UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

 

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	TBD, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	*Webinar* July 6, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Wednesday, July 26, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are held on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, July 27, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, August 10, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (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.

 

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 

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! Wildfires, News, Resources and Funding

The Community Wildfire Defense Program, or CWDG, is intended to help at-risk local communities and Tribes; plan for and reduce the risk of wildfire.

This program, which was authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, prioritizes at-risk communities in an area identified as having high or very high wildfire hazard potential, are low-income, or have been impacted by a severe disaster that affects the risk of wildfire.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/grants

 

As the primary intertribal organization that supports the common goals of the majority of Indian Tribes with significant forested landscapes, the Intertribal Timer Council plays a vital role in addressing the threat posed by wildfire. On September 14, the Intertribal Timber Council and Interior Department announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to improve collaboration on wildland fire management.

https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfire/improving-wildland-fire-management-across-tribal-and-federal-lands

 

In support of the mission, the Division of Wildland Fire Management (DWFM) provides wildland fire protection and ecosystem improvement to federal trust lands held in trust for federally recognized Tribes and individual Indians. The DWFM’s support is implemented through direct services, cooperative agreements, self-determination, and self-governance, where applicable.

https://www.bia.gov/bia/ots/dwfm

 

REMINDER! EPA Invites Youth to Serve on Agency’s First-Ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the formal establishment of the agency’s first-ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC). The NEYAC will provide independent advice and recommendations to Administrator Michael S. Regan on how to increase EPA’s efforts to address a range of environmental issues as they relate to youth communities. The NEYAC will provide a critical perspective on how the impacts of climate change and other environmental harms affect youth communities. The Administrator announced his intent to launch the youth council last June at the Austrian World Summit.

 

EPA is soliciting applications for youth to fill 16 vacancies on the NEYAC. Selected applicants will contribute to a balance of perspectives, backgrounds, and experience of the council and will be appointed by the Administrator. As a first-of-its-kind committee, all members of NEYAC will be between the ages of 16 and 29.

 

As part of the agency’s commitment to centering environmental justice communities, at least 50% of the overall membership of NEYAC will come from, reside primarily in, and/or do most of their work in disadvantaged communities as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) as part of Justice40.

 

“We can’t tackle the environmental challenges of our time without input from our younger communities, who’ve long been at the forefront of social movements,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This committee will help ensure that the voices and perspectives of our youth are included and valued in EPA’s decision-making as we continue to advance President Biden’s commitment to ensuring everyone in this country has access to clean air, safe water and healthy land, now and for generations to come.”

Applications to the NEYAC are due by August 22, 2023, at 11:59PM ET. To apply for appointment to the council, the below information is required:

1. Contact information

1. Resume OR short biography OR qualification essay
2. Statement of interest
3. Media Project

 

Visit the EPA NEYAC webpage for more information on the council and to apply.

 

EPA will be hosting another virtual application webinar where the public can ask EPA staff questions live. The webinar will be on Zoom and will be hosted at the following time:

 

Monday, August 7, 2023 @ 12PM – 1PM ET // Register here

 

REMINDER! 2023 Air Sensors Quality Assurance (QA) Workshop – July 25-27, 2023

The 2023 Air Sensors Quality Assurance (QA) Workshop will help the air sensor community better understand established and emerging QA methods for collecting accurate air sensor data and any associated limitations.

Registration: The formal registration for the workshop is now open through the end of June! Register Now!

Note: All attendees must register through Whova even if they previously filled out the pre-registration questionnaire.

Important Hotel Deadline: The $115/night room rate is only available through June 23, 2023. Reserve Your Room Today!

Event Overview: The need for more accurate air sensor data is crucial as air agencies and other organizations rapidly install air sensor networks across the United States and the world. The 2023 Air Sensors Quality Assurance Workshop will help the air sensor community better understand established and emerging QA methods for collecting accurate air sensor data and any associated limitations. The workshop will be a 3-day hybrid event for both in-person and virtual attendees and presenters. Sessions will include presentations and panel discussions with various air sensor experts.

The preliminary agenda is now available and describes the general times, topics, and sessions for the workshop. View the Preliminary Agenda.

 

REMINDER! EPA Grants Trainings Available!

EPA’s Office of Grants and Debarment is pleased to announce the availability of several new and updated training resources for grant applicants and recipients.

• NEW—Learn how to Register in SAM.gov and Grants.gov to apply for EPA grants. This webpage will help you register your organization in SAM.gov, create an applicant profile in Grants.gov, and get familiar with using Workspace.
• The How to Develop a Budget training was recently updated. This course will help you prepare work plans, budgets, and budget narratives for EPA grants.
• The EPA Grants Management Training for Applicants and Recipients course introduces key aspects of the grant life cycle starting with preparing an application through closing out a grant. The six modules can be completed individually.

Reminder: Stay tuned to EPA’s Grants Webinars schedule to register for upcoming webinars and access recordings, helpful links, and FAQs.

If you have any questions regarding these trainings or have suggestions for new training or webinar topics, please send an email to EPA_Grants_Info@epa.gov

 

REMINDER! Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Equipment Available for Loan to State, Local, and Tribal Agencies

In 2021, EPA’s Office of Research and Development initiated the Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Response Technology (WSMART) Pilot, loaning air monitoring technologies to state, local, and tribal air organizations to support supplemental air monitoring in areas affected by wildfire smoke and with observational data coverage gaps.

 

During 2023, this pilot technology loan program will continue to provide several technology types – including stationary air sensor systems and a compact vehicle add-on mobile monitoring system (VAMMS) – to state and local air agency monitoring staff and professional tribal air quality staff members upon request.

 

For more information and access to the loan request webform, please visit the WSMART website: https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox/wildfire-smoke-air-monitoring-response-technology-wsmart-pilot

 

For technical questions, please contact smoketech@epa.gov.

 

REMINDER! April 12, 2023, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan announced new, more ambitious proposed standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027 in two separate regulatory actions:

• Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3

Given the potential interest by Tribal governments, the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) we will be offering virtual information sessions on the proposed rule through upcoming regularly scheduled calls hosted by the National Tribal Air Association. If your Tribe has questions about the proposed rule or would like to engage in individualized government-to-government consultation with EPA, contact Jessie Mroz at (202)-564-1094 or  Mroz.Jessica@epa.gov.

More information on these proposals: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-proposes-strongest-ever-pollution-standards-cars-and

 

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

 

Climate Change / Energy

NEW! The Tribal Climate Change Guide is a searchable database that features up-to-date information on available grants, adaptation plans, climate programs, and climate tools to assist Native peoples in addressing impacts of climate change on their communities and ways of life. The guide also features national events, climate job postings, education resources, publications, and a directory of climate change scientists.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/tool/tribal-climate-change-guide

 

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

Toxics/Mobile Sources

REMINDER! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

Tacoma, WA (Aug 22-24). For a three-day pass for tribes to attend GTSE (travel and lodging costs not included), use conference code: DERA-TRIBES For more information, go to:  https://www.gtsummitexpo.com/. To be added to the Mobile Source Workgroup, send an email to Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu

 

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

 

​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.   For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

 

REMINDER!  EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

 

Indoor Air Quality

REMINDER! Information Session for Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program Recording and Q&A Now Available

EPA hosted an information session for potential applicants to the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program on April 10. During the webinar, EPA provided an overview of the Notice of Funding Opportunity and the application process.

The webinar recording is now posted on the funding opportunity webpage along with the slides from the webinar. Questions and answers from the webinar have also been added to the current Questions and Answers document on the webpage.

 

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

 

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

 

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

Environmental Justice

REMINDER! EPA Launches EJSCREEN 2.2, The Community Environmental Justice Mapping Tool & Trainings

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated EJScreen, the Agency’s publicly available environmental justice (EJ) screening and mapping tool. EJScreen 2.2 makes important improvements to better meet the needs of users, including a redesigned and enhanced report, a new environmental indicator with corresponding indexes, and refreshed demographic and environmental data.

EJScreen 2.2 provides updated reports which compile various datasets into one document to help users better understand the multiple factors that impact their community. It also includes a new environmental indicator on Toxic Releases to Air, as well as associated EJ and supplemental indexes. This new indicator quantifies the relative potential human health impacts from exposure of Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) chemicals into the air. More information on the new indicator can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen/overview-environmental-indicators-ejscreen.

The main purpose of these annual EJScreen updates is to build in the newest available demographic and environmental datasets. The update uses the 2017-2021 American Community Survey demographic data from the U.S. Census and refreshed EPA data for the environmental indicators. Additionally, EJScreen 2.2 features new map layers on health disparities including cancer and persons with disabilities; critical service gaps on accessibility to housing, health insurance, transportation; and EPA regulated facilities that are currently or have been out of compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

Training:

EPA is holding multiple trainings and office hours for users on EJScreen 2.2. The trainings will provide an:

• Overview Presentation on EJScreen 2.2
• Discussion of the New Features
• Live Demonstration
• Q&A session

The training courses will feature the same content and will be accessible via Zoom, registration is not required. More information can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen/ejscreen-office-hours-training. The upcoming opportunities are listed below:

Office Hours Date/Time/Link: August 16 at 12pm EST – Click here to join

The Office Hours will be a chance for the public to talk with EPA EJScreen experts about many topics including how to use and apply the tool, technical issues, and any other questions.

We hope that you will test the new features of EJScreen 2.2 to see how it can serve your needs and provide us feedback on how we can continue to improve this tool. For more information on EJSCREEN, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/ejscreen.

 

NOW HIRING!

NEW! Quinault Indian Nation – Air Quality Program Specialist

Job Summary: The Air Quality Program Specialist is expected to manage a comprehensive air quality program dealing with air quality issues within the Quinault Reservation. This program includes implementation of the necessary actions for compliance with the Clean Air Act, and Federal Air Rules for Reservations. The incumbent will conduct ongoing air quality sampling, participation in planning processes, and working with issues related to both point and non-point source pollution. The position shall monitor processes within and outside of the Quinault Usual and Accustomed area that may affect air quality. The position will work with other departments within the Division of Natural Resources, and with other divisions of the Quinault Indian Nation on air related issues. This position is currently funded at 30 hours/week or at a 75% position, the position does have the capability of becoming a full time (40 hours) per week if funding is available or acquired in the future. For more information, visit: https://www.quinaultindiannation.com/jobs.htm

 

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES! 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

 

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, June 8, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, June 1, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	TBD, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are held on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, May 25, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, June 8, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (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.

 

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 

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

 

NEW! U.S. EPA INFORMATIONAL WEBINARS

PROPOSED NEW SOURCE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND EMISSION GUIDELINES FOR GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM FOSSIL FUEL-FIRED ELECTRIC GENERATING UNITS AND REPEAL OF THE AFFORDABLE CLEAN ENERGY RULE

On May 11, 2023, EPA announced new proposed pollution standards that would reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil-fuel fired power plants. The proposal would strengthen current GHG standards for new natural gas-fired power plants and outline emission guidelines for states to establish GHG standards for existing coal, oil, and natural gas-fired power plants.

To help engage with environmental justice communities, tribal nations, and tribal environmental professionals on the proposed GHG rules for fossil-fuel fired power plants, EPA will host two separate informational webinars. Each webinar will provide an overview of the proposed rules, information on how to effectively engage in the regulatory process, and an opportunity to participate in the Q&A session. Although all webinars are open to the public, these will include information tailored to the target audience noted in the registration information below.

These webinars are FREE and open to the public and will be held using the Zoom platform. A toll-free call-in number will also be available. Additional information about the rulemakings, including how to register for the webinars, can be found on EPA’s website at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/greenhouse-gas-standards-and-guidelines-fossil-fuel-fired-power.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

 

Date: June 6, 2023 Time: 2:00 pm (Eastern Time) 1:00 pm (Central Time) 12:00 pm (Mountain Time) 11:00 am (Pacific Time) Targeted Audience: Tribal Environmental Professionals and Environmental Justice Communities and Organizations Registration: Click HERE to register

Date: June 7, 2023 Time: 5:30 pm (Eastern Time) 4:30 pm (Central Time) 3:30 pm (Mountain Time) 2:30 pm (Pacific Time) Targeted Audience: Environmental Justice Communities and Organizations and members of Tribal Nations Registration: Click HERE to register

 

 

REMINDER! FREE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCE for tribes! The Environmental Protection Network (EPN), comprised of over 550 EPA alumni staff and volunteers, provides free consulting services, organizational support, and help accessing foundation and government funding.

AIEO and EPN have an MOU that is focused on helping tribes to address their climate adaptation priorities. Tribes have told us that technical assistance to address their climate priorities is much needed, and ranges from interpreting scientific data or requests for proposals to developing vulnerability assessments and integrating climate resiliency into an infrastructure project. EPN can help, at no cost to the tribe!

And while climate is a much needed and welcomed focus area, the great news is that the technical assistance available from EPN isn’t limited to climate adaptation and this MOU!

If you would like to have an EPN representative speak at one of your events, please reach out to Davina Resto, EPN Community Outreach Associate, at Davina.Resto@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org

Tribes may directly request technical assistance, or more information about ways to work with EPN, by contacting Davina or completing this request form. This email was sent to tribal participants in the March 1 EPA/EPN Climate Connections webinar. We will be planning our 2^nd webinar soon! If you have specific topic ideas related to tribal climate priorities, please let us know.

 

REMINDER! New EPA Grants Trainings Available!

EPA’s Office of Grants and Debarment is pleased to announce the availability of several new and updated training resources for grant applicants and recipients.

• NEW—Learn how to Register in SAM.gov and Grants.gov to apply for EPA grants. This webpage will help you register your organization in SAM.gov, create an applicant profile in Grants.gov, and get familiar with using Workspace.
• The How to Develop a Budget training was recently updated. This course will help you prepare work plans, budgets, and budget narratives for EPA grants.
• The EPA Grants Management Training for Applicants and Recipients course introduces key aspects of the grant life cycle starting with preparing an application through closing out a grant. The six modules can be completed individually.

Reminder: Stay tuned to EPA’s Grants Webinars schedule to register for upcoming webinars and access recordings, helpful links, and FAQs.

If you have any questions regarding these trainings or have suggestions for new training or webinar topics, please send an email to EPA_Grants_Info@epa.gov

 

REMINDER! Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Equipment Available for Loan to State, Local, and Tribal Agencies

In 2021, EPA’s Office of Research and Development initiated the Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Response Technology (WSMART) Pilot, loaning air monitoring technologies to state, local, and tribal air organizations to support supplemental air monitoring in areas affected by wildfire smoke and with observational data coverage gaps.

During 2023, this pilot technology loan program will continue to provide several technology types – including stationary air sensor systems and a compact vehicle add-on mobile monitoring system (VAMMS) – to state and local air agency monitoring staff and professional tribal air quality staff members upon request.

The equipment is not available for general public use.

For more information and access to the loan request webform, please visit the WSMART website: https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox/wildfire-smoke-air-monitoring-response-technology-wsmart-pilot

For technical questions, please contact smoketech@epa.gov.

 

REMINDER! April 12, 2023, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan announced new, more ambitious proposed standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027 in two separate regulatory actions:

• Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3

Given the potential interest by Tribal governments, the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) we will be offering virtual information sessions on the proposed rule through upcoming regularly scheduled calls hosted by the National Tribal Air Association. If your Tribe has questions about the proposed rule or would like to engage in individualized government-to-government consultation with EPA, please contact Jessie Mroz at (202)-564-1094 or email at Mroz.Jessica@epa.gov.

More information on these proposals can be found on EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-proposes-strongest-ever-pollution-standards-cars-and

 

REMINDER! Tribal Nominations for the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites tribal nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB). Approximately ten vacancies are expected to be filled by Dec 2023.

GNEB is a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-463.  GNEB was created in 1992 by the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act, Public Law 102-532, 7 USC Section 5404.  Implementing authority was delegated to the Administrator of EPA under Executive Order 12916.  The GNEB is charged by statute with submitting an annual report to the President on the need for implementation of environmental and infrastructure projects within states of the US contiguous to Mexico.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate nominees:

• Representative of a sector or group that helps to shape border-region environmental policy or represents a group that is affected by border region environmental policy
• Has extensive professional knowledge and experience with the issues that the GNEB examines (i.e., environmental and infrastructure issues), including the bi-national dimension of these issues
• Demonstrates senior level experience that will bring a new and relevant approach to the board’s deliberations
• Ability to work in a consensus building process with a wide range of representatives from diverse constituencies
• Ability to contribute approximately 10 to 15 hours per month to the GNEB’s activities, including the attendance at meetings and participating in the development of advice letters/reports
• Demonstrate the potential for active and constructive involvement in the GNEB’s work

For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/20/2023-05596/request-for-nominations-to-the-good-neighbor-environmental-board

 

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

 

Climate Change / Energy

NEW! Register Now for the EPA Climate Change and Children’s Health and Well-Being in the U.S. Report Webinar

On April 25, 2023, EPA announced a new national-scale, multi-sector report that showcases some of the ways children are especially vulnerable to a variety of health effects from climate change due to physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social factors.

 

EPA will host a public webinar on Monday, May 22, 2023, from 2:30 – 3:30pm E.T. to discuss the report. Register now. Participants can submit questions in advance by emailing them to cira@epa.gov.

 

The peer-reviewed report quantifies projected health effects associated with extreme heat, air quality, changing seasons, flooding, and infectious diseases. Where possible, the analyses consider the extent to which health effects disproportionately fall on children who are Black, Indigenous and people of color [BIPOC], low income, without health insurance, and/or have limited English proficiency.

To access the report and associated materials go to the Climate Change and Children’s Health and Well-Being in the United States Report webpage.

For additional information read the EPA press release: EPA Releases Report Showing Health Impacts of Climate Change on Children in the United States.

 

NEW! Event: White House Council on Native American Affairs 2023 Tribal and Indigenous Climate Speaker Series – Indigenous Led Community Relocation: A Case Study – Akiak Native Community

Date: May 30, 2023

Time: 2-3pm EDT

Registration Link: Eventbrite Link – Registration Required

 

The White House Council on Native American Affairs Climate Adaptation Subcommittee invites you to join a panel of Senior Administration and Indian Country leaders for a discussion of Indigenous Led Community Relocation. The speakers will share lessons learned from their experiences in protecting and relocating their village from the changing climate. The speaker bios are in the attached flyer. This event will be recorded.

 

This is the fourth webinar in the 2023 Tribal and Indigenous Climate Speaker Series hosted by the White House Council of Native American Affairs Climate Adaptation Subcommittee. This monthly series is designed to educate federal agency personnel about consulting and coordinating with Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiians, and other Indigenous Peoples in our combined effort to combat the climate crises. Each webinar will feature Indigenous speakers and/or federal agencies to share knowledge and experience beneficial to federal employees working on climate adaptation priorities.

 

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! EPA Tools & Resources Training Webinar: PFAS Analytic Tools

Thursday, June 1, 2023

3-4 pm ET

To support EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, EPA is compiling and integrating a collection of data that can be used to evaluate what is known about PFAS manufacture, release, and occurrence in communities. As part of this effort, EPA is integrating data available nationally with other information from states, Tribes, and localities that are testing for PFAS pursuant to their own regulatory or voluntary data collection initiatives. The data included in the PFAS Analytic Tools have a wide range of location-specific data and, in general, are based on national scope and readily accessible, public information repositories. The PFAS Analytic Tools make it easier to evaluate the collective PFAS information from 11 different databases – the application integrates these datasets into an interactive, web-based software. Consolidating all these data sources in one searchable platform will help the public, researchers, and other stakeholders better understand potential PFAS sources in their communities, including potential exposure pathways in communities with environmental justice concerns. This training webinar will provide an overview of the PFAS Analytic Tools and a tutorial on how to use them.

Register and join the PFAS Analytic Tools training webinar!

 

REMINDER! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

Tacoma, WA (Aug 22-24). For a three-day pass for tribes to attend GTSE (travel and lodging costs not included), use conference code: DERA-TRIBES For more information, go to:  https://www.gtsummitexpo.com/. To be added to the Mobile Source Workgroup, send an email to Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu

 

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

 

​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.   For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

 

REMINDER!  EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

 

Opportunity to provide input: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs) source category (40 CFR part 60 subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). Pursuant to the EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, the Agency is initiating pre-proposal consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes to obtain input on the upcoming action to update regulatory requirements for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs).  Tribes may submit OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND STANDARDS written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/  Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920, any time during the pre-proposal tribal consultation process and until June 6, 2023. If there are any questions, please email Charlene Spells at Spells.Charlene@epa.gov Additional background information about the air regulations for LMWCs can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/large-municipal-waste-combustors-lmwc-new-source-performance

 

Indoor Air Quality

REMINDER! Information Session for Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program Recording and Q&A Now Available

EPA hosted an information session for potential applicants to the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program on April 10. During the webinar, EPA provided an overview of the Notice of Funding Opportunity and the application process.

The webinar recording is now posted on the funding opportunity webpage along with the slides from the webinar. Questions and answers from the webinar have also been added to the current Questions and Answers document on the webpage.

 

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

 

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

 

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

Environmental Justice

REMINDER! Deadlines Extended: Request for Applications and Request for Information

EPA has extended the deadline for one Request for Applications (RFA). Deadline has been extended on the RFA to encourage additional applications from eligible entities.

 

The new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) Program’s RFA is open until May 31, 2023.

 

To learn more about Environmental Justice grants and technical assistance, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-grants-funding-and-technical-assistance.

 

For up-to-date information about Environmental Justice funding opportunities, events, and webinars, subscribe to EPA’s Environmental Justice listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice

 

Para recibir información actualizada sobre oportunidades de financiamiento de Justicia Ambiental, eventos y seminarios web, suscríbase al listserve de Justicia Ambiental de la EPA enviando un mensaje en blanco de correo electrónico a: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Síganos en Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice.

 

NOW HIRING!

 

NEW! The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is hiring for two positions!

 

1. Events Manager (NAU Job ID#: 607212)

The ITEP Events Manager position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of event planning and delivery for several in-person, hybrid, and virtual conferences and events. These events can vary in size from 50 to 2,000 participants and take place in various locations throughout the United States. The Events Manager works under the supervision of the ITEP Co-Director, and collaborates closely with other ITEP managers, external partners, NAU departments, and outside vendors to ensure all tasks are executed according to schedule, and in accordance with ITEP and NAU policies and procedures.

• Salary range: $54,779 – 68,474 (DOE)
• Full-time, benefits
• EXTENDED Deadline to apply: Tuesday, May 30, 2023

 

2. Sr. Community Program Coordinator (NAU Job ID#: 607202)

The Community Program Coordinator, Senior will support various tasks for the American Indian Air Quality Training Program (AIAQTP) which provides training and educational outreach for tribal environmental staff all over the United States, including Alaska. Through various projects and services, the AIAQTP accomplishes the following goals:

• Provide high-quality, up-to-date professional development that is immediately relevant to tribes
• Assist in the building of tribal capacity for air quality management
  • Salary range: $47,634 – $59,542 (DOE)
  • Full-time, benefits
  • Deadline to apply: Monday, May 22, 2023

 

REMINDER! The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has a dynamic Environmental Programs and currently has job vacancies. The Tribe is seeking environmental professionals in Air Quality and Water Quality. The Tribe offers exciting pay and benefits packages and currently has full-time positions available in:

 

Water Quality Specialist – Animas River Coordinator

Air Quality Planner

Senior Air Quality Compliance Specialist

Assistant Environmental Programs Manager

 

To learn more about these positions including job duties and requirements and salary opportunities, go to https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/careers/ and search for these position postings under Careers Portal – Southern Ute Tribal Government.

 

REMINDER! Your Opportunity to Restore Ecosystems and Connect Cultures!

Anticipated term June 2023-May 2025

 

Request for Proposals – Seeking one individual or firm to assume responsibilities of the MCDA Executive Director, subcontracting with additional capacity as needed to fulfill administrative, funding, and programmatic needs of the organization for the next two years.

 

An exciting opportunity to enhance the development of the Maliseet Community Development Authority as a leader in regional ecosystem management, while spearheading its signature Wolastoq-St. John Watershed Restoration Program. MCDA_RFP-3-27-23.pdf (maliseets.net)

 

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

 

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, May 11, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, June 1, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	TBD, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are held on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, May 25, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, June 8, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (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.

 

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 

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), billions of dollars are being pumped into the U.S. economy to propel the clean energy transition.

Now Tribal governments and Indigenous organizations have the opportunity to take full advantage of these funds to deliver the maximum benefits to their communities. IRA programs have the power to cut pollution, lower energy costs, create jobs, and more.

That’s why I’m sitting down with NDN Collective Director of Policy and Advocacy Jade Begay, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Co-Director Nikki Cooley, Evergreen Executive Director Lena Moffitt, and Rosebud Sioux Indigenous Tribe Leader Wizipan Little Elk, who serves as the principal deputy assistant secretary of Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior.

We’re going to discuss how Tribal governments and Indigenous communities can tap into this historic funding and advance climate solutions.

You don’t want to miss this. RSVP to save your seat for the live virtual event on Monday, May 15 at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT.

 

NEW! New EPA Grants Trainings Available!

EPA’s Office of Grants and Debarment is pleased to announce the availability of several new and updated training resources for grant applicants and recipients.

• NEW—Learn how to Register in SAM.gov and Grants.gov to apply for EPA grants. This webpage will help you register your organization in SAM.gov, create an applicant profile in Grants.gov, and get familiar with using Workspace.
• The How to Develop a Budget training was recently updated. This course will help you prepare work plans, budgets, and budget narratives for EPA grants.
• The EPA Grants Management Training for Applicants and Recipients course introduces key aspects of the grant life cycle starting with preparing an application through closing out a grant. The six modules can be completed individually.

Reminder: Stay tuned to EPA’s Grants Webinars schedule to register for upcoming webinars and access recordings, helpful links, and FAQs.

If you have any questions regarding these trainings or have suggestions for new training or webinar topics, please send an email to EPA_Grants_Info@epa.gov

 

NEW! Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Equipment Available for Loan to State, Local, and Tribal Agencies

In 2021, EPA’s Office of Research and Development initiated the Wildfire Smoke Air Monitoring Response Technology (WSMART) Pilot, loaning air monitoring technologies to state, local, and tribal air organizations to support supplemental air monitoring in areas affected by wildfire smoke and with observational data coverage gaps.

 

During 2023, this pilot technology loan program will continue to provide several technology types – including stationary air sensor systems and a compact vehicle add-on mobile monitoring system (VAMMS) – to state and local air agency monitoring staff and professional tribal air quality staff members upon request.

 

The equipment is not available for general public use.

 

For more information and access to the loan request webform, please visit the WSMART website: https://www.epa.gov/air-sensor-toolbox/wildfire-smoke-air-monitoring-response-technology-wsmart-pilot

 

For technical questions, please contact smoketech@epa.gov.

 

REMINDER! The EPA OAQPS AirKnowledge team is pleased to announce the availability of new AirKnowledge air quality training materials!

 

The new materials include:

• A self-instructional (e-learning) course that explains the health and environmental effects of air pollutants,
• A self-instructional (e-learning) course that explains key concepts relating to air toxics, and
• A self-instructional (e-learning) course that provides an overview of the framework for human health air toxics risk assessments.

 

The e-learning courses are available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through the AirKnowledge Learning Management System (LMS) at: https://epaapti.csod.com/client/epaapti/default.aspx. To access the courses on the LMS, tribal, state and local air agencies and tribal and multijurisdictional organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page.  The materials are available to all other users on the AirKnowledge website: airknowledge.gov

 

These new materials replace the following legacy courses, which have been retired from the AirKnowledge inventory:

• BASC106-SI: Basic Concepts in Environmental Sciences (formerly APTI RE-100)
• TOXC101-CI: Introduction to Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) (formerly APTI 400)
• TOXC103-SI: Risk-Based Air Toxics (formerly APTI SI-401)
• TOXC104-SI: Introduction to Air Pollution Toxicology (formerly APTI SI-300)
• TOXC107-SI: Risk Assessment (formerly APTI SI-400A)

 

In addition, two legacy courses for new hires have been retired from the AirKnowledge inventory:

• BASC101-SI: Introduction to Air Pollution Control (formerly APTI SI-105) – this course has been replaced by the new e-learning course for new hires BASC198-SI: Air Quality Management Under the Clean Air Act; available now!
• BASC197-CI: Principles and Practices of Air Pollution (formerly APTI 452) – this course will be replaced by a new instructor-led course for new hires BASC199-CI/VI: Air Quality Management Under the Clean Air Act; new course expected by 2024!

 

REMINDER! April 12, 2023, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan announced new, more ambitious proposed standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027 in two separate regulatory actions:

• Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3

Given the potential interest by Tribal governments, the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) we will be offering virtual information sessions on the proposed rule through upcoming regularly scheduled calls hosted by the National Tribal Air Association. If your Tribe has questions about the proposed rule or would like to engage in individualized government-to-government consultation with EPA, please contact Jessie Mroz at (202)-564-1094 or email at Mroz.Jessica@epa.gov.

More information on these proposals can be found on EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-proposes-strongest-ever-pollution-standards-cars-and

 

REMINDER! 2023 Tribal Environmental Health Forum

Elevating Traditional Knowledge to Achieve Environmental Health Justice in Indigenous Communities

 

Announcing the Southwest Environmental Health Science Center’s 4th Tribal Environmental Health Forum! This forum is a chance for Tribal Environmental Health Professionals and University faculty and staff to come together to address the current and future environmental health needs of our tribal communities. This forum will offer the chance for participants to hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops and network with other environmental health professionals.

 

When: Tuesday, May 16th – Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Where: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Events Center

15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139

Who Should Attend: Tribal Leadership and Community Members, University faculty and staff, Tribal Environmental and Health Care Professionals, and Students Interested in Environmental Health

Sponsored by: The Indigenous Resilience (IRes) Center

Collaborative Partners: The Ak-Chin Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, the Tohono O’odham Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, and the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona

 

Cost: Attendance is free, but attendees are responsible for travel and hotel costs if needed. Information about hotel accommodation can be found in the hotel tab.

 

Please complete the registration to mark your intentions for attending on one or both days.

Link for registration: https://events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/2023-tribal-environmental-health-forum-5a3U3n98JK5/overview

 

Room blocks have been reserved and information for hotel reservations will be provided upon completion of the registration.

Link to make hotel reservation: https://www.caesars.com/book/?propCode=AKC&action=FindRooms&groupcode=S05TEH3

 

REMINDER! Tribal Nominations for the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites tribal nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB). Approximately ten vacancies are expected to be filled by Dec 2023.

GNEB is a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-463.  GNEB was created in 1992 by the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act, Public Law 102-532, 7 USC Section 5404.  Implementing authority was delegated to the Administrator of EPA under Executive Order 12916.  The GNEB is charged by statute with submitting an annual report to the President on the need for implementation of environmental and infrastructure projects within states of the US contiguous to Mexico.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate nominees:

• Representative of a sector or group that helps to shape border-region environmental policy or represents a group that is affected by border region environmental policy
• Has extensive professional knowledge and experience with the issues that the GNEB examines (i.e., environmental and infrastructure issues), including the bi-national dimension of these issues
• Demonstrates senior level experience that will bring a new and relevant approach to the board’s deliberations
• Ability to work in a consensus building process with a wide range of representatives from diverse constituencies
• Ability to contribute approximately 10 to 15 hours per month to the GNEB’s activities, including the attendance at meetings and participating in the development of advice letters/reports
• Demonstrate the potential for active and constructive involvement in the GNEB’s work

For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/20/2023-05596/request-for-nominations-to-the-good-neighbor-environmental-board

 

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

Climate Change / Energy

 

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

 

REMINDER! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

Tacoma, WA (Aug 22-24). For a three-day pass for tribes to attend GTSE (travel and lodging costs not included), use conference code: DERA-TRIBES For more information, go to:  https://www.gtsummitexpo.com/. To be added to the Mobile Source Workgroup, send an email to Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu

 

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

 

​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.   For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

 

REMINDER!  EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

 

Opportunity to provide input: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs) source category (40 CFR part 60 subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). Pursuant to the EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, the Agency is initiating pre-proposal consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes to obtain input on the upcoming action to update regulatory requirements for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs).  Tribes may submit OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND STANDARDS written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/  Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920, any time during the pre-proposal tribal consultation process and until June 6, 2023. If there are any questions, please email Charlene Spells at Spells.Charlene@epa.gov Additional background information about the air regulations for LMWCs can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/large-municipal-waste-combustors-lmwc-new-source-performance

 

Indoor Air Quality

 

NEW! Information Session for Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings Grant Program Recording and Q&A Now Available

EPA hosted an information session for potential applicants to the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program on April 10. During the webinar, EPA provided an overview of the Notice of Funding Opportunity and the application process.

The webinar recording is now posted on the funding opportunity webpage along with the slides from the webinar. Questions and answers from the webinar have also been added to the current Questions and Answers document on the webpage.

 

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

 

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

 

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

Environmental Justice

 

REMINDER! Deadlines Extended: Request for Applications and Request for Information

EPA has extended the deadline for one Request for Applications (RFA). Deadline has been extended on the RFA to encourage additional applications from eligible entities.

 

The new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) Program’s RFA is open until May 31, 2023.

 

To learn more about Environmental Justice grants and technical assistance, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-grants-funding-and-technical-assistance.

 

For up-to-date information about Environmental Justice funding opportunities, events, and webinars, subscribe to EPA’s Environmental Justice listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice

 

Para recibir información actualizada sobre oportunidades de financiamiento de Justicia Ambiental, eventos y seminarios web, suscríbase al listserve de Justicia Ambiental de la EPA enviando un mensaje en blanco de correo electrónico a: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Síganos en Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice.

 

NOW HIRING!

 

NEW! There are two open positions within the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)

 

To apply please visit: nau.edu/careers

 

1. Events Manager (NAU Job ID#: 607212)

The ITEP Events Manager position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of event planning and delivery for several in-person, hybrid, and virtual conferences and events. These events can vary in size from 50 to 2,000 participants and take place in various locations throughout the United States. The Events Manager works under the supervision of the ITEP Co-Director, and collaborates closely with other I TEP managers, external partners, NAU departments, and outside vendors to ensure all tasks are executed according to schedule, and in accordance with ITEP and NAU policies and procedures.

• Salary range: $54,779 – 68,474 (DOE)
• Full-time, benefits
• Deadline to apply: Monday, May 15, 2023

2. Sr. Community Program Coordinator (NAU Job ID#: 607202)

The Community Program Coordinator, Senior will support various tasks for the American Indian Air Quality Training Program. ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program (AIAQTP) provides training and educational outreach for tribal environmental staff all over the United States, including Alaska. Through various projects and services, the AIAQTP accomplishes the following goals:

o          Provide high-quality, up-to-date professional development that is immediately relevant to tribes

o          Assist in the building of tribal capacity for air quality management

o          Full-time, benefits

o          Deadline to apply extended: Thursday, May 18, 2023

 

REMINDER! The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has a dynamic Environmental Programs and currently has job vacancies. The Tribe is seeking environmental professionals in Air Quality and Water Quality. The Tribe offers exciting pay and benefits packages and currently has full-time positions available in:

 

Water Quality Specialist – Animas River Coordinator

Air Quality Planner

Senior Air Quality Compliance Specialist

Assistant Environmental Programs Manager

 

To learn more about these positions including job duties and requirements and salary opportunities, go to https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/careers/ and search for these position postings under Careers Portal – Southern Ute Tribal Government.

 

REMINDER! Your Opportunity to Restore Ecosystems and Connect Cultures!

Anticipated term June 2023-May 2025

Request for Proposals – Seeking one individual or firm to assume responsibilities of the MCDA Executive Director, subcontracting with additional capacity as needed to fulfill administrative, funding, and programmatic needs of the organization for the next two years.

 

An exciting opportunity to enhance the development of the Maliseet Community Development Authority as a leader in regional ecosystem management, while spearheading its signature Wolastoq-St. John Watershed Restoration Program. MCDA_RFP-3-27-23.pdf (maliseets.net)

 

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, May 11, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, June 1, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	TBD, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are held on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 27, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, June 8, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (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.

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 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! The EPA OAQPS AirKnowledge team is pleased to announce the availability of new AirKnowledge air quality training materials!

The new materials include:

• A self-instructional (e-learning) course that explains the health and environmental effects of air pollutants,
• A self-instructional (e-learning) course that explains key concepts relating to air toxics, and
• A self-instructional (e-learning) course that provides an overview of the framework for human health air toxics risk assessments.

The e-learning courses are available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through the AirKnowledge Learning Management System (LMS) at: https://epaapti.csod.com/client/epaapti/default.aspx. To access the courses on the LMS, tribal, state and local air agencies and tribal and multijurisdictional organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page.  The materials are available to all other users on the AirKnowledge website: airknowledge.gov

These new materials replace the following legacy courses, which have been retired from the AirKnowledge inventory:

• BASC106-SI: Basic Concepts in Environmental Sciences (formerly APTI RE-100)
• TOXC101-CI: Introduction to Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) (formerly APTI 400)
• TOXC103-SI: Risk-Based Air Toxics (formerly APTI SI-401)
• TOXC104-SI: Introduction to Air Pollution Toxicology (formerly APTI SI-300)
• TOXC107-SI: Risk Assessment (formerly APTI SI-400A)

In addition, two legacy courses for new hires have been retired from the AirKnowledge inventory:

• BASC101-SI: Introduction to Air Pollution Control (formerly APTI SI-105) – this course has been replaced by the new e-learning course for new hires BASC198-SI: Air Quality Management Under the Clean Air Act; available now!
• BASC197-CI: Principles and Practices of Air Pollution (formerly APTI 452) – this course will be replaced by a new instructor-led course for new hires BASC199-CI/VI: Air Quality Management Under the Clean Air Act; new course expected by 2024!

 

REMINDER! Methane Emissions Reduction Program Listening Sessions

EPA is hosting upcoming virtual listening sessions on the financial and technical assistance provisions of the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, a new $1.55 billion program authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to accelerate the reduction of methane and other greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas systems.

The Methane Emissions Reduction Program will reduce methane emissions by offering financial assistance, which may include grants, rebates, contracts, and loans, and technical assistance to a broad range of eligible recipients, with at least $700 million used for activities at marginal conventional wells. During these listening sessions, EPA will provide interested parties an opportunity to offer feedback on program design and best use of funds with a focus on near-term, high-priority activities.

Listening Session Details

The Methane Emissions Reduction Program virtual listening sessions will be held via Zoom on May 2, 3, and 9. All are welcome to attend. Specific session times and topics are as follows:

• Tuesday, May 2, 4:00 – 6:00 PM ET: Listening Session for General Audiences
• Wednesday, May 3, 1:00 – 3:00 PM ET: Listening Session for State and Local Governments
• Wednesday, May 3, 4:00 – 6:00 PM ET: Listening Session for Non-Governmental Organizations, Community and Environmental Justice Groups
• Tuesday, May 9, 1:00 – 3:00 PM ET: Listening Session for Tribal Governments
• Tuesday, May 9, 4:00 – 6:00 PM ET: Listening Session for Industry, Small Businesses, and Labor Groups

The virtual listening sessions will provide the public with an opportunity to share comments on the design and implementation of the financial and technical assistance. Those interested in making oral comments must register in advance for a 3-minute speaking slot. Interpretation and disability access support will be provided if requested in advance. Registration for the listening sessions can be found on EPA’s website at: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/forms/methane-emissions-reduction-program-listening-sessions

 

REMINDER! April 12, 2023, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan announced new, more ambitious proposed standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027 in two separate regulatory actions:

• Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3

Given the potential interest by Tribal governments, the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) we will be offering virtual information sessions on the proposed rule through upcoming regularly scheduled calls hosted by the National Tribal Air Association. If your Tribe has questions about the proposed rule or would like to engage in individualized government-to-government consultation with EPA, please contact Jessie Mroz at (202)-564-1094 or email at Mroz.Jessica@epa.gov.

More information on today’s proposals can be found on EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-proposes-strongest-ever-pollution-standards-cars-and

 

REMINDER! 2023 Tribal Environmental Health Forum

Elevating Traditional Knowledge to Achieve Environmental Health Justice in Indigenous Communities

Announcing the Southwest Environmental Health Science Center’s 4th Tribal Environmental Health Forum! This forum is a chance for Tribal Environmental Health Professionals and University faculty and staff to come together to address the current and future environmental health needs of our tribal communities. This forum will offer the chance for participants to hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops and network with other environmental health professionals.

When: Tuesday, May 16th – Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Where: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Events Center

15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139

Who Should Attend: Tribal Leadership and Community Members, University faculty and staff, Tribal Environmental and Health Care Professionals, and Students Interested in Environmental Health

Sponsored by: The Indigenous Resilience (IRes) Center

Collaborative Partners: The Ak-Chin Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, the Tohono O’odham Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, and the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona

Cost: Attendance is free, but attendees are responsible for travel and hotel costs if needed. Information about hotel accommodation can be found in the hotel tab.

Please complete the registration to mark your intentions for attending on one or both days.

Link for registration: https://events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/2023-tribal-environmental-health-forum-5a3U3n98JK5/overview

Room blocks have been reserved and information for hotel reservations will be provided upon completion of the registration.

Link to make hotel reservation: https://www.caesars.com/book/?propCode=AKC&action=FindRooms&groupcode=S05TEH3

 

REMINDER! Nominations for candidates to participate on the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee are open!

Currently there are 2 Tribal Representatives on the Committee, Jeremy Fincher – Sac and Fox Nation, and Elizabeth Jacobs – Akwesasne Housing Authority. Natalene Cummings – Forest County Potawatomi Community, will complete the 3rd, 2-year term that is permitted at the Spring meeting of this year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by August 2023. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice may also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. ADDRESSES: Submit nominations in writing to: Lorraine Reddick, Designated Federal Officer, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. The nomination period has been extended through April 30^th.  Electronic and mailed applications must be received by that date.

For further information or to email nominations, include in the subject line CAAAC Membership 2023 and send to caaac@epa.gov.

To talk with Natalene more about what being a member of CAAAC involves, you can reach her at 715-478-7211.

 

REMINDER! Tribal Nominations for the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites tribal nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB). Approximately ten vacancies are expected to be filled by Dec 2023.    

GNEB is a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-463.  GNEB was created in 1992 by the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act, Public Law 102-532, 7 USC Section 5404.  Implementing authority was delegated to the Administrator of EPA under Executive Order 12916.  The GNEB is charged by statute with submitting an annual report to the President on the need for implementation of environmental and infrastructure projects within states of the US contiguous to Mexico.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate nominees:

• Representative of a sector or group that helps to shape border-region environmental policy or represents a group that is affected by border region environmental policy

• Has extensive professional knowledge and experience with the issues that the GNEB examines (i.e., environmental and infrastructure issues), including the bi-national dimension of these issues

• Demonstrates senior level experience that will bring a new and relevant approach to the board’s deliberations

• Ability to work in a consensus building process with a wide range of representatives from diverse constituencies

• Ability to contribute approximately 10 to 15 hours per month to the GNEB’s activities, including the attendance at meetings and participating in the development of advice letters/reports

• Demonstrate the potential for active and constructive involvement in the GNEB’s work

For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/20/2023-05596/request-for-nominations-to-the-good-neighbor-environmental-board

 

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

 

Climate Change / Energy

REMINDER! Tribal Climate Planning & Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: Resources for Tribes

Wednesday, April 26, 2023 

10:00-11:30 pm (Alaska) 

11:00-12:30 pm (Pacific/MST/AZ) 

12:00-1:30 pm (MDT/NN) 

1:00-2:30 pm (Central) 

2:00-3:30 pm (Eastern) 

Join us for this webinar which will emphasize how Tribes, specifically, can utilize Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) funds to create plans that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions including applying for future implementation grants. During the webinar, we will hear from Tribal guest speakers about projects they are considering applying the funds towards, as well as other resources and opportunities available to assist Tribes as they consider applying for funds.  For this webinar, ITEP has partnered with NDN Collective to get the word out about these important resources.

Confirmed Guest Speakers:  

– Robert Knapp, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe  

– Jade Begay, NDN Collective  

– Pat Childers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Register Here

 

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources 

REMINdER! Opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences about school bus purchasing and electrification with the Electric School Bus Initiative.

https://www.bobitresearchservices.com/c/r/wri23bus

In appreciation for your time, they will send a $25 electronic Amazon gift card to the first 250 respondents who qualify and complete this survey.*

Start your brief survey now and be entered to win! 
https://www.bobitresearchservices.com/c/r/wri23bus

*Contest rules

 

REMINDER! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

Tacoma, WA (Aug 22-24). For a three-day pass for tribes to attend GTSE (travel and lodging costs not included), use conference code: DERA-TRIBES For more information, go to:  https://www.gtsummitexpo.com/. To be added to the Mobile Source Workgroup, send an email to Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu

 

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.   For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

 

REMINDER! EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

 

Opportunity to provide input: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs) source category (40 CFR part 60 subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). Pursuant to the EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, the Agency is initiating pre-proposal consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes to obtain input on the upcoming action to update regulatory requirements for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs).  Tribes may submit OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND STANDARDS written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/  Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920, any time during the pre-proposal tribal consultation process and until June 6, 2023. If there are any questions, please email Charlene Spells at Spells.Charlene@epa.gov Additional background information about the air regulations for LMWCs can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/large-municipal-waste-combustors-lmwc-new-source-performance

 

Indoor Air Quality

REMINDER! Listening Session for the Inflation Reduction Act’s Funding to Address Air Pollution at Schools

EPA is holding the second of two listening sessions in April to get input on the design of a new grant and technical assistance program funded by the Inflation Reduction Act to address air pollution at schools. Register for the webinar below to hear a high-level overview of the Funding to Address Air Pollution at Schools and to offer feedback on how EPA can best address school air quality issues in low-income and disadvantaged communities with this funding. EPA will give the same presentation in both webinars.

Register Now for Option 2: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET

Learn more about other children’s health grants and funding opportunities. 

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

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

Environmental Justice

REMINDER! Deadlines Extended: Request for Applications and Request for Information

EPA has extended the deadline for one Request for Applications (RFA). Deadline has been extended on the RFA to encourage additional applications from eligible entities.

The new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) Program’s RFA is open until May 31, 2023.

To learn more about Environmental Justice grants and technical assistance, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-grants-funding-and-technical-assistance.

For up-to-date information about Environmental Justice funding opportunities, events, and webinars, subscribe to EPA’s Environmental Justice listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice

Para recibir información actualizada sobre oportunidades de financiamiento de Justicia Ambiental, eventos y seminarios web, suscríbase al listserve de Justicia Ambiental de la EPA enviando un mensaje en blanco de correo electrónico a: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Síganos en Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice.

 

NOW HIRING!

NEW! The following vacancy announcement posted today 04/24/2023 on USAJOBS. You may view the announcement from the following link below: 

USAJOBS – Job Announcement

Title: Environmental Protection Specialist

Series and Grade Announced: GS/0028/7/9

Promotional Potential: 12

Location of Position: Durham, NC

Position Type: Permanent

Opening Date: 04/24/2023

Closing Date: 05/01/2023

Number of vacancies 2

 

REMINDER! The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has a dynamic Environmental Programs and currently has job vacancies. The Tribe is seeking environmental professionals in Air Quality and Water Quality. The Tribe offers exciting pay and benefits packages and currently has full-time positions available in:

Water Quality Specialist – Animas River Coordinator

Air Quality Planner

Senior Air Quality Compliance Specialist

Assistant Environmental Programs Manager

To learn more about these positions including job duties and requirements and salary opportunities, go to https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/careers/ and search for these position postings under Careers Portal – Southern Ute Tribal Government.

 

REMINDER! Your Opportunity to Restore Ecosystems and Connect Cultures!

Anticipated term June 2023-May 2025

Request for Proposals – Seeking one individual or firm to assume responsibilities of the MCDA Executive Director, subcontracting with additional capacity as needed to fulfill administrative, funding, and programmatic needs of the organization for the next two years.

An exciting opportunity to enhance the development of the Maliseet Community Development Authority as a leader in regional ecosystem management, while spearheading its signature Wolastoq-St. John Watershed Restoration Program. MCDA_RFP-3-27-23.pdf (maliseets.net)

 

REMINDER! The following positions are open for the Prairie Island Indian Community

Applications can be found on their website under Employment & Opportunities http://www.prairieisland.org

Food Systems Specialist

Water Resources Specialist

 

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

 

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, May 11, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, June 1, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	TBD, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are held on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 27, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 13, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (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.

 

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 

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! Today, April 12, 2023, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan announced new, more ambitious proposed standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027 in two separate regulatory actions:

• Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3

Given the potential interest by Tribal governments, the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) we will be offering virtual information sessions on the proposed rule through upcoming regularly scheduled calls hosted by the National Tribal Air Association. If your Tribe has questions about the proposed rule or would like to engage in individualized government-to-government consultation with EPA, please contact Jessie Mroz at (202)-564-1094 or email at Mroz.Jessica@epa.gov.

More information on today’s proposals can be found on EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-proposes-strongest-ever-pollution-standards-cars-and

 

NEW! EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program (CPRG) will be hosting four public listening sessions on April 14, April 17, and April 18, and April 20.

At each listening session, EPA will pose questions for feedback. These sessions follow on from the 2022 listening sessions and Request For Information (RFI) and are meant to provide an additional opportunity for input on the CPRG implementation phase after stakeholders have had time to review the CPRG planning grant guidance that was released in March. Note, no new information will be presented by EPA during these sessions. Rather than discussed during these sessions, questions for EPA about the planning phase of the program should be directed to CPRG@epa.gov.

 

Registration is required and we will post the slides and a recording on this website after the listening sessions are complete. Spanish translation services will be offered. 

Please see the website for more details and register at the links below:

• Engaging with Communities on CPRG Benefits

(Identical sessions offered at 2 different times)

o          Friday, April 14, 1:00-2:30 PM ET

o          Monday, April 17, 6:00-7:30 PM ET

• Maximizing Opportunities for GHG Reductions Through CPRG

(Identical sessions offered at 2 different times)

o          Tuesday, April 18, 3:00-4:40 PM ET

o          Thursday, April 20, 6:00-7:30 PM ET

 

NEW! 2023 Tribal Environmental Health Forum

Elevating Traditional Knowledge to Achieve Environmental Health Justice in Indigenous Communities

Announcing the Southwest Environmental Health Science Center’s 4th Tribal Environmental Health Forum! This forum is a chance for Tribal Environmental Health Professionals and University faculty and staff to come together to address the current and future environmental health needs of our tribal communities. This forum will offer the chance for participants to hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops and network with other environmental health professionals.

When: Tuesday, May 16th – Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Where: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Events Center

15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139

Who Should Attend: Tribal Leadership and Community Members, University faculty and staff, Tribal Environmental and Health Care Professionals, and Students Interested in Environmental Health

Sponsored by: The Indigenous Resilience (IRes) Center

Collaborative Partners: The Ak-Chin Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, the Tohono O’odham Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, and the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona

Cost: Attendance is free, but attendees are responsible for travel and hotel costs if needed. Information about hotel accommodation can be found in the hotel tab.

Please complete the registration to mark your intentions for attending on one or both days.

Link for registration: https://events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/2023-tribal-environmental-health-forum-5a3U3n98JK5/overview

Room blocks have been reserved and information for hotel reservations will be provided upon completion of the registration.

Link to make hotel reservation: https://www.caesars.com/book/?propCode=AKC&action=FindRooms&groupcode=S05TEH3

 

REMINDER! Inflation Reduction Act Funding for AIM Act Implementation Listening Sessions

EPA is hosting two listening sessions on the Inflation Reduction Act (Sec. 60109) which provides $15 million for competitive grants for “reclaim and innovative destructions technologies” for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The second session will be held on April 13th at 1 P.M. EDT and will focus on innovative destruction technologies. https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction/public-meetings

 

REMINDER! Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke

Course Dates: May 23-25, 2023

Course Location: Boise, ID

Application Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2021

Apply Now: https://forms.gle/LCBEud5kL9EnNYfDA

Course Description:  This course is for tribal environmental professionals who want to learn about the impacts of wildland smoke on their communities, tools to assess the impacts, and develop an education & outreach plan to inform various audiences. This course is a hybrid course comprised of a series of online presentations/webinars on health effects/concerns, assessment & monitoring tools, and developing outreach. The course culminates with an in-person course comprised of hands-on activities and a visit to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, ID. Participants will use the knowledge gained about wildland fire risk communication, smoke models, portable air monitors, sensors, and air filters to develop an education & outreach plan for their tribal communities. The course will allow attendees to engage in discussion about best practices for outreach to Tribal communities. Attendees will also visit the NIFC to understand the role the Center plays in assisting tribes, states, and local governments in addressing wildfires and smoke from wildland fires.

Pre-Course: SLMS module completion (4-6 hours self-paced learning) must be completed by Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

Course Topics Include:

• Wildland fire risk communications
• Using smoke models
• Community education and outreach
• Portable air monitors and sensors
• Monitoring data and what it tells us
• Air filters
• Speaking to various audiences about wildland smoke

The application is due on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance for the course via email by Friday, April 14, 2023.

If you have questions please contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.

Apply Now: https://forms.gle/LCBEud5kL9EnNYfDA

 

REMINDER! On March 17, 2023, EPA issued draft guidance to address the Clean Air Act’s contingency measure (CM) requirement for nonattainment areas for the ozone and particulate matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

This draft guidance clarifies and explains approaches available to air agencies to meet the CM requirement, while still complying with the Clean Air Act as interpreted by the courts.

Under the draft guidance, EPA would allow more measures to be considered as possible CMs and would also change the way the recommended amount of CM reductions is calculated to account for the nonattainment area’s projected decline in emissions needed to attain the NAAQS. EPA is also clarifying that it could accept less than the recommended amount of CM reductions if an air agency sufficiently demonstrates that its nonattainment plan includes all feasible measures and there are not additional feasible measures in the area that could be held in reserve as CMs.

Once the notice is published in the Federal Register, there will be an opportunity for public comment for 30 days. Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2023- 0063, at http://www.regulations.gov.

Learn more: https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-implementation-plans/draft-contingency-measures-guidance

 

REMINDER! You are invited to participate in EPA Region 10’s 2023 Smoke Management in the Northwest Conference

• When: April 18-20, 2023
  • Tuesday April 18, 1:30 – 5:00 pm PT, Wednesday April 19, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm PT, Thursday April 20, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm PT
• Where: Seattle, Washington in the EPA Region 10 Office and virtual via Microsoft Teams. Hotel room block information to follow.
• Who: All who are interested in issues related to wildfire smoke, forest management, air quality, and public health
• Cost: Free
• How to register: Register via Ticketleap today!
• Additional background:
• EPA Region 10, along with help from private and public partners, has grown this thriving meeting for many years to address evolving needs.
• Last year, the meeting was 100% virtual with over 300 people participating. Materials and recordings of last year’s sessions are available here.
• The meeting is an opportunity to meet and learn from professionals on air quality, land management, community engagement, public health, academic, and a range of other wildfire smoke related issues.
• There will be a mix of session formats including presentations, panel discussions, break-out sessions, and interactive exercises.

 

UPDATE! Nominations for candidates to participate on the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee are open!

Currently there are 2 Tribal Representatives on the Committee, Jeremy Fincher – Sac and Fox Nation, and Elizabeth Jacobs – Akwesasne Housing Authority. Natalene Cummings – Forest County Potawatomi Community, will complete the 3rd, 2-year term that is permitted at the Spring meeting of this year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by August 2023. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice may also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. ADDRESSES: Submit nominations in writing to: Lorraine Reddick, Designated Federal Officer, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. The nomination period has been extended through April 30^th.  Electronic and mailed applications must be received by that date.

For further information or to email nominations, include in the subject line CAAAC Membership 2023 and send to caaac@epa.gov.

To talk with Natalene more about what being a member of CAAAC involves, you can reach her at 715-478-7211.

 

REMINDER! Tribal Nominations for the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites tribal nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB). Approximately ten vacancies are expected to be filled by Dec 2023.

GNEB is a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-463.  GNEB was created in 1992 by the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act, Public Law 102-532, 7 USC Section 5404.  Implementing authority was delegated to the Administrator of EPA under Executive Order 12916.  The GNEB is charged by statute with submitting an annual report to the President on the need for implementation of environmental and infrastructure projects within states of the US contiguous to Mexico.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate nominees:

• Representative of a sector or group that helps to shape border-region environmental policy or represents a group that is affected by border region environmental policy
• Has extensive professional knowledge and experience with the issues that the GNEB examines (i.e., environmental and infrastructure issues), including the bi-national dimension of these issues
• Demonstrates senior level experience that will bring a new and relevant approach to the board’s deliberations
• Ability to work in a consensus building process with a wide range of representatives from diverse constituencies
• Ability to contribute approximately 10 to 15 hours per month to the GNEB’s activities, including the attendance at meetings and participating in the development of advice letters/reports
• Demonstrate the potential for active and constructive involvement in the GNEB’s work

For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/20/2023-05596/request-for-nominations-to-the-good-neighbor-environmental-board

 

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

Climate Change / Energy

EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: noncompetitive planning grants webinar for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and U.S. Territories webinar: https://mediaspace.nau.edu/media/EPA%E2%80%99s+Climate+Pollution+Reduction+GrantsA+noncompetitive+planning+grants+webinar+for+tribes%2C+tribal+consortia%2C+and+U.S.+Territories/1_iumhr8to

 

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

REMINDER! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

Tacoma, WA (Aug 22-24). For a three-day pass for tribes to attend GTSE (travel and lodging costs not included), use conference code: DERA-TRIBES For more information, go to:  https://www.gtsummitexpo.com/. To be added to the Mobile Source Workgroup, send an email to Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu

 

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.   For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

 

REMINDER!  EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

 

Opportunity to provide input: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs) source category (40 CFR part 60 subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). Pursuant to the EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, the Agency is initiating pre-proposal consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes to obtain input on the upcoming action to update regulatory requirements for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs).  Tribes may submit OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND STANDARDS written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/  Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920, any time during the pre-proposal tribal consultation process and until June 6, 2023. If there are any questions, please email Charlene Spells at Spells.Charlene@epa.gov Additional background information about the air regulations for LMWCs can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/large-municipal-waste-combustors-lmwc-new-source-performance

 

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! Listening Sessions for the Inflation Reduction Act’s Funding to Address Air Pollution at Schools

EPA is holding two listening sessions in April to get input on the design of a new grant and technical assistance program funded by the Inflation Reduction Act to address air pollution at schools. Register for the webinars below to hear a high-level overview of the Funding to Address Air Pollution at Schools and to offer feedback on how EPA can best address school air quality issues in low-income and disadvantaged communities with this funding. EPA will give the same presentation in both webinars, so please only register for the one that best suits your schedule.

Register Now for Option 1: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Register Now for Option 2: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET

Learn more about other children’s health grants and funding opportunities.

 

REMINDER! Register Today!

Information Session on EPA’s Proposed Radon Credentialing Criteria

Wednesday, April 12 | 1-2:30 p.m. ET

Register Here!

Learn more about EPA’s proposed radon credentialing criteria, which are open for public comment.

At the information session, presenters will discuss:

• EPA’s role in overseeing quality of radon service providers.
• Conformity assessment and application of voluntary consensus standards within federal programs, including the proposed credentialing criteria.

While the information session is not a forum for EPA to accept public comments, there will be an opportunity to ask clarifying questions.

 

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

 

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

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

 

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

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to announce the State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program Fact Sheet. This fact sheet has information on SIRG eligibility, matching requirements, allowable activities, EPA contacts, and more. EPA works collaboratively and values our Tribal partnership to support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in Tribal communities. We work together to develop tools and resources that address the health and the safety of Tribal members when it comes to indoor air quality.

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

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

 

Environmental Justice

REMINDER! Deadlines Extended: Request for Applications and Request for Information

EPA has extended the deadline for two Request for Applications (RFAs) and one Request for Information (RFI). Deadlines have been extended on the RFAs to encourage additional applications from eligible entities and was extended for the RFI to receive more valuable input from the public on the new Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) program.

RFAs

• The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program has extended the application deadline to April 14, 2023.
• The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program has extended the application deadline to April 14, 2023.

In addition, the new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) Program’s RFA is open until May 31, 2023.

To learn more about Environmental Justice grants and technical assistance, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-grants-funding-and-technical-assistance.

For up-to-date information about Environmental Justice funding opportunities, events, and webinars, subscribe to EPA’s Environmental Justice listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice

Para recibir información actualizada sobre oportunidades de financiamiento de Justicia Ambiental, eventos y seminarios web, suscríbase al listserve de Justicia Ambiental de la EPA enviando un mensaje en blanco de correo electrónico a: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Síganos en Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice.

 

NOW HIRING!

NEW! The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is hiring a Graduate (Year-Round) Intern – Clean Cities Energy and Environmental Justice.

The current job posting (provided here) describes a specific project (Clean Cities Energy and Environmental Justice Initiative). The sample activities listed in the job description are also applicable for another project, our JUST Lab Consortium work (https://driveelectric.gov/just-lab-consortium/). The same link can be used to apply for the JUST work, which is focused on electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

 

General background about student internships at NREL can be found here:

https://www.nrel.gov/careers/nrel-internships.html

The NREL team is reviewing applications as they are submitted. For the work with the group, the number of hours per week is flexible. Graduate interns can work at NREL up to 30 hours a week during the school year and up to 40 hours a week in the summer. Positions are paid and include benefits if working 20+ hours per week. While NREL has offices in Golden, CO, Washington, DC, and Fairbanks, AK, this internship can be done remotely.

 

REMINDER! Your Opportunity to Restore Ecosystems and Connect Cultures!

Anticipated term June 2023-May 2025

Request for Proposals – Seeking one individual or firm to assume responsibilities of the MCDA Executive Director, subcontracting with additional capacity as needed to fulfill administrative, funding, and programmatic needs of the organization for the next two years.

An exciting opportunity to enhance the development of the Maliseet Community Development Authority as a leader in regional ecosystem management, while spearheading its signature Wolastoq-St. John Watershed Restoration Program. MCDA_RFP-3-27-23.pdf (maliseets.net)

 

REMINDER! Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program Opportunity

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE) seeks up to five (5) Advisors on American Indian and Alaska Native Cultures via the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program.

The IPA allows for the temporary assignment of skilled personnel between the Federal Government and state and local governments, colleges and universities, Indian tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers, and other eligible organizations.

IPA assignments are for purposes of mutual concern and benefit to the Federal agency and the non-Federal organization. Assignments are for sound public purposes and in furtherance of the goals and objectives of both the Federal and non-Federal organization.

Regulations require that an assignment must be implemented by written agreement. The agreement will specify that the employee can return to the non-Federal position occupied prior to the assignment or to one of comparable pay, duties, and seniority and that the employee’s rights and benefits will be fully protected. The non-Federal organization will continue to pay the employee’s salary during the temporary assignment. DHS will not reimburse the organization for the employee’s salary and does not offer any additional benefits beyond that which the employee is already receiving. In addition, IPA assignments are voluntary and must be agreed to by the employee.

The IPA is authorized by Title 5 U.S. Code Sections 3371 through 3375 and 5 Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR) Part 334.

 

REMINDER! ITEP is HIRING!

Be sure to apply by April 17, 2023, for the position of Community Program Coordinator, Senior to help implement ITEP’s new Tribal Clean Transportation Program. Click here to learn more and to apply!

The Community Program Coordinator, Senior will be a contributing member of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals’ (ITEP) team under NAU’s Office of Native American Initiatives. Under the direction of ITEP’s program manager and in collaboration with the ITEP team, this position will assist in the design and implementation of ITEP’s Tribal Clean Transportation Program (TCTP). Funding has been secured for two years and this position will support the implementation of the TCTP. This position will help deploy technical/programmatic support for 574 federally recognized Tribes related to clean transportation through the lens of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). Questions? Email andy.bessler@nau.edu.

If you think you have what it takes but don’t necessarily meet every qualification listed, please apply – you could be exactly who we are looking for!

 

The Fall 2023 Internship applications for the Executive Office of the President (including OSTP and other White House offices) are open and close on April 14, 2023.

All White House Internships: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/

White House OSTP Internships: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/ostp-internships/

REMINDER! The following positions are open for the Prairie Island Indian Community

Applications can be found on their website under Employment & Opportunities http://www.prairieisland.org

Food Systems Specialist

Water Resources Specialist

 

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

 

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, May 11, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, June 1, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	TBD, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are held on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 27, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 13, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (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.

 

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 

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! Today, April 12, 2023, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan announced new, more ambitious proposed standards to further reduce harmful air pollutant emissions from light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027 in two separate regulatory actions:

• Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3

Given the potential interest by Tribal governments, the Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) we will be offering virtual information sessions on the proposed rule through upcoming regularly scheduled calls hosted by the National Tribal Air Association. If your Tribe has questions about the proposed rule or would like to engage in individualized government-to-government consultation with EPA, please contact Jessie Mroz at (202)-564-1094 or email at Mroz.Jessica@epa.gov.

More information on today’s proposals can be found on EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-proposes-strongest-ever-pollution-standards-cars-and

 

NEW! EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program (CPRG) will be hosting four public listening sessions on April 14, April 17, and April 18, and April 20.

At each listening session, EPA will pose questions for feedback. These sessions follow on from the 2022 listening sessions and Request For Information (RFI) and are meant to provide an additional opportunity for input on the CPRG implementation phase after stakeholders have had time to review the CPRG planning grant guidance that was released in March. Note, no new information will be presented by EPA during these sessions. Rather than discussed during these sessions, questions for EPA about the planning phase of the program should be directed to CPRG@epa.gov.

 

Registration is required and we will post the slides and a recording on this website after the listening sessions are complete. Spanish translation services will be offered. 

Please see the website for more details and register at the links below:

• Engaging with Communities on CPRG Benefits

(Identical sessions offered at 2 different times)

o          Friday, April 14, 1:00-2:30 PM ET

o          Monday, April 17, 6:00-7:30 PM ET

• Maximizing Opportunities for GHG Reductions Through CPRG

(Identical sessions offered at 2 different times)

o          Tuesday, April 18, 3:00-4:40 PM ET

o          Thursday, April 20, 6:00-7:30 PM ET

 

NEW! 2023 Tribal Environmental Health Forum

Elevating Traditional Knowledge to Achieve Environmental Health Justice in Indigenous Communities

Announcing the Southwest Environmental Health Science Center’s 4th Tribal Environmental Health Forum! This forum is a chance for Tribal Environmental Health Professionals and University faculty and staff to come together to address the current and future environmental health needs of our tribal communities. This forum will offer the chance for participants to hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops and network with other environmental health professionals.

When: Tuesday, May 16th – Wednesday, May 17th, 2023

Where: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Events Center

15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139

Who Should Attend: Tribal Leadership and Community Members, University faculty and staff, Tribal Environmental and Health Care Professionals, and Students Interested in Environmental Health

Sponsored by: The Indigenous Resilience (IRes) Center

Collaborative Partners: The Ak-Chin Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, the Tohono O’odham Nation, Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, and the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona

Cost: Attendance is free, but attendees are responsible for travel and hotel costs if needed. Information about hotel accommodation can be found in the hotel tab.

Please complete the registration to mark your intentions for attending on one or both days.

Link for registration: https://events.trellis.arizona.edu/en/f44lNu67/2023-tribal-environmental-health-forum-5a3U3n98JK5/overview

Room blocks have been reserved and information for hotel reservations will be provided upon completion of the registration.

Link to make hotel reservation: https://www.caesars.com/book/?propCode=AKC&action=FindRooms&groupcode=S05TEH3

 

REMINDER! Inflation Reduction Act Funding for AIM Act Implementation Listening Sessions

EPA is hosting two listening sessions on the Inflation Reduction Act (Sec. 60109) which provides $15 million for competitive grants for “reclaim and innovative destructions technologies” for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The second session will be held on April 13th at 1 P.M. EDT and will focus on innovative destruction technologies. https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction/public-meetings

 

REMINDER! Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke

Course Dates: May 23-25, 2023

Course Location: Boise, ID

Application Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2021

Apply Now: https://forms.gle/LCBEud5kL9EnNYfDA

Course Description:  This course is for tribal environmental professionals who want to learn about the impacts of wildland smoke on their communities, tools to assess the impacts, and develop an education & outreach plan to inform various audiences. This course is a hybrid course comprised of a series of online presentations/webinars on health effects/concerns, assessment & monitoring tools, and developing outreach. The course culminates with an in-person course comprised of hands-on activities and a visit to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, ID. Participants will use the knowledge gained about wildland fire risk communication, smoke models, portable air monitors, sensors, and air filters to develop an education & outreach plan for their tribal communities. The course will allow attendees to engage in discussion about best practices for outreach to Tribal communities. Attendees will also visit the NIFC to understand the role the Center plays in assisting tribes, states, and local governments in addressing wildfires and smoke from wildland fires.

Pre-Course: SLMS module completion (4-6 hours self-paced learning) must be completed by Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

Course Topics Include:

• Wildland fire risk communications
• Using smoke models
• Community education and outreach
• Portable air monitors and sensors
• Monitoring data and what it tells us
• Air filters
• Speaking to various audiences about wildland smoke

The application is due on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance for the course via email by Friday, April 14, 2023.

If you have questions please contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.

Apply Now: https://forms.gle/LCBEud5kL9EnNYfDA

 

REMINDER! On March 17, 2023, EPA issued draft guidance to address the Clean Air Act’s contingency measure (CM) requirement for nonattainment areas for the ozone and particulate matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

This draft guidance clarifies and explains approaches available to air agencies to meet the CM requirement, while still complying with the Clean Air Act as interpreted by the courts.

Under the draft guidance, EPA would allow more measures to be considered as possible CMs and would also change the way the recommended amount of CM reductions is calculated to account for the nonattainment area’s projected decline in emissions needed to attain the NAAQS. EPA is also clarifying that it could accept less than the recommended amount of CM reductions if an air agency sufficiently demonstrates that its nonattainment plan includes all feasible measures and there are not additional feasible measures in the area that could be held in reserve as CMs.

Once the notice is published in the Federal Register, there will be an opportunity for public comment for 30 days. Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2023- 0063, at http://www.regulations.gov.

Learn more: https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-implementation-plans/draft-contingency-measures-guidance

 

REMINDER! You are invited to participate in EPA Region 10’s 2023 Smoke Management in the Northwest Conference

• When: April 18-20, 2023
  • Tuesday April 18, 1:30 – 5:00 pm PT, Wednesday April 19, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm PT, Thursday April 20, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm PT
• Where: Seattle, Washington in the EPA Region 10 Office and virtual via Microsoft Teams. Hotel room block information to follow.
• Who: All who are interested in issues related to wildfire smoke, forest management, air quality, and public health
• Cost: Free
• How to register: Register via Ticketleap today!
• Additional background:
• EPA Region 10, along with help from private and public partners, has grown this thriving meeting for many years to address evolving needs.
• Last year, the meeting was 100% virtual with over 300 people participating. Materials and recordings of last year’s sessions are available here.
• The meeting is an opportunity to meet and learn from professionals on air quality, land management, community engagement, public health, academic, and a range of other wildfire smoke related issues.
• There will be a mix of session formats including presentations, panel discussions, break-out sessions, and interactive exercises.

 

UPDATE! Nominations for candidates to participate on the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee are open!

Currently there are 2 Tribal Representatives on the Committee, Jeremy Fincher – Sac and Fox Nation, and Elizabeth Jacobs – Akwesasne Housing Authority. Natalene Cummings – Forest County Potawatomi Community, will complete the 3rd, 2-year term that is permitted at the Spring meeting of this year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by August 2023. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice may also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. ADDRESSES: Submit nominations in writing to: Lorraine Reddick, Designated Federal Officer, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. The nomination period has been extended through April 30^th.  Electronic and mailed applications must be received by that date.

For further information or to email nominations, include in the subject line CAAAC Membership 2023 and send to caaac@epa.gov.

To talk with Natalene more about what being a member of CAAAC involves, you can reach her at 715-478-7211.

 

REMINDER! Tribal Nominations for the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites tribal nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB). Approximately ten vacancies are expected to be filled by Dec 2023.

GNEB is a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-463.  GNEB was created in 1992 by the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act, Public Law 102-532, 7 USC Section 5404.  Implementing authority was delegated to the Administrator of EPA under Executive Order 12916.  The GNEB is charged by statute with submitting an annual report to the President on the need for implementation of environmental and infrastructure projects within states of the US contiguous to Mexico.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate nominees:

• Representative of a sector or group that helps to shape border-region environmental policy or represents a group that is affected by border region environmental policy
• Has extensive professional knowledge and experience with the issues that the GNEB examines (i.e., environmental and infrastructure issues), including the bi-national dimension of these issues
• Demonstrates senior level experience that will bring a new and relevant approach to the board’s deliberations
• Ability to work in a consensus building process with a wide range of representatives from diverse constituencies
• Ability to contribute approximately 10 to 15 hours per month to the GNEB’s activities, including the attendance at meetings and participating in the development of advice letters/reports
• Demonstrate the potential for active and constructive involvement in the GNEB’s work

For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/20/2023-05596/request-for-nominations-to-the-good-neighbor-environmental-board

 

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

Climate Change / Energy

EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: noncompetitive planning grants webinar for Tribes, Tribal consortia, and U.S. Territories webinar: https://mediaspace.nau.edu/media/EPA%E2%80%99s+Climate+Pollution+Reduction+GrantsA+noncompetitive+planning+grants+webinar+for+tribes%2C+tribal+consortia%2C+and+U.S.+Territories/1_iumhr8to

 

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

REMINDER! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

Tacoma, WA (Aug 22-24). For a three-day pass for tribes to attend GTSE (travel and lodging costs not included), use conference code: DERA-TRIBES For more information, go to:  https://www.gtsummitexpo.com/. To be added to the Mobile Source Workgroup, send an email to Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu

 

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.   For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

 

REMINDER!  EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

 

Opportunity to provide input: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs) source category (40 CFR part 60 subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). Pursuant to the EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, the Agency is initiating pre-proposal consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes to obtain input on the upcoming action to update regulatory requirements for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs).  Tribes may submit OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND STANDARDS written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/  Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920, any time during the pre-proposal tribal consultation process and until June 6, 2023. If there are any questions, please email Charlene Spells at Spells.Charlene@epa.gov Additional background information about the air regulations for LMWCs can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/large-municipal-waste-combustors-lmwc-new-source-performance

 

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! Listening Sessions for the Inflation Reduction Act’s Funding to Address Air Pollution at Schools

EPA is holding two listening sessions in April to get input on the design of a new grant and technical assistance program funded by the Inflation Reduction Act to address air pollution at schools. Register for the webinars below to hear a high-level overview of the Funding to Address Air Pollution at Schools and to offer feedback on how EPA can best address school air quality issues in low-income and disadvantaged communities with this funding. EPA will give the same presentation in both webinars, so please only register for the one that best suits your schedule.

Register Now for Option 1: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET

Register Now for Option 2: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET

Learn more about other children’s health grants and funding opportunities.

 

REMINDER! Register Today!

Information Session on EPA’s Proposed Radon Credentialing Criteria

Wednesday, April 12 | 1-2:30 p.m. ET

Register Here!

Learn more about EPA’s proposed radon credentialing criteria, which are open for public comment.

At the information session, presenters will discuss:

• EPA’s role in overseeing quality of radon service providers.
• Conformity assessment and application of voluntary consensus standards within federal programs, including the proposed credentialing criteria.

While the information session is not a forum for EPA to accept public comments, there will be an opportunity to ask clarifying questions.

 

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

 

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

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

 

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

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to announce the State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program Fact Sheet. This fact sheet has information on SIRG eligibility, matching requirements, allowable activities, EPA contacts, and more. EPA works collaboratively and values our Tribal partnership to support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in Tribal communities. We work together to develop tools and resources that address the health and the safety of Tribal members when it comes to indoor air quality.

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

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

 

Environmental Justice

REMINDER! Deadlines Extended: Request for Applications and Request for Information

EPA has extended the deadline for two Request for Applications (RFAs) and one Request for Information (RFI). Deadlines have been extended on the RFAs to encourage additional applications from eligible entities and was extended for the RFI to receive more valuable input from the public on the new Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) program.

RFAs

• The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program has extended the application deadline to April 14, 2023.
• The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program has extended the application deadline to April 14, 2023.

In addition, the new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) Program’s RFA is open until May 31, 2023.

To learn more about Environmental Justice grants and technical assistance, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-grants-funding-and-technical-assistance.

For up-to-date information about Environmental Justice funding opportunities, events, and webinars, subscribe to EPA’s Environmental Justice listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice

Para recibir información actualizada sobre oportunidades de financiamiento de Justicia Ambiental, eventos y seminarios web, suscríbase al listserve de Justicia Ambiental de la EPA enviando un mensaje en blanco de correo electrónico a: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Síganos en Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice.

 

NOW HIRING!

NEW! The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is hiring a Graduate (Year-Round) Intern – Clean Cities Energy and Environmental Justice.

The current job posting (provided here) describes a specific project (Clean Cities Energy and Environmental Justice Initiative). The sample activities listed in the job description are also applicable for another project, our JUST Lab Consortium work (https://driveelectric.gov/just-lab-consortium/). The same link can be used to apply for the JUST work, which is focused on electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

 

General background about student internships at NREL can be found here:

https://www.nrel.gov/careers/nrel-internships.html

The NREL team is reviewing applications as they are submitted. For the work with the group, the number of hours per week is flexible. Graduate interns can work at NREL up to 30 hours a week during the school year and up to 40 hours a week in the summer. Positions are paid and include benefits if working 20+ hours per week. While NREL has offices in Golden, CO, Washington, DC, and Fairbanks, AK, this internship can be done remotely.

 

REMINDER! Your Opportunity to Restore Ecosystems and Connect Cultures!

Anticipated term June 2023-May 2025

Request for Proposals – Seeking one individual or firm to assume responsibilities of the MCDA Executive Director, subcontracting with additional capacity as needed to fulfill administrative, funding, and programmatic needs of the organization for the next two years.

An exciting opportunity to enhance the development of the Maliseet Community Development Authority as a leader in regional ecosystem management, while spearheading its signature Wolastoq-St. John Watershed Restoration Program. MCDA_RFP-3-27-23.pdf (maliseets.net)

 

REMINDER! Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program Opportunity

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE) seeks up to five (5) Advisors on American Indian and Alaska Native Cultures via the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program.

The IPA allows for the temporary assignment of skilled personnel between the Federal Government and state and local governments, colleges and universities, Indian tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers, and other eligible organizations.

IPA assignments are for purposes of mutual concern and benefit to the Federal agency and the non-Federal organization. Assignments are for sound public purposes and in furtherance of the goals and objectives of both the Federal and non-Federal organization.

Regulations require that an assignment must be implemented by written agreement. The agreement will specify that the employee can return to the non-Federal position occupied prior to the assignment or to one of comparable pay, duties, and seniority and that the employee’s rights and benefits will be fully protected. The non-Federal organization will continue to pay the employee’s salary during the temporary assignment. DHS will not reimburse the organization for the employee’s salary and does not offer any additional benefits beyond that which the employee is already receiving. In addition, IPA assignments are voluntary and must be agreed to by the employee.

The IPA is authorized by Title 5 U.S. Code Sections 3371 through 3375 and 5 Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR) Part 334.

 

REMINDER! ITEP is HIRING!

Be sure to apply by April 17, 2023, for the position of Community Program Coordinator, Senior to help implement ITEP’s new Tribal Clean Transportation Program. Click here to learn more and to apply!

The Community Program Coordinator, Senior will be a contributing member of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals’ (ITEP) team under NAU’s Office of Native American Initiatives. Under the direction of ITEP’s program manager and in collaboration with the ITEP team, this position will assist in the design and implementation of ITEP’s Tribal Clean Transportation Program (TCTP). Funding has been secured for two years and this position will support the implementation of the TCTP. This position will help deploy technical/programmatic support for 574 federally recognized Tribes related to clean transportation through the lens of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). Questions? Email andy.bessler@nau.edu.

If you think you have what it takes but don’t necessarily meet every qualification listed, please apply – you could be exactly who we are looking for!

 

The Fall 2023 Internship applications for the Executive Office of the President (including OSTP and other White House offices) are open and close on April 14, 2023.

All White House Internships: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/

White House OSTP Internships: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/ostp-internships/

REMINDER! The following positions are open for the Prairie Island Indian Community

Applications can be found on their website under Employment & Opportunities http://www.prairieisland.org

Food Systems Specialist

Water Resources Specialist

 

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, May 11, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 6, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	March 29, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are held on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, March 30, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 13, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (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.

 

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 

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! Inflation Reduction Act Funding for AIM Act Implementation Listening Sessions

EPA is hosting two listening sessions on the Inflation Reduction Act (Sec. 60109) which provides $15 million for competitive grants for “reclaim and innovative destructions technologies” for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The first session will be held on April 11th at 2 P.M. EDT and will focus on reclamation. The second session will be held on April 13th at 1 P.M. EDT and will focus on innovative destruction technologies.

 

NEW! EPA Grants What to Expect When You’re Expecting… a Grant Webinar

The EPA Grants What to Expect When You’re Expecting… a Grant Webinar will be held on Wednesday, March 29, from 1:00-2:00 pm ET. During this webinar, EPA will review what grant recipients need to do and look for when they receive a grant award, discuss how to understand terms and conditions of grants, and talk through EPA’s oversight once a grant is awarded. Participants will be able to ask questions of EPA presenters during the webinar. Advance registration is required. Click here to register. If you have already registered, you should have received a confirmation email with the link to the webinar.

Presentation materials and a list of helpful links will be available on EPA’s website before the webinar: https://www.epa.gov/grants/what-expect-when-youre-expecting-grant-march-29-2023

After the webinar, a recording will be posted to the same webpage.

 

NEW! Air Quality Planning for Wildland Smoke

Course Dates: May 23-25, 2023

Course Location: Boise, ID

Application Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2021

Apply Now: https://forms.gle/LCBEud5kL9EnNYfDA

Course Description:  This course is for tribal environmental professionals who want to learn about the impacts of wildland smoke on their communities, tools to assess the impacts, and develop an education & outreach plan to inform various audiences. This course is a hybrid course comprised of a series of online presentations/webinars on health effects/concerns, assessment & monitoring tools, and developing outreach. The course culminates with an in-person course comprised of hands-on activities and a visit to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, ID. Participants will use the knowledge gained about wildland fire risk communication, smoke models, portable air monitors, sensors, and air filters to develop an education & outreach plan for their tribal communities. The course will allow attendees to engage in discussion about best practices for outreach to Tribal communities. Attendees will also visit the NIFC to understand the role the Center plays in assisting tribes, states, and local governments in addressing wildfires and smoke from wildland fires.

Pre-Course: SLMS module completion (4-6 hours self-paced learning) must be completed by Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

Course Topics Include:

• Wildland fire risk communications
• Using smoke models
• Community education and outreach
• Portable air monitors and sensors
• Monitoring data and what it tells us
• Air filters
• Speaking to various audiences about wildland smoke

The application is due on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance for the course via email by Friday, April 14, 2023.

If you have questions please contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at Christal.Black@nau.edu or phone 928-523-8410.

Apply Now: https://forms.gle/LCBEud5kL9EnNYfDA

 

REMINDER! On March 17, 2023, EPA issued draft guidance to address the Clean Air Act’s contingency measure (CM) requirement for nonattainment areas for the ozone and particulate matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

This draft guidance clarifies and explains approaches available to air agencies to meet the CM requirement, while still complying with the Clean Air Act as interpreted by the courts.

Under the draft guidance, EPA would allow more measures to be considered as possible CMs and would also change the way the recommended amount of CM reductions is calculated to account for the nonattainment area’s projected decline in emissions needed to attain the NAAQS. EPA is also clarifying that it could accept less than the recommended amount of CM reductions if an air agency sufficiently demonstrates that its nonattainment plan includes all feasible measures and there are not additional feasible measures in the area that could be held in reserve as CMs.

Once the notice is published in the Federal Register, there will be an opportunity for public comment for 30 days. Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2023- 0063, at http://www.regulations.gov.

Learn more: https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-implementation-plans/draft-contingency-measures-guidance

 

Interagency Wildland Fire Resource Advisor Course (N-9042)

WHEN: April 10 – June 16: Online Self-Study

May 17, 18, 23: Live Webinar Sessions (one session required)

WHAT: This introductory course provides participants with the background to serve as Resource Advisors during wildland fires. Resource Advisors work with Incident Management Teams and fireline personnel to minimize the impacts of wildland fire and fire management actions on natural, cultural, and social resources. Resource Advisors also provide critical support for the repair of fire suppression damages, identification and mitigation of threats caused by wildfires (e.g., Burned Area Emergency Response [BAER]), and long-term post-fire ecosystem recovery. This training meets the standards of the

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Resource Advisor course (N-9042).

For More Information, email Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu for the full flyer

 

REMINDER! You are invited to participate in EPA Region 10’s 2023 Smoke Management in the Northwest Conference.

 

• When: April 18-20, 2023
  • Tuesday April 18, 1:30 – 5:00 pm PT, Wednesday April 19, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm PT, Thursday April 20, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm PT
• Where: Seattle, Washington in the EPA Region 10 Office and virtual via Microsoft Teams. Hotel room block information to follow.
• Who: All who are interested in issues related to wildfire smoke, forest management, air quality, and public health
• Cost: Free
• How to register: Register via Ticketleap today!
• Additional background:
• EPA Region 10, along with help from private and public partners, has grown this thriving meeting for many years to address evolving needs.
• Last year, the meeting was 100% virtual with over 300 people participating. Materials and recordings of last year’s sessions are available here.
• The meeting is an opportunity to meet and learn from professionals on air quality, land management, community engagement, public health, academic, and a range of other wildfire smoke related issues.
• There will be a mix of session formats including presentations, panel discussions, break-out sessions, and interactive exercises.

 

UPDATE! Nominations for candidates to participate on the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee are open!

Currently there are 2 Tribal Representatives on the Committee, Jeremy Fincher – Sac and Fox Nation, and Elizabeth Jacobs – Akwesasne Housing Authority. Natalene Cummings – Forest County Potawatomi Community, will complete the 3rd, 2-year term that is permitted at the Spring meeting of this year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by August 2023. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice may also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. ADDRESSES: Submit nominations in writing to: Lorraine Reddick, Designated Federal Officer, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. The nomination period has been extended through April 30^th.  Electronic and mailed applications must be received by that date.

For further information or to email nominations, include in the subject line CAAAC Membership 2023 and send to caaac@epa.gov.

To talk with Natalene more about what being a member of CAAAC involves, you can reach her at 715-478-7211.

 

REMINDER! The Residential Wood Smoke Training Workshop April 11-13, 2023

Registration: The Residential Wood Smoke Training Workshop registration is now open, please take a moment to register.  The Registration site will allow you to register for the in-person workshop or virtually.  If you are likely to join in person, please register in that manner and if you end up not being able to attend in-person, then we can simply modify your status.  Seating is limited so register now.

 

Draft Agenda, Topics & Speakers:    We have very robust list of topics we will cover during the Workshop and are currently finalizing speakers, the length of each session and determining what topics will be covered on what days.

 

Transportation: From the Denver Airport we recommend taking a train to Denver Union Station which is ½ mile from the hotel: Take the “A-line Train” from the airport, distance is 24 miles/45 minutes and cost $10.50 – each way.  Also, please include in your travel cost funds to transport yourself on Tuesday afternoon (4/11) about 10 miles from the EPA Region 8 building to and from the “Fireplace Warehouse Denver” which is our field trip destination.  Options will be to share a ride with others likely via Uber, Lyft or taxi with an estimated cost of $20 – $25 per vehicle.

Meeting Location: The location of the meeting is EPA Region 8 offices, 1595 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202.

 

Optional Evening Networking Events: We are in the planning phase for one or two evening events where you will have the opportunity to network with your colleagues.  The Alliance for Green Heat is hosting an event on Wednesday evening and will likely include dinner, dessert, and a variety of drink choices. Cost is TBD, likely around $25.  More to come.

Keep in mind we have not had this Workshop in over three years and it’s hard to say when we will have another opportunity to meet in person.  With the PM2.5 NAAQS possibly being lowered and the unprecedented funds available through the Inflation Reduction Act, I hope you will join us in Denver.  Please share this information with others and feel free to reach out if you have questions.

 

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

 

Climate Change / Energy

EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: noncompetitive planning grants webinar for tribes, tribal consortia, and U.S. Territories webinar: https://mediaspace.nau.edu/media/EPA%E2%80%99s+Climate+Pollution+Reduction+GrantsA+noncompetitive+planning+grants+webinar+for+tribes%2C+tribal+consortia%2C+and+U.S.+Territories/1_iumhr8to

 

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

 

Regional Tribal Environmental Health Summits

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to host a series of regional summits on the topic of environmental health in Indian Country. Each summit will feature Tribal leaders, environmental health practitioners, subject matter experts, and federal partners engaging on topics relevant to each region. A total of eight summits will be held between 2022 and 2024. The goal of each summit is to connect people from different backgrounds and Tribes, communities, federal agencies, Tribal organizations and state and local entities to address various environmental health and environmental justice issues of mutual concern across all regions as well as issues specific to individual regions. The first confirmed summit is May 1 – May 2, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

REMINDER! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

Tacoma, WA (Aug 22-24). For a three-day pass for tribes to attend GTSE (travel and lodging costs not included), use conference code: DERA-TRIBES For more information, go to:  https://www.gtsummitexpo.com/.  Brian Trice, Executive Director for the Clean Cities Coalition, will speak more about GTSE at the next Mobile Source Workgroup Call (Thursday April 16^th). To be added to the Mobile Source Workgroup, email Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu

 

REMINDER! Thursday, March 30 | 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. MT

Webinar: The Office of Indian Energy will highlight its current funding opportunities and technical assistance opportunities current funding opportunities and technical assistance opportunities. Guest speakers from the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory will share information on funding available to tribes, including:

• USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service and Rural Business and Cooperative Service Inflation Reduction Act Programs
• Tribal Home Energy Rebates Program
• Clean Energy to Communities Program
• Energizing Rural Communities Prize grants and loans for renewable energy and infrastructure

REGISTER HERE: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5870271020263768919

 

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.   For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

 

REMINDER!  EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues as related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
April 6, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

 

REMINDER! Announcing the 2023 National Air Toxics Conference April 18-20, 2023 for your consideration for attending and/or presenting!

More details are available at the website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/save-the-date-2023-national-air-toxics-conference-tickets-473488295237.

 

Opportunity to provide input: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs) source category (40 CFR part 60 subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). Pursuant to the EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, the Agency is initiating pre-proposal consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes to obtain input on the upcoming action to update regulatory requirements for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs). If you are interested in requesting government-to-government consultation with EPA during the pre-proposal period, please contact Regina Chappell at (919) 541-3650 or email at chappell.regina@epa.gov. Please contact us before February 3, 2023, to request the consultation. EPA will strive to accommodate the requests as time and resources permit. Tribes may also submit OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND STANDARDS written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/

Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920, any time during the pre-proposal tribal consultation process and until June 6, 2023. If there are any questions, please email Charlene Spells at Spells.Charlene@epa.gov Additional background information about the air regulations for LMWCs can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/large-municipal-waste-combustors-lmwc-new-source-performance

 

Indoor Air Quality

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

 

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

 

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

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

 

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

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to announce the State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program Fact Sheet. This fact sheet has information on SIRG eligibility, matching requirements, allowable activities, EPA contacts, and more. EPA works collaboratively and values our Tribal partnership to support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in Tribal communities. We work together to develop tools and resources that address the health and the safety of Tribal members when it comes to indoor air quality.

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

 

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

Environmental Justice

NEW! Deadlines Extended: Request for Applications and Request for Information

EPA has extended the deadline for two Request for Applications (RFAs) and one Request for Information (RFI). Deadlines have been extended on the RFAs to encourage additional applications from eligible entities and was extended for the RFI to receive more valuable input from the public on the new Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) program.

RFAs

 

• The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program has extended the application deadline to April 14, 2023.
• The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program has extended the application deadline to April 14, 2023.

RFI

• The Request for Information (RFI) related to the Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) Grant Program has been extended to April 10, 2023.

 

In addition, the new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) Program’s RFA is open until May 31, 2023.

 

To learn more about Environmental Justice grants and technical assistance, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-grants-funding-and-technical-assistance.

 

For up-to-date information about Environmental Justice funding opportunities, events, and webinars, subscribe to EPA’s Environmental Justice listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice

 

Para recibir información actualizada sobre oportunidades de financiamiento de Justicia Ambiental, eventos y seminarios web, suscríbase al listserve de Justicia Ambiental de la EPA enviando un mensaje en blanco de correo electrónico a: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Síganos en Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice.

 

NOW HIRING!

NEW! Your Opportunity to Restore Ecosystems and Connect Cultures!

Anticipated term June 2023-May 2025

An exciting opportunity to enhance the development of the Maliseet Community Development Authority as a leader in regional ecosystem management, while spearheading its signature Wolastoq-St. John Watershed Restoration Program.

MCDA_RFP-3-27-23.pdf (maliseets.net)

 

NEW! Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program Opportunity

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE) seeks up to five (5) Advisors on American Indian and Alaska Native Cultures via the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program.

The IPA allows for the temporary assignment of skilled personnel between the Federal Government and state and local governments, colleges and universities, Indian tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers, and other eligible organizations.

IPA assignments are for purposes of mutual concern and benefit to the Federal agency and the non-Federal organization. Assignments are for sound public purposes and in furtherance of the goals and objectives of both the Federal and non-Federal organization.

Regulations require that an assignment must be implemented by written agreement. The agreement will specify that the employee can return to the non-Federal position occupied prior to the assignment or to one of comparable pay, duties, and seniority and that the employee’s rights and benefits will be fully protected. The non-Federal organization will continue to pay the employee’s salary during the temporary assignment. DHS will not reimburse the organization for the employee’s salary and does not offer any additional benefits beyond that which the employee is already receiving. In addition, IPA assignments are voluntary and must be agreed to by the employee.

The IPA is authorized by Title 5 U.S. Code Sections 3371 through 3375 and 5 Code of Federal

Regulations (CFR) Part 334.

 

DHS OPE Advisors on American Indian and Alaska Native Cultures

An area of mutual concern and benefit to DHS and Tribes is the development of a mandatory base level tribal training course for DHS personnel, including full-time employees, part-time employees, and contractors, who have regular interactions with tribal members or are likely to encounter tribal members at their duty station. The training will provide basic information on treaties and trust responsibilities, tribal government structures and status as sovereigns, best practices, cultural awareness and considerations, resources, working with Tribal Nations and tribal organizations, and the Department’s efforts in supporting Tribal Nations in their homeland security efforts. Up to five (5) Advisors on American Indian and Alaska Native Cultures are sought to that end.

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Participates in a DHS working group to develop a mandatory base level tribal training course for DHS personnel, including full-time employees, part-time employees, and contractors who have regular interactions with tribal members or are likely to encounter tribal members at their duty station.
• Provides subject matter expertise in American Indian and/or Alaska Native culture(s) and tribal perspective(s).
• Provides expertise, guidance and recommendations about the content, script, audio-visuals and design for the training.
• Provides analysis of existing materials pertaining to American Indians and Alaska Natives which could be included in the training.
• Conducts background research on Native American and Alaska Native cultures to ensure cultural representation and accuracy.
• Participates in the production of the training as appropriate.
• Participates in the testing of the training.
• Supports efforts to ensure participation of various DHS components and offices in training development.
• Collaborates with DHS Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO).

 

Required Experience Factor:  Experience with and knowledge of one or more federally recognized tribes.

Preferred Experience Factors:

• Experience in applying an American Indian and/or Alaska Native culturally appropriate approach to training
• Knowledge of DHS Component mission(s)
• Knowledge of American Indian and Alaska Native networks
• Team minded

Job Location:  Remote

Proposed Effective Date: April 10, 2023

Term: Each non-reimbursable IPA assignment may be for an initial period of up to six months and may be renewed for an additional six months. The IPA assignment can be part-time or full-time.

Security/Suitability Requirements: Non-Disclosure Agreement If interested in this position, please email resume or similar document and contact information to tribal.affairs@hq.dhs.gov

REMINDER! ITEP is HIRING!

Be sure to apply by April 17, 2023, for the position of Community Program Coordinator, Senior to help implement ITEP’s new Tribal Clean Transportation Program. Click here to learn more and to apply!

The Community Program Coordinator, Senior will be a contributing member of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals’ (ITEP) team under NAU’s Office of Native American Initiatives. Under the direction of ITEP’s program manager and in collaboration with the ITEP team, this position will assist in the design and implementation of ITEP’s Tribal Clean Transportation Program (TCTP). Funding has been secured for two years and this position will support the implementation of the TCTP. This position will help deploy technical/programmatic support for 574 federally recognized Tribes related to clean transportation through the lens of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). Questions? Email andy.bessler@nau.edu.

If you think you have what it takes but don’t necessarily meet every qualification listed, please apply – you could be exactly who we are looking for!

The Fall 2023 Internship applications for the Executive Office of the President (including OSTP and other White House offices) are open and close on April 14, 2023.

All White House Internships: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/

White House OSTP Internships: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/ostp-internships/

REMINDER! The following positions are open for the Prairie Island Indian Community

Applications can be found on their website under Employment & Opportunities http://www.prairieisland.org

Food Systems Specialist

Water Resources Specialist

 

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, May 11, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 6, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	March 29, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are held on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, March 30, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 13, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (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.

 

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 

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! On March 17, 2023, EPA issued draft guidance to address the Clean Air Act’s contingency measure (CM) requirement for nonattainment areas for the ozone and particulate matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

This draft guidance clarifies and explains approaches available to air agencies to meet the CM requirement, while still complying with the Clean Air Act as interpreted by the courts.

Under the draft guidance, EPA would allow more measures to be considered as possible CMs and would also change the way the recommended amount of CM reductions is calculated to account for the nonattainment area’s projected decline in emissions needed to attain the NAAQS. EPA is also clarifying that it could accept less than the recommended amount of CM reductions if an air agency sufficiently demonstrates that its nonattainment plan includes all feasible measures and there are not additional feasible measures in the area that could be held in reserve as CMs.

Once the notice is published in the Federal Register, there will be an opportunity for public comment for 30 days. Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2023- 0063, at http://www.regulations.gov.

Learn more: https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-implementation-plans/draft-contingency-measures-guidance

 

Interagency Wildland Fire Resource Advisor Course (N-9042)

WHEN: April 10 – June 16: Online Self-Study

May 17, 18, 23: Live Webinar Sessions (one session required)

WHAT: This introductory course provides participants with the background to serve as Resource Advisors during wildland fires. Resource Advisors work with Incident Management Teams and fireline personnel to minimize the impacts of wildland fire and fire management actions on natural, cultural, and social resources. Resource Advisors also provide critical support for the repair of fire suppression damages, identification and mitigation of threats caused by wildfires (e.g., Burned Area Emergency Response [BAER]), and long-term post-fire ecosystem recovery. This training meets the standards of the

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Resource Advisor course (N-9042).

For More Information, email Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu for the full flyer

 

REMINDER! You are invited to participate in EPA Region 10’s 2023 Smoke Management in the Northwest Conference.

• When: April 18-20, 2023
  • Tuesday April 18, 1:30 – 5:00 pm PT, Wednesday April 19, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm PT, Thursday April 20, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm PT
• Where: Seattle, Washington in the EPA Region 10 Office and virtual via Microsoft Teams. Hotel room block information to follow.
• Who: All who are interested in issues related to wildfire smoke, forest management, air quality, and public health
• Cost: Free
• How to register: Register via Ticketleap today!
• Additional background:
• EPA Region 10, along with help from private and public partners, has grown this thriving meeting for many years to address evolving needs.
• Last year, the meeting was 100% virtual with over 300 people participating. Materials and recordings of last year’s sessions are available here.
• The meeting is an opportunity to meet and learn from professionals on air quality, land management, community engagement, public health, academic, and a range of other wildfire smoke related issues.
• There will be a mix of session formats including presentations, panel discussions, break-out sessions, and interactive exercises.

 

REMINDER! The Particulate Matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) reconsideration proposal has published in the Federal Register. The public comment period is open from January 27 to March 28.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/27/2023-00269/reconsideration-of-the-national-ambient-air-quality-standards-for-particulate-matter

**NTAA is currently working on a Tribal template letter for this; more info will be shared once complete**

 

REMINDER! Nominations for candidates to participate on the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee are open!

Currently there are 2 Tribal Representatives on the Committee, Jeremy Fincher – Sac and Fox Nation, and Elizabeth Jacobs – Akwesasne Housing Authority. Natalene Cummings – Forest County Potawatomi Community, will complete the 3rd, 2-year term that is permitted at the Spring meeting of this year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by August 2023. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice may also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. ADDRESSES: Submit nominations in writing to: Lorraine Reddick, Designated Federal Officer, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. The nomination period closes on March 30^th.  Electronic and mailed applications must be received by that date.

For further information or to email nominations, include in the subject line CAAAC Membership 2023 and send to caaac@epa.gov.

To talk with Natalene more about what being a member of CAAAC involves, you can reach her at 715-478-7211.

 

REMINDER! The Residential Wood Smoke Training Workshop April 11-13, 2023

Registration: The Residential Wood Smoke Training Workshop registration is now open, please take a moment to register.  The Registration site will allow you to register for the in-person workshop or virtually.  If you are likely to join in person, please register in that manner and if you end up not being able to attend in-person, then we can simply modify your status.  Seating is limited so register now.

 

Draft Agenda, Topics & Speakers:    We have very robust list of topics we will cover during the Workshop and are currently finalizing speakers, the length of each session and determining what topics will be covered on what days.

 

Transportation: From the Denver Airport we recommend taking a train to Denver Union Station which is ½ mile from the hotel: Take the “A-line Train” from the airport, distance is 24 miles/45 minutes and cost $10.50 – each way.  Also, please include in your travel cost funds to transport yourself on Tuesday afternoon (4/11) about 10 miles from the EPA Region 8 building to and from the “Fireplace Warehouse Denver” which is our field trip destination.  Options will be to share a ride with others likely via Uber, Lyft or taxi with an estimated cost of $20 – $25 per vehicle.

 

Meeting Location: The location of the meeting is EPA Region 8 offices, 1595 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202.

 

Optional Evening Networking Events: We are in the planning phase for one or two evening events where you will have the opportunity to network with your colleagues.  The Alliance for Green Heat is hosting an event on Wednesday evening and will likely include dinner, dessert, and a variety of drink choices. Cost is TBD, likely around $25.  More to come.

Keep in mind we have not had this Workshop in over three years and it’s hard to say when we will have another opportunity to meet in person.  With the PM2.5 NAAQS possibly being lowered and the unprecedented funds available through the Inflation Reduction Act, I hope you will join us in Denver.  Please share this information with others and feel free to reach out if you have questions.

 

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

 

Climate Change / Energy

EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: noncompetitive planning grants webinar for tribes, tribal consortia, and U.S. Territories webinar: https://mediaspace.nau.edu/media/EPA%E2%80%99s+Climate+Pollution+Reduction+GrantsA+noncompetitive+planning+grants+webinar+for+tribes%2C+tribal+consortia%2C+and+U.S.+Territories/1_iumhr8to

 

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

 

Regional Tribal Environmental Health Summits

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to host a series of regional summits on the topic of environmental health in Indian Country. Each summit will feature Tribal leaders, environmental health practitioners, subject matter experts, and federal partners engaging on topics relevant to each region. A total of eight summits will be held between 2022 and 2024. The goal of each summit is to connect people from different backgrounds and Tribes, communities, federal agencies, Tribal organizations and state and local entities to address various environmental health and environmental justice issues of mutual concern across all regions as well as issues specific to individual regions. The first confirmed summit is May 1 – May 2, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

Tacoma, WA (Aug 22-24). For a three-day pass for tribes to attend GTSE (travel and lodging costs not included), use conference code: DERA-TRIBES For more information, go to:  https://www.gtsummitexpo.com/.  Brian Trice, Executive Director for the Clean Cities Coalition, will speak more about GTSE at the next Mobile Source Workgroup Call (Thursday April 16^th). To be added to the Mobile Source Workgroup, email Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu

 

NEW! Thursday, March 30 | 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. MT

Webinar: The Office of Indian Energy will highlight its current funding opportunities and technical assistance opportunities current funding opportunities and technical assistance opportunities. Guest speakers from the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory will share information on funding available to tribes, including:

• USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service and Rural Business and Cooperative Service Inflation Reduction Act Programs
• Tribal Home Energy Rebates Program
• Clean Energy to Communities Program
• Energizing Rural Communities Prize grants and loans for renewable energy and infrastructure

REGISTER HERE: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5870271020263768919

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

 

​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.   For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

 

REMINDER!  EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues as related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
April 6, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

 

REMINDER! Announcing the 2023 National Air Toxics Conference April 18-20, 2023 for your consideration for attending and/or presenting!

More details are available at the website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/save-the-date-2023-national-air-toxics-conference-tickets-473488295237.

 

Opportunity to provide input: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs) source category (40 CFR part 60 subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). Pursuant to the EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, the Agency is initiating pre-proposal consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes to obtain input on the upcoming action to update regulatory requirements for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs). If you are interested in requesting government-to-government consultation with EPA during the pre-proposal period, please contact Regina Chappell at (919) 541-3650 or email at chappell.regina@epa.gov. Please contact us before February 3, 2023, to request the consultation. EPA will strive to accommodate the requests as time and resources permit. Tribes may also submit OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND STANDARDS written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/

Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920, any time during the pre-proposal tribal consultation process and until June 6, 2023. If there are any questions, please email Charlene Spells at Spells.Charlene@epa.gov Additional background information about the air regulations for LMWCs can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/large-municipal-waste-combustors-lmwc-new-source-performance

 

Indoor Air Quality

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

 

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

 

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

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

 

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

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to announce the State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program Fact Sheet. This fact sheet has information on SIRG eligibility, matching requirements, allowable activities, EPA contacts, and more. EPA works collaboratively and values our Tribal partnership to support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in Tribal communities. We work together to develop tools and resources that address the health and the safety of Tribal members when it comes to indoor air quality.

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

 

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

Environmental Justice

NEW! Deadlines Extended: Request for Applications and Request for Information

EPA has extended the deadline for two Request for Applications (RFAs) and one Request for Information (RFI). Deadlines have been extended on the RFAs to encourage additional applications from eligible entities and was extended for the RFI to receive more valuable input from the public on the new Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) program.

RFAs

• The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program has extended the application deadline to April 14, 2023.
• The Environmental Justice Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program has extended the application deadline to April 14, 2023.

RFI

• The Request for Information (RFI) related to the Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) Grant Program has been extended to April 10, 2023.

In addition, the new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) Program’s RFA is open until May 31, 2023.

To learn more about Environmental Justice grants and technical assistance, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-grants-funding-and-technical-assistance.

 

For up-to-date information about Environmental Justice funding opportunities, events, and webinars, subscribe to EPA’s Environmental Justice listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice

Para recibir información actualizada sobre oportunidades de financiamiento de Justicia Ambiental, eventos y seminarios web, suscríbase al listserve de Justicia Ambiental de la EPA enviando un mensaje en blanco de correo electrónico a: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Síganos en Twitter: @EPAEnvJustice.

 

NOW HIRING!

NEW! ITEP is HIRING!

Be sure to apply by April 17, 2023, for the position of Community Program Coordinator, Senior to help implement ITEP’s new Tribal Clean Transportation Program. Click here to learn more and to apply!

The Community Program Coordinator, Senior will be a contributing member of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals’ (ITEP) team under NAU’s Office of Native American Initiatives. Under the direction of ITEP’s program manager and in collaboration with the ITEP team, this position will assist in the design and implementation of ITEP’s Tribal Clean Transportation Program (TCTP). Funding has been secured for two years and this position will support the implementation of the TCTP. This position will help deploy technical/programmatic support for 574 federally recognized Tribes related to clean transportation through the lens of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). Questions? Email andy.bessler@nau.edu.

 

We are hiring a Research Associate in the Tribes and Climate Change Program!

The TCCP provides support and resources for federally recognized Tribes as they prepare for and contend with climate change impacts and transition to clean energy sources. The Environmental Education and Outreach Program works to raise the interest of Native American students in environmental careers and to assist schools in improving environmental science literacy.

The Research Associate will emphasize writing and publishing the Status of Tribes & Climate Change (STACC) report and other programmatic publications such as climate change fact sheets, literature reviews, and climate adaptation and mitigation case studies. This position will also help research and develop training curriculum and provide technical assistance for Tribes.

Apply: https://nau.edu/careers

If you think you have what it takes but don’t necessarily meet every qualification listed, please apply – you could be exactly who we are looking for!

 

NEW! The Fall 2023 Internship applications for the Executive Office of the President (including OSTP and other White House offices) are open and close on April 14, 2023.

All White House Internships: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/

White House OSTP Internships: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/ostp-internships/

 

NEW! HIRING: Join the Environmental Justice Team at EPA!

EPA is excited to announce the largest hiring effort to support environmental justice initiatives in Agency history! We are looking for talented staff dedicated to advancing equity and justice who want to join us from all around the country and support communities working to make change happen on the ground! Apply by March 27, 2023.

In these entry level positions, you will:

• Serve on teams and workgroups and assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of plans and projects funded through EJ grants to support communities with environmental justice concerns.
• Serve as a liaison to external stakeholders and technical assistance providers to assist in the development and delivery of much needed resources to communities and their partners such as tribes and local governments.
• Manage a variety of grants, cooperative agreements, and/or interagency agreements for the environmental justice program.
• Work on internal integration of equity and justice policies across EPA programs.

At EPA, we know our mission is stronger when our workforce looks like America. We welcome, value, and depend on a diversity of people, lived experiences, and perspectives. Learn more about diversity at EPA.

Two types of positions are open: permanent, full-time placements and term assignments funded through Inflation Reduction Act for an initial 2 years that can be extended up to 4 years total. EPA Headquarters and EPA regions are announcing for both permanent and term-limited positions. View each job description below for more details.

 

Headquarters (Washington, D.C. metro area)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713884100 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713887800 (term, remote opportunity)

 

Region 1 – Serving CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713889100 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713891600 (term)

 

Region 2 – Serving NJ, NY, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 8 federally recognized Indian Nations

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713892300 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713893400 (term)

 

Region 3 – Serving DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV and 7 federally recognized Tribes.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713894400 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713894900 (term)

 

Region 4 – Serving AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, and TN

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713897000 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713897500 (term)

 

Region 5 – Serving IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713898800 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713899300 (term)

 

Region 6 – Dallas (serving AR, LA, NM, OK, and TX

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713900300 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713901000 (term)

 

Region 7 - Serving IA, KS, MO, and NE

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713902200 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713903200 (term)

 

Region 8 – Serving CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713903800 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713904400 (term)

 

Region 9 - Serving AZ, CA, HI, NV, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713905100 (permanent)

 

Region 10 – Seattle (serving AK, ID, OR, WA and 271 native tribes)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713906300 (permanent)

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713907100 (term)

Learn more about Environmental Justice at EPA

Learn more about careers at EPA

Learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act

 

REMINDER! The following positions are open for the Prairie Island Indian Community

Applications can be found on their website under Employment & Opportunities http://www.prairieisland.org

Food Systems Specialist

Water Resources Specialist

 

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! NTAA will be transitioning to Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

 

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, March 16, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 6, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	March 29, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are usually on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a national holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, March 30, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 13, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

NEW! Introducing “NEW” ITEP Grants Office Hours

 

March 21, 2021

10:30-12:30 PM AKDT, 11:30-1:30 PM PDT, 12:30-2:30 PM MDT, 1:30-3:30 PM CDT, 2:30-4:30 PM EDT

 

Join in the discussion via Zoom:

https://nau.zoom.us/j/6590963943?pwd=bVlhWEZpa2pEajdvSFRQMjRxc05PZz09

Zoom meeting ID: 659 096 3943 Password: AIAQTP

 

ITEP realized tribal nations rely on grants to get tribal air efforts accomplished. This newly established office hour will offer a regularly scheduled forum to provide updates from EPA and ITEP and provide a chance for tribal environmental staff to vet grant related issues with other tribes, ITEP and EPA.  For this inaugural session a showing of a prerecorded “Get Grant Ready” grants overview will be followed by a 1 hour open grants office hour.  Please join us with your Questions.

 

• Welcome – Pat Childers, EPA, OAR Tribal Program Manager– 5 minutes
• Get Grant Ready – 0verview of Justice 40 and Grant Process  1 hour (previously recorded)
  • FINAL Competition Process Recording – YouTube– recording can be viewed prior
  • Comments and J40 overview – Dr. Jalonne White-Newsome -CEQ, Senior Director for Environmental Justice
  • Competitive Grants Process – Elizabeth January -EPA, Acting Grants Competition Advocate
• ITEP Grants Office Hour
  • Julie Milazzo, National Grants Training Coordinator, Pat Childers, and EPA Regional Tribal Air Coordinators and ITEP staff respond to Tribe’s questions on grants

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (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.

 

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 

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

 

Interagency Wildland Fire Resource Advisor Course (N-9042)

WHEN: April 10 – June 16: Online Self-Study

May 17, 18, 23: Live Webinar Sessions (one session required)

WHAT: This introductory course provides participants with the background to serve as Resource Advisors during wildland fires. Resource Advisors work with Incident Management Teams and fireline personnel to minimize the impacts of wildland fire and fire management actions on natural, cultural, and social resources. Resource Advisors also provide critical support for the repair of fire suppression damages, identification and mitigation of threats caused by wildfires (e.g., Burned Area Emergency Response [BAER]), and long-term post-fire ecosystem recovery. This training meets the standards of the

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Resource Advisor course (N-9042).

For More Information, email Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu for the full flyer

 

REMINDER! You are invited to participate in EPA Region 10’s 2023 Smoke Management in the Northwest Conference.

 

• When: April 18-20, 2023
  • Tuesday April 18, 1:30 – 5:00 pm PT, Wednesday April 19, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm PT, Thursday April 20, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm PT
• Where: Seattle, Washington in the EPA Region 10 Office and virtual via Microsoft Teams. Hotel room block information to follow.
• Who: All who are interested in issues related to wildfire smoke, forest management, air quality, and public health
• Cost: Free
• How to register: Register via Ticketleap today!
• Additional background:
• EPA Region 10, along with help from private and public partners, has grown this thriving meeting for many years to address evolving needs.
• Last year, the meeting was 100% virtual with over 300 people participating. Materials and recordings of last year’s sessions are available here.
• The meeting is an opportunity to meet and learn from professionals on air quality, land management, community engagement, public health, academic, and a range of other wildfire smoke related issues.
• There will be a mix of session formats including presentations, panel discussions, break-out sessions, and interactive exercises.

 

REMINDER! The Particulate Matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) reconsideration proposal has published in the Federal Register. The public comment period is open from January 27 to March 28.

 

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/27/2023-00269/reconsideration-of-the-national-ambient-air-quality-standards-for-particulate-matter

 

**NTAA is currently working on a Tribal template letter for this; more info will be shared once complete**

 

REMINDER! The Tribal Healthy Homes Network is seeking Tribal insights on the ways you are working to protect Elders when climate events impact them inside their homes (e.g., wildfire smoke, high heat, and Ozone events). Your information will help other Tribes to create solutions, and will help inform their Spring, 2023 seminar: “Climate-Ready Housing for Tribal Elders.”

Please, take 3 minutes to fill out the survey. All participants receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card, courtesy of Partnership for Air Matters. Click here to take the survey:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7084851/Tribal-Elders-Climate-Response-Survey

 

REMINDER! Nominations for candidates to participate on the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee are open!

Currently there are 2 Tribal Representatives on the Committee, Jeremy Fincher – Sac and Fox Nation, and Elizabeth Jacobs – Akwesasne Housing Authority. Natalene Cummings – Forest County Potawatomi Community, will complete the 3rd, 2-year term that is permitted at the Spring meeting of this year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by August 2023. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice may also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. ADDRESSES: Submit nominations in writing to: Lorraine Reddick, Designated Federal Officer, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. The nomination period closes on March 30^th.  Electronic and mailed applications must be received by that date.

For further information or to email nominations, include in the subject line CAAAC Membership 2023 and send to caaac@epa.gov.

To talk with Natalene more about what being a member of CAAAC involves, you can reach her at 715-478-7211.

REMINDER! The Residential Wood Smoke Training Workshop April 11-13, 2023

Registration: The Residential Wood Smoke Training Workshop registration is now open, please take a moment to register.  The Registration site will allow you to register for the in-person workshop or virtually.  If you are likely to join in person, please register in that manner and if you end up not being able to attend in-person, then we can simply modify your status.  Seating is limited so register now.

 

Draft Agenda, Topics & Speakers:    We have very robust list of topics we will cover during the Workshop and are currently finalizing speakers, the length of each session and determining what topics will be covered on what days.

 

Transportation: From the Denver Airport we recommend taking a train to Denver Union Station which is ½ mile from the hotel: Take the “A-line Train” from the airport, distance is 24 miles/45 minutes and cost $10.50 – each way.  Also, please include in your travel cost funds to transport yourself on Tuesday afternoon (4/11) about 10 miles from the EPA Region 8 building to and from the “Fireplace Warehouse Denver” which is our field trip destination.  Options will be to share a ride with others likely via Uber, Lyft or taxi with an estimated cost of $20 – $25 per vehicle.

 

Meeting Location: The location of the meeting is EPA Region 8 offices, 1595 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202.

 

Optional Evening Networking Events: We are in the planning phase for one or two evening events where you will have the opportunity to network with your colleagues.  The Alliance for Green Heat is hosting an event on Wednesday evening and will likely include dinner, dessert, and a variety of drink choices. Cost is TBD, likely around $25.  More to come.

 

Keep in mind we have not had this Workshop in over three years and it’s hard to say when we will have another opportunity to meet in person.  With the PM2.5 NAAQS possibly being lowered and the unprecedented funds available through the Inflation Reduction Act, I hope you will join us in Denver.  Please share this information with others and feel free to reach out if you have questions.

 

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

Climate Change / Energy

 

NEW! EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: noncompetitive planning grants webinar for tribes, tribal consortia, and U.S. Territories webinar: https://mediaspace.nau.edu/media/EPA%E2%80%99s+Climate+Pollution+Reduction+GrantsA+noncompetitive+planning+grants+webinar+for+tribes%2C+tribal+consortia%2C+and+U.S.+Territories/1_iumhr8to

 

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

 

Regional Tribal Environmental Health Summits

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to host a series of regional summits on the topic of environmental health in Indian Country. Each summit will feature Tribal leaders, environmental health practitioners, subject matter experts, and federal partners engaging on topics relevant to each region. A total of eight summits will be held between 2022 and 2024. The goal of each summit is to connect people from different backgrounds and Tribes, communities, federal agencies, Tribal organizations and state and local entities to address various environmental health and environmental justice issues of mutual concern across all regions as well as issues specific to individual regions. The first confirmed summit is May 1 – May 2, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

 

REMINDER! Webinar for The National Electric Vehicle Initiative for Tribal Nations

You are invited to join the Economic Development, Energy, and Infrastructure Committee of the White House Council on Native American Affairs to discuss the National Electric Vehicle Initiative for Tribal Nations on Wednesday, March 15th, from 3 – 4:30 pm Eastern Time.

 

This meeting will provide an overview of this new initiative to ensure that Tribal Nations are part of the EV future of the country. The meeting will include an overview of the federal resources for EV development to be equitably shared and supportive of Tribal economies towards the physical buildout of a national EV network that includes Tribal lands and Native communities. This meeting will be facilitated and hosted by the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals’ Tribal Clean Transportation Program.

This event is free and open to the public on Wednesday, March 15 from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm ET. You can register and attend by clicking here:

https://nau.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UkB2wjZ5S7icuW0wgSqNmA

 

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

 

​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.   For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

 

REMINDER!  EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues as related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
April 6, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

 

REMINDER! Announcing the 2023 National Air Toxics Conference April 18-20, 2023 for your consideration for attending and/or presenting!

More details are available at the website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/save-the-date-2023-national-air-toxics-conference-tickets-473488295237.

 

Opportunity to provide input: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs) source category (40 CFR part 60 subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). Pursuant to the EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, the Agency is initiating pre-proposal consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes to obtain input on the upcoming action to update regulatory requirements for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs). If you are interested in requesting government-to-government consultation with EPA during the pre-proposal period, please contact Regina Chappell at (919) 541-3650 or email at chappell.regina@epa.gov. Please contact us before February 3, 2023, to request the consultation. EPA will strive to accommodate the requests as time and resources permit. Tribes may also submit OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND STANDARDS written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/

Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920, any time during the pre-proposal tribal consultation process and until June 6, 2023. If there are any questions, please email Charlene Spells at Spells.Charlene@epa.gov Additional background information about the air regulations for LMWCs can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/large-municipal-waste-combustors-lmwc-new-source-performance

 

Indoor Air Quality

 

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

 

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

 

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

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

 

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

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to announce the State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program Fact Sheet. This fact sheet has information on SIRG eligibility, matching requirements, allowable activities, EPA contacts, and more. EPA works collaboratively and values our Tribal partnership to support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in Tribal communities. We work together to develop tools and resources that address the health and the safety of Tribal members when it comes to indoor air quality.

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

 

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

Environmental Justice

 

National Environmental Justice Community Engagement Call: March 21, 2023

            EPA invites Environmental Justice (EJ) advocates to participate in the next National Environmental Justice Community Engagement Call taking place on March 21, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). These calls are free and open to the public. Registration Link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/585626132527

 

Agenda:

• EPA OEJECR Leadership Updates
• Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR) Hiring Event and Environmental Protection Network (EPN)
• Q&A Dialogue

 

This call will focus on upcoming hiring announcements. The positions that will be opening are related to EJ policy integration, program development, internal coordination, and support of EJ priorities. Positions will include entry level opportunities. Join our call to learn more about becoming part of our team!

 

The purpose of these calls is to inform the community and other stakeholders about EPA’s EJ work and enhance opportunities to maintain an open dialogue with EJ advocates. Please email farrell.ericka@epa.gov by March 17, 2023 to request reasonable accommodation for a disability or interpreter services in a language other than English, so that you can participate in the call and/or to request a translation of any of the event documents into a language other than English. For more information about the National Environmental Justice Community Engagement Calls, please email farrell.ericka@epa.gov

 

Recordings and meeting materials for all calls are posted here: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/national-environmental-justice-community-engagement-calls

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is interested in hearing from overburdened and underserved communities and other key stakeholders about potential requirements under development to address pollution from Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWC)

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023 @ 5:00-6:00PM (EST), EPA will host a roundtable to hear directly from communities regarding air pollution from the LMWC source category. During this roundtable, EPA will present background information on the industry and plans for an upcoming rulemaking, then open the discussion for questions from the public.

The EPA is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the LMWC source category (40 CFR part 60, subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). The rulemaking will impact owners and operators of LWMCs, including units that are owned and operated by state and local entities.  These regulations were issued under Section 129 of the CAA which requires EPA to establish standards of performance for non-hazardous solid waste incinerators. The LMWC source category encompasses incinerators that combust greater than 250 tons per day of municipal solid waste. Additional background information can be found HERE.

In addition, as EPA develops this action, we have opened a pre-proposal public docket where you can submit written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/, Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920. This docket will be open for public comment until June 6, 2023. The EPA will also provide a separate opportunity for public comment on any future proposed rulemaking for LMWCs through a formal comment period, which would be announced in the Federal Register notice of the proposed rulemaking.

Although open to the public, this event will include information tailored to environmental justice communities and professionals. This virtual event is FREE and open to the public. This event will be held using Microsoft Teams, and a toll-free call-in number is also available.

 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:               

Date:  Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Time:  5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (EST)

Audience: Communities and other Key Stakeholders

 

We will be using Microsoft Teams for this event. You will have the option of joining by either a computer link or by telephone (not both).

 

Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

• Meeting ID: 212 443 517 560
  Passcode: CFggy6

Download Teams | Join on the web

• Join with a video conferencing device

sip:teams@video.epa.gov

Video Conference ID: 113 876 388 8

Alternate VTC instructions

• Or call in (audio only)

+1 202-991-0477,,943778167#   United States, Washington DC

Phone Conference ID: 943 778 167#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

 

For all EPA meetings, there is no expectation of privacy regarding any communications. Participation in a recorded meeting will be deemed as consent to be recorded. Information on EPA systems is the property of the Agency and may become official records.

Learn More | Meeting options

 

EPA Environmental Justice recordings and meeting materials for all calls are posted here: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/national-environmental-justice-community-engagement-calls.

 

NOW HIRING!

REMINDER! The following positions are open for the Prairie Island Indian Community

Applications can be found on their website under Employment & Opportunities http://www.prairieisland.org

Food Systems Specialist

Water Resources Specialist

 

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! NTAA will be transitioning to Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent with calendar invites for future NTAA work group calls.

Woodsmoke Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in woodsmoke issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, March 16, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Mobile Sources Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in mobile source issues in Tribal communities. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, April 6, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Alaska Air Work Group: Join this work group to hear updates from EPA and Alaskans working on air quality. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	March 29, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
NTAA / EPA Air Policy Update Call: Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are usually on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a national holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	Thursday, February 23, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Work Group: This work group meets Bi-Monthly and includes Tribal and EPA professionals with an interest in indoor air quality in Tribal homes and other buildings. Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call!	TBD, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (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.

 

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 

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

 

NEW! You are invited to participate in EPA Region 10’s 2023 Smoke Management in the Northwest Conference.

• When: April 18-20, 2023
  • Tuesday April 18, 1:30 – 5:00 pm PT, Wednesday April 19, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm PT, Thursday April 20, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm PT
• Where: Seattle, Washington in the EPA Region 10 Office and virtual via Microsoft Teams. Hotel room block information to follow.
• Who: All who are interested in issues related to wildfire smoke, forest management, air quality, and public health
• Cost: Free
• How to register: Register via Ticketleap today!
• Additional background:
• EPA Region 10, along with help from private and public partners, has grown this thriving meeting for many years to address evolving needs.
• Last year, the meeting was 100% virtual with over 300 people participating. Materials and recordings of last year’s sessions are available here.
• The meeting is an opportunity to meet and learn from professionals on air quality, land management, community engagement, public health, academic, and a range of other wildfire smoke related issues.
• There will be a mix of session formats including presentations, panel discussions, break-out sessions, and interactive exercises.
• We are planning opportunities to gather in person for food, drink, and socializing Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

 

REMINDER! The Particulate Matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) reconsideration proposal has published in the Federal Register. The public comment period is open from January 27 to March 28.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/27/2023-00269/reconsideration-of-the-national-ambient-air-quality-standards-for-particulate-matter

 

REMINDER! The Tribal Healthy Homes Network is seeking Tribal insights on the ways you are working to protect Elders when climate events impact them inside their homes (e.g., wildfire smoke, high heat, and Ozone events). Your information will help other Tribes to create solutions, and will help inform their Spring, 2023 seminar: “Climate-Ready Housing for Tribal Elders.”

Please, take 3 minutes to fill out the survey. All participants receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card, courtesy of Partnership for Air Matters. Click here to take the survey:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7084851/Tribal-Elders-Climate-Response-Survey

 

REMINDER! Nominations for candidates to participate on the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee are open!

Currently there are 2 Tribal Representatives on the Committee, Jeremy Fincher – Sac and Fox Nation, and Elizabeth Jacobs – Akwesasne Housing Authority. Natalene Cummings – Forest County Potawatomi Community, will complete the 3rd, 2-year term that is permitted at the Spring meeting of this year.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by August 2023. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice may also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. ADDRESSES: Submit nominations in writing to: Lorraine Reddick, Designated Federal Officer, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460. The nomination period closes on March 30^th.  Electronic and mailed applications must be received by that date.

For further information or to email nominations, include in the subject line CAAAC Membership 2023 and send to caaac@epa.gov.

To talk with Natalene more about what being a member of CAAAC involves, you can reach her at 715-478-7211.

 

REMINDER! Hold the Date! Call for Speakers!

What:                 Residential Wood Smoke Training Workshop (Workshop)

When:                April 11 – 13, 2023

Where:               Denver, CO

Who:                  State, local, tribal, and federal officials, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions

 

Workshop topics will be wide-ranging, e.g.:

• Regulatory Programs (e.g., curtailment programs, Wood Heater New Source Performance Standard, test methods, enforcement)
• Voluntary Programs (e.g., proper operation education campaigns, recreational fires/firepits, identifying and understanding the best devices for appliance incentive programs – emphasis on heat pumps)
• Residential wood smoke and PM NAAQS
• Residential health effects, indoor air quality
• New and existing funding opportunities (e.g., Environment and Climate Justice Block Grants, tax credits, heat pump direct rebates)
• Understanding heating appliances (wood stoves, electric heat pumps) & recreational devices (fireplaces, firepits)- including field trip to a retail store

 

A major focus of the Workshop will include how to leverage funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (e.g., Environment and Climate Justice Block Grants, direct rebates, tax credits) and overcome barriers to encourage and incentivize the installation of heat pumps in homes currently using wood as their primary or secondary source of heat.

 

Unlike past years, the workshop will not be held in conjunction with the Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association Trade Show/Expo, but we do plan to have speakers from the hearth industry and learn about various recreational and heating appliances.  We are planning a 3 hour field trip to a large retail store for an opportunity to see and learn about several different types of heating appliances (EPA-certified wood stoves, pellets stoves, gas appliance and electric heat pumps) and recreational devices (fireplaces and firepits/chimeneas).

 

Hotel and Registration: The Workshop is planned to run from the Tuesday afternoon, (April 11) until 4:30 pm, Thursday (April 13).  We intend on reserving a block of rooms at the government rate at a hotel in downtown Denver. There will be no registration cost for the Workshop.

 

Call for topics and speakers:  EPA, with the support of the Western States Air Resources Council (WESTAR) is coordinating the Workshop.  As we formulate the agenda over the next 3-4 weeks, we are requesting suggestions on specific discussion topics and critical issues you face in tackling residential wood smoke and would find valuable to discuss with your counterparts across the nation.  If you have any recommendation on speakers or have an issue or program that you would be interested in presenting, please contact Larry Brockman, brockman.larry@epa.gov or 919-824-1579. Feel free to share this email with others who may have an interest and they can email me to be added to the distribution list.

 

REMINDER! The White House: FACT SHEET: How the Inflation Reduction Act Helps Tribal Communities

By signing the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden is delivering on his promise to meet the climate crisis and build an economy that works for working families, including Tribal nations and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian families. The Inflation Reduction Act lowers prescription drug costs, health care costs, and energy costs. It’s the most aggressive action we have taken to confront the climate crisis. It’ll lower the deficit and ask the super wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share. And no one making under $400,000 per year will pay a penny more in taxes. Click Here for FACT SHEET.

 

Climate Change / Energy

The U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has published an enhanced National Map of Landfill Gas (LFG) Energy Projects and Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  The newly published version incorporates layers for Tribal lands and environmental justice demographic data so that users can identify areas where LFG energy projects may warrant additional consideration, analysis, or outreach to surrounding communities.

Link: https://www.epa.gov/lmop/lmop-national-map

 

Regional Tribal Environmental Health Summits

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to host a series of regional summits on the topic of environmental health in Indian Country. Each summit will feature Tribal leaders, environmental health practitioners, subject matter experts, and federal partners engaging on topics relevant to each region. A total of eight summits will be held between 2022 and 2024. The goal of each summit is to connect people from different backgrounds and Tribes, communities, federal agencies, Tribal organizations and state and local entities to address various environmental health and environmental justice issues of mutual concern across all regions as well as issues specific to individual regions. The first confirmed summit is May 1 – May 2, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

REMINDER! The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference (NTICC) will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, Sept. 24-28, 2023

The National Transportation in Indian Country Conference is the one-stop-shop transportation conference FOR TRIBES, BY TRIBES. NTICC offers access to relevant training and an opportunity for Tribal transportation professionals to engage with federal officials and their Tribal transportation peers regarding Tribal transportation issues and challenges.

 

​NTICC provides information and resources for all who are committed to improving the transportation infrastructure of Indian Country and the safety of those who live, work, and travel the roadways of Alaska Native and Native American lands.

 

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.nticc.org/

 

REMINDER!  EPA’s Office of Emergency Management is offering training that would be of interest to people working on air quality issues as related to emergency situations.

Overview of Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure and Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) Software Suite Webinar for Tribal Partners

Participants should only register for one of the five offerings below, as all sessions will cover the same material. Please note whether times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Date	Time	Registration
March 2, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST	Register here
April 6, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
August 24, 2023	1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 7, 2023	3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT	Register here
September 22, 2023	12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT	Register here

 

This hour and a half, EPA-hosted session will provide a basic overview of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure oil spill prevention program and how the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite can be used to help communities prepare for and respond to chemical and oil spills. The session will also include a question-and-answer segment where participants can interact with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure national program manager and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act program coordinator that oversees the CAMEO software suite.

 

REMINDER! Announcing the 2023 National Air Toxics Conference April 18-20, 2023 for your consideration for attending and/or presenting!

More details are available at the website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/save-the-date-2023-national-air-toxics-conference-tickets-473488295237.

 

Opportunity to provide input: the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs) source category (40 CFR part 60 subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). Pursuant to the EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes, the Agency is initiating pre-proposal consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes to obtain input on the upcoming action to update regulatory requirements for the Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWCs). If you are interested in requesting government-to-government consultation with EPA during the pre-proposal period, please contact Regina Chappell at (919) 541-3650 or email at chappell.regina@epa.gov. Please contact us before February 3, 2023, to request the consultation. EPA will strive to accommodate the requests as time and resources permit. Tribes may also submit OFFICE OF AIR QUALITY PLANNING AND STANDARDS written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/

Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920, any time during the pre-proposal tribal consultation process and until June 6, 2023. If there are any questions, please email Charlene Spells at Spells.Charlene@epa.gov Additional background information about the air regulations for LMWCs can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/large-municipal-waste-combustors-lmwc-new-source-performance

 

Indoor Air Quality

Notice of Intent – DOE Grants for Energy Improvements at Public School Facilities – $80 million

Deadline: Available until expended. Eligible Entities: Consortium of One Local Education Agency and one or more Schools, Non-Profits, For-Profits, and Community Partners

 

This funding is the first tranche of funding in a $500 million investment, to make clean energy improvements in K-12 public schools. Funds will empower school districts to make upgrades that will lower facilities’ energy costs and improve student learning environments. Visit HERE for more information.

 

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

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

 

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

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to announce the State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program Fact Sheet. This fact sheet has information on SIRG eligibility, matching requirements, allowable activities, EPA contacts, and more. EPA works collaboratively and values our Tribal partnership to support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in Tribal communities. We work together to develop tools and resources that address the health and the safety of Tribal members when it comes to indoor air quality.

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

 

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

Environmental Justice

EPA Environmental Justice recordings and meeting materials for all calls are posted here:

https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/national-environmental-justice-community-engagement-calls.

 

NOW HIRING!

NEW! Cultural Landscape Specialist

Come join the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community as a Cultural Landscape Specialist. In this role, you will be responsible for managing landscapes of cultural significance and directly oversees management of edible and medicinal landscaping, prairies, and maintained landscape around Hocokata Ti. Enjoy weekly pay, career growth opportunities, and health benefits.

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SHA1014SKOP/JobBoard/39cbf9fe-a850-475c-98b7-fdbe0861611a/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=de8f737c-9d2e-43f0-a571-dceaf609a511

 

REMINDER! JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Engineering Technician – DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Indian Health Service Office of Environmental Health & Engineering

Closing date: March 3, 2023

Summary: This position is located in the Office of Environmental Health at the District or one of its Field Offices. The primary function of the incumbent is to assist the engineering staff to perform technical duties related to the construction of water and waste facilities. Position may require infrequent travel. Works under the supervision of the District Engineer or Field Engineer, depending upon work location. To view this announcement, please visit the websites listed below: ESEP/MP: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/693089700

DE: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/693089500

For further information on the position located in Polacca, AZ, please contact: David Bates, Engineer (228) 364-2500 OEH&E – Hopi Field Office david.bates@ihs.gov drdavidbates1@gmail.com

or Andrew Larson, Engineer OEH&E – Hopi Field Office (928) 737-6283 andrew.larson@ihs.gov

We are seeking to fill the vacant position located on the Hopi reservation in Polacca, AZ

 

REMINDER! The following positions are open for the Prairie Island Indian Community

Applications can be found on their website under Employment & Opportunities http://www.prairieisland.org

Food Systems Specialist

Invasive Species Coordinator

Water Resources Specialist

 

REMINDER! The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices.

Applications closes: July 8, 2024, | Click Here for Full Job Description

The Department of Religious Studies is hiring an 1855 professorship in the position of Great Lakes Anishinaabe Knowledge, Spiritualities, and Cultural Practices. We seek a scholar with a focus on Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Great Lakes Native American cultures. The scholar’s areas of interest should include Anishinaabe worldviews, ceremony, knowledge systems, and communal cultural practices in the context of colonialisms, resistance, resiliency, and sovereignty. The specific area of focus is open with preference to knowledge of traditions of Anishinaabe communities, and more broadly, Native American communities. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work and teaching complement cross-university strengths in environmental practices, North American Indigenous Law, communal health and wellness, and social justice. In keeping with our land-grant mission, we seek a scholar engaged in public-facing conversations about how contemporary Native American knowledge, language, spiritualities, and culture can inform larger discussions around law, public policy, land stewardship, resource management, community health and wellbeing, Tribal governance, museum collections and archives, and environmental justice movements.