WEEKLY UPDATE (PDF): Week of August 16 – 20, 2021
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PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of August 9 – 13, 2021
Photo From the Field
New York Times – A hotter Future Is Certain, Climate Panel Warns. But How Hot Is Up to Us.
The Dixie Fire, which destroyed one town and forced thousands to flee their homes in Northern California, became the second largest wildfire in state history (David Swanson/Reuters).
Note from the Editor: IPCC Confirms Human Causation Of Climate Change, Warns Of Narrowing Window For Action: The alarming new IPCC report released on Monday confirms, with “unequivocal” certainty, that the climate change causing the devastating phenomena hammering the globe is driven by human-sourced greenhouse gas pollution. More stories on the report are below.
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of August 9 – 13, 2021
TOP STORIES
NBC News – U.N. releases blistering assessment on the state of climate change
Reuters – To save the planet, focus on cutting methane – U.N. climate report
CNN – Senate passes $1 trillion infrastructure bill after months of intense bipartisan talks
Politico – Senate passes bipartisan infrastructure bill — but what comes next won’t be easy
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
The Guardian – Major climate changes inevitable and irreversible – IPCC’s starkest warning yet
The White House – FACT SHEET: Biden Administration Announces Nearly $5 Billion in Resilience Funding to Help Communities Prepare for Extreme Weather and Climate-Related Disasters
Axios – Heat wave engulfs much of U.S., as wildfires rage in West
Indian Country Today – Yurok Tribe grows solutions in soil of crisis
The One Feather – Council passes medical marijuana ordinance
The National Law Review – EPA Funding for Early Childhood Developmental Health Research Will Include Focus on Chemical Exposures
CNBC – Apps are helping people avoid air pollution amid record wildfires, rising temperatures
Inside Climate News – Can California Reduce Dairy Methane Emissions Equitably?
NRDC – Stop Pebble Mine: Groups Urge EPA to Protect Bristol Bay
National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
NPR – What The U.S. Can Do About The Dire Climate Change Report
The Washington Post – Humans have pushed the climate into ‘unprecedented’ territory, landmark U.N. report finds
Market Watch – 20 stocks for maximum growth as the world switches to clean energy
E&E News – Dems unveil budget, setting stage for massive climate bill
CNN – First on CNN: Advocacy groups ramp up pressure on lawmakers to take action on climate change
Euro News – Which country is the world leader in renewable energy in 2021?
Inside Climate News – Inside Clean Energy: Three Charts that Show the Energy Transition in 50 States
Reuters – Factbox: Paid leave, clean energy and preschool: Democrats’ $3.5 trln plan
High Country News – Who should pay for climate mitigation? Colorado looks to the oil industry.
The News Tribune – U.S. Interior Secretary sees climate change effects on coastal tribal communities
Toxics/Mobile Sources
Baltimore Sun – The best way to tax polluters, fight climate change and reduce the deficit: Raise the federal gas tax| COMMENTARY
The Hill – House Democrats urge more conservation, transportation funds in reconciliation package
National Law Review – EPA Emphasizes Climate Change Considerations in Superfund Remedies
The Guardian – Protesters against Line 3 tar sands pipeline face arrests and rubber bullets
National Academies – Environmental Resilience of Transportation Infrastructure Should Be Assessed for All Federally Funded Projects, Says New Report
Indoor Air Quality
Forbes – More Schools Defying State Governments To Impose Mask Mandates — Here’s What Could Happen Next
Smithsonian Magazine – Four Ways to Protect Yourself From Harmful Air Pollution Caused by Wildfires
Facility Executive – Cost-Effective Strategies for Improving IAQ
Hotel Business – Survey: Indoor air quality a concern for North Americans
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of August 9 – 13, 2021
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
NEW! National Congress of American Indians to Host Infrastructure Town Hall Today, August 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. EDT
As reported yesterday, the Senate passed H.R. 3684, a $1.2 trillion bi-partisan infrastructure package which includes key spending provisions related to transportation, water infrastructure, energy, climate resiliency, tax, and a five-year surface transportation authorization. The bill proposes more than $15 billion in direct funding for Tribal Nations. Click here to register for the town hall and click here for the full analysis.
NCAI is hosting a virtual Tribal Leader Town Hall today at 2:00 p.m. EDT to discuss the relevant tribal provisions. During the Town Hall, NCAI policy team members and guest speakers will discuss the next steps for this bill, strategic considerations, and will provide legislative analysis.
NEW! Environmental Justice and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
This webinar will discuss effective methods for considering environmental justice (EJ) in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews. The webinar will highlight content from the Promising Practices for EJ Methodologies in NEPA Reviews report of the Federal Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice (now the EJ Interagency Council). This webinar builds upon the NEPA and Tribes as Cooperating Agencies webinar held on July 21, 2021. 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.
August 26, 2021, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM (PT), 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM (ET)
To register use this link.
NEW! Tribal – DHS Homeland Security Virtual Summit
Next week (August 9 – 12, 2021) the Department of Homeland Security will be having a series of Tribal – DHS homeland security conversations and sharing valuable information.
See for more information and registration.
EPA has decided to extend the deadline for new MSTRS membership for applications to Friday August 13, 2021.
EPA is seeking nominations from representatives of nonfederal interests such as community and/or environmental justice interests, state, tribal, and local government interests, environmental advocacy groups, future transportation options and shared mobility interests, transportation and supply chain shippers, marine and inland port interests, and mobile source emission modeling interests to serve on the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee (MSTRS). The MSTRS, a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, counsel, and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of programs related to mobile source air pollution and its control. The subcommittee’s website is at https://www.epa.gov/caaac/mobile-sources-technical-review-subcommittee-mstrs-caaac.
MSTRS members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment to a second term. For more information how to submit a nomination, please see the Federal Register Notice announcing the request for nominations. EPA values and welcomes diversity and encourages nominations of women and men of all racial and ethnic groups. Nominations must be received by August 13, 2021.
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
GAP Guidance Evaluation Phase 2 Revisions and Allocation: Tribal Participation Opportunity!
EPA is revising the 2013 Guidance on the Award and Management of General
Assistance Agreements for Tribes and Tribal Consortia. The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program, or GAP, is the largest tribal capacity building program in EPA. The GAP Guidance is for tribes at all levels of capacity building. All perspectives from beginning to advanced stages of tribal capacity development are encouraged on the revision workgroups. Click here to read more!
In addition to revising the 2013 GAP Guidance, EPA will initiate consultation with tribes on how EPA allocates Congressionally appropriated GAP funds to regions annually. Letters will be sent to Tribal Leaders notifying the start of consultation beginning July 19, 2021. More information on EPA’s consultation on the national GAP allocation will be available online at https://tcots.epa.gov.
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.
| 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, August 26, 2pm ET |
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. | YTD 5 |
| 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, August 19, 2pm ET
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| Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, September 23, 1pm 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! US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments
The US EPA announces there will be 25 upcoming webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others. 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! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to strengthen federal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks by setting stringent requirements for reductions through Model Year (MY) 2026. The proposed 2023-2026 MY standards would achieve significant GHG emissions reductions along with reductions in other pollutants. The proposal would result in substantial public health and welfare benefits, while providing consumers with savings from lower fuel costs. The proposal would incentivize technology available today to make vehicles cleaner and to encourage more hybrid and electric vehicle technology.
EPA be offering a webinar on the proposed rule for our tribal stakeholders on Wednesday, August 18 from 2-3pm EST. You can register for this webinar by clicking here and for more information, please contact Jessie Mroz ([email protected]).
The U.S. 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].
Green Transportation Summit & Expo
August 16-18, 2021 Tacoma, Washington | Registration
The 10th annual Green Transportation Summit & Expo (GTSE) is the region’s premier clean transportation convening event. There has not been a time when clean transportation has had as much potential. With this year’s theme of Reflecting + Refocusing on a Resilient Future, we are giving particular attention to recent events affecting our communities and livelihood. We will be creating space to ensure these critical topics are addressed. All Tribes can get a 20% discount, contact [email protected] for the code!
The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in June 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.
The recent additions to OTAQ’s website are listed here. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.
Indoor Air Quality
| US EPA Presents a free webinar in Spanish and English on how to protect your home and family from air pollution: healthy Air: Indoors and Out on August 12, 2021 @ 12:00 – 1:00 PM (PT)
Join us to learn about indoor and outdoor air pollution in the U.S.-Mexico border region and what you can do to protect your home and community. Presenters will share information on common air pollution sources, potential health impacts from poor air quality, and tips and tricks for creating safe environments. All members of the public are welcome! Please join this webinar here from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Simultaneous interpretation will be available. For more information, please contact Francisco Dóñez, EPA at [email protected]. Summer is the perfect time to brush up on ventilation practices for schools! Are you prepared for schools to reopen this fall? Take some time to view these webinars available on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website, which focus on virus mitigation strategies, including ventilation, filtration and supplemental air purification. · Let’s Clear the Air: Using Ventilation Practices to Promote Healthy IAQ in Schools – recorded July 30, 2020 · Ventilation and Virus Mitigation in Schools: Creating a Game Plan to Reduce COVID-19 Risk and Make Lasting Improvements to IAQ – recorded on February 25, 2021 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.
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Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of August 9 – 13, 2021
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
NEW! Santa Ana Pueblo Environmental Education Outreach Coordinator
Increases 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. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information. **NOTE: job announcement will be initially opened to Pueblo members for a period of five (5) working days**
NEW! US EPA Region 9 Superfund
There will be two upcoming opportunities to apply for multiple vacancies for Remedial Project Managers. The first opportunity, which is a recruitment effort for remedial project manager positions based out of EPA’s San Francisco office. The second opportunity that’s forthcoming will include an additional duty station on or near Navajo Nation.
Upper Sioux Environmental Specialist
Under direct supervision of the Environmental Director, the Environmental Specialist, will be responsible for carrying out the objectives of the Upper Sioux Community’s Office of the Environment. The Environmental Specialist will conduct environmental surveys and assessments, supervise field activities, monitor condition of Tribal natural resources, work closely with contractors and other governmental agencies to protect Tribal resources and aid other Tribal entities.
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.
Attention Region 9 Tribes! The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is accepting nominations from the public for the 2020-2021 Haagen-Smit Clean Air Awards by August 10, 2021. Since 2001, the has annually bestowed the distinguished Haagen-Smit Awards. The awards recognize extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions toward improving air quality.
The selection criteria include: 1) Major accomplishments; 2) Contributions toward improving air quality and/or climate change, in terms of commitment, leadership, and innovation; 3) At least three letters of recommendation. Visit the CARB website to learn more about the awards program and past recipients. For more information please contact: [email protected].
Assistant Secretary Sweeney Announces $3 Million Living Languages Grant Program Funding Opportunity
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Tara Mac Lean Sweeney announced today that the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) is soliciting applications to the Living Languages Grant Program (LLGP). This $3 Million grant program will fund between 15 and 60 grants, ranging from $25,000-$200,000, to federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities to document, preserve and revitalize Native languages and build active speaker capacity. IEED’s solicitation for LLGP funding and details on how to apply can be found in the Federal Register and at Grants.Gov.
EPA is now accepting applications for a total of $9 million in grants to fund about 24 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative projects to address stormwater runoff pollution from land into water bodies. EPA is also holding an applicant webinar.
- August 20, 2021– Applications must be submitted via www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time / 10:59 p.m. Central Time. See Section IV of the grants announcements for further submission information.
EPA is requesting applications for projects in three categories; each one has a separate Funding Opportunity Number and will be posted separately on www.grants.gov. Applicants must apply for the specific funding opportunity they are interested in. Learn more about the three categories here.
State agencies, interstate agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations, local governments, institutions of higher learning and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for the GLRI grants in three categories. Individuals, foreign organizations and governments, nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying, and “for-profit” organizations are not eligible to apply for funding under this request for application.
Click here for more information on how to apply.
To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!
Climate Change/Energy
ClimateWorks Foundation Request for Proposals: Direct Air Capture and Environmental and Climate Justice
Proposals due: August 17, 2021
ClimateWorks is requesting proposals on topics with a joint focus on environmental and climate justice and Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies in the United States. While not exhaustive, topics of interest include:
- Community organizing, grassroots coalition building, and shifting power to historically underserved groups and individuals focused on climate and environmental justice.
- Policy conceptualization, design and implementation related to issues including, but not limited to, mitigation deterrence, environmental or health impacts, benefit and risk sharing, job creation and workforce development, financing of projects, and community engagement and participation.
- Research on issues related to the deployment of projects, or policy impacts and the implications with environmental and climate justice at the community level.
We welcome innovative proposals that have synergies with other climate strategies. Organizations led by Black and Indigenous people and other people of color, or youth, with annual budgets of less than $450,000 USD are strongly encouraged to apply.
On-Request Technical Assistance from DOE Office of Indian Energy
Applications Due: Not Applicable
Eligible Entities: tribal governments
The DOE Office of Indian Energy provides federally recognized Indian tribes, including Alaska Native villages, tribal energy resource development organizations, and other organized tribal groups and communities, with technical assistance to advance tribal energy projects at no cost. Technical experts from DOE and its national laboratories, along with other partnering organizations, provide support to assist Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages with energy planning, housing and building energy efficiency, project development, policy and regulation, resilience, and village power.
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.
EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act’s Tribal Grants for FY21 Request for Applications are coming soon! More information can be found on this flyer and on this website.
Recent additions to OTAQ’s website in March 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 August 2 – 6, 2021
Photo From the Field
The Washington Post – A 25-foot Native American totem pole arrives in D.C after a journey to sacred lands across U.S.
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland speaks during the event. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)
TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of August 2 – 6, 2021
TOP STORIES
NPR – Western Wildfires May Take Weeks To Months To Contain
The Guardian – US Senators unveil text of $1tn bipartisan infrastructure bill
Oregon Live – 100 years after US soldiers drove them out, Nez Perce return to bless Oregon homeland
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
Indian Country Today – Memo to Biden Administration: Less talk, more action
USA Today – Progress made but western wildfires continue to bring poor air quality across US
The Hill – ‘The land is us’ – Tribal activist turns from Keystone XL to Line 3
High Country News – How yellowcake shaped the West
KNOE News – Microplastic air pollution study continues during pandemic
The Hill – EPA announces new members of science board after firing Trump appointees
Law360 – Okla. Gov. Names New AG amid Jurisdiction Fight With Tribes
Law360 – Senator Calls For Better Native American Infrastructure
National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
Bloomberg News – Infrastructure Deal Includes Billions to Fight Climate Change
New York Times – Climate in the infrastructure bill: A substantial investment in resilience
High Country News – Climate change wreaks havoc on the electricity grid
The Hill – Five key energy components of the bipartisan infrastructure bill
The Hill – ‘The land is us’ — Tribal activist turns from Keystone XL to Line 3
CPR News – Methane From Abandoned Coal Mines Could Be Key To Fight Climate Change – If Only It Made More Money Energy – DOE Awards $12 Million to Tribal Communities to Maximize Deployment of Energy Technology
Reuters – Two U.S. companies seek extension of trump-era solar tariffs
New York Times – Biden’s Climate Plans Are Stunted After Dejected Experts Fled Trump
NBC News – Earth’s energy imbalance removes almost all doubt from human-made climate change
CNN – Curbing climate change is auto mechanics, not rocket science
Toxics/Mobile Sources
Greenwire – How Biden’s EPA waste office pick could bolster equity goals
Energy News Network – Social cost of methane changes the equation for Colorado utility policy
Reuters – Biden wants U.S. automakers to pledge 40% electric vehicles by 2030 – sources
Indoor Air Quality
The Conversation – Air pollution exposure is shifting from outdoor to indoor – here’s why
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of August 2 – 6, 2021
UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
NEW! Environmental Justice and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
This webinar will discuss effective methods for considering environmental justice (EJ) in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews. The webinar will highlight content from the Promising Practices for EJ Methodologies in NEPA Reviews report of the Federal Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice (now the EJ Interagency Council). This webinar builds upon the NEPA and Tribes as Cooperating Agencies webinar held on July 21, 2021. 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.
August 26, 2021, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM (PT), 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM (ET)
To register use this link.
NEW! Tribal – DHS Homeland Security Virtual Summit
Next week (August 9 – 12, 2021) the Department of Homeland Security will be having a series of Tribal – DHS homeland security conversations and sharing valuable information.
See for more information and registration.
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. During a wildfire, smoke can make the outdoor air unhealthy to breathe, and local officials may advise you to stay indoors during a smoke event. However, some of the smoke from outdoors can enter the home and reduce indoor air quality. Exposure to fine particles, a major component of wildfire smoke, can cause respiratory symptoms and aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases.
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
GAP Guidance Evaluation Phase 2 Revisions and Allocation: Tribal Participation Opportunity!
EPA is revising the 2013 Guidance on the Award and Management of General
Assistance Agreements for Tribes and Tribal Consortia. The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program, or GAP, is the largest tribal capacity building program in EPA. The GAP Guidance is for tribes at all levels of capacity building. All perspectives from beginning to advanced stages of tribal capacity development are encouraged on the revision workgroups. Click here to read more!
In addition to revising the 2013 GAP Guidance, EPA will initiate consultation with tribes on how EPA allocates Congressionally appropriated GAP funds to regions annually. Letters will be sent to Tribal Leaders notifying the start of consultation beginning July 19, 2021. More information on EPA’s consultation on the national GAP allocation will be available online at https://tcots.epa.gov.
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, 1pm 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, August 26, 2pm ET |
| Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. | Thursday, August 5, 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, August 19, 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
NEW! US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments
The US EPA announces there will be 25 upcoming webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others. 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.
EPA’s Climate Change Indicators in the United States: EPA’s newly updated website, Climate Change Indicators in the United States, looks at changes to our health and the environment related to the causes and effects of climate change.
With new science, additional indicators, and more years of data, many of these signs of climate change have become even more evident, stronger, and extreme. Explore the website. You are invited to participate in two upcoming webinars on the resource:
- June 24 will focus on Climate and Heat: Trends, Health Impacts and Risk. This one-hour webinar will feature climate-related temperature trends particularly related to extreme heat and urban heat, human health effects, social vulnerability, and risks (happening now and looking into the future). Visit EPA’s State, Local, and Tribal Webinar Series webpage.
ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online! Learn more about the courses and register here.
Toxics/Mobile Sources
EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act’s Tribal Grants for FY21
Request for Applications now open! More information can be found on this flyer and on this website. EPA’s 2021 Tribal and Insular Area grant program is now open. EPA anticipates awarding approximately $5 million in DERA funding under this announcement. A total of $4.5 million will be made available to tribal governments (or intertribal consortia) and Alaska Native villages, and $500,000 will be made available to insular area governments. EPA anticipates awarding five to ten cooperative agreements to tribal governments (or intertribal consortia) and Alaska Native villages and two to four cooperative agreements to insular area governments. Click here for more information.
The U.S. 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].
Green Transportation Summit & Expo
August 16-18, 2021 Tacoma, Washington | Registration
The 10th annual Green Transportation Summit & Expo (GTSE) is the region’s premier clean transportation convening event. There has not been a time when clean transportation has had as much potential. With this year’s theme of Reflecting + Refocusing on a Resilient Future, we are giving particular attention to recent events affecting our communities and livelihood. We will be creating space to ensure these critical topics are addressed. All Tribes can get a 20% discount, contact [email protected] for the code!
The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in June 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.
The recent additions to OTAQ’s website are listed here. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.
Indoor Air Quality
| US EPA Presents a free webinar in Spanish and English on how to protect your home and family from air pollution: healthy Air: Indoors and Out on August 12, 2021 @ 12:00 – 1:00 PM (PT)
Join us to learn about indoor and outdoor air pollution in the U.S.-Mexico border region and what you can do to protect your home and community. Presenters will share information on common air pollution sources, potential health impacts from poor air quality, and tips and tricks for creating safe environments. All members of the public are welcome! Please join this webinar here from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Simultaneous interpretation will be available. For more information, please contact Francisco Dóñez, EPA at [email protected]. Summer is the perfect time to brush up on ventilation practices for schools! Are you prepared for schools to reopen this fall? Take some time to view these webinars available on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website, which focus on virus mitigation strategies, including ventilation, filtration and supplemental air purification. · Let’s Clear the Air: Using Ventilation Practices to Promote Healthy IAQ in Schools – recorded July 30, 2020 · Ventilation and Virus Mitigation in Schools: Creating a Game Plan to Reduce COVID-19 Risk and Make Lasting Improvements to IAQ – recorded on February 25, 2021 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 August 2 – 6, 2021
RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Now Hiring!
NEW! Santa Ana Pueblo Environmental Education Outreach Coordinator
Increases 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. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information. **NOTE: job announcement will be initially opened to Pueblo members for a period of five (5) working days**
NEW! US EPA Region 9 Superfund
There will be two upcoming opportunities to apply for multiple vacancies for Remedial Project Managers. The first opportunity, which is a recruitment effort for remedial project manager positions based out of EPA’s San Francisco office. The second opportunity that’s forthcoming will include an additional duty station on or near Navajo Nation.
Upper Sioux Environmental Specialist
Under direct supervision of the Environmental Director, the Environmental Specialist, will be responsible for carrying out the objectives of the Upper Sioux Community’s Office of the Environment. The Environmental Specialist will conduct environmental surveys and assessments, supervise field activities, monitor condition of Tribal natural resources, work closely with contractors and other governmental agencies to protect Tribal resources and aid other Tribal entities.
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.
Attention Region 9 Tribes! The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is accepting nominations from the public for the 2020-2021 Haagen-Smit Clean Air Awards by August 10, 2021. Since 2001, the has annually bestowed the distinguished Haagen-Smit Awards. The awards recognize extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions toward improving air quality.
The selection criteria include: 1) Major accomplishments; 2) Contributions toward improving air quality and/or climate change, in terms of commitment, leadership, and innovation; 3) At least three letters of recommendation. Visit the CARB website to learn more about the awards program and past recipients. For more information please contact: [email protected].
Assistant Secretary Sweeney Announces $3 Million Living Languages Grant Program Funding Opportunity
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Tara Mac Lean Sweeney announced today that the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) is soliciting applications to the Living Languages Grant Program (LLGP). This $3 Million grant program will fund between 15 and 60 grants, ranging from $25,000-$200,000, to federally recognized American Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities to document, preserve and revitalize Native languages and build active speaker capacity. IEED’s solicitation for LLGP funding and details on how to apply can be found in the Federal Register and at Grants.Gov.
EPA is now accepting applications for a total of $9 million in grants to fund about 24 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative projects to address stormwater runoff pollution from land into water bodies. EPA is also holding an applicant webinar.
- August 20, 2021– Applications must be submitted via www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time / 10:59 p.m. Central Time. See Section IV of the grants announcements for further submission information.
EPA is requesting applications for projects in three categories; each one has a separate Funding Opportunity Number and will be posted separately on www.grants.gov. Applicants must apply for the specific funding opportunity they are interested in. Learn more about the three categories here.
State agencies, interstate agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes and tribal organizations, local governments, institutions of higher learning and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for the GLRI grants in three categories. Individuals, foreign organizations and governments, nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying, and “for-profit” organizations are not eligible to apply for funding under this request for application.
Click here for more information on how to apply.
To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!
Climate Change/Energy
ClimateWorks Foundation Request for Proposals: Direct Air Capture and Environmental and Climate Justice
Proposals due: August 17, 2021
ClimateWorks is requesting proposals on topics with a joint focus on environmental and climate justice and Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies in the United States. While not exhaustive, topics of interest include:
- Community organizing, grassroots coalition building, and shifting power to historically underserved groups and individuals focused on climate and environmental justice.
- Policy conceptualization, design and implementation related to issues including, but not limited to, mitigation deterrence, environmental or health impacts, benefit and risk sharing, job creation and workforce development, financing of projects, and community engagement and participation.
- Research on issues related to the deployment of projects, or policy impacts and the implications with environmental and climate justice at the community level.
We welcome innovative proposals that have synergies with other climate strategies. Organizations led by Black and Indigenous people and other people of color, or youth, with annual budgets of less than $450,000 USD are strongly encouraged to apply.
On-Request Technical Assistance from DOE Office of Indian Energy
Applications Due: Not Applicable
Eligible Entities: tribal governments
The DOE Office of Indian Energy provides federally recognized Indian tribes, including Alaska Native villages, tribal energy resource development organizations, and other organized tribal groups and communities, with technical assistance to advance tribal energy projects at no cost. Technical experts from DOE and its national laboratories, along with other partnering organizations, provide support to assist Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages with energy planning, housing and building energy efficiency, project development, policy and regulation, resilience, and village power.
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.
EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act’s Tribal Grants for FY21 Request for Applications are coming soon! More information can be found on this flyer and on this website.
Recent additions to OTAQ’s website in March 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.