EPA will accept comment on the proposed ICR for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. A pre-publication version of the proposed ICR is available here.
EPA finalized minor amendments to the 2004 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the Plywood and Composite Wood Products (PCWP) source category. The PCWP source category includes 230 facilities: 93 PCWP facilities, 121 lumber mills and 16 facilities that produce both PCWP and lumber. EPA identified acetaldehyde, acrolein, formaldehyde, methanol, phenol and propionaldehyde as the main pollutants emitted from this sector. Based on the results of required residual risk review, EPA determined that risks from the source category are acceptable. In addition, based on the results of the technology review, the agency identified no developments in practices, processes or control technologies that would further reduce emissions of air toxics from the emission units regulated under the PCWP NESHAP. EPA is finalizing no significant changes to the original NESHAP for this source category and concludes that the standards continue to provide an ample margin of safety to protect public health and the environment. A fact sheet and pre-publication version of the final rule are available here.
Tribal Grants Education and Technical Assistance Webinar Series Second Wednesday of Every Month at 1pm ET
For more information, click here!
APTI 423 is a three-day course intended for air quality scientists to give a better understanding of the AERMOD modeling system and how to appropriately set up and run the various components of the modeling system (e.g. AERMAP, AERMET, and AERMOD). The course will cover inputs, execution, analysis of outputs, and QA of inputs/outputs of the various system components. The course will focus on the EPA issued version of the AERMOD modeling system used by consultants, federal, state, and local air quality agencies. In addition to the instructor presentation and lecture, participants will have opportunities to apply their knowledge through modeling scenarios provided in the course materials. More information about APTI 423, as well as the direct link to the course materials, can be found here.
Updated APTI 474, Continuous Monitoring Systems (CMS)
3.5-Day Lecture Course: June 2020 thru May 2021
APTI 474 (a 3-and-a-half-day course) has been updated to provide a deeper dive into many of the key concepts covered under NACT 221 (a one-day classroom course). Brand new to APTI 474 is a day-long session covering performance specifications, quality assurance, and commonly used technologies for CMS. In addition to the instructor presentation and lecture, participants have opportunities to apply their knowledge through practical exercises, facilitated discussions, and knowledge check games. More information about APTI 474, as well as the direct link to the course materials, can be found here.
NTAA Upcoming Calls
The toll-free number is 1-800-309-2350. If you do not need to call toll free, or would like to help conserve NTAA funding, you can call 1-805-309-2350. Both numbers use code 928-523-0526#. Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.
| EPA Policy Call: Call in to hear updates from EPA on policies, actions, and tools relevant to Indian Country and Air Quality. | Thursday, June 25, 2pm ET |
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. | Thursday, July 3, 2pm ET
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| Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. | Thursday, July 16, 2pm ET |
| Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country.
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Thursday, August 20, 2pm ET
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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/ | |||
June 24, 1 PM (ET) – 2020 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: How to Select Energy Projects Register Here
After a tribal energy vision has been developed, the next step is to identify specific energy projects to pursue and how best to use your energy resources. Tribes often have many options to consider. This webinar will provide guidance on how to select energy projects that meet your energy vision.
June 25, 1 PM (ET) – Portfolio Manager 301 Register Here
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! Call for Community Engagement Workshop Participants and Papers for a Special Issue
Workshop Series: Winter/Spring 2021
This USDA NIFA funded and professionally facilitated Engagement Workshop Series will convene a multidisciplinary group of researchers, community stakeholders, practitioners, students, funders, and policy makers to discuss the design and impacts of stakeholder engagement to address socio-environmental problems in working landscapes. The workshop series includes virtual meetings in winter/spring 2021 and a two-day in-person workshop at Penn State University, US in June 2021. Intended outcomes include 1) a special issue of a journal on workshop themes, 2) a collaboratively defined and co-produced research agenda on the “science of engagement,” and 3) formation of a new collaborative research network. Among the questions to be addressed are: What risks does engagement entail and for whom? What challenges and risks are posed to indigenous and underrepresented communities through engagement? Which approaches effectively and equitably engage underrepresented stakeholders? Apply here to participate in the virtual meetings and/or to submit a paper. Funding is available for travel to the June 2021 conference on a competitive basis. More information available at the workshop website. Questions or a request for more information can be sent to Georgia Hart-Fredeluces at hartgeo2@isu.edu.
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. We also greatly appreciate you sharing within your networks. The webinar schedule is as follows:
If you have any questions regarding registration or anything else, please do not hesitate to reach out to Althea Walker at awalker@aihec.org or 480-258-3963.
South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center: Earth to Sky Workshop
Earth to Sky is a partnership between NASA, NPS, and USFWS that enables and encourages informal educators to access and use relevant NASA science, data, and educational and outreach products in their work. The partnership’s focus is on climate change science and communication. Join us for three days of training with native informal educators from across the South Central region who recognize the importance of teaching climate change. The workshop will take place July 15-17 in Sulphur, OK. Learn more here.
Save the Date: Southwest Tribal Climate Resilience Camp
Date: July 26-31, 2020
Location: Navajo Technical University – Crownpoint, NM
The Tribal Climate Resilience Camp will support teams of Tribal Leaders, climate change coordinators, planners, and program managers to build skills, gather information, and develop Tribal policies and plans needed for Tribal Nations to address climate change impacts. Information about travel, lodging, and registration will be available soon. You may contact Althea Walker, Tribal Climate Science Liaison, at AWalker@aihec.org or (480) 258-3963 with questions.
SEEKING TRIBAL DELEGATES
We are currently recruiting 10 Southwest Tribes to participate in the 2020 Camp. Each Tribe should identify three delegates per Tribe. The delegates must participate for the entire week curriculum. Delegates may include climate change staff, tribal policy leaders, Tribal Council, natural resource and environmental managers and staff, administrators, department staff from health, public works, education, housing, and other relevant departments that should engage in climate change planning. FOR APPLICATIONS Visit this link.
Save the Date: Shifting Seasons Summit 3, October 6-8, 2020, Keshena, WI
Contingency dates: March 2021
The Shifting Seasons Summit is a gathering that focuses on climate resilience planning and implementation within Tribes and across Tribal ceded territories in the Northeast Region. This summit will also include network-building opportunities and initiatives developed outside of the Northeast by capacity building organizations, academic institutions and Tribes. Visit www.NICRN.org for more details.
ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online! Learn more about the courses and register here.
NEW! Clean Cities Webinar Series—Part II: Fleet experiences Using Renewable Diesel, Biodiesel, and Blends
Wednesday, June 24; 10am PT
This two-part webinar series brings together experiences fleet managers and industry experts to show you how to green your fleet with renewable diesel (RD), biodiesel and blends. Learn how renewable diesel, biodiesel, and blends can: 1) reduce operating costs, 2) lower emissions, and 3) meet your fleet sustainability goals.
NEW! Disinfectant Safety during the COVID-19 pandemic
Wednesday, June 24; 11am PT / 2pm ET
In this webinar the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) will address common misconceptions and questions about disinfectant safety. We will also tour EPA’s online tool for products effective against COVID-19.
NEW! Safe Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfection in Child Care Facilities and Schools During the COVIS-19 Pandemic
Tuesday, June 30; 10am PDT / 1pm EST
Hosted by the Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE). Many products sold for cleaning and disinfecting pose health risks, especially for young children and pregnant workers. In this era of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are using more disinfectant products than previously to prevent the spread of the virus. During this webinar, Stephanie Holm, MD, Co-Director of the Western States PEHSU and Victoria Leonard, RN, FNP, PhD, head of the PEHSU’s Environmental Health in Early Care and Education Project, will address how to more safely choose and use cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting products and practices for child care facilities and schools in this time of COVID-19. The speakers will also describe the differences between these different activities and how to know where and how often each should be done. There will be ample time for Q&A.
Tribal Consultation Period Extended for EPA’s Draft Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country
Extended through August 3, 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) – Office of Pesticide Programs is provide notice to federally-recognized tribes that EPA’s Tribal Consultation on the Draft EPA Plan for the Federal Certification of Applicators of Restricted Use Pesticides within Indian Country is extended through August 3, 2020 to accommodate a recent tribal request. The timeline for the consultation and consultation period will extend from February 10–August 3, 2020. During this period, a third consultation session will be conducted. To participate, the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) invites you and/or your designee to join us during the following consultation session:
Conference Line: 866-299-3188; Code: 202-566-0603
Adobe Connect: https://epawebconferencing.acms.com/draftepaplan3
NEW! Federal Interagency Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ)
Thursday, June 25; 1pm EDT
CIAQ member agencies will provide updates on indoor environmental quality–related activities at their agencies, with the goal of enhancing opportunities for collaboration and coordination. Following these updates, invited presentations on topics of interest to the IAQ community include—
The agenda for the June meeting will be provided on the CIAQ website shortly.
If you have questions, a presentation topic or other suggestions that you would like considered for future meetings, please send them to burton.laureen@epa.gov.
Webinar Program for National Healthy Homes Month
National Healthy Homes Month (NHHM) is an annual outreach effort sponsored by HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (HUD/OLHCHH). Throughout June, OLHCHH, along with our partners, heighten awareness of health-related hazards in residences and other housing types, with recommended actions to address them. This year, our theme of Healthy Housing for All underlines how the healthy homes model impacts such a wide range of residents. The continuing impact of the COVID-19 virus greatly increases the need for awareness of, and actions around, many indoor environmental health concerns. You must register for each webinar you plan to attend. Registration is limited to the first 500 registrants, so please plan on registering early. The remaining webinars are:
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
NEW! Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission Vacancy Announcement
Title: Outreach Coordinator
Department: Division of Intergovernmental Affairs
Closing Date: August 7, 2020
Classification: 1 year, full-time (renewable dependent upon funding)
Salary Range: $32,805 – $36,564 (dependent on qualifications)
Submit a letter of interest with a writing sample and resume (including 3 references) to Leanne Thannum, Litigation Support Specialist: Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Chief Blackbird Center P.O. Box 9 72682 Maple Street Odanah, Wisconsin 54861 (715)682-6619 lthannum@glifwc.org
NEW! Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) COVID-19 Funding for Tribes
Applications due: June 30, 2020
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making $1 million in grant funding available to states, local governments, tribes, and territories for projects to improve the health and welfare of low income, minority, tribal and indigenous communities. EPA will give special consideration to those applications aimed at addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic communities with EJ concerns. The State Environmental Justice Environmental Justice (SEJCA) Cooperative Agreement Program will provide funds to eligible states, local governments, tribes and territories. EPA anticipates issuing 5 grants of approximately $200,000 each for a two-year funding period.
See additional details at the FY2020 SEJCA webpage
MIT Announces Indigenous Communities Fellowship
Deadline to apply: July 7, 2020
Click here for more information and to apply.
MIT Solve has launched the third year of its Indigenous Communities Fellowship, seeking Indigenous-led solutions that drive social, environmental, and economic impact in Native communities across the US. Solutions can be at any stage of development, and use any business model – non-profit, for-profit, and anywhere in between. The deadline to submit is July 7, 2020 and the Fellowship offers $10,000 in funding support to each selected Fellow. The Fellowship provides a 9 month program of support that includes a comprehensive resource needs assessment, technical/business mentorship, and tailored connections to a global network of companies, foundations, NGOs, and more. Need help with your application? Sign up for the free 5-week online MITx course on Business and Impact Planning for Social Enterprises. Join MIT at the next virtual Office Hours on Wednesday, June 10th from 4:00 – 5:00PM EDT. This online informational session is designed to introduce applicants and interested organizations to the Fellowship. MIT will answer any ongoing questions and look forward to seeing you there! Register here today. Apply today and share this opportunity with any relevant networks you may have!
Indigenous Environmental Network’s COVID-19 Emergency Mutual Aid Fund
IEN has launched a COVID-19 Emergency Mutual Aid Fund to quickly mobilize resources to our frontline communities and groups that have a demonstrated need experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Community-based Indigenous peoples and organizations from the U.S. and Canada are eligible to apply. Small grants up to $2,000 are being offered to assist with either of the following three situations:
In line with the Principles of Respect and the Consciousness of Caring for our Relatives, IEN invites those in need, to apply for support. Link to the Application Form.
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’.
EPA State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement Program (SEJCA) / COVID-19 Projects – $1 million
Applications Due: June 30, 2020
Eligible Entities: state governments, local governments, tribal governments
The purpose of this cooperative agreement program is to support and/or create model state activities that lead to measurable environmental or public health results in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks. These models should leverage or utilize existing resources or assets of state agencies to develop key tools and processes that integrate environmental justice considerations into state governments and government programs. The SEJCA program goals are to (1) achieve measurable and meaningful environmental and/or public health results in communities; (2) build broad and robust, results-oriented partnerships, particularly with community organizations within disproportionately impacted areas; (3) pilot activities in specific communities that create models, which can be expanded or replicated in other geographic areas; (4) reinforce connections to EPA regional EJ activities and priorities and, (5) strengthen the development and implementation of specific approaches to achieve environmental justice. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOI BOR Native American Affairs: Technical Assistance to Tribes for FY20 and FY21 – $1 million
Applications Due: October 28, 2020 for FY21
Eligible Entities: federally recognized tribes or tribal organizations of the 17 Western States identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902
The objective of this opportunity is to invite federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations to submit proposals for financial assistance for projects and activities that develop, manage, and protect tribal water and related resources. Through this opportunity, Reclamation provides funding for projects that increase water reliability consistent with sections 3 and 4 of the October 19, 2018, Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
Assistant Secretary Sweeney Announces $3 Million Living Languages Grant Program Funding Opportunity
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Tara Mac Lean Sweeney announced today that the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) is soliciting applications to the Living Languages Grant Program (LLGP). This $3 Million grant program will fund between 15 and 60 grants, ranging from $25,000-$200,000, to federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities to document, preserve and revitalize Native languages and build active speaker capacity. IEED’s solicitation for LLGP funding and details on how to apply can be found in the Federal Register and at Grants.Gov.
To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!
DOE Announces Up To $15 Million for Tribes to Deploy Energy Technology
Deadline to Apply: July 1, 2020
DOE is soliciting applications to install energy technology on tribal lands. Specifically, the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs is soliciting applications to:
Applications may also be submitted on behalf of an Indian Tribe(s) by an authorized Tribal Organization, provided evidence of that authority is included as part of the application. See the FOA for all eligibility requirements. Applications are due July 1, 2020. The intended results of the 50% cost-shared projects selected under this FOA are to reduce or stabilize energy costs and increase energy security and resiliency for Indian Tribes and tribal members. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOE GFO Educational Materials for Professional Organizations Working on Efficiency and Renewable Energy Developments (EMPOWERED) – $4.5 million
Applications Due: July 8, 2020
Eligible Entities: county governments, state governments, city or township governments, special district governments, native american tribal organizations
(EMPOWERED) funding program is a collaborative effort across EERE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), and Building Technologies Office (BTO), to provide professionals with educational materials and training resources in fields newly interacting with distributed energy resources (DER). In this program, DER includes distributed solar, like on homes and businesses, as well as efficient building technologies and sustainable transportation technologies, such as electric vehicles. The goal of this program is to create resources that will help those on the front lines of DER adoption—like first responders, safety officials, and building managers and owners keep up with these rapidly emerging and advancing technologies. These professionals are at the forefront of America’s energy transition and play a role in easing adoption, ensuring safety, and reducing installation costs. Because of this, the participating EERE offices see these professionals as key to enabling understanding and acceptance of new energy technologies. For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
DOE BIA Offshore Wind Energy Atmospheric Science and Project Development – $20 million
Applications Due: July 9, 2020
Eligible Entities: unrestricted
The Wind Energy Technologies Office (WETO) is within the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). EERE advances America’s leadership in science and technology through early-stage research and development in sustainable transportation, renewable power, and energy efficiency. This FOA has Two Topic Areas:
Topic Area 1: The overall goal of this Topic Area is to provide funding for a project that will improve wind resource modeling and predictions in offshore wind energy development areas. Using lessons-learned and information gained during the previous program work in complex-terrain wind resource modeling and prediction, this Topic Area will focus on improving wind resource model physics for foundational wind forecasts and other applications in offshore wind energy development areas.
Topic Area 2: The overall goal of this Topic Area is to provide funding for a project(s) that will enable demonstration of a novel technology and/or methodology that will advance the state-of-the-art of offshore wind energy in the United States. The proposed project must either implement an innovative technology at engineering/pilot or full-scale, and/or employ a novel methodology that has yet to be utilized commercially in the United States for offshore wind.
For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.
Join NCAI’s Climate Action email listserv here!
Sign up for the Alliance for Green Heat’s newsletter!
To view and/or receive ITEP’s Climate Change newsletter, click here!
Recent additions to OTAQ’s website in May 2020
You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.
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:
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.
The STAR is an annual publication intended to provide an understanding of the importance and impact of Tribal air programs. Tribal needs, priorities, and recommendations are all outlined, and the successes and challenges experienced by the environmental professionals are highlighted by way of personal narratives submitted by the Tribes themselves.
This webinar will provide an overview of the STAR, share of the stories within the STAR and provide the specific recommendations for national leadership to advance air quality on and around Tribal lands.
The STAR will be published on NTAA’s website on June 22, 2020.
NATIONAL TRIBAL AIR ASSOCIATION
Our mission is to advance air quality management policies and programs, consistent with the needs, interests, and unique legal status of American Indian Tribes and Alaska Natives.
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