WEEKLY UPDATE (PDF): Week of January 24 – 28, 2022
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PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of January 10 – 14, 2022
Photo From the Field
Click the link to Register for the upcoming Informational Webinar on EPA’s Proposed Methane Rule: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3229882897044723470 .
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of January 10 – 14, 2022
Top Stories
E&E News – ‘Heartbreaking’: 2021 climate-related disasters killed 688
Indian Country Today – America’s forgotten Indigenous rights movement: The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act impacts almost every aspect of Alaska Native life
CNN – The last 7 years have been the warmest on record as planet approaches critical threshold
Space.com – Satellites reveal record high methane concentrations despite reduction pledges
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes News
Indian Country Today – ‘We’re being wrapped in poison’ A century of oil and gas development has devastated parts of northern Oklahoma. Now the Ponca Tribe is fighting back
E&E News – Democrats request probe of White House EJ actions
E&E News – Meet the EPA staffers key to Biden’s goals
Phys.org – Common clay materials may help curb methane emissions
MIT News – Understanding air pollution from space
Healio News – Air pollution levels linked to 16% of pediatric asthma cases globally
Helsinki Times – Long term exposure to air pollution may heighten COVID-19 risk: Study
Here’s your link to this week’s NACAA Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
Inside Climate News – US Emissions Surged in 2021: Here’s Why in Six Charts
Inside Climate News – Five Climate Moves by the Biden Administration You May Have Missed
Axios – White House expands clean energy push as legislation stalls
E&E News – Tina Smith isn’t giving up on her clean electricity program
Bloomberg – Challenge to EPA’s Climate Authority Heads to Supreme Court
The Hill – Biden administration seeks reversal of Trump move opening up more Arctic drilling
ITEP Tribes and Climate Change Monthly Newsletter
Toxics/Mobile Sources
E&E News – Postal Service: Here’s the price tag for 100% EVs
Indian Country Today – Tribes concerned about plan to power nuclear lab
E&E News – About-face: GM agrees to Calif. tailpipe emissions rule
The Hill – EPA to assess impact on endangered species before signing off on pesticide ingredients
Green Car Reports – Research could help extend EV battery life by 30%, slow degradation
Indoor Air Quality
Axios – Why we need to wear better masks
The Guardian – Covid loses 90% of ability to infect within 20 minutes in air – study
Exclusive: Findings highlight importance of short-range Covid transmission
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of January 10 – 14, 2022
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 Tanya Abrahamian ([email protected]) with any feedback.
NEW! The Opportunity for Prize Competitions at EPA
This webinar will showcase three successful EPA Prize Competitions, discuss their results, and share opportunities to get involved. Workshop topics will include: How can prize competitions serve as a catalyst to finding new, innovative solutions to environmental problems? What are the benefits of hosting a prize competition? How can you join a challenge or start your own? Wednesday January, 19, 2022 at 3:00 PM. Eastern Time. Click here to register.
NEW! Addressing Air Quality in Tribal Communities (for Beginners)
January 25-27, 2022 | 9am-2pm PDT; 10am-3pm MDT; 12pm-5pm EDT
(2-hour session, 1-hour break, 2-hour session, Daily)
Apply Now: https://forms.gle/1S3amRpocRphTMuX7
Course capped at 12 participants
Topics:
- Identifying air quality sources and concerns in a community
- Tribal Air Program Case Studies
- Resources for tribal air quality professionals
The application is due on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the workshop via email by Tuesday, January 18. Those accepted to participate in the workshop will receive the Zoom link and password to join the workshop. The link and password are unique and should not be shared with others.
A Sense of Place: Indigenous Perspectives on Earth, Water and Sky featuring Larry Campbell, Swinomish Elder
Registration is open for our next webinar! Register now for our 9th webinar “A Sense of Place: Indigenous Perspectives of Earth, Water and Sky,” featuring Larry Campbell, Swinomish Elder, Thursday January 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM, Pacific Time. Space is limited so please register now.
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.
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, February 3,
2pm ET |
| STAR Work Group: Join the Status of Tribal Air work group to provide input on the report. | Wednesday,
January 11, 3pm 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, January 20,
2pm ET
|
| 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, January 27, 2pm ET |
| Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, February 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, January 26, 11 am AK |
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! Applications open for the Arctic Rivers Summit, March 2022
Scheduled to take place at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Alaska, March 29-31, 2022. The Summit is part of the Arctic Rivers Project funded by the National Science Foundation’s Navigating the New Arctic Program. The Summit will be an in-person workshop to discuss the current and potential future states of Alaskan and Yukon rivers and fish and how we can adapt. It will bring together up to 150 Tribal and First Nation leaders, community members, managers, and knowledge holders, academic, Indigenous, federal, state, and provincial researchers, non-governmental organizations, and others.
Applications are due by January 23, 2022. For more information, please visit the Arctic Rivers Summit website.
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
NRC invites comment on Draft Programmatic Agreement on protection of archaeological sites affected by proposed placement of mine waste repository on top of reclaimed Church Rock uranium mill tailings deposit: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is requesting comment on a draft Programmatic Agreement (PA) between the NRC, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Navajo Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Office (NNTHPO), New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office (NMSHPO), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and United Nuclear Corporation (UNC). The purpose of this draft PA is to resolve any adverse effects to historic properties identified during consultation for a proposed license amendment application for the UNC Mill Site.
Submit comments by January 21, 2022.
> Federal Register (TBA)
> Download: Draft Programmatic Agreement , Nov. 30, 2021 (PDF)
> Access Docket ID NRC-2019-0026
Indoor Air Quality
New! EPA is looking for comprehensive programs that demonstrate improved asthma outcomes, compelling financial outcomes and progress toward financial sustainability. Check out examples of successful asthma programs and previous winners in the Hall of Fame – Applications Due February 1, 2022
Learn more here about the online application process, which allows you to highlight how your program emphasizes environmental management as a standard component of care. You can also access the downloadable checklist to help you through the application process.
Have questions about your application?
Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org/awards for more information, or contact us at [email protected]
Choose the Right Portable Air Cleaner for the Home
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.
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.
Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper
The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.
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!
RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of January 10 -14, 2022
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
NEW! U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY HIRING WEBINAR FOR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI OF NATIVE SERVING INSTITUTIONS AND TRIBAL COLLEGES on Tuesday, January 25th at 3:00 PM EST
Join the Teams Meeting by clicking here. The webinar will provide information on job opportunities for students and recent graduates, how to apply to federal positions, creating a USA Jobs profile and saving searches, education and transcript requirements, federal pay, benefits and retirement, EPA’s work toward Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. For questions, contact Kate Fox at [email protected].
Northern Arizona University Assistant Professor Environmental Policy
Closing Date: January 21, 2022
Classification: On–Site, Full Time
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona, Mountain Campus
Salary: $69,000 – $73,000 depending on qualifications
Application Procedure: To apply for this position, please click on the “Apply” button at the end of the job description if viewing this position through the NAU HR website. Otherwise, to view the original post and to apply, proceed to nau.jobs, follow the ‘Faculty and Administrator Openings’ link, locate vacancy 605899, and then “Apply” at the bottom of the page. Application must include: (1) Cover letter addressing minimum and preferred qualifications, (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) Statement of experiences and plans for contributing to a diverse and inclusive community of colleagues and students, (4) Statement of research interests and plans, (5) Statement of teaching philosophy and effectiveness including approaches for inclusive and interdisciplinary teaching, (6) Unofficial transcript, and (7) Contact information for three references including names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers. Only submissions received through our online applications system will be reviewed. Questions about the position may be sent to Dr. Denielle Perry ([email protected]).
Northern Arizona University Assistant Professor of Indigenous Forestry
Classification: On–Site, Full Time
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona, Mountain Campus
Application Procedure: To apply for this position, please click on the “Apply” button at the end of the job description if viewing this position through the NAU HR website. Otherwise, to view the original post and to apply, proceed to nau.jobs, follow the ‘Faculty and Administrator Openings’ link, locate vacancy 605923, and then “Apply” at the bottom of the page.
Applications must include: (1) a letter of interest highlighting your qualifications for this position, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial graduate transcripts of all college level work, (4) one-page DEIJ statement (see description above), (5) a statement of teaching philosophy, and (6) names and contact information for three professional references (phone number, email, and address). Save all items as PDF documents.
For more information, please contact Dr. Carol Chambers, Search Committee Chair, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ 86011-5018; phone: 928-523-0014. Email: [email protected]
Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu Coordinator
Closing date: January 31, 2022
Classification: 3-year, full time (Renewable dependent on funding)
Location: Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission, Odanah, WI
Salary: Salary range: $39,707-$43,679 depending on qualifications.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit a completed GLIFWC application for employment (available at www.glifwc.org), letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to: Robert Croll, Climate Change Program Coordinator 715-682-6619 [email protected]
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! Institute for Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Internship Opportunities
The Student Summer Internship (SSI) program is an 8-week program. The purpose of this internship program is for students to gain hands-on skills and experience with EPA or other governmental and tribal environmental offices in managing and monitoring air quality. The internship program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Air Quality Internship (SSI) Program. Learn about paid 8-week summer internship opportunities for college students
The Water and Land Summer Internship program is an 8 to 10-week program. The purpose of this internship program is for students to gain hands-on skills and experience with tribal organizations, state and federal agencies, and water or land management NGO’s. The internship program is funded by the Catena Foundation, Mighty Arrow Foundation and the Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy.
- Water and Land Summer Internship Program. Learn about paid summer internship opportunities for college students.
Reach out to Mansel Nelson ([email protected]) for more information and application process. Applications due by February 1, 2022
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.
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
2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates
EPA will fund $7 million for electric school bus rebates in underserved communities. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) appropriated funds to the EPA for “activities that identify and address disproportionate environmental or public health harms and risks in minority populations or low-income populations” under several programs, including the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).
Rebate Application Form and Supporting Documents:
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Eligibility List (pdf)
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Program Guide
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Application
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Eligible Applicants:
- Public school districts listed on the ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Eligibility List
- Districts on the eligibility list are estimated to have 30% or more students living in poverty based on the US Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) School District Estimates for 2019.
States with zero school districts that make this cutoff will have one school district with the highest percent of students in poverty represented in the eligibility list.
- Tribal schools
- Private fleets that operate school buses under a contract with an eligible entity listed above
EPA Announces $10 Million Available for States, Tribes, and Territories to Address Environmental Challenges
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of Multipurpose Grant (MPG) funding to support states, Tribes, and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues, including PFAS, environmental justice and climate change. For more information on eligibility, use of funding, process for award, and timelines, please reference the Multipurpose Grant guidance.
Recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2021
You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.
Indoor Air Quality
NEW! EPA Partner Colorado State University – Research findings on the impact of woodburning cookstove on household air pollution in rural Honduras
January 12, 2022 from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, MST. Click Here to Register
Few randomized controlled interventions of cookstoves (biomass or otherwise) have characterized air pollution exposure reductions nearing WHO target guidelines. The researchers present the impacts of a cleaner-combustion, wood-burning stove intervention on exposure (fine particulate matter and black carbon) and indicators of cardiometabolic health over a 3-year period among 230 primary female cooks in rural Honduras. To find out more please visit our website.
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:
PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of January 3 – 7, 2022
Photo From the Field
My Powell River Now – Program to exclude fossil fuel heat sources in wood stove change out program
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of January 3 – 7, 2022
Top Stories
NTAA will be hosting an informational webinar for Tribes on Wednesday, January 19th at 2pm ET to help Tribes better understand and comment on EPA’s Proposed Emissions Guidelines to Reduce Methane from the Oil and Natural Gas Industry. NTAA has also released a Tribal Template Letter for Tribes to use as well as NTAA’s new fact sheet on NTAA’s Policy Resource Kit page here. Last week, NTAA’s Chairwoman Carol Kriebs testified during EPA’s public hearing last week. You can read her remarks here. Deadline extended: Comments are now due to the EPA on January 31st, 2022 (previously January 14th) Comment here!
Submit your 2022 NTFAQ Presentation Abstract by January 15! | Google Form
The National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTFAQ) aims to support Tribal programs by fostering information-sharing and networking opportunities that are focused on building Tribal capacity in air quality management. The event’s agenda is driven by Tribal input and priorities, with a focus on increasing Tribal engagement in air quality initiatives that are relevant to tribal communities across the nation.
The NTFAQ is scheduled for May 2-5, 2022. Sample topic for presentations or trainings may include but is not limited to:
- Air Quality & Grants
- Air Quality Policy & Regulations
- Indoor Air Quality
- Air Quality Health and Research
- Technical: air monitoring, data management & analysis, emission inventories
- Tribal Case Studies: examples of Tribes implementing air quality projects & programs
- Climate Change & Air Quality
- Community engagement: youth, elders, and community leaders
- Tribal/Traditional Knowledge
If you have questions about the agenda, presentation options, or other ways to participate in the event, please contact [email protected].
Timeline:
- Letter of Notification (will include instructions and timeline): February 17th, 2022
- Presentation Materials Deadline: March 28 (if pre-recorded) April 15 (if in-person)
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes News
U.S. News – FDA Expands Booster Shots to More Kids
E&E News – Biden has no EPA air nominee as climate goals teeter
E&E News – What’s ahead for ‘Build Back Better’: 4 scenarios
E&E News – What to watch at DOE, FERC, Interior in 2022
High Country News – Indigenous feminism flows through the fight for water rights on the Rio Grande
Cronkite News – Rez ball rebirth in Chinle: Navajo Nation rebounds as pandemic takes toll
Native News Online – Court Rules Mining Rights Stay with the Feds on Oklahoma Tribal Lands
Indian Country Today – ‘America’s forgotten Indigenous rights movement’
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act impacts almost every aspect of Alaska Native life #ancsa50
Mongabay – More trees means healthier bees, new study on air pollution shows
Here’s your link to this week’s NACAA Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
NPR – How 2021’s floods and heat waves are signs of what’s to come
Popular Science – Climate change disasters cost the world over $100 billion this year
NY Times – Chile Writes Its Constitution, Confronting Climate Change Head On
Nature – How researchers can help fight climate change in 2022 and beyond
Yes! Magazine – Electric Solutions to Decarbonize Your Life
NY Times – Coming Soon to This Coal Country: Solar, in a Big Way
ITEP Tribes and Climate Change Monthly Newsletter
Toxics/Mobile Sources
NPR – EPA announces tighter fuel economy standards for cars and trucks
E&E News – Regulatory fight looms over first-ever air toxics addition
Ensia – Radioactive contamination is creeping into drinking water around the U.S.
Indian Country Today – Jackpile Mine toxic legacy continues at Laguna Pueblo
The State of Massachusetts – MassDEP Files New Regulations to Reduce Emissions, Advance Market for Clean Trucks in the Commonwealth
The Office of New York Governor Hochul – Governor Hochul Announces Adoption of Regulation to Transition to Zero-Emission Trucks
NPR – Walmart sued for allegedly dumping hazardous waste in California
Indoor Air Quality
Forbes – Leaders Must Prioritize Indoor Air Quality. Here’s Why.
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of January 3 – 7, 2022
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 Tanya Abrahamian ([email protected]) with any feedback.
NEW! A Sense of Place: Indigenous Perspectives on Earth, Water and Sky featuring Larry Campbell, Swinomish Elder
Registration is open for our next webinar! Register now for our 9th webinar “A Sense of Place: Indigenous Perspectives of Earth, Water and Sky,” featuring Larry Campbell, Swinomish Elder, Thursday January 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM, Pacific Time. Space is limited so please register now.
NEW! 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.
NEW! Register for Virtual Workshop of Wood Heaters Here
The 5th Wood Heater Design Challenge begins with 3 online workshops, and registration is open for the first one, on Advances in Wood Heater Design. The workshop is free and open to the public and designed for experts in the field, or those who want to build more technical knowledge about stove combustion. The first workshop is held for 3 hours on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 and consists of brief presentations, followed by participatory break-out sessions and networking sessions. Registration numbers have exceeded expectations of the organizers!
Addressing Air Quality in Tribal Communities (for Beginners)
January 25-27, 2022 | 9am-2pm PDT; 10am-3pm MDT; 12pm-5pm EDT
(2-hour session, 1-hour break, 2-hour session, Daily)
Apply Now: https://forms.gle/1S3amRpocRphTMuX7
Course capped at 12 participants
Topics:
- Identifying air quality sources and concerns in a community
- Tribal Air Program Case Studies
- Resources for tribal air quality professionals
The application is due on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the workshop via email by Tuesday, January 18. Those accepted to participate in the workshop will receive the Zoom link and password to join the workshop. The link and password are unique and should not be shared with others.
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.
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, January 6, 2pm ET |
| STAR Work Group: Join the Status of Tribal Air work group to provide input on the report. | Wednesday,
January 11, 3pm 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, January 20, 2pm ET
|
| 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, January 27, 2pm ET |
| Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, February 17, 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.
Climate Change / Energy
Applications open for the Arctic Rivers Summit, March 2022
Scheduled to take place at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Alaska, March 29-31, 2022. The Summit is part of the Arctic Rivers Project funded by the National Science Foundation’s Navigating the New Arctic Program. The Summit will be an in-person workshop to discuss the current and potential future states of Alaskan and Yukon rivers and fish and how we can adapt. It will bring together up to 150 Tribal and First Nation leaders, community members, managers, and knowledge holders, academic, Indigenous, federal, state, and provincial researchers, non-governmental organizations, and others.
Applications are due by January 23, 2022. For more information, please visit the Arctic Rivers Summit website.
NEW! 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
NRC invites comment on Draft Programmatic Agreement on protection of archaeological sites affected by proposed placement of mine waste repository on top of reclaimed Church Rock uranium mill tailings deposit: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is requesting comment on a draft Programmatic Agreement (PA) between the NRC, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Navajo Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Office (NNTHPO), New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office (NMSHPO), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and United Nuclear Corporation (UNC). The purpose of this draft PA is to resolve any adverse effects to historic properties identified during consultation for a proposed license amendment application for the UNC Mill Site.
Submit comments by January 21, 2022.
> Federal Register (TBA)
> Download: Draft Programmatic Agreement , Nov. 30, 2021 (PDF)
> Access Docket ID NRC-2019-0026
Indoor Air Quality
Choose the Right Portable Air Cleaner for the Home
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.
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.
Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper
The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.
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!
RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of January 3 – 7, 2022
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
Tribal Climate Adaptation Menu Coordinator
Closing date: January 31, 2022
Classification: 3-year, full time (Renewable dependent on funding)
Location: Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission, Odanah, WI
Salary: Salary range: $39,707-$43,679 depending on qualifications.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit a completed GLIFWC application for employment (available at www.glifwc.org), letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to: Robert Croll, Climate Change Program Coordinator 715-682-6619 [email protected]
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.
Northern Arizona University is excited to announce the School of Forestry full-time position #605923 for Assistant Professor of Indigenous Forestry is on the Human Resources website and use this link will access the position.
The School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Indigenous Forestry. This is a 9-month, tenure-track appointment (40% teaching and student-related activities, 50% scholarship and research, and 10% service). We seek an applicant with expertise in Indigenous forestry (Native American, First Nations, or other Indigenous communities), broadly defined, whose interests will support, build, and complement the School of Forestry’s and NAU’s programs in these and related areas. Past and future integration of DEIJ aspects and issues into your teaching and research activities, and any impact of that DEIJ inclusion on students, the institution, your discipline, and the larger community.
- Academic, professional, industry, and/or community service that contributes to building respectful and inclusive organizational climates, advances institutional recruitment of marginalized people, and raises awareness of DEIJ issues.
The anticipated start date for this position is August 2022.
The School of Earth and Sustainability (SES) at Northern Arizona University invites applications for a full-time, benefit eligible, tenure-track position of Assistant Professor in Environmental policy (#605899 ). The successful candidate will prioritize SES’s efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion while engaging students, faculty, and external stakeholders on challenging issues critical to a just and sustainable society. This position builds on university strengths in Environmental Sustainability. Scholars are sought to develop new collaborations that will enable interdisciplinary science-based applied scholarship and teaching on local to global sustainability challenges. The successful candidate is required to maintain an active research program, provide quality teaching for SES, and contribute service to the School, the university, and profession. We encourage applications by candidates who will contribute to the cultural diversity of NAU and who value cultural, ethnic, and racial differences.
For full consideration, apply for position #605899 here by 21 January 2022. If you have any questions about the position, you can contact the search committee chair, Denielle Perry, directly at [email protected].
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 always find a great listing of Indian Country jobs on NCAI’s website here.
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
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.
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
Federal Register Notices related to Transportation, Air Pollution, and Climate Change
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to modify certain compliance dates under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. First, EPA is proposing to extend the RFS compliance reporting deadline and the associated attest engagement reporting deadline for the 2019 compliance year for small refineries only. Second, EPA is proposing to extend the RFS compliance reporting deadline and the associated attest engagement reporting deadline for the 2020 and 2021 compliance years for all obligated parties. Finally, EPA is proposing to change the way in which future RFS compliance and attest engagement reporting deadlines are determined.
- January 3, 2022 – Comment Period Ends. Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0783
2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates
EPA will fund $7 million for electric school bus rebates in underserved communities. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) appropriated funds to the EPA for “activities that identify and address disproportionate environmental or public health harms and risks in minority populations or low-income populations” under several programs, including the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).
Rebate Application Form and Supporting Documents:
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Eligibility List (pdf)
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Program Guide
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Application
- 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Eligible Applicants:
- Public school districts listed on the ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Eligibility List
- Districts on the eligibility list are estimated to have 30% or more students living in poverty based on the US Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) School District Estimates for 2019.
States with zero school districts that make this cutoff will have one school district with the highest percent of students in poverty represented in the eligibility list.
- Tribal schools
- Private fleets that operate school buses under a contract with an eligible entity listed above
EPA Announces $10 Million Available for States, Tribes, and Territories to Address Environmental Challenges
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of Multipurpose Grant (MPG) funding to support states, Tribes, and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues, including PFAS, environmental justice and climate change. For more information on eligibility, use of funding, process for award, and timelines, please reference the Multipurpose Grant guidance.
Recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2021
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.
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