WEEKLY UPDATE (PDF): Week of March 21 – 25, 2022

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2022-03-23T17:27:20+00:00March 23rd, 2022|WEEKLY UPDATE (PDF)|

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of March 14 – March 18, 2022

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of March 14 – March 18, 2022

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD

The Hill – EPA proposes new rule to cut interstate air pollution

Getty Images

2022-03-16T16:21:01+00:00March 16th, 2022|PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD|

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

EPA’s Community and Tribal Programs Group has a publicly facing Tribal Actions and Events calendar for all to use!

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air.

The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon ([email protected]) and/or Loren Fox ([email protected]) with any feedback.

NEW! EPA Awards $1.5 Million for Cleaner School Buses in the Pacific Southwest: American Rescue Plan Funds Help Buy Electric School Buses

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the winners of two national competitive efforts to support transitions to cleaner school buses: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) School Bus Rebates. The two rebate efforts total approximately $17 million in combined funding nationwide for schools and bus fleet owners to replace older, high-polluting diesel school buses. In the Pacific Southwest, EPA is awarding a total of $1.5 million towards new school buses in Arizona, California, and Hawaii. Replacing these buses will improve air quality in and around schools and communities, reduce greenhouse gas pollution, and better protect children’s health overall.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides an unprecedented $5 billion over five years for the Clean School Bus Program to replace existing school buses with cleaner models. In Spring 2022, EPA plans to announce a new Clean School Bus rebate program for applicants to replace existing school buses with low- or zero-emission school buses. EPA may prioritize applications that replace school buses in high need local educational agencies, low-income and rural areas, Tribal schools, and applications that provide cost share. To learn more about the upcoming Clean School Bus Program, please visit http://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus.

To learn more about the rebate programs, applicant eligibility, and selection process, visit https://www.epa.gov/dera/rebates and https://www.epa.gov/dera/2021-american-rescue-plan-arp-electric-school-bus-rebates.

Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and on Twitter.

NEW! EPA Awards $5.4 million in Grant Funding for Tribal and Insular Areas to Establish Lower-Emission Diesel Projects

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced $5.4 million in grant funding is expected to be awarded for Tribal and insular areas to establish lower-emission diesel projects. In total, 12 Tribal and insular area assistance agreements are expected to be awarded as part of the Diesel Emissions Reduction (DERA) program, which funds projects to clean up the nation’s legacy fleet of diesel engines.

Click Here For Full Press Release and Awardees.

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) invite you to a Tribal consultation to discuss the development of Guidance for Federal Agencies on Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK).

The consultations will take place at the following times:
Tribal Consultation 1:Tuesday, April 5, 2022. 3:30-5:30 pm EDT
Register in advance for the meeting here: https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_KMwXKWx2QFypxyaOgxV2UQ

Tribal Consultation 2: Friday, April 29, 2022. 3:00 – 5:00 pm EDT Register in advance for the meeting here:

https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_NOcHbTPzTZSgmhHr9eUcFA
Please view the Dear Tribal Letter Here . If you have any questions regarding this effort, please contact [email protected].

NEW! EPA Proposes “Good Neighbor” Plan to Cut Smog Across Much of the United States

On March 11^th, following clear Clean Air Act requirements and meeting a court deadline, EPA is proposing a federal plan that would cut pollution from power plants and industrial sources that significantly contribute to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, or smog, for millions of Americans who live downwind. Relying on a longstanding regulatory framework and commonly used, affordable pollution controls, this action would help states fully resolve their Clean Air Act “good neighbor” obligations for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), enhancing public health and environmental protections regionally and for local communities. Click Here For The Full Press Release.

NEW! EPA to Hold Public Listening Session on Draft Lead Strategy For All Regions

February – March 2022 | Register Here For Your Regions Listening Session

EPA is hosting Zoom virtual public comment sessions in each of its ten geographic regional office areas from early February to early March 2022. The sessions will be an opportunity for the public to provide verbal input on the draft Lead Strategy to EPA. We encourage the public to share with the Agency thoughts on how to address lead issues in their communities during these regional sessions (e.g., Northeast, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, etc.).

EPA will use the feedback received during this public comment period to determine if additional revisions need to be incorporated into the Lead Strategy before it is finalized.

EPA will accept public comments until March 16, 2022.
Comments can be submitted in writing to docket EPA-HQ-OLEM-2021-0762 at Regulations.gov

NEW! EPA and Partners Establish a Plan to Eliminate Preventable Lung Cancer Deaths from Radon

Fourteen organizations representing the Federal government, states, Tribes, industry and non-profit sectors have announced a new plan to protect public health and reduce the risks of radon, “The National Radon Action Plan (NRAP) 2021–2025.” The NRAP is a public-private partnership spearheaded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association with a shared goal of preventing 3,500 deaths annually from radon-induced lung cancer.

EPA 2021 Annual State Indoor Radon Grant Activities Report is Now Available

State and Tribal radon programs are critical to the Agency’s national goal of minimizing and preventing radon-related lung cancer. States and tribes are eligible to receive grant funds from EPA through the State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) Program which can be used to help finance risk reduction and outreach activities.

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to share the final 2021 State Indoor Radon Grant Program Activities Report. This report highlights the important work states, territories, and tribes are undertaking across the country to advance radon risk reduction.

Some successful approaches states and tribes are utilizing for reducing radon risk include:

Education and outreach to the medical community,
Inclusion of radon in state cancer control plans,
Testing and remediation of schools in high-risk radon areas,
Addressing radon in homes and real estate transactions,
Continuing education and technical support for industry professionals,
Building support for the adoption of radon-reduction strategies in building codes or state/tribal policy

Biden order requires net-zero federal government emissions by 2050

There will be many opportunities to heat the more rural, northern federal buildings with wood, pellets, and wood chips! The US Forest Service itself has many such buildings and understands the technology and benefits.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact [email protected] 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.

Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Attend by clicking here.	Wednesday, March 30, 10 am AK
EPA Policy Call: Call in to hear updates from EPA on policies, actions, and tools relevant to Indian Country and Air Quality. Attend by clicking here.	Thursday, March 31, 2pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here.	Thursday, April 7, 2 pm ET
Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. Attend by clicking here.	Thursday, March 24, 2pm ET
IAQ Work Group: Join the bi-monthly calls of the NTAA IAQ work group. Attend by clicking here.	Thursday, April 21, 2pm ET

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

Click here for ITEP’s new Tribal Environmental Management and Planning Online Courses. Sign up for a self-paced course hosted by ITEP’s Waste and Response and Tribal Air Quality programs. New courses have been added, so check it out!

ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program (AIAQTP) hosts the Building Performance: Improving IAQ in Cold Climates, Residential Building Science Review, Radon Fundamentals, Quality Assurance Fundamental, Writing a Quality Assurance Project Plan, Emissions Inventory Fundamentals, and Emissions Inventory Advanced.

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration

Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

Click here to see all past and upcoming webinars hosted by the EPA.

Climate Change / Energy

NEW! Just Released: Call for Proposals Now Open – National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference: August 29-September 1, St Paul, MN (Hybrid)

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Tribes and Climate Change Program is delighted to announce that the call for proposals for the upcoming 2022 National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference (NTICC) is now open. The conference will take place August 29 – September 1, 2022 and will be a hybrid event taking place both in person in St Paul, Minnesota and online.

We welcome proposals that discuss climate-related impacts, assessments, tools, adaptation, mitigation, actions, and the intersection of Traditional/Indigenous Knowledges with western science and adaptation strategies . We are accepting both in-person and virtual proposals. Proposal submissions include:

Presentations

Trainings

Working Groups

Climate Conversations

Application deadline: Friday, April 22^ndby close of business

Letter of notification: Monday, June 6^th

Materials deadline: Friday, August 5th

NEW! EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs is hosting two separate stakeholder meetings related to two upcoming rulemakings under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020. The first will be on Thursday, March 24, from 2:00 – 3:30 pm EDT on an upcoming proposed rulemaking under subsection (i), “Technology Transitions,” of the AIM Act. This subsection provides EPA authority to restrict the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in sectors or subsectors where they are used. EPA will discuss petitions received under this subsection to restrict the use of HFCs in the refrigeration and air conditioning, aerosols, and foams sectors.

The second will be held Wednesday, March 30, 2022, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm EDT on an upcoming proposed rulemaking to update the HFC Allowance and Allocation and Program under the AIM Act. In September 2021, EPA finalized a framework rule, “Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Establishing the Allowance Allocation and Trading Program under the AIM Act” (86 FR 55116), that established the national HFC phasedown program and an initial methodology for allocating and trading HFC allowances for 2022 and 2023. This upcoming rulemaking will build off the 2021 rulemaking to establish the allowance allocation methodology for 2024 and later years.

Registration information for both meetings will be available at http://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction. Please contact Nancy Akerman ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

NEW! SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming Climate Action & Capacity Building Virtual Workshop Hosted by ITEP

March 22-23, 2022 | Register Here | Registration Closes February 28, 2022

Hosted by:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & US Mexico Border 2025 Program/Fronterra 2025 Programa
ITEP’s Tribes & Climate Change Program

Who should attend?

Tribes in EPA region 9 with an interest in US – Mexico border region
Tribes in the US – Mexico border region
Environmental Professionals, Non-profits & others working on climate issues in US – Mexico border region
Tribes in EPA region 9 and US – Mexico border regions will receive first preference.

Topics will include:

Climate change impacts
Adaptation and mitigation
Indigenous and Traditional knowledge
Tribal case studies
Science, data, resources, funding, etc.

EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool

EPA’s free, spreadsheet-based Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool, first launched in 2013 and updated annually, is based on nationally and internationally recognized GHG accounting and reporting principles.

This year’s updates include:

An optional market-based method to calculate Scope 2 emissions from electricity purchased through contractual instruments, such as Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
Revised Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) factors from 1990 through 2019, as available.
Updated default stationary energy emission factors and heat contents.
Kerosene and distillate fuel oil as additional stationary energy fuel types.

Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here: https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/tribal-greenhouse-gas-inventory-tool

Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:

Save the Date: 2022 Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit

May 16 – 18, 2022 @ the Pala, CA | Register Here

In partnership with the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, the Pala Band of Mission Indians, and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, the Climate Science Alliance is excited to co-host the 2022 Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit (SWTCCS).

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online!

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! MULTI-STATE MEDIUM- AND HEAVY-DUTY ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE ACTION PLAN: A Policy Framework to Eliminate Harmful Truck and Bus Emissions

On behalf of the signatories of the Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) has released a draft Multi-State MHD ZEV Action Plan for a 45- day public comment period. Comments should be submitted through NESCAUM’s Public Input Portal by April 25, 2022.

NEW! WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: EPA Restoration of California Waiver Will Support State Climate Action, Improve Air Quality, and Advance our Electric Vehicle Future

On March 11, EPA reinstated California’s authority under the Clean Air Act to implement its own greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and light trucks, which other states can also adopt and enforce. With this authority restored, EPA will continue partnering with states to advance the next generation of clean vehicle technologies. Click Here For Full Press Release.

EPA Proposes Stronger Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles to Promote Clean Air, Protect Communities, and Support Transition to Zero-Emissions Future

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new, stronger standards to promote clean air and reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year (MY) 2027. The proposed standards would reduce emissions of smog- and soot-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) from heavy-duty gasoline and diesel engines and set updated greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for certain commercial vehicle categories. This proposed rule would ensure the heavy-duty vehicles and engines that drive American commerce and connect people across the country are as clean as possible while charting a path to advance zero-emission vehicles in the heavy-duty fleet. Click Here for Full Press Release.

EPA Awards Rebates Totaling $17 Million to Fund Clean School Buses that Reduce Diesel Emissions and Protect Children’s Health

Today, at an event with Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the winners of two school bus rebate opportunities: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) School Bus Rebates. The $7 million in ARP funding is directed toward school districts in underserved communities to replace old diesel buses with new, zero-emission electric models, and the $10 million in DERA rebates will assist with 444 school bus replacements across the country. Click Here for full press release.

U.S. Department of Energy: The Information Source for Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles

The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decision makers find ways to reach their energy and economic goals through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and other fuel-saving measures. Click Here for more information about the resources available.

EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

To address these trends and challenges, EPA developed the SmartWay program.

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

provides a comprehensive and well-recognized system for tracking, documenting and sharing information about fuel use and freight emissions across supply chains
helps companies identify and select more efficient freight carriers, transport modes, equipment, and operational strategies to improve supply chain sustainability and lower costs from goods movement
supports global energy security and offsets environmental risk for companies and countries
reduces freight transportation-related emissions by accelerating the use of advanced fuel-saving technologies
is supported by major transportation industry associations, environmental groups, state and local governments, international agencies, and the corporate community

View the SmartWay timeline and learn about the program’s achievements and key milestones reached since SmartWay’s launch in 2002. Our progress to making freight in the supply chain more sustainable and efficient is due to the vision, commitment and hard work of SmartWay Partners and Affiliates! Two Decades of Progress: SmartWay Partnership Milestones (PDF)(1 pg, 345 K, June 2021, EPA-420-H-21-001). Click Here to view past webinars and upcoming webinars

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! Available Now: An Introduction to Radon Gas in Homes Webinar Recording

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division recently hosted a webinar to provide an overview of the key basic facts of radon – what it is, what it does to us, how we measure it, how we reduce our exposure, and where to find resources and additional information. A recording of An Introduction to Radon Gas in Homes is now available online. The recorded webinar features a presentation by Bruce Snead, Director of Engineering Extension at Kansas State University and director of the National Radon Program Services effort for EPA since 2009.

EPA: A Fact Sheet for Tribes on State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to announce the State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program Fact Sheet. This fact sheet has information on SIRG eligibility, matching requirements, allowable activities, EPA contacts, and more.

EPA works collaboratively and values our tribal partnership to support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in tribal communities. We work together to develop tools and resources that address the health and the safety of tribal members when it comes to indoor air quality.

Please visit the Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities or State Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program and Resources pages to learn more and download the fact sheet.

Whether you are in the market for a portable air cleaner for your home or you were thinking about gifting one this holiday season, EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home can help you make a well-informed decision.Choose the Right Portable Air Cleaner for the Home

Tips for selecting and using a portable air cleaner:

Never buy or use an air cleaner that generates ozone, a lung irritant.
Choose an air cleaner with a clean air delivery rate (CADR) that is large enough for the size of the room. The higher the CADR the more particles an air cleaner can capture and remove from the air and the larger the room it can be used in.
Running your air cleaner at a higher speed and for a longer time will help improve the air cleaner’s effectiveness.
Place your air cleaner in the rooms where you spend more of your time such as your living room or bedroom.
Replace filters regularly and follow all air cleaner manufacturing maintenance instructions.

Read EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home for more details and tips.

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC filtration. Note: Do

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!

2022-03-16T16:14:55+00:00March 16th, 2022|CALLS/WEBINARS/EVENTS|

RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of March 14 – March 18, 2022

RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Now Hiring!

Native American Water & Land 2022 Student Summer Internship

Spend your summer working on tribal water and land issues. Internships are available with tribal organizations, state and federal agencies, or water or land management NGOs. The internships have a research, technical, educational, or policy focus. We are offering approximately 10 internships. You can apply for all the sites with one application. The internship program provides eachstudent intern with a $4,800 stipend for 8 weeks or a $6,000 stipend for 10 weeks. Travel and housing stipends are available for interns who must relocate for the internship. We anticipate some internships may be virtual, with the intern telecommuting from their home location. Students must meet the following criteria: • U.S. Citizen • Full-time undergraduate or graduate college student during Spring 2022 • Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA • Majoring in an environmental, land, or water management field—e.g., environmental science, engineering, hydrology, planning, public policy, geography, law, agriculture • Interest in pursuing a career in water or land management after graduation • Proficient verbal and written communication skills • Strong interest in working with Native American tribes • If you need an exception, contact EEOP- [email protected] The host site project descriptions will be posted on the website after April 15 for review. Interns will select which host sites receive their application. Applications are due by April 29, 2022.

To register for more information: https://www7.nau.edu/itep/main/eeop/Internships/wls_internship For questions contact: [email protected] or text 928 221-1222

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency: Executive Director

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) is a special-purpose, regional government agency chartered by state law in 1967. The Agency’s jurisdiction covers King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. These four counties are home to more than 4.1 million people, over half the state’s population.

The Executive Director is responsible for strategic and inspirational leadership as well as overall operational management of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The Executive Director serves as a key external face of the Agency, responsible for productive relationships between the Agency and the State Legislature, the State Department of Ecology, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Association of Clean Agencies, and other local air agencies. In addition, the Executive Director ensures that staff members are aligned with the organization’s mission and vision, and are working together to successfully achieve strategic objectives.

To Apply or For More Information About The Position. Click Here.

Red Feather Development Group: Program Coordinator

Red Feather Development Group (Red Feather) partners with the Navajo and Hopi Nations to provide sustainable solutions to the housing needs within their communities. Red Feather programs include healthy home educational outreach, healthy home case management, and the facilitation and management of home repairs for qualified families. Red Feather works closely with government officials, community members, professionals, and volunteers within each community to develop and implement these programs.

To apply Send a cover letter and resume to email: [email protected]

A New fund is asking for donations to help Alaska Native communities facing environmental disasters

A new fund is calling for private donations to help Alaska Native communities facing climate change-related disasters. That source of funding will almost certainly not be enough money to fully respond to the environmental disasters that Alaska communities face, but it has at least one advantage over traditional grants. Click Here For More Information.

TAMS Tribal Air Monitoring Technology Specialist

Being Age 55 or Older is Good for The Environment! The Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program offers unique opportunities in Scientific, Technical, and Administrative / Office support for individuals aged 55 and over to support the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through a grant administered program through National Older Worker Career Center (NOWCC). This is a unique program where your talents, expertise and experience will truly be valued. The EPA provides a wonderful work atmosphere, and you’ll be working side-by-side with EPA staff that are doing important work every day. Pay & Benefits: Pay rate: $18.01 /hr. Benefits: Paid Health Insurance Premium if working 30+ hours per week, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time, Paid Federal Holidays plus one Individual Holiday, and optional Vision and Dental Insurance available. Must be U.S Citizen and age 55 or older to apply. The duties of this position must be performed onsite at the EPA office location in Las Vegas, NV. For Full Description and to Apply Click Here

ETR (Education, Training, and Research) is seeking a Project Coordinator.

The Project Coordinator will report to the Director of Tribal Projects, this position will be responsible for coordinating, developing, and executing the California Clean Air Project (CCAP) scope of work (SOW) components of the project. These include but not limited to, facilitating and training Tribal representatives, coordinating other capacity building assistance and related activities, coordinating and ensuring delivery of day-to-day deliverables, planning and designing specific project deliverables, contributing to ideas to project/department strategic planning and resource development, and assisting in writing reports, proposals, re-applications and progress reports, all with general oversight of supervisor.

For More Information and to Apply for this Position click here

ETR (Education, Training, and Research) is seeking a Project Coordinator II Tribal Community Coordinating Center (TCCC). The Project Coordinator II (TCCC) will report to the Director of Tribal Projects, the Project Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of one large project or multiple small projects (600K or less). Plans, coordinates, designs, and delivers project activities in the ATOD content area, specifically Tribal Community Coordinating Center (TCCC) Project. Writes reports, supervises staff, assists in resource development, and contributes to business unit strategic planning. California-based position.

For More Information and to Apply for this Position click here

Spark Northwest is seeking a Program Director for their Seattle, Washington Office.

Spark Northwest seeks a dynamic leader who is passionate about clean energy and social justice to join our team. The Program Director oversees the design and delivery of Spark Northwest’s clean energy programs. This position is responsible for all aspects of program administration including charting strategic direction, overseeing the project managers, and evaluating success. The Program Director also manages institutional funding relationships with local governments, utilities and foundations. This position reports to the Executive Director.

How to Apply

Position will remain open until filled, but applications received by Friday February 11th will receive priority consideration. Expected start date is early April. Please submit the following to [email protected] with the subject line: “Your Full Name, Program Director”:

A cover letter explaining how this position aligns with your previous experience and career goals
A current resume with specific dates of employment (month/year)
A writing sample reflecting your original work

Spark Northwest is seeking a Part-Time Policy Manager for their Washington & Oregon Offices

Spark Northwest seeks a Policy Manager to serve as our point person on community generated clean energy policy in Oregon and Washington. We are looking for someone who shares our vision of a just transition to clean energy. The Policy Manager cultivates relationships with allies and deploys our policy strategy to advance clean energy that benefits BIPOC and low-wealth communities.

How to Apply

Position will remain open until filled, but applications received by February 12th will receive priority consideration. Expected start date in early April.

Please submit the following to [email protected] with the subject line: “Your Full Name, Policy Manager”:

A cover letter explaining how this position aligns with your previous experience and career goals
A current resume with specific dates of employment (month/year)
A writing sample reflecting your original work

The Clean Energy Corps is hiring. We need talented, diverse, kind, and hardworking people like you to join this team.

With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Clean Energy Corps is charged with investing more than $62 billion to deliver a more equitable clean energy future for the American people by:

Investing in American manufacturing
Creating good paying jobs
Expanding access to energy efficiency and clean energy for families, communities, and businesses
Delivering reliable, clean, and affordable power to more Americans
And building the technologies of tomorrow through clean energy research, development, and demonstrations

Apply Now!

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is hiring a Sustainability Specialist and want to reach as wide an audience as possible. You can also get there through this link.

Public Lands Internship Program (PLIP)

The Public Lands Internship Program (PLIP), which is a partnership between Northern Arizona University and various land management agencies, such as the National Park Service (NPS). The Northern Arizona University (NAU) Public Lands Internship Program (PLIP) aims to place 10 or more interns and practicum students from the College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences (CEFNS) as well as other partner colleges at NAU each year.

Current internship opportunities are available at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area; Flagstaff Area, Aztec Ruins, and Montezuma Castle National Monuments; and Grand Canyon National Park. Indigenous and Native American students are strongly encouraged to apply. Visit the PLIP website for more information and please share these internship opportunities with your networks.

You can find a great listing of Indian Country jobs on NCAI’s website here.

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! EPA Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring for Communities – $20 million

Applications Due: March 25, 2022

Eligible Entities: States, local governments, U.S. territories and possessions, Indian tribes, public and private hospitals and laboratories, and other public or private nonprofit organizations.

Pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), this notice announces the availability of funds and solicits applications from eligible entities to conduct ambient air monitoring of pollutants of greatest concern in communities with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA will award funds to support community and local efforts to monitor their own air quality and to promote air quality monitoring partnerships between communities and tribal, state, and local governments.

For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.

NEW! EPA 2022 Lead Pipe Inventory and Public Engagement Demonstration Grant Program – $350 thousand

Applications Due: April 25, 2022

Eligible Entities: State governments, local governments, water utilities, public nonprofit institutions/organizations, private nonprofit institutions/organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions/organizations, federally recognized tribal governments, and non-profit organizations

The Lead Pipe Inventory and Public Engagement (LPIPE) Demonstration Grant Program is EPA Region 1’s competitive grant program to fund work directly with overburdened and underserved communities in New England that still have high prevalence of lead pipes to support EPA’s mission to reduce environmental risks from lead in drinking water, protect and improve human health, and improve the quality of life by reducing exposure to lead in drinking water through identification of lead service lines and public engagement.

For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.

NEW! EPA Drivers and Environmental Impacts of Energy Transitions in Underserved Communities – $10 million

Applications Due: April 28, 2022

Eligible Entities: State governments, local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, U.S. territories or possessions, Public and private nonprofit institutions/organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, and hospitals located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing community-engaged research that will address the drivers and environmental impacts of energy transitions in underserved communities. For purposes of this competition and the evaluation of applications, “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, including people of color, low income, rural, tribal, indigenous, and other populations that may be disproportionately impacted by environmental harms and risks.

For more information, visit the funding opportunity description.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Department of Energy – Bioenergy Technologies Office

The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) supports groundbreaking technologies to produce fuels, products, and power from biomass and waste resources. BETO is interested in broadening its pool of participants and seeks to fund non-traditional, emerging, and historically underfunded investigators from Minority Serving Institutions. Focus areas of research include Advanced Algal Systems, Advanced Terrestrial waste feedstock technologies, Accelerating catalyst development for biofuel production.

Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize

The Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize is designed to create a more inclusive and equitable innovation ecosystem in climate and renewable energy technologies. We are working to diversify the communities that have access to Department of Energy funding. The primary goal of this prize is to fund organizations to lead engagement efforts with underrepresented communities and support applicants to apply for DOE and other federal funding opportunities. Up to 10 organizations will share a total prize pool of up to $2.5 million.

EPA: P2 Grant Program Funding Availability

EPA has released two P2 Grant Funding Availability Announcements for FY 2022 – FY 2023. Applicants are welcome to apply to one or both announcements.

EPA-HQ-OPPT-2022-001:EPA anticipates awarding approximately $9.38 million in total federal pollution prevention grant funding over a two-year funding cycle ($4.69 million in FY 2022 funds and $4.69 million in FY 2023 funds). Individual grant awards could be up to $800,000 for the two-year funding period or $400,000 funded per year. Cost share/match requirement is fifty percent. Federally recognized tribes and intertribal consortia that receive a P2 grant award and place the approved workplan into a performance partnership agreement will have their cost share/match requirement reduced from fifty percent to zero.
- For project examples and more information please visit P2 grant program web page.
- Or call your P2 Regional Contact: https://www.epa.gov/p2/p2-regional-contacts

EPA-I-OCSPP-OPPT-FY2022-001: Through funds provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA anticipates awarding approximately $13.9 million in total federal pollution prevention grant funding to support a two-year P2 grant agreement (FY 2022 and FY 2023). Grants will be fully funded at the initial award with a maximum individual award ceiling of $350,000. There will be NO cost share/match requirements and assistance agreements are ineligible for inclusion into performance partnership grant agreements.
- For project examples and more information please visit P2 grant program web page.
- Or call your P2 Regional Contact: https://www.epa.gov/p2/p2-regional-contacts

Communication Channels for NASA Funding Opportunities

Please consider signing up for the following communication channels. These channels will ensure that you are informed of student engagement and other funding opportunities:

Register for an account with NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). You’ll need to create an account if you don’t already have one. Once you have an account you’ll be able to sign up for notifications to be alerted when new funding opportunities are released. There are sometimes opportunities released specifically for Minority Serving Institutions (including TCUs and other indigenous serving higher education institutions) so it’s good to receive the notifications to stay on top of new opportunities.
Sign up for our MUREP Newsletter which goes out every 2 weeks on Fridays.
Check our MUREP website for announcements regarding MUREP specific funding opportunities.

EPA recently shared documents from the May 2021 Workshop on Wildfire Smoke and Children’s Health.

The workshop summary recaps expert presentation and topics discussed during the May event. The recommendations were drafted by multistakeholder workgroups and contain a collection of evidence-based information for decision making and for developing educational materials.

You can find the documents attached and posted on the AirNow website: https://www.airnow.gov/wildfire-guide-post-publication-updates/

At this site you will also see a link to A Story of Health, a multimedia eBook from the Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit that explores how our environments interact with our genes to influence health across the lifespan. The latest chapter, Sofia’s Story, explores the health effects of wildfires. Go directly to Story of Health here: https://wspehsu.ucsf.edu/main-resources/for-clinical-professionals/training/a-story-of-health-a-multi-media-ebook/. For more information, contact EPA’s Martha Berger at [email protected].

Office of Research and Development recently conducted planning discussions regarding the WSMART program. One decision we are activating now is a testing partner loan option during periods of lower wildfire activity (winter through early spring), with loans for up to 3 months. The website FAQs were updated today to outline that option (refer to: “Can I request this equipment to try out before the next wildfire season?”): https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox/wildfire-smoke-air-monitoring-response-technology-wsmart-pilot

To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!

Climate Change/Energy

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

Recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2022

You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

Indoor Air Quality

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.

You have received this email as a subscriber to the NTAA Weekly Update. To unsubscribe or modify your subscriptions, click the appropriate link below:

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2022-03-16T16:11:03+00:00March 16th, 2022|RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES|

WEEKLY UPDATE (PDF): Week of March 14 – March 18, 2022

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2022-03-16T16:07:21+00:00March 16th, 2022|WEEKLY UPDATE (PDF)|

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of March 7 – March 11, 2022

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of March 7 – March 11, 2022

PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD

The White House – Fact Sheet: Vice President Harris Announces Actions to Accelerate Clean Transit Buses, School Buses, and Trucks

EPA – EPA Proposes Stronger Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles to Promote Clean Air, Protect Communities, and Support Transition to Zero-Emissions Future

Vice President Kamala Harris announces a measure to expand clean public transit and school buses, and reduce emissions from diesel trucks on March 7 (AFP via Getty Images)

2022-03-09T16:47:29+00:00March 9th, 2022|PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD|

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

EPA’s Community and Tribal Programs Group has a publicly facing Tribal Actions and Events calendar for all to use!

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air.

The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon ([email protected]) and/or Loren Fox ([email protected]) with any feedback.

NEW! The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) invite you to a Tribal consultation to discuss the development of Guidance for Federal Agencies on Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK).

The consultations will take place at the following times:
Tribal Consultation 1:Tuesday, April 5, 2022. 3:30-5:30 pm EDT
Register in advance for the meeting here: https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_KMwXKWx2QFypxyaOgxV2UQ

Tribal Consultation 2: Friday, April 29, 2022. 3:00 – 5:00 pm EDT Register in advance for the meeting here:

https://pitc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_NOcHbTPzTZSgmhHr9eUcFA
Please view the Dear Tribal Letter Here . If you have any questions regarding this effort, please contact [email protected].

NEW! EPA Awards Rebates Totaling $17 Million to Fund Clean School Buses that Reduce Diesel Emissions and Protect Children’s Health

Today, at an event with Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the winners of two school bus rebate opportunities: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) School Bus Rebates. The $7 million in ARP funding is directed toward school districts in underserved communities to replace old diesel buses with new, zero-emission electric models, and the $10 million in DERA rebates will assist with 444 school bus replacements across the country. Click Here for full press release.

NEW! Webinar: The Biden-Harris Administration’s Initiative to Elevate Indigenous TEK in Federal Decision making

Friday, March 11, 2022 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET | Register Here

The ESA Traditional Ecological Knowledge Section is hosting a webinar series to facilitate a virtual space to welcome and hear from Indigenous voices who work to help sustain and nurture TEK within their communities. The speakers share tools, processes and practices they have learned through activities that work for them in their journey to utilize TEK. Click Here for more information

NEW! EPA to Hold Public Listening Session on Draft Lead Strategy For All Regions

February – March 2022 | Register Here For Your Regions Listening Session

EPA is hosting Zoom virtual public comment sessions in each of its ten geographic regional office areas from early February to early March 2022. The sessions will be an opportunity for the public to provide verbal input on the draft Lead Strategy to EPA. We encourage the public to share with the Agency thoughts on how to address lead issues in their communities during these regional sessions (e.g., Northeast, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, etc.).

EPA will use the feedback received during this public comment period to determine if additional revisions need to be incorporated into the Lead Strategy before it is finalized.

EPA will accept public comments until March 16, 2022.
Comments can be submitted in writing to docket EPA-HQ-OLEM-2021-0762 at Regulations.gov.

NEW! Commission for Environmental Cooperation: First ‘EJ4Climate’ Grant Program selects 15 winning Proposals from Across North America

The 15 grant winners of the EJ4Climate program inaugural year, including five from the U.S., were announced this week by the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). Announced by President Biden at the 2021 Climate Summit, EJ4Climate funds grants for underserved and overburdened communities, and Indigenous communities, in Canada, Mexico, and the United States to prepare for climate-related impacts.

The five U.S. winners are:

Native Village of Eyak (Alaska) – using the grant to develop sustainable mariculture in Prince William Sound to address the decline of traditional food sources.
Common Ground Relief (Louisiana) – addressing coastal flooding through marsh restoration at Grand Bayou Indian Village, including the planting of 3,000 plugs of smooth cordgrass.
Greater Baltimore Wilderness Coalition (Maryland) – building community awareness and taking shared action on climate resilience by employing local youth in planting a new generation of Witness Trees to address increased flooding and shoreline erosion.
Upper Gila Watershed Alliance (New Mexico) – combining elementary school-based food resilience labs with emerging soil restoration technologies to combat risks from climate-related fire, drought, and extreme heat.
Conservation Trust for North Carolina (North Carolina) – focusing on “seeding resilience” by converting vacant town-owned parcels to green infrastructure and community gardens and employing local youth to build a recreational trail adjacent to the Tar River.

EPA and Partners Establish a Plan to Eliminate Preventable Lung Cancer Deaths from Radon

Fourteen organizations representing the Federal government, states, Tribes, industry and non-profit sectors have announced a new plan to protect public health and reduce the risks of radon, “The National Radon Action Plan (NRAP) 2021–2025.” The NRAP is a public-private partnership spearheaded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association with a shared goal of preventing 3,500 deaths annually from radon-induced lung cancer.

EPA 2021 Annual State Indoor Radon Grant Activities Report is Now Available

State and Tribal radon programs are critical to the Agency’s national goal of minimizing and preventing radon-related lung cancer. States and tribes are eligible to receive grant funds from EPA through the State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG) Program which can be used to help finance risk reduction and outreach activities.

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to share the final 2021 State Indoor Radon Grant Program Activities Report. This report highlights the important work states, territories, and tribes are undertaking across the country to advance radon risk reduction.

Some successful approaches states and tribes are utilizing for reducing radon risk include:

Education and outreach to the medical community,
Inclusion of radon in state cancer control plans,
Testing and remediation of schools in high-risk radon areas,
Addressing radon in homes and real-estate transactions,
Continuing education and technical support for industry professionals,
Building support for adoption of radon-reduction strategies in building codes or state/tribal policy

Biden order requires net-zero federal government emissions by 2050

There will be many opportunities to heat the more rural, northern federal buildings with wood, pellets, and wood chips! The US Forest Service itself has many such buildings and understands the technology and benefits.

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact [email protected] 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 Work Group: Join the bi-weekly Status of Tribal Air work group to provide input on the report. Attend by clicking here.	Tuesday, March 8, 1pm ET
IAQ Work Group: Join the bi-monthly calls of the NTAA IAQ work group. Attend by clicking here.	Thursday, March 17, 2pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Attend by clicking here.	Wednesday, March 30, 10 am AK
EPA Policy Call: Call in to hear updates from EPA on policies, actions, and tools relevant to Indian Country and Air Quality. Attend by clicking here.	Thursday, March 31, 2pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here.	TBA
Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. Attend by clicking here.	Thursday, March 24, 2pm ET

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

Click here for ITEP’s new Tribal Environmental Management and Planning Online Courses. Sign up for a self-paced course hosted by ITEP’s Waste and Response and Tribal Air Quality programs. New courses have been added, so check it out!

ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program (AIAQTP) hosts the Building Performance: Improving IAQ in Cold Climates, Residential Building Science Review, Radon Fundamentals, Quality Assurance Fundamental, Writing a Quality Assurance Project Plan, Emissions Inventory Fundamentals, and Emissions Inventory Advanced.

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration

Recorded Webinars

Looking for more information check out the Tribal Air Quality Media Space Channel. Recent webinars include an Introduction to Air Quality Programs, Emissions Inventories, Remote Professional Assistance, and Woodstoves in Indian Country. Older classics include a series on Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke, Tribal Air Program and Grants, Data Management, and the Clean Air Act.

ITEP’s Tribes and Climate Change Calendar includes conferences, trainings, webinars, and other events related to tribes and climate change.

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

Click here to see all past and upcoming webinars hosted by the EPA.

Climate Change / Energy

NEW! Just Released: Call for Proposals Now Open – National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference: August 29-September 1, St Paul, MN (Hybrid)

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Tribes and Climate Change Program is delighted to announce that the call for proposals for the upcoming 2022 National Tribal & Indigenous Climate Conference (NTICC) is now open. The conference will take place August 29 – September 1, 2022 and will be a hybrid event taking place both in person in St Paul, Minnesota and online.

We welcome proposals that discuss climate-related impacts, assessments, tools, adaptation, mitigation, actions, and the intersection of Traditional/Indigenous Knowledges with western science and adaptation strategies . We are accepting both in-person and virtual proposals. Proposal submissions include:

Presentations

Trainings

Working Groups

Climate Conversations

Application deadline: Friday, April 22^ndby close of business

Letter of notification: Monday, June 6^th

Materials deadline: Friday, August 5th

NEW! EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs is hosting two separate stakeholder meetings related to two upcoming rulemakings under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020. The first will be on Thursday, March 24, from 2:00 – 3:30 pm EDT on an upcoming proposed rulemaking under subsection (i), “Technology Transitions,” of the AIM Act. This subsection provides EPA authority to restrict the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in sectors or subsectors where they are used. EPA will discuss petitions received under this subsection to restrict the use of HFCs in the refrigeration and air conditioning, aerosols, and foams sectors.

The second will be held Wednesday, March 30, 2022, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm EDT on an upcoming proposed rulemaking to update the HFC Allowance and Allocation and Program under the AIM Act. In September 2021, EPA finalized a framework rule, “Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Establishing the Allowance Allocation and Trading Program under the AIM Act” (86 FR 55116), that established the national HFC phasedown program and an initial methodology for allocating and trading HFC allowances for 2022 and 2023. This upcoming rulemaking will build off the 2021 rulemaking to establish the allowance allocation methodology for 2024 and later years.

Registration information for both meetings will be available at http://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction. Please contact Nancy Akerman ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

NEW! SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming Climate Action & Capacity Building Virtual Workshop Hosted by ITEP

March 22-23, 2022 | Register Here | Registration Closes February 28, 2022

Hosted by:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & US Mexico Border 2025 Program/Fronterra 2025 Programa
ITEP’s Tribes & Climate Change Program

Who should attend?

Tribes in EPA region 9 with an interest in US – Mexico border region
Tribes in the US – Mexico border region
Environmental Professionals, Non-profits & others working on climate issues in US – Mexico border region
Tribes in EPA region 9 and US – Mexico border regions will receive first preference.

Topics will include:

Climate change impacts
Adaptation and mitigation
Indigenous and Traditional knowledges
Tribal case studies
Science, data, resources, fundings, etc.

EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool

EPA’s free, spreadsheet-based Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool, first launched in 2013 and updated annually, is based on nationally and internationally recognized GHG accounting and reporting principles.

This year’s updates include:

An optional market-based method to calculate Scope 2 emissions from electricity purchased through contractual instruments, such as Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
Revised Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) factors from 1990 through 2019, as available.
Updated default stationary energy emission factors and heat contents.
Kerosene and distillate fuel oil as additional stationary energy fuel types.

Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here: https://www.epa.gov/statelocalenergy/tribal-greenhouse-gas-inventory-tool

Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:

Save the Date: 2022 Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit

May 16 – 18, 2022 @ the Pala, CA | Register Here

In partnership with the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, the Pala Band of Mission Indians, and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, the Climate Science Alliance is excited to co-host the 2022 Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit (SWTCCS).

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online!

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! New EPA Toxics Release Inventory Data Show Decline in Releases of Certain Toxic Chemicals; Includes New Features to Make Data More Accessible to Communities in the Southeast Region

On March 3^rd, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 2020 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis, which shows that companies that manage chemicals continue to make progress in preventing pollution and reducing chemical releases into the environment. The report shows continued reductions in toxic chemical releases in Region 4 and that between 2019 and 2020 total releases of TRI chemicals nationwide decreased by 10 percent. Click Here For Full Press Release.

NEW! EPA Proposes Stronger Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles to Promote Clean Air, Protect Communities, and Support Transition to Zero-Emissions Future

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new, stronger standards to promote clean air and reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year (MY) 2027. The proposed standards would reduce emissions of smog- and soot-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) from heavy-duty gasoline and diesel engines and set updated greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for certain commercial vehicle categories. This proposed rule would ensure the heavy-duty vehicles and engines that drive American commerce and connect people across the country are as clean as possible while charting a path to advance zero-emission vehicles in the heavy-duty fleet. Click Here for Full Press Release.

NEW! EPA Awards Rebates Totaling $17 Million to Fund Clean School Buses that Reduce Diesel Emissions and Protect Children’s Health

Today, at an event with Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the winners of two school bus rebate opportunities: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) School Bus Rebates. The $7 million in ARP funding is directed toward school districts in underserved communities to replace old diesel buses with new, zero-emission electric models, and the $10 million in DERA rebates will assist with 444 school bus replacements across the country. Click Here for full press release.

U.S. Department of Energy: The Information Source for Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles

The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) provides information, data, and tools to help fleets and other transportation decision makers find ways to reach their energy and economic goals through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and other fuel-saving measures. Click Here for more information about the resources available.

EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

To address these trends and challenges, EPA developed the SmartWay program.

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

provides a comprehensive and well-recognized system for tracking, documenting and sharing information about fuel use and freight emissions across supply chains
helps companies identify and select more efficient freight carriers, transport modes, equipment, and operational strategies to improve supply chain sustainability and lower costs from goods movement
supports global energy security and offsets environmental risk for companies and countries
reduces freight transportation-related emissions by accelerating the use of advanced fuel-saving technologies
is supported by major transportation industry associations, environmental groups, state and local governments, international agencies, and the corporate community

View the SmartWay timeline and learn about the program’s achievements and key milestones reached since SmartWay’s launch in 2002. Our progress to making freight in the supply chain more sustainable and efficient is due to the vision, commitment and hard work of SmartWay Partners and Affiliates! Two Decades of Progress: SmartWay Partnership Milestones (PDF)(1 pg, 345 K, June 2021, EPA-420-H-21-001). Click Here to view past webinars and upcoming webinars

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! EPA: A Fact Sheet for Tribes on State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to announce the State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program Fact Sheet. This fact sheet has information on SIRG eligibility, matching requirements, allowable activities, EPA contacts, and more.

EPA works collaboratively and values our tribal partnership to support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in tribal communities. We work together to develop tools and resources that address the health and the safety of tribal members when it comes to indoor air quality.

Please visit the Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities or State Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program and Resources pages to learn more and download the fact sheet.

Whether you are in the market for a portable air cleaner for your home or you were thinking about gifting one this holiday season, EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home can help you make a well-informed decision.Choose the Right Portable Air Cleaner for the Home

Tips for selecting and using a portable air cleaner:

Never buy or use an air cleaner that generates ozone, a lung irritant.
Choose an air cleaner with a clean air delivery rate (CADR) that is large enough for the size of the room. The higher the CADR the more particles an air cleaner can capture and remove from the air and the larger the room it can be used in.
Running your air cleaner at a higher speed and for a longer time will help improve the air cleaner’s effectiveness.
Place your air cleaner in the rooms where you spend more of your time such as your living room or bedroom.
Replace filters regularly and follow all air cleaner manufacturing maintenance instructions.

Read EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home for more details and tips.

U.S. Department of Education Encourages Use of American Rescue Plan Funds to Improve Ventilation and IAQ in Schools

Indoor air quality is critical to reopening schools safely and keeping them open. The U.S. Department of Education has released new guidance encouraging the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to improve ventilation systems and make other indoor air quality improvements in schools to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 and tackle longstanding school ventilation improvement needs. The new Department of Education guidance highlights EPA resources to support investments in improved ventilation and indoor air quality. Use the following resources from EPA to supplement the information in the guidance:

Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Visit this page for the latest guidance on best indoor air practices to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Ventilation is an important approach to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants, including viruses. Increase the ventilation in your school with outdoor air when possible.
Air Cleaners, HVAC filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Air cleaners and HVAC filters can help to reduce viruses and pollutants in the air. Consider upgrading the HVAC filters in your system and using safe, effective portable air cleaners to supplement HVAC filtration. Note: Do

not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces.

Implementing a Layered Approach to Address COVID-19 in Public Indoor Spaces: A layered risk reduction approach is best to limit airborne transmission of COVID-19 – learn how to combine increased ventilation and filtration with other CDC recommendations, such as wearing masks and social distancing.

Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!

2022-03-09T16:37:49+00:00March 9th, 2022|CALLS/WEBINARS/EVENTS|

RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of March 7 – March 11, 2022