PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of September 20 – 24, 2021
Photo From the Field
Gizmodo – Line 3 Pipeline Construction Damaged a Sensitive Wetland, State Says
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has ordered Enbridge Energy to pay more than $3 million and is recommending prosecution.
Climate activists and Indigenous community members gather on the river for a traditional water ceremony during a rally and march to protest the construction of Enbridge Line 3 pipeline. Photo: Kerem Yucel/AFP (Getty Images)
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of September 20 – 24, 2021
TOP STORIES
Inside Climate News – Does Nature Have Rights? A Burgeoning Legal Movement Says Rivers, Forests and Wildlife Have Standing, Too
Business Green – oil and gas production emissions could be double official estimates, satellite data suggests
GreenWire – What to expect from Interior and EPA this fall
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
Axios – The Toll of Environmental Racism
The Washington Post – wildfire threatens historic trees at Sequoia National Park. Fireproof blankets are the defense
E&E – Beefed-up air monitoring needed for national parks — report
E&E – Methane fee collides with EPA rules. ‘It’s very unusual’
The White House – Joint US-EU Press Release on the Global Methane Pledge
Washington Post – Anatomy of a wildfire: how the Dixie Fire became the largest blaze of a devastating summer
NY Times – The Unconventional Weapon Against Future Wildfires: Goats
Here’s your link to this week’s NACAA Washington Update.
Climate Change/Energy
Grist – The climate costs of keeping Line 5 open would be very high
Climate Signals – Atlantic Hurricane Season 2021
COP26 – UN Climate Conference UK 2021
The Hill – Facebook’s new climate change misinformation effort falls short, advocates say
Billboard – Billie Eilish, Finneas, Maroon 5, Brittany Howard & More Push Congress to Act on Climate Change Bill
AP – Drought tests centuries-old water traditions in New Mexico
Today Show – Offshore wind farms provide promising roadmap for more clean energy
Toxics/Mobile Sources
AP – Biden, world leaders push climate action, vow methane cuts
MSNBC – What Congress will ask oil execs when they testify on climate disinformation
National Observer – Major toilet paper brands are flushing our forests down the drain
Energy News Network – Solar project helps to reclaim site of notorious Boston-area toxic waste case
Gizmodo – Chevron CEO: ‘let them plant trees’
Gizmodo – E-waste from a single Bitcoin transaction is like throwing away two iPhone 12 minis
Indoor Air Quality
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of September 20 – 24, 2021
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
National Tribal Broadband Summit
September 17, 24 & October 1 | Register Here
Today, more than ever before, access to reliable and affordable broadband service is critical to the health, wellbeing, and economic development of Tribal nations. The Biden Administration is making historic investments to broadband in rural and Tribal communities, and is committed to bringing affordable, reliable high-speed broadband to all Americans. The National Tribal Broadband Summit is a unique opportunity for Tribal Leaders, representatives of Tribal organizations, representatives of schools and school districts serving under-connected Native students, tribal libraries, museums, and cultural programs, federal program managers, and policy-makers at multiple levels of government to come together and share their innovations in expanding broadband access and adoption for tribal communities.
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
Writing Public Comments: Getting Science on Record
Thursday, September 23; 4-5:30pm ET | Register Here
The Union of Concerned Scientists invites you to a virtual training on how to write effective, science-based public comments for federal rulemaking processes. Collaborate with fellow scientists and experts and learn about ways your scientific expertise can make a difference in creating regulations that protect the health and safety of our communities. This training is for Science Network members who are eager to get involved in the federal rulemaking process, but who do not have prior experience using their expertise to submit substantive written or oral comments.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), within the White House, will hold a Tribal consultation to seek input on the development of the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget.
This Tribal consultation on the President’s FY 2023 Budget will be held via teleconference on:
- Thursday, September 23, 2021 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET)
- Register for the Webinar
AQSync: Calibration Station for Sensor-Based Mobile Monitoring
October 6; 10:00am – 10:30am PT | Register Here
With the explosion of sensor use for air monitoring, the eternal question on everyone’s mind is “what about calibration”? Sensor calibration can pose a daunting task for communities without access to a regulatory site. In this webinar we introduce the new AQSync by 2B Technologies. The AQSync represents an exciting evolution in air monitoring by combining miniaturized FEM and near-FEM instruments in a weatherproof enclosure. In this webinar we will explore some of the current applications of the AQSync, including drive-by calibrations of mobile sensors. Lastly, we will share information on the effort underway to use AQSyncs placed at schools as the hub of community monitoring and air pollution mapping efforts
Call for Tribal Participants to Help Revise EPA, QAPP, and QMP Requirements/Guidance Documents
EPA is seeking Tribal participation (particularly tribal scientists and environmental staff with experience in writing or updating QMPs and/or QAPPs for their EPA grants) in revising three of the Agency’s most used and downloaded Quality Assurance (QA) documents:
- EPA QA/R-2, EPA Requirements for Quality Management Plans (March 2001)
- EPA QA/R-5, EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans (March 2001)
- EPA QA/G-5, Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans (December 2002)
There are a variety of ways tribes can participate:
- Take part in listening sessions
- Attend document revision webinars on QA topics of interest
- Review and Comment on the draft QMP and QAPP Standards during pre-clearance review
- Contact their Regional QA Manager here
- Provide feedback in implementing revised QA documents.
Please see the Project Notice for more details. For more information, please feel free to contact Linda Himmelbauer, Directives Project Lead, or Katherine Chalfant, Acting, Enterprise Quality Management Division (EQMD) Director.
Fourth National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop, Virtual Event
October 4 – 8, 2021 | Register Here
The 4th National Cohesive Strategy Workshop will center on this theme and focus sharply on understanding, co-managing, transferring, and accepting risk at federal, state, Tribal and local stakeholder levels to prioritize and invest in decisions, projects and other efforts that result in widespread reduction in risk across landscapes, and communities, the public and firefighters collectively.
Since the inception of The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, we have learned that there are multiple “hard truths” of living with fire that must be accepted in order to make meaningful progress towards the three national goals of Resilient Landscapes, Fire Adapted Communities and a Safe, Effective, Risk-Based Wildfire Response.
EPA’s air quality training program is released three new training materials! These materials are foundational in level, and are being offered to tribal, state, and local air agencies in an e-learning format through our learning management system (LMS).
The materials include:
- A course that explains the purpose of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) within the air quality management process.
- A module that explains each of the six criteria pollutants under the Clean Air Act. This module represents “micro-learning”— a short, focused bit of training on a particular topic.
- A module that explains what air toxics are. Similar to the criteria pollutants module, this module represents “micro-learning.”
To access the course and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), please register (if you haven’t already!), then log in and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page.
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.
Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, September 23, 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, September 30, 2pm ET |
Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, October 7, 2pm ET
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Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, October 21, 2pm ET
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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
2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Energy Projects and Workforce Development: A Win-Win Opportunity: October 27
Energy projects are often labor-intensive during construction—and once they are complete, local capability is needed to operate and maintain those energy systems. Tribes who develop a local workforce in conjunction with developing projects can realize improved project economics while creating local jobs and skilled labor. This webinar will explore this win-win opportunity. Register now.
US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments
The US EPA announces there will be nearly 30 webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of September. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. The webinars begin August 2nd – 26th. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.
ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online! Learn more about the courses and register here.
Toxics/Mobile Sources
2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Building Electrification: Why and How: September 29
Hosted by the Office of Indian Energy, this webinar will explore building electrification to utilize electricity rather than fossil fuels for building heating and cooking applications. Doing so can improve indoor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This webinar will explore this trending topic on the path to a clean energy future. Register now.
NEW! Toxics in the Community: Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) for Local and Tribal Governments
October 6; 1-2:30pm EDT | Register Here
An ELI and LGEAN Co-Sponsored Public Webinar: The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) created the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to inform the public about potentially hazardous materials in the community. In fact, two out of every three Americans live within three miles of facilities subject to the TRI, which covers over 800 individual chemicals and chemical categories. These substances often originate from manufacturing, mining and hazardous waste management sites and are known to cause significant adverse harm to the environment and human health.
Join the Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN), the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and EPA to learn more about how local and tribal governments can best use the TRI to help protect community members’ health and welfare. EPA experts will provide an overview of the TRI, explaining which local and tribal government facilities may be subject to reporting requirements and how officials can use the TRI and other EPA tools to respond to community concerns and trace chemical releases back to their sources.
EPA is in the process of conducting a residual risk and technology review of the 2002 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Major Source Primary Copper Smelting and a technology review of the 2007 Primary Copper Smelting Area Sources NESHAP
After EPA publishes the rules in the Federal Register, EPA plans to accept comment on these proposals for at least 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. Interested parties can download additional information and a copy of the proposed rules (when they are officially issued by EPA) from EPA’s website and this website. The proposed rules and other background information will also be available either electronically here, EPA’s electronic public docket and comment system. Materials for the proposed actions can be accessed using Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2020-0430. For further technical information about the rule, contact Tonisha Dawson, EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, at (919) 541-1454 or [email protected].
The 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.
- August 5, 2021: EPA proposes to revise the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for light-duty vehicles for 2023 and later model years to make the standards more stringent.
- August 5, 2021: EPA announces plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other harmful air pollutants from heavy-duty trucks through a series of rulemakings over the next three years.
Indoor Air Quality
NEW! Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators!
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.
Remember:
- Douse portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
- Do notuse portable generators under any of the following conditions:
- inside your house or garage
- on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
- near where anyone is sleeping.
For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality
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.
Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality
This summer, wildfires have spread across the U.S. creating devastation and dangerous smoke events affecting millions of American lives. If you are in need of immediate wildfire guidance, see EPA’s wildfire webpage for more resources. Smoke from wildfires can adversely affect indoor air quality and put people’s health at risk from exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants. Read on to learn more about:
- How Indoor airPLUS Homes Protect Against the Harmful Effects of Wildfire Smoke
- Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke Inside the Home
- Additional Resources
How Indoor airPLUS Homes Help Reduce the Occurrence of Asthma Triggers in the Home
Here are ways an Indoor airPLUS home can help reduce asthma triggers in the home.
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of September 20 – 24, 2021
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
NEW! The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Is hiring for a Air Quality Program Manager position with the Red Cliff Environmental Department. Job posting and instructions can be found here.
NEW! Sitting Bull College Meteorology and Atmospheric Science Instructor
This person will teach classes in Environmental Science at Sitting Bull College, especially in the area of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. This person will mentor and advise students in the SBC Environmental Science degree programs. This person will help develop, maintain and promote the FIARE monitoring station, which is funded by NASA. FIARE will provide research opportunities for BS and MS students using data derived from FIARE. FIARE can be previewed at the Sitting Bull College website at www.sittingbull.edu/fiare.
Please submit: Completed Standing Rock Public Transportation application, official transcripts (please white out birth date and social security number), 3 current reference letters (1 from immediate supervisor), Certificate of Indian blood (please white out photo, birth date, social security number), and Veterans Status to: Personnel Office Sitting Bull College 9299 HWY 24 Fort Yates, ND 58538 (701)854-8004
The Santa Ana Pueblo’s Department of Natural Resources is hiring an Environmental Education Outreach Coordinator. The position will increase the understanding of the ecosystems on the Santa Ana Pueblo and environmental stewardship of the Pueblo’s lands by implementing all of the environmental education and outreach efforts for the Department of Natural Resources.
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is pleased to announce the availability of funding to support the hiring of Tribal Climate Resilience Liaisons in Alaska, the Northwest, and the Southwest through the BIA’s Tribal Resilience Program (Program). Eligible applicants include tribal non-profit, non-governmental organizations and tribally-controlled colleges or universities (TCUs) that serve federally-recognized tribes. Other entities may participate as sub-grantees. The solicitation is available on grants.gov, and named BIA-2021-TCRP.
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
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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PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of September 13 – 17, 2021
Photo From the Field
Grist – Study: Indigenous resistance has staved off 25% of U.S. and Canada’s annual emissions
That’s the pollution equivalent of approximately 400 new coal-fired power plants. ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of September 13 – 17, 2021
TOP STORIES
If you missed this year’s virtual National Tribal Forum on Air Quality, you can watch a fun and short recap video on NTAA’s website or on ITEP’s Facebook Page! The short video includes a farewell tribute to Bill Thompson, former NTAA EC Member who recently passed and Jay Littlewolf of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. You will be missed.
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
Greenwire – Epic battle looms as EPA prepares to revive air toxics rule
U.S. DOE’s Office of Indian Energy – Mohawk Women Cultivate Growth and Resilience Through Solar Savings
AP – Unhealthy air lingers in Montana as wildfire season drags on
The Hill – US, EU will agree to cut methane emissions: report
AP – ‘A hungry monster’: Strong winds power wildfire in Spain
NPR – U.S. Tribes Are Demanding Emergency Protection For Wolves
Forbes – Are Air Pollution And Climate Change Two Sides Of The Same Coin?
Reuters – Serbian protesters demand more action to stop industrial pollution
Climate Change/Energy
NPR – The Federal Government Sells Flood-Prone Homes To Often Unsuspecting Buyers, NPR Finds
AP – Biden pitches spending plan as key to fight climate change
Modern Farmer – How Has Hurricane Ida Affected Agriculture and Food?
The Hill – More people see climate change as personal threat: survey
Vox – Grass is good. Lawns are terrible.
Thomson Reuters Foundation – Global conservation forum votes to protect Amazon forest from ‘apocalyptic scenario’
Yale Climate Connections – Global warming isn’t just a natural cycle
Toxics/Mobile Sources
NY Times – Harvard Says It Will Not Invest in Fossil Fuels
Axios – The high stakes of the natural gas branding battle
The Hill – Reconciliation measure including repeal of Arctic refuge drilling advances
Reuters – Albemarle expects stellar 2022 earnings on surging lithium demand
Energy Monitor – Oil industry flaring needs immediate action to keep net-zero hopes alive
Vox – How to end the American obsession with driving
Indoor Air Quality
NY Time – 6 Questions to Ask About Covid and Air Quality at Work
NPR – Research Finds Wildfire Smoke Makes Indoor Air Unhealthy Too
Greener Ideal – Are Candles Really Bad for Indoor Air Quality at Home?
The Washington Post – A hospital says it won’t deliver babies after staffers resigned over coronavirus vaccine mandate
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of September 13 – 17, 2021
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
NEW! National Tribal Broadband Summit
September 17, 24 & October 1 | Register Here
Today, more than ever before, access to reliable and affordable broadband service is critical to the health, wellbeing, and economic development of Tribal nations. The Biden Administration is making historic investments to broadband in rural and Tribal communities, and is committed to bringing affordable, reliable high-speed broadband to all Americans. The National Tribal Broadband Summit is a unique opportunity for Tribal Leaders, representatives of Tribal organizations, representatives of schools and school districts serving under-connected Native students, tribal libraries, museums, and cultural programs, federal program managers, and policy-makers at multiple levels of government to come together and share their innovations in expanding broadband access and adoption for tribal communities.
NEW! 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
Webinar: Strategies for effective health risk communication during wildfire smoke – Ana Rappold, EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD)
September 15; 12:00am – 1:00pm PT | Register Here
This webinar will discuss air pollution and wildfire smoke and how both can have immediate and lasting health effects. Individuals who are regularly exposed to poor air quality may report different health behaviors and conditions than those who are less exposed. EPA researchers set out to determine whether self-reported protective behaviors or health conditions differed by air quality.
SOLD OUT! Webinar: Traditional Knowledge – Federal Agencies’ Considerations (a recording will be available)
September 15; 11:30am – 1:00pm PT | Register Here
This webinar will discuss how some federal agencies are considering traditional knowledge in the implementation of their missions. This webinar is one of a two-part webinar mini-series on traditional knowledge. The second webinar, planned for October, will focus on how federally recognized tribes and indigenous peoples engage federal agencies on traditional knowledge. This webinar is part of the U.S. EPA Environmental Justice Webinar Series for Tribes and Indigenous Peoples – to build the capacity of tribal governments, indigenous peoples and other environmental justice practitioners, and discuss priority environmental justice issues of interest to tribes and indigenous peoples.
NEW! Writing Public Comments: Getting Science on Record
Thursday, September 23; 4-5:30pm ET | Register Here
The Union of Concerned Scientists invites you to a virtual training on how to write effective, science-based public comments for federal rulemaking processes. Collaborate with fellow scientists and experts and learn about ways your scientific expertise can make a difference in creating regulations that protect the health and safety of our communities. This training is for Science Network members who are eager to get involved in the federal rulemaking process, but who do not have prior experience using their expertise to submit substantive written or oral comments.
NEW! The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), within the White House, will hold a Tribal consultation to seek input on the development of the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget.
This Tribal consultation on the President’s FY 2023 Budget will be held via teleconference on:
- Thursday, September 23, 2021 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET)
- Register for the Webinar
AQSync: Calibration Station for Sensor-Based Mobile Monitoring
October 6; 10:00am – 10:30am PT | Register Here
With the explosion of sensor use for air monitoring, the eternal question on everyone’s mind is “what about calibration”? Sensor calibration can pose a daunting task for communities without access to a regulatory site. In this webinar we introduce the new AQSync by 2B Technologies. The AQSync represents an exciting evolution in air monitoring by combining miniaturized FEM and near-FEM instruments in a weatherproof enclosure. In this webinar we will explore some of the current applications of the AQSync, including drive-by calibrations of mobile sensors. Lastly, we will share information on the effort underway to use AQSyncs placed at schools as the hub of community monitoring and air pollution mapping efforts
Call for Tribal Participants to Help Revise EPA, QAPP, and QMP Requirements/Guidance Documents
EPA is seeking Tribal participation (particularly tribal scientists and environmental staff with experience in writing or updating QMPs and/or QAPPs for their EPA grants) in revising three of the Agency’s most used and downloaded Quality Assurance (QA) documents:
- EPA QA/R-2, EPA Requirements for Quality Management Plans (March 2001)
- EPA QA/R-5, EPA Requirements for Quality Assurance Project Plans (March 2001)
- EPA QA/G-5, Guidance for Quality Assurance Project Plans (December 2002)
There are a variety of ways tribes can participate:
- Take part in listening sessions
- Attend document revision webinars on QA topics of interest
- Review and Comment on the draft QMP and QAPP Standards during pre-clearance review
- Contact their Regional QA Manager here
- Provide feedback in implementing revised QA documents.
Please see the Project Notice for more details. For more information, please feel free to contact Linda Himmelbauer, Directives Project Lead, or Katherine Chalfant, Acting, Enterprise Quality Management Division (EQMD) Director.
Fourth National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop, Virtual Event
October 4 – 8, 2021 | Register Here
The 4th National Cohesive Strategy Workshop will center on this theme and focus sharply on understanding, co-managing, transferring, and accepting risk at federal, state, Tribal and local stakeholder levels to prioritize and invest in decisions, projects and other efforts that result in widespread reduction in risk across landscapes, and communities, the public and firefighters collectively.
Since the inception of The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, we have learned that there are multiple “hard truths” of living with fire that must be accepted in order to make meaningful progress towards the three national goals of Resilient Landscapes, Fire Adapted Communities and a Safe, Effective, Risk-Based Wildfire Response.
EPA’s air quality training program is released three new training materials! These materials are foundational in level, and are being offered to tribal, state, and local air agencies in an e-learning format through our learning management system (LMS).
The materials include:
- A course that explains the purpose of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) within the air quality management process.
- A module that explains each of the six criteria pollutants under the Clean Air Act. This module represents “micro-learning”— a short, focused bit of training on a particular topic.
- A module that explains what air toxics are. Similar to the criteria pollutants module, this module represents “micro-learning.”
To access the course and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), please register (if you haven’t already!), then log in and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page.
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.
Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, September 23, 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, September 30, 2pm ET |
Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, October 7, 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, October 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.
Climate Change / Energy
NEW! 2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Energy Projects and Workforce Development: A Win-Win Opportunity: October 27
Energy projects are often labor-intensive during construction—and once they are complete, local capability is needed to operate and maintain those energy systems. Tribes who develop a local workforce in conjunction with developing projects can realize improved project economics while creating local jobs and skilled labor. This webinar will explore this win-win opportunity. Register now.
US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments
The US EPA announces there will be nearly 30 webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of September. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. The webinars begin August 2nd – 26th. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.
ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online! Learn more about the courses and register here.
Toxics/Mobile Sources
NEW! 2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Building Electrification: Why and How: September 29
Hosted by the Office of Indian Energy, this webinar will explore building electrification to utilize electricity rather than fossil fuels for building heating and cooking applications. Doing so can improve indoor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This webinar will explore this trending topic on the path to a clean energy future. Register now.
EPA is in the process of conducting a residual risk and technology review of the 2002 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Major Source Primary Copper Smelting and a technology review of the 2007 Primary Copper Smelting Area Sources NESHAP
After EPA publishes the rules in the Federal Register, EPA plans to accept comment on these proposals for at least 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. Interested parties can download additional information and a copy of the proposed rules (when they are officially issued by EPA) from EPA’s website and this website. The proposed rules and other background information will also be available either electronically here, EPA’s electronic public docket and comment system. Materials for the proposed actions can be accessed using Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2020-0430. For further technical information about the rule, contact Tonisha Dawson, EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, at (919) 541-1454 or [email protected].
The 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.
- August 5, 2021: EPA proposes to revise the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for light-duty vehicles for 2023 and later model years to make the standards more stringent.
- August 5, 2021: EPA announces plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other harmful air pollutants from heavy-duty trucks through a series of rulemakings over the next three years.
Indoor Air Quality
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.
Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality
This summer, wildfires have spread across the U.S. creating devastation and dangerous smoke events affecting millions of American lives. If you are in need of immediate wildfire guidance, see EPA’s wildfire webpage for more resources. Smoke from wildfires can adversely affect indoor air quality and put people’s health at risk from exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants. Read on to learn more about:
- How Indoor airPLUS Homes Protect Against the Harmful Effects of Wildfire Smoke
- Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke Inside the Home
- Additional Resources
How Indoor airPLUS Homes Help Reduce the Occurrence of Asthma Triggers in the Home
Here are ways an Indoor airPLUS home can help reduce asthma triggers in the home.
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of September 13 – 17, 2021
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
NEW! The Santa Ana Pueblo’s Department of Natural Resources is hiring an Environmental Education Outreach Coordinator. The position will increase the understanding of the ecosystems on the Santa Ana Pueblo and environmental stewardship of the Pueblo’s lands by implementing all of the environmental education and outreach efforts for the Department of Natural Resources.
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is pleased to announce the availability of funding to support the hiring of Tribal Climate Resilience Liaisons in Alaska, the Northwest, and the Southwest through the BIA’s Tribal Resilience Program (Program). Eligible applicants include tribal non-profit, non-governmental organizations and tribally-controlled colleges or universities (TCUs) that serve federally-recognized tribes. Other entities may participate as sub-grantees. The solicitation is available on grants.gov, and named BIA-2021-TCRP.
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
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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