UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! You can help put the “National” in the National Radon Action Plan.

The new  National Radon Action Plan 2021–25, which was released in January, sets a goal for the nation to find, fix and prevent high indoor radon levels in 8 million buildings by 2025 and prevent at least 3,500 lung cancer deaths per year. The plan revolves around actions that will save lives by fixing existing buildings, constructing new buildings with radon-resistant features, and expand the certified, professional radon workforce. It also spotlights addressing radon as a health equity challenge and prioritizes new strategies to reduce radon risk in underserved communities, particularly low-income populations and communities of color.

The National Radon Action Plan is organized into four priority goal areas, each with some specific strategies and desired outcomes. Implementation of the Plan is overseen by a Leadership Council of fourteen organizations representing the Federal government, states, tribes, industry and non-profits. The diversity of priorities, skills and expertise that each organization brings to the table has greatly enhanced our progress on radon risk reduction since the first version of the Plan was published in 2015. We know that some Tribal air professionals have experiences and lessons learned that can help us reach our shared goals and save lives. We would welcome your participation in one of the four goal area work groups.

Below is a link to a Tribal-specific questionnaire developed by the four goal area work groups to get a better sense of what is occurring or has occurred on Tribal lands as it pertains to radon.  Any input you are willing to share is greatly appreciated and will help guide some of the work being conducted as part of the plan.  Your participation and time in answering the questions is also greatly appreciated.  We kindly ask you to complete the questionnaire by July 13.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NRAP_Tribes

 NEW! Don’t Miss Out! Order Your Burn Wise Education Materials by July 29

Unfortunately, EPA’s mailing service contract for Burn Wise educational materials is ending later this summer. What does this mean for you? If you believe you will need any Burn Wise materials this Fall or Winter, it is imperative to place your order now by clicking here in order to ensure a timely response.  Order ALL the materials you need for upcoming residential wood smoke outreach (e.g., Fall Wood Smoke Awareness Campaign, changeout program, tabling at a community event) by July 29.  We expect to have a new mailing system in place by next Spring.

EPA Webinar: EPA’s Air Sensor Loan Pilot Programs – Successes, New Resources, and Lessons Learned

July 13, 2022, | 3:00 PM ET | Register Here

This talk will briefly highlight the pilot air sensor loan programs that EPA launched through partnerships with local organizations in EPA Regions 5, 9, and 10. Additionally, newly developed resources to support these programs will be highlighted including 5 fully developed hands-on lesson plans that can be used for group or individual instruction for elementary through adult learners. Other educational efforts will also be shared.  The presentation will discuss lessons learned and best practice suggestions for others interested in developing and offering similar air sensor loan programs in the future.

 EPA Clean School Bus Program – 2022 Rebates

Click here to register

EPA is offering $500 million in rebates for electric and low-emission school buses. Register Today for the Webinars Below! Program Now Open!

SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES

• July 13 – Office of the Inspector General: Fraud Prevention
• July 27 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session
• August 10 – U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rural Electric Cooperatives Infrastructure Funding All webinars will be held at 1:00 PM Eastern.
• Submit Your Rebate Application by August 19, 2022 ATTENTION:
• Applying for a Rebate? Be sure to get an Active SAM.gov Account First!

CSB Rebates Application deadline is August 19, 2022. SAM.gov entity registration required.

• Click hereto view the program guidance and a list of eligible/priority applicants.
• Click hereto begin the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Application process.
• Click hereto sign-up for the Clean School Bus News listserv and add cleanschoolbus@epa.gov to your email contacts to guarantee you receive regular program updates and our messages don’t go to your spam folder.
• Click hereto access the EPA Clean School Bus website to learn more about the program and the benefits of clean school buses.
• Email cleanschoolbus@epa.govwith any questions or feedback to improve the program.

 The Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership, in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park, is excited to announce an upcoming course for interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals on the Colorado Plateau.

September 6 – 9, 2022 | Click Here for Application | Click Here to Learn More

This course is offered by the Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park. Together we will provide participants a foundation in climate science and effective climate communication and interpretation; an understanding of the connections between global and local processes; and perspectives on the interdependence of culture and climate on the Colorado Plateau. The course emphasizes a supportive, collegial learning environment. You will:

• Meet with NASA and regional scientists to learn about the latest global and regional climate research and discuss their insights on understanding and responding to changing climate
• Observe, practice, and discuss techniques for successful climate change interpretation and communication
• Hear Native perspectives on climate change and learn about Tribal resilience and adaptation strategies
• Experience first-hand evidence of and responses to local climate change impacts on a field trip
• Meet colleagues from around the region and join a community of interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals committed to communicating regional climate issues and solutions
• Depart with cutting-edge knowledge about climate change, and a plan for bringing the climate story to your visitors in relevant, engaging, inspiring, and hopeful ways
• Learn how you can stay connected with these scientists, fellow climate communicators, and the national Earth to Sky community of practice over the long term. You’re not alone in your efforts!

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

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air. The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback.

 New Air Knowledge E–Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

• A course that explains the key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
• A course that explains the basic components of state and tribal implementation plans,
• A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
• A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
• A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found in the attached document.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website.

 NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

 The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

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

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

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Recorded Webinars

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

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

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

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

Climate Change / Energy

New! Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jonathan Reichental

August 18th, 2022, | Register Here

Dr. Jonathan Reichental is a multiple-award-winning technology and business leader whose career has spanned both the private and public sectors. He’s been a senior software engineering manager, a director of technology innovation, and has served as chief information officer at both O’Reilly Media and the City of Palo Alto, California. Reichental is currently the founder of advisory, investment, and education firm, Human Future, and also creates online education for LinkedIn Learning. He has written three books on the future of cities: Smart Cities for Dummies, Exploring Smart Cities Activity Book for Kids, and Exploring Cities Bedtime Rhymes.

Cosponsored by the EPA and ICMA, Brownfields 2022 will be taking place: August 16-19, 2022 in Oklahoma City, OK

Clean Energy Group Webinar: Scaling Up Solar – The Montgomery County Green Bank and Sunnova’s Low-and Moderate-Income Solar Pilot Program

July 7, 2022, | 3:00 pm ­– 4:00 pm EDT | Register Here

Earlier this year, the Montgomery County Green Bank launched a new $600K low- and moderate-income (LMI) solar pilot program to test a different approach to solar access in LMI communities. The pilot includes a dual track (ownership and third party-owned) and an innovative third party owned pricing structure with solar company Sunnova.

During this webinar hosted by the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), Tom Deyo, Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery County Green Bank (MCGB) and Stephen Morel, its Chief Investment Officer will present the structure and the initial results of the pilot. Bert Hunter, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Connecticut Green Bank, and Secretary of the Board of Directors of MCGB will moderate a Q&A to help viewers better grasp differences and similarities with the CT Solar for All program that is the focus of CESA’s Scaling Up Solar for Under-Resourced Communities Project. CESA Project Director Vero Bourg-Meyer will host.

 U.S Department of Energy Better Building Webinar: Financing Solutions that Drive Energy Efficiency in the Water Nexus

July 12, 2022, | 11:00 am ET | Register Here

The efficient use of water results in lower operating costs, a more reliable water supply, and improved water quality. Join to learn how market leaders in the hospitality sector finance and deploy projects that tackle energy efficiency and the water conservation nexus.

 EPA Webinar: Building Performance Standards Development and Implementation

July 12, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | Register Here

EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) are hosting a collaborative webinar series designed to support state and local agencies interested in learning more about designing and implementing building performance standards. This webinar will introduce the teams at EPA and DOE, discuss relevant subnational goals and processes, and dig a little deeper into available resources and technical assistance.

 U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Webinars: Organizing for the Transition to a Cleaner and More Sustainable Energy Future

July 13, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | Register Here

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, the 2022 Tribal Energy Webinar Series will focus on how tribes can position themselves to participate in the energy transition to the benefit of their communities and future generations.

The realities of climate change and the goals of the Biden Administration provide significant support for tribes who choose to lead the transition to a more sustainable energy future. The opportunities are growing and accelerating; how can tribes position themselves to take advantage of and benefit from those opportunities? This webinar will provide some ideas.

 U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Webinars: Energy Access and Reliability on Tribal Lands Virtual Listening Session

July 28, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | Register Here

This virtual listening session, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, will explore challenges and potential solutions related to energy access and reliability on tribal lands. The goal is to gather important insight directly from Native Nations regarding the current status of unelectrified homes and electricity reliability issues facing tribal communities.

The Energy Act of 2020 included specific requirements for DOE to conduct research and report back to Congress on these topics. In accordance with that Act, the Office of Indian Energy is hosting this listening session to provide tribal leaders and staff from energy, planning, natural resources, and other relevant departments the opportunity to make recommendations on the report.

This is a follow-up to the first listening session the Office of Indian Energy hosted in November 2021; however, attendance at the first session is not a prerequisite to participate in this one. During this listening session, the Office of Indian Energy will discuss the results of the questionnaire conducted during the first session and share findings from the report to date.

Please note that there is a capacity limit for this listening session of 500 participants. Tribes and tribal staff will be given priority to attend if the capacity limit is reached.

 EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool

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

         This year’s updates include:

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

Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here. Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:

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

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

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

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

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

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

 EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

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

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

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

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

Indoor Air Quality

 NEW! National Radon Training Event in Seattle, Washington

October 24 – 26, 2022, | Register Here

The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors invites you to join us for our National Radon Training Event in Seattle, Washington October 24 – 26, 2022. It’s an exciting time as we get to meet again in person!

 The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Released Allergy Capitals 2022.

This report ranks the top 100 cities in the continental United States where it is most challenging to live with seasonal pollen allergies, which may worsen chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. AAFA’s report is an annual research and educational project designed to help people recognize, prevent and manage allergy symptoms. It also helps communities see where the needs of people with allergic diseases, like seasonal allergies, can be better met.

Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranks #1 overall again this year. City rankings are based on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in the area. Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org to see if your city made the list and see what actions you can take to reduce your contact with pollen.

 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!

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

 NEW! EPA Webinar: EPA’s Air Sensor Loan Pilot Programs – Successes, New Resources, and Lessons Learned

July 13, 2022, | 3:00 PM ET | Register Here

This talk will briefly highlight the pilot air sensor loan programs that EPA launched through partnerships with local organizations in EPA Regions 5, 9, and 10. Additionally, newly developed resources to support these programs will be highlighted including 5 fully developed hands-on lesson plans that can be used for group or individual instruction for elementary through adult learners. Other educational efforts will also be shared.  The presentation will discuss lessons learned and best practice suggestions for others interested in developing and offering similar air sensor loan programs in the future.

EPA Clean School Bus Program – 2022 Rebates

Click here to register

EPA is offering $500 million in rebates for electric and low-emission school buses. Register Today for the Webinars Below! Program Now Open!

SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES

• July 13 – Office of the Inspector General: Fraud Prevention
• July 27 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session
• August 10 – U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rural Electric Cooperatives Infrastructure Funding All webinars will be held at 1:00 PM Eastern.
• Submit Your Rebate Application by August 19, 2022 ATTENTION:
• Applying for a Rebate? Be sure to get an Active SAM.gov Account First!

CSB Rebates Application deadline is August 19, 2022. SAM.gov entity registration required.

• Click hereto view the program guidance and a list of eligible/priority applicants.
• Click hereto begin the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Application process.
• Click hereto sign-up for the Clean School Bus News listserv and add cleanschoolbus@epa.gov to your email contacts to guarantee you receive regular program updates and our messages don’t go to your spam folder.
• Click hereto access the EPA Clean School Bus website to learn more about the program and the benefits of clean school buses.
• Email cleanschoolbus@epa.govwith any questions or feedback to improve the program.

The Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership, in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park, is excited to announce an upcoming course for interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals on the Colorado Plateau.

September 6 – 9, 2022 | Click Here for Application | Click Here to Learn More

This course is offered by the Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park. Together we will provide participants a foundation in climate science and effective climate communication and interpretation; an understanding of the connections between global and local processes; and perspectives on the interdependence of culture and climate on the Colorado Plateau. The course emphasizes a supportive, collegial learning environment. You will:

• Meet with NASA and regional scientists to learn about the latest global and regional climate research and discuss their insights on understanding and responding to changing climate
• Observe, practice, and discuss techniques for successful climate change interpretation and communication
• Hear Native perspectives on climate change and learn about Tribal resilience and adaptation strategies
• Experience first-hand evidence of and responses to local climate change impacts on a field trip
• Meet colleagues from around the region and join a community of interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals committed to communicating regional climate issues and solutions
• Depart with cutting-edge knowledge about climate change, and a plan for bringing the climate story to your visitors in relevant, engaging, inspiring, and hopeful ways
• Learn how you can stay connected with these scientists, fellow climate communicators, and the national Earth to Sky community of practice over the long term. You’re not alone in your efforts!

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

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air. The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback.

 New Air Knowledge E–Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

• A course that explains the key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
• A course that explains the basic components of state and tribal implementation plans,
• A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
• A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
• A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found in the attached document.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website.

 NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

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

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

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Recorded Webinars

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

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

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

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

Climate Change / Energy

 NEW! Clean Energy Group Webinar: Scaling Up Solar – The Montgomery County Green Bank and Sunnova’s Low-and Moderate-Income Solar Pilot Program

July 7, 2022, | 3:00 pm ­– 4:00 pm EDT | Register Here

Earlier this year, the Montgomery County Green Bank launched a new $600K low- and moderate-income (LMI) solar pilot program to test a different approach to solar access in LMI communities. The pilot includes a dual track (ownership and third party-owned) and an innovative third party owned pricing structure with solar company Sunnova.

During this webinar hosted by the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), Tom Deyo, Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery County Green Bank (MCGB) and Stephen Morel, its Chief Investment Officer will present the structure and the initial results of the pilot. Bert Hunter, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Connecticut Green Bank, and Secretary of the Board of Directors of MCGB will moderate a Q&A to help viewers better grasp differences and similarities with the CT Solar for All program that is the focus of CESA’s Scaling Up Solar for Under-Resourced Communities Project. CESA Project Director Vero Bourg-Meyer will host.

 NEW! U.S Department of Energy Better Building Webinar: Financing Solutions that Drive Energy Efficiency in the Water Nexus

July 12, 2022, | 11:00 am ET | Register Here

The efficient use of water results in lower operating costs, a more reliable water supply, and improved water quality. Join to learn how market leaders in the hospitality sector finance and deploy projects that tackle energy efficiency and the water conservation nexus.

 NEW! EPA Webinar: Building Performance Standards Development and Implementation

July 12, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | Register Here

EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) are hosting a collaborative webinar series designed to support state and local agencies interested in learning more about designing and implementing building performance standards. This webinar will introduce the teams at EPA and DOE, discuss relevant subnational goals and processes, and dig a little deeper into available resources and technical assistance.

 NEW! U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Webinars: Organizing for the Transition to a Cleaner and More Sustainable Energy Future

July 13, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | Register Here

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, the 2022 Tribal Energy Webinar Series will focus on how tribes can position themselves to participate in the energy transition to the benefit of their communities and future generations.

The realities of climate change and the goals of the Biden Administration provide significant support for tribes who choose to lead the transition to a more sustainable energy future. The opportunities are growing and accelerating; how can tribes position themselves to take advantage of and benefit from those opportunities? This webinar will provide some ideas.

 NEW! U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Webinars: Energy Access and Reliability on Tribal Lands Virtual Listening Session

July 28, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | Register Here

This virtual listening session, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, will explore challenges and potential solutions related to energy access and reliability on tribal lands. The goal is to gather important insight directly from Native Nations regarding the current status of unelectrified homes and electricity reliability issues facing tribal communities.

The Energy Act of 2020 included specific requirements for DOE to conduct research and report back to Congress on these topics. In accordance with that Act, the Office of Indian Energy is hosting this listening session to provide tribal leaders and staff from energy, planning, natural resources, and other relevant departments the opportunity to make recommendations on the report.

This is a follow-up to the first listening session the Office of Indian Energy hosted in November 2021; however, attendance at the first session is not a prerequisite to participate in this one. During this listening session, the Office of Indian Energy will discuss the results of the questionnaire conducted during the first session and share findings from the report to date.

Please note that there is a capacity limit for this listening session of 500 participants. Tribes and tribal staff will be given priority to attend if the capacity limit is reached.

 EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool

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

         This year’s updates include:

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

Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here. Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:

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

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

 EPA is seeking nominations from representatives of nonfederal interests to serve on the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee (MSTRS).

EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on its Federal Advisory Committees. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of people from all racial and ethnic groups. MSTRS members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment to a second term.

The MSTRS, a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, counsel, and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of programs related to mobile source air pollution and its control. The subcommittee’s website is at https://www.epa.gov/caaac/mobile-sources-technical-review-subcommittee-mstrs-caaac.

For more information on how to submit a nomination, please see the Federal Register Notice announcing the request for nominations. Nominations must be received by July 11, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact: Julia Burch, Designated Federal Officer; email: burch.julia@epa.gov.

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

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

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

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

 EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

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

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

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

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

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! EPA Webinar: Why Indoor Chemistry Matters: Findings from a National Academies Consensus Study

July 7, 2022 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET | Register Here

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) recently released the consensus study report, Why Indoor Chemistry Matters, sponsored by EPA, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, CDC, and NIEHS. This webinar will present the main conclusions and recommendations of the report, which identifies gaps in the current understanding of indoor chemistry and new approaches that can be applied to measure, manage, and limit chemical exposures. Dr. David Dorman, who served as Chair of the study committee, will summarize high-level main messages from the report, followed by a deeper dive into the report’s findings related to the management and removal of contaminants indoors. The published consensus study report is available to download for free from the National Academies Press website.

 NEW! National Radon Training Event in Seattle, Washington

October 24 – 26, 2022, | Register Here

The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors invites you to join us for our National Radon Training Event in Seattle, Washington October 24 – 26, 2022. It’s an exciting time as we get to meet again in person!  

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Released Allergy Capitals 2022.

This report ranks the top 100 cities in the continental United States where it is most challenging to live with seasonal pollen allergies, which may worsen chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. AAFA’s report is an annual research and educational project designed to help people recognize, prevent and manage allergy symptoms. It also helps communities see where the needs of people with allergic diseases, like seasonal allergies, can be better met.

Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranks #1 overall again this year. City rankings are based on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in the area. Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org to see if your city made the list and see what actions you can take to reduce your contact with pollen.

 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!

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes 

NEW! EPA Webinar: EPA’s Air Sensor Loan Pilot Programs – Successes,  New Resources, and Lessons Learned 

July 13, 2022, | 3:00 PM ET | Register Here 

This talk will briefly highlight the pilot air sensor loan programs that EPA  launched through partnerships with local organizations in EPA Regions 5, 9, and 

10. Additionally, newly developed resources to support these programs will be  highlighted including 5 fully developed hands-on lesson plans that can be used for  group or individual instruction for elementary through adult learners. Other  educational efforts will also be shared. The presentation will discuss lessons  learned and best practice suggestions for others interested in developing and  offering similar air sensor loan programs in the future.  

EPA Clean School Bus Program – 2022 Rebates  

Click here to register 

EPA is offering $500 million in rebates for electric and low-emission school buses.  Register Today for the Webinars Below! Program Now Open!  

SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES  

– July 13 – Office of the Inspector General: Fraud Prevention  – July 27 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session  – August 10 – U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rural Electric Cooperatives  

Infrastructure Funding All webinars will be held at 1:00 PM Eastern.  – Submit Your Rebate Application by August 19, 2022 ATTENTION:  – Applying for a Rebate? Be sure to get an Active SAM.gov Account First! 

CSB Rebates Application deadline is August 19, 2022. SAM.gov entity  registration required. 

• Click here to view the program guidance and a list of eligible/priority  applicants. 
• Click here to begin the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate  

Application process. 

• Click here to sign-up for the Clean School Bus News listserv and  add cleanschoolbus@epa.gov to your email contacts to guarantee you  receive regular program updates and our messages don’t go to your  spam folder. 
• Click here to access the EPA Clean School Bus website to learn more  about the program and the benefits of clean school buses. 
• Email cleanschoolbus@epa.gov with any questions or feedback to  improve the program. 

The Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership, in collaboration with the Institute  for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park, is  excited to announce an upcoming course for interpreters, informal educators,  and Tribal professionals on the Colorado Plateau. 

September 6 – 9, 2022 | Click Here for Application | Click Here to Learn More  This course is offered by the Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership in collaboration  with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon  National Park. Together we will provide participants a foundation in climate  science and effective climate communication and interpretation; an understanding  of the connections between global and local processes; and perspectives on the 

interdependence of culture and climate on the Colorado Plateau. The course  emphasizes a supportive, collegial learning environment. You will:  ● Meet with NASA and regional scientists to learn about the latest global and  regional climate research and discuss their insights on understanding and  responding to changing climate  

• Observe, practice, and discuss techniques for successful climate change  interpretation and communication  
• Hear Native perspectives on climate change and learn about Tribal resilience  and adaptation strategies 
• Experience first-hand evidence of and responses to local climate change  impacts on a field trip  
• Meet colleagues from around the region and join a community of  interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals committed to  communicating regional climate issues and solutions  
• Depart with cutting-edge knowledge about climate change, and a plan for  bringing the climate story to your visitors in relevant, engaging, inspiring,  and hopeful ways  
• Learn how you can stay connected with these scientists, fellow climate  communicators, and the national Earth to Sky community of practice over  the long term. You’re not alone in your efforts! 

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

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage  under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal air. The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept  apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions  about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the  calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov)  and/or Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback. 

New Air Knowledge E–Learning Content 

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air  quality training materials! 

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are  available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management  system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to  provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials. The new materials include: 

• A course that explains the key historic events that led to air pollution control  legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the  passage of the Clean Air Act, 
• A course that explains the basic components of state and tribal  implementation plans,
• A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and  how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography, ● A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and ● A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories,  including the inventories that the EPA develops. 

More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found  in the attached document. 

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), tribal  air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New”  section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community,  academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air  Knowledge interim website. 

NTAA Upcoming Calls  

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call!  *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please  remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your  last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from  conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time. 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP) Click Here for ITEP’s new Tribal Environmental Management and Planning  Online Courses. Sign up for a self-paced course hosted by ITEP’s Waste and 

Response and Tribal Air Quality programs. New courses have been added, so  check it out! 

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

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Recorded Webinars 

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

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

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series  

Click here to see all past and upcoming webinars hosted by the EPA.  Climate Change / Energy 

NEW! Clean Energy Group Webinar: Scaling Up Solar – The Montgomery  County Green Bank and Sunnova’s Low-and Moderate-Income Solar Pilot  Program 

July 7, 2022, | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT | Register Here 

Earlier this year, the Montgomery County Green Bank launched a new $600K low and moderate-income (LMI) solar pilot program to test a different approach to  solar access in LMI communities. The pilot includes a dual track (ownership and  third party-owned) and an innovative third party owned pricing structure with solar  company Sunnova. 

During this webinar hosted by the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA),  Tom Deyo, Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery County Green Bank  (MCGB) and Stephen Morel, its Chief Investment Officer will present the structure  and the initial results of the pilot. Bert Hunter, Executive Vice President and Chief  Investment Officer of the Connecticut Green Bank, and Secretary of the Board of  Directors of MCGB will moderate a Q&A to help viewers better grasp differences  and similarities with the CT Solar for All program that is the focus of CESA’s  Scaling Up Solar for Under-Resourced Communities Project. CESA Project  Director Vero Bourg-Meyer will host. 

NEW! U.S Department of Energy Better Building Webinar: Financing  Solutions that Drive Energy Efficiency in the Water Nexus 

July 12, 2022, | 11:00 am ET | Register Here 

The efficient use of water results in lower operating costs, a more reliable water  supply, and improved water quality. Join to learn how market leaders in the  hospitality sector finance and deploy projects that tackle energy efficiency and the  water conservation nexus. 

NEW! EPA Webinar: Building Performance Standards Development and  Implementation 

July 12, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | Register Here 

EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) are hosting a collaborative webinar  series designed to support state and local agencies interested in learning more  about designing and implementing building performance standards. This webinar  will introduce the teams at EPA and DOE, discuss relevant subnational goals and  processes, and dig a little deeper into available resources and technical assistance.  

NEW! U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Webinars:  Organizing for the Transition to a Cleaner and More Sustainable Energy  Future 

July 13, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | Register Here 

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, the  2022 Tribal Energy Webinar Series will focus on how tribes can position  themselves to participate in the energy transition to the benefit of their  communities and future generations. 

The realities of climate change and the goals of the Biden Administration  provide significant support for tribes who choose to lead the transition to a more  sustainable energy future. The opportunities are growing and accelerating; how can  tribes position themselves to take advantage of and benefit from those  opportunities? This webinar will provide some ideas. 

NEW! U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Webinars: Energy  Access and Reliability on Tribal Lands Virtual Listening Session July 28, 2022, | 1:00 PM ET | Register Here 

This virtual listening session, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)  Office of Indian Energy, will explore challenges and potential solutions related to  energy access and reliability on tribal lands. The goal is to gather important insight  directly from Native Nations regarding the current status of unelectrified homes  and electricity reliability issues facing tribal communities. 

The Energy Act of 2020 included specific requirements for DOE to conduct  research and report back to Congress on these topics. In accordance with that Act, the Office of Indian Energy is hosting this listening session to provide tribal  leaders and staff from energy, planning, natural resources, and other relevant  departments the opportunity to make recommendations on the report.

This is a follow-up to the first listening session the Office of Indian Energy  hosted in November 2021; however, attendance at the first session is not a  prerequisite to participate in this one. During this listening session, the Office of  Indian Energy will discuss the results of the questionnaire conducted during the  first session and share findings from the report to date. 

Please note that there is a capacity limit for this listening session of 500  participants. Tribes and tribal staff will be given priority to attend if the capacity  limit is reached.  

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

• An optional market-based method to calculate Scope 2 emissions from  electricity purchased through contractual instruments, such as Renewable  Energy Certificates (RECs).  
• Revised Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID)  factors from 1990 through 2019, as available.  
• Updated default stationary energy emission factors and heat contents.  ● Kerosene and distillate fuel oil as additional stationary energy fuel types.  Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’  guides here. Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new  updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming  offices hours to learn more and ask questions: 

ITEP’s Climate Change Adaptation Training Courses registration is online! Learn more about the courses and register here. 

Toxics/Mobile Sources 

EPA is seeking nominations from representatives of nonfederal interests to  serve on the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee (MSTRS).  EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase diversity, equity,  inclusion, and accessibility on its Federal Advisory Committees. In an effort to  obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of people  from all racial and ethnic groups. MSTRS members are appointed by the EPA  Administrator for three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment to a  second term.  

The MSTRS, a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal  Advisory Committee Act, provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with  independent advice, counsel, and recommendations on the scientific and technical  aspects of programs related to mobile source air pollution and its control. The 

subcommittee’s website is at https://www.epa.gov/caaac/mobile-sources-technical review-subcommittee-mstrs-caaac. 

For more information on how to submit a nomination, please see the Federal  Register Notice announcing the request for nominations. Nominations must be  received by July 11, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact: Julia Burch,  Designated Federal Officer; email: burch.julia@epa.gov. 

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

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

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

EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events  

To address these trends and challenges, EPA developed the SmartWay program. Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program: 

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

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

Indoor Air Quality 

NEW! EPA Webinar: Why Indoor Chemistry Matters: Findings from a  National Academies Consensus Study 

July 7, 2022 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM ET | Register Here 

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM)  recently released the consensus study report, Why Indoor Chemistry Matters, sponsored by EPA, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, CDC, and NIEHS. This  

webinar will present the main conclusions and recommendations of the report,  which identifies gaps in the current understanding of indoor chemistry and new  approaches that can be applied to measure, manage, and limit chemical exposures.  Dr. David Dorman, who served as Chair of the study committee, will summarize  high-level main messages from the report, followed by a deeper dive into the  report’s findings related to the management and removal of contaminants indoors.  The published consensus study report is available to download for free from the  National Academies Press website.  

NEW! National Radon Training Event in Seattle, Washington October 24 – 26, 2022, | Register Here 

The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors invites you to join us for  our National Radon Training Event in Seattle, Washington October 24 – 26, 2022.  It’s an exciting time as we get to meet again in person!  

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Released Allergy  Capitals 2022. 

This report ranks the top 100 cities in the continental United States where it is most  challenging to live with seasonal pollen allergies, which may worsen chronic  respiratory diseases, including asthma. AAFA’s report is an annual research and  educational project designed to help people recognize, prevent and manage allergy  symptoms. It also helps communities see where the needs of people with allergic  diseases, like seasonal allergies, can be better met. 

Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranks #1 overall again this year. City rankings are based  on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average  medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in  the area. Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org to see if your city made the list and  see what actions you can take to reduce your contact with pollen.

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! 

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

 EPA Clean School Bus Program – 2022 Rebates

Click here to register

EPA is offering $500 million in rebates for electric and low-emission school buses. Register Today for the Webinars Below! Program Now Open!

SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES

• June 22 – Joint Office of Energy and Transportation: EV Infrastructure
• June 29 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session
• July 13 – Office of the Inspector General: Fraud Prevention
• July 27 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session
• August 10 – U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rural Electric Cooperatives Infrastructure Funding All webinars will be held at 1:00 PM Eastern.
• Submit Your Rebate Application by August 19, 2022 ATTENTION:
• Applying for a Rebate? Be sure to get an Active SAM.gov Account First!

CSB Rebates Application deadline is August 19, 2022. SAM.gov entity registration required.

• Click here to view the program guidance and a list of eligible/priority applicants.
• Click here to begin the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Application process.
• Click here to sign-up for the Clean School Bus News listserv and add cleanschoolbus@epa.gov to your email contacts to guarantee you receive regular program updates and our messages don’t go to your spam folder.
• Click here to access the EPA Clean School Bus website to learn more about the program and the benefits of clean school buses.
• Email cleanschoolbus@epa.govwith any questions or feedback to improve the program.

EPA: Workshop to Obtain Input on Preliminary Draft Materials for the Lead (Pb) Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) (May and June 2022)

EPA is currently updating its Lead (Pb) Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) as part of the review of the primary (health) and secondary (welfare) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Pb. The ISA will be completed by EPA’s Office of Research and Development’s (ORD) Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA). As part of the Pb review, EPA is announcing a series of webinar teleconference workshops to obtain input on preliminary draft materials of the Pb ISA from expert reviewers. The workshop will be open to attendance by interested public observers by webinar and teleconference only.

Dates/Registration

The workshop will be held in 4 webinar and teleconference sessions on June 22 and June 29, 2022.

• Jun 22: Session 3. Ambient Pb: Source to Concentration
• Jun 29: Session 4. Exposure, Toxicokinetics, and Pb Biomarkers

REGISTRATION: Members of the public may attend as observers, but you must register in advance by visiting the session links above to attend.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Please direct questions regarding workshop registration or logistics to EPA’s contractor, ICF, by e-mail at EPA-Workshops@icf.com. For technical issues, please use the contact us form with the subject line “Lead ISA Peer Review Workshops.”

 The Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership, in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park, is excited to announce an upcoming course for interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals on the Colorado Plateau.

September 6 – 9, 2022 | Click Here for Application | Click Here to Learn More

This course is offered by the Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park. Together we will provide participants a foundation in climate science and effective climate communication and interpretation; an understanding of the connections between global and local processes; and perspectives on the interdependence of culture and climate on the Colorado Plateau. The course emphasizes a supportive, collegial learning environment. You will:

• Meet with NASA and regional scientists to learn about the latest global and regional climate research and discuss their insights on understanding and responding to changing climate
• Observe, practice, and discuss techniques for successful climate change interpretation and communication
• Hear Native perspectives on climate change and learn about Tribal resilience and adaptation strategies
• Experience first-hand evidence of and responses to local climate change impacts on a field trip
• Meet colleagues from around the region and join a community of interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals committed to communicating regional climate issues and solutions
• Depart with cutting-edge knowledge about climate change, and a plan for bringing the climate story to your visitors in relevant, engaging, inspiring, and hopeful ways
• Learn how you can stay connected with these scientists, fellow climate communicators, and the national Earth to Sky community of practice over the long term. You’re not alone in your efforts!

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

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air. The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback.

 New Air Knowledge E–Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

• A course that explains the key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
• A course that explains the basic components of state and tribal implementation plans,
• A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
• A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
• A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found in the attached document.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website.

 NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

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

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

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Recorded Webinars

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

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

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

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

Climate Change / Energy

 EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool

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

         This year’s updates include:

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

Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here. Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:

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

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

EPA is seeking nominations from representatives of nonfederal interests to serve on the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee (MSTRS).

EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on its Federal Advisory Committees. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of people from all racial and ethnic groups. MSTRS members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment to a second term.

The MSTRS, a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, counsel, and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of programs related to mobile source air pollution and its control. The subcommittee’s website is at  https://www.epa.gov/caaac/mobile-sources-technical-review-subcommittee-mstrs-caaac.

For more information on how to submit a nomination, please see the Federal Register Notice announcing the request for nominations. Nominations must be received by July 11, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact: Julia Burch, Designated Federal Officer; email: burch.julia@epa.gov.

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

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

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

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

 EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

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

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

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

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

Indoor Air Quality

Tribes can help put the “National” in the National Radon Action Plan.

The new National Radon Action Plan 2021–25, which was released in January, sets a goal for the nation to find, fix and prevent high indoor radon levels in 8 million buildings by 2025 and prevent at least 3,500 lung cancer deaths per year. 

Here is a link to a Tribal-specific questionnaire developed by the four goal area work groups to get a better sense of what is occurring or has occurred on Tribal lands as it pertains to radon.  Any input you are willing to share is greatly appreciated and will help guide some of the work being conducted as part of the plan.  Your participation and time in answering the questions is also greatly appreciated.  We kindly ask you to complete the questionnaire by July 13.

The National Radon Action Plan is organized into four priority goal areas, each with some specific strategies and desired outcomes. Implementation of the Plan is overseen by a Leadership Council of fourteen organizations representing the Federal government, states, tribes, industry and non-profits. The diversity of priorities, skills and expertise that each organization brings to the table has greatly enhanced our progress on radon risk reduction since the first version of the Plan was published in 2015. We know that some Tribal air professionals have experiences and lessons learned that can help us reach our shared goals and save lives. We would welcome your participation in one of the four goal area work groups. If you have any questions regarding the NRAP or this questionnaire, please do not hesitate to contact the Chair of the CRCPD E-25 Committee on Radon, Joshua Kerber from the Minnesota Department of Health at joshua.kerber@state.mn.us.

 EPA Webinar: Innovations in Financing Environmental Asthma Home Visits Within Medicaid

June 23^rd, 2022, @ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EDT | Click Here To Register

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division (IED) will showcase solutions to help communities reduce indoor environmental risks to address asthma disparities and improve community health, including health care reimbursement for multi-sector workforces that deliver home environmental asthma interventions.

• Technical solutions that state health care policy makers and community partners are pioneering to improve asthma outcomes, reduce health disparities and cultivate health equity.
• Innovations to address indoor environmental determinants of health (IEDOH) through clinic and community integration, such as asthma home visits with environmental interventions for children who need them for asthma control.
• Ways to collaborate between health care, public health, housing, community development, energy and others to put the latest IEDOH policies and science to work to improve asthma.

 The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Released Allergy Capitals 2022.

This report ranks the top 100 cities in the continental United States where it is most challenging to live with seasonal pollen allergies, which may worsen chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. AAFA’s report is an annual research and educational project designed to help people recognize, prevent and manage allergy symptoms. It also helps communities see where the needs of people with allergic diseases, like seasonal allergies, can be better met.

Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranks #1 overall again this year. City rankings are based on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in the area. Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org to see if your city made the list and see what actions you can take to reduce your contact with pollen.

 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!

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

EPA Clean School Bus Program – 2022 Rebates

Click here to register

EPA is offering $500 million in rebates for electric and low-emission school buses. Register Today for the Webinars Below! Program Now Open!

SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES

• June 15 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session
• June 22 – Joint Office of Energy and Transportation: EV Infrastructure
• June 29 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session
• July 13 – Office of the Inspector General: Fraud Prevention
• July 27 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session
• August 10 – U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rural Electric Cooperatives Infrastructure Funding All webinars will be held at 1:00 PM Eastern.
• Submit Your Rebate Application by August 19, 2022 ATTENTION:
• Applying for a Rebate? Be sure to get an Active SAM.gov Account First!

CSB Rebates Application deadline is August 19, 2022. SAM.gov entity registration required.

• Click hereto view the program guidance and a list of eligible/priority applicants.
• Click hereto begin the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Application process.
• Click hereto sign-up for the Clean School Bus News listserv and add cleanschoolbus@epa.gov to your email contacts to guarantee you receive regular program updates and our messages don’t go to your spam folder.
• Click hereto access the EPA Clean School Bus website to learn more about the program and the benefits of clean school buses.
• Email cleanschoolbus@epa.govwith any questions or feedback to improve the program.

Webinar: “Take Charge: Electric School Bus Infrastructure”

June 15^th, 2022, | 2:00PM ET |Click Here To Register

In partnership with Clean Energy Works, the Alliance for Electric School Buses and WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative invite you to join them for a webinar focused on electric school bus infrastructure. Learn how school districts and electric utilities can effectively partner on charger selection and installation, infrastructure upgrades, and interconnection agreements. They will discuss options such as managed charging and vehicle-to-grid technologies. Panelists will share best practices and helpful tools for productive district-utility partnerships. With EPA funding available to cover up to the full cost of your new electric school buses and their charging stations, now’s the right time to learn more about infrastructure. Bring your questions!

EPA: Understanding Environmental Justice through two EPA tools: EJSCREEN and EnviroAtlas

June 15^th, 2022, @ 3:00 PM (ET) | Click Here To Register

Environmental justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. This goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys:

• The same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards,
• Equal access to environmental assets, and
• Equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn and work.

It is vital that as a society we fix the problems created by decades of environmental injustice. Understanding patterns of how different sectors of the population are impacted inequitably by environmental issues is a necessary step towards a solution. EPA has developed tools that can be used to help users understand and address EJ. This webinar will examine two of those tools—EJScreen and EnviroAtlas—including how they can be used together.

EJScreen is an EJ mapping and screening tool that provides a nationally consistent dataset and approach for combining environmental and demographic indicators. EJScreen users choose a geographic area, and the tool then provides demographic and environmental information for that area. EnviroAtlas is a data-rich, web-based decision support tool that combines maps, analysis tools, downloadable data, and informational resources. It is used by states, tribes, communities and individuals to help inform policy and planning decisions that impact the places where we live, learn, work and play.

Please join the American Lung Association on Wednesday, June 8 from 3-4 PM ET/noon-1 PM PT to learn about a new report that the Lung Association will announce on June 8, titled “Can Prescribed Fires Mitigate Health Harm? A Review of Air Quality and Public Health Implications of Wildfire and Prescribed Fire.”

This report, prepared for the American Lung Association by PSE Healthy Energy, makes clear that wildfire activity is predicted to increase in the decades ahead, historical fire suppression policies are insufficient for longer-term fire management, and prescribed fire can be used to mitigate the negative air quality, health, and safety impacts of large-scale wildfires. You will hear from Lung Association staff and a lead author of the report PSE Healthy Energy on the broader context for the report and key report findings. This briefing will be closed to the press. Register here to attend.

EPA: Workshop to Obtain Input on Preliminary Draft Materials for the Lead (Pb) Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) (May and June 2022)

EPA is currently updating its Lead (Pb) Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) as part of the review of the primary (health) and secondary (welfare) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Pb. The ISA will be completed by EPA’s Office of Research and Development’s (ORD) Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA). As part of the Pb review, EPA is announcing a series of webinar teleconference workshops to obtain input on preliminary draft materials of the Pb ISA from expert reviewers. The workshop will be open to attendance by interested public observers by webinar and teleconference only.

Dates/Registration

The workshop will be held in 4 webinar and teleconference sessions on June 22 and June 29, 2022.

• Jun 22: Session 3. Ambient Pb: Source to Concentration
• Jun 29: Session 4. Exposure, Toxicokinetics, and Pb Biomarkers

REGISTRATION: Members of the public may attend as observers, but you must register in advance by visiting the session links above to attend.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Please direct questions regarding workshop registration or logistics to EPA’s contractor, ICF, by e-mail at EPA-Workshops@icf.com. For technical issues, please use the contact us form with the subject line “Lead ISA Peer Review Workshops.”

The Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership, in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park, is excited to announce an upcoming course for interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals on the Colorado Plateau.

September 6 – 9, 2022 | Click Here for Application | Click Here to Learn More

This course is offered by the Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park. Together we will provide participants a foundation in climate science and effective climate communication and interpretation; an understanding of the connections between global and local processes; and perspectives on the interdependence of culture and climate on the Colorado Plateau. The course emphasizes a supportive, collegial learning environment. You will:

• Meet with NASA and regional scientists to learn about the latest global and regional climate research and discuss their insights on understanding and responding to changing climate
• Observe, practice, and discuss techniques for successful climate change interpretation and communication
• Hear Native perspectives on climate change and learn about Tribal resilience and adaptation strategies
• Experience first-hand evidence of and responses to local climate change impacts on a field trip
• Meet colleagues from around the region and join a community of interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals committed to communicating regional climate issues and solutions
• Depart with cutting-edge knowledge about climate change, and a plan for bringing the climate story to your visitors in relevant, engaging, inspiring, and hopeful ways
• Learn how you can stay connected with these scientists, fellow climate communicators, and the national Earth to Sky community of practice over the long term. You’re not alone in your efforts!

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

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air. The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback.

New Air Knowledge E–Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

• A course that explains the key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
• A course that explains the basic components of state and tribal implementation plans,
• A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
• A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
• A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found in the attached document.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website.

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

 The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

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

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

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Recorded Webinars

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

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

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

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

Climate Change / Energy 

EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool

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

         This year’s updates include:

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

Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here. Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:

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

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources  

EPA is seeking nominations from representatives of nonfederal interests to serve on the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee (MSTRS).

EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on its Federal Advisory Committees. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of people from all racial and ethnic groups. MSTRS members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment to a second term.

The MSTRS, a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, counsel, and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of programs related to mobile source air pollution and its control. The subcommittee’s website is at https://www.epa.gov/caaac/mobile-sources-technical-review-subcommittee-mstrs-caaac.

For more information on how to submit a nomination, please see the Federal Register Notice announcing the request for nominations. Nominations must be received by July 11, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact: Julia Burch, Designated Federal Officer; email: burch.julia@epa.gov.

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

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

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

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

EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

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

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

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

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

Indoor Air Quality

EPA Webinar: Innovations in Financing Environmental Asthma Home Visits Within Medicaid

June 23^rd, 2022, @ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EDT | Click Here To Register

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division (IED) will showcase solutions to help communities reduce indoor environmental risks to address asthma disparities and improve community health, including health care reimbursement for multi-sector workforces that deliver home environmental asthma interventions.

• Technical solutions that state health care policy makers and community partners are pioneering to improve asthma outcomes, reduce health disparities and cultivate health equity.
• Innovations to address indoor environmental determinants of health (IEDOH) through clinic and community integration, such as asthma home visits with environmental interventions for children who need them for asthma control.
• Ways to collaborate between health care, public health, housing, community development, energy and others to put the latest IEDOH policies and science to work to improve asthma.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Released Allergy Capitals 2022.

This report ranks the top 100 cities in the continental United States where it is most challenging to live with seasonal pollen allergies, which may worsen chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. AAFA’s report is an annual research and educational project designed to help people recognize, prevent and manage allergy symptoms. It also helps communities see where the needs of people with allergic diseases, like seasonal allergies, can be better met.

Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranks #1 overall again this year. City rankings are based on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in the area. Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org to see if your city made the list and see what actions you can take to reduce your contact with pollen.

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!

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

EPA Clean School Bus Program – 2022 Rebates 

Click here to register

EPA is offering $500 million in rebates for electric and low-emission school buses. Register Today for the Webinars Below! Program Now Open! 

SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES 

• June 8 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session  
• June 15 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session  
• June 22 – Joint Office of Energy and Transportation: EV Infrastructure 
• June 29 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session 
• July 13 – Office of the Inspector General: Fraud Prevention 
• July 27 – How to Apply with Live Question & Answer Session 
• August 10 – U.S. Department of Agriculture: Rural Electric Cooperatives Infrastructure Funding All webinars will be held at 1:00 PM Eastern. 
• Submit Your Rebate Application by August 19, 2022 ATTENTION: 
• Applying for a Rebate? Be sure to get an Active SAM.gov Account First!

CSB Rebates Application deadline is August 19, 2022. SAM.gov entity registration required.

• Click here to view the program guidance and a list of eligible/priority applicants.
• Click here to begin the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Application process.
• Click here to sign-up for the Clean School Bus News listserv and add cleanschoolbus@epa.gov to your email contacts to guarantee you receive regular program updates and our messages don’t go to your spam folder.
• Click here to access the EPA Clean School Bus website to learn more about the program and the benefits of clean school buses.
• Email cleanschoolbus@epa.gov with any questions or feedback to improve the program.

Webinar: “Take Charge: Electric School Bus Infrastructure”

June 15^th, 2022, | 2:00PM ET |Click Here To Register 

In partnership with Clean Energy Works, the Alliance for Electric School Buses and WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative invite you to join them for a webinar focused on electric school bus infrastructure. Learn how school districts and electric utilities can effectively partner on charger selection and installation, infrastructure upgrades, and interconnection agreements. They will discuss options such as managed charging and vehicle-to-grid technologies. Panelists will share best practices and helpful tools for productive district-utility partnerships. With EPA funding available to cover up to the full cost of your new electric school buses and their charging stations, now’s the right time to learn more about infrastructure. Bring your questions!

EPA: Understanding Environmental Justice through two EPA tools: EJSCREEN and EnviroAtlas

June 15^th, 2022, @ 3:00 PM (ET) | Click Here To Register 

Environmental justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. This goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys:

• The same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards,
• Equal access to environmental assets, and
• Equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn and work.

It is vital that as a society we fix the problems created by decades of environmental injustice. Understanding patterns of how different sectors of the population are impacted inequitably by environmental issues is a necessary step towards a solution. EPA has developed tools that can be used to help users understand and address EJ. This webinar will examine two of those tools—EJScreen and EnviroAtlas—including how they can be used together.

EJScreen is an EJ mapping and screening tool that provides a nationally consistent dataset and approach for combining environmental and demographic indicators. EJScreen users choose a geographic area, and the tool then provides demographic and environmental information for that area. EnviroAtlas is a data-rich, web-based decision support tool that combines maps, analysis tools, downloadable data, and informational resources. It is used by states, tribes, communities and individuals to help inform policy and planning decisions that impact the places where we live, learn, work and play.

Please join the American Lung Association on Wednesday, June 8 from 3-4 PM ET/noon-1 PM PT to learn about a new report that the Lung Association will announce on June 8, titled “Can Prescribed Fires Mitigate Health Harm? A Review of Air Quality and Public Health Implications of Wildfire and Prescribed Fire.”

This report, prepared for the American Lung Association by PSE Healthy Energy, makes clear that wildfire activity is predicted to increase in the decades ahead, historical fire suppression policies are insufficient for longer-term fire management, and prescribed fire can be used to mitigate the negative air quality, health, and safety impacts of large-scale wildfires. You will hear from Lung Association staff and a lead author of the report PSE Healthy Energy on the broader context for the report and key report findings. This briefing will be closed to the press. Register here to attend. 

EPA: Workshop to Obtain Input on Preliminary Draft Materials for the Lead (Pb) Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) (May and June 2022)

EPA is currently updating its Lead (Pb) Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) as part of the review of the primary (health) and secondary (welfare) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Pb. The ISA will be completed by EPA’s Office of Research and Development’s (ORD) Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA). As part of the Pb review, EPA is announcing a series of webinar teleconference workshops to obtain input on preliminary draft materials of the Pb ISA from expert reviewers. The workshop will be open to attendance by interested public observers by webinar and teleconference only.

Dates/Registration

The workshop will be held in 4 webinar and teleconference sessions on June 22 and June 29, 2022.

• Jun 22: Session 3. Ambient Pb: Source to Concentration
• Jun 29: Session 4. Exposure, Toxicokinetics, and Pb Biomarkers

REGISTRATION: Members of the public may attend as observers, but you must register in advance by visiting the session links above to attend.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Please direct questions regarding workshop registration or logistics to EPA’s contractor, ICF, by e-mail at EPA-Workshops@icf.com. For technical issues, please use the contact us form with the subject line “Lead ISA Peer Review Workshops.”

The Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership, in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park, is excited to announce an upcoming course for interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals on the Colorado Plateau.

September 6 – 9, 2022 | Click Here for Application | Click Here to Learn More 

This course is offered by the Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park. Together we will provide participants a foundation in climate science and effective climate communication and interpretation; an understanding of the connections between global and local processes; and perspectives on the interdependence of culture and climate on the Colorado Plateau. The course emphasizes a supportive, collegial learning environment. You will: 

• Meet with NASA and regional scientists to learn about the latest global and regional climate research and discuss their insights on understanding and responding to changing climate 
• Observe, practice, and discuss techniques for successful climate change interpretation and communication  
• Hear Native perspectives on climate change and learn about Tribal resilience and adaptation strategies
• Experience first-hand evidence of and responses to local climate change impacts on a field trip  
• Meet colleagues from around the region and join a community of interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals committed to communicating regional climate issues and solutions 
• Depart with cutting-edge knowledge about climate change, and a plan for bringing the climate story to your visitors in relevant, engaging, inspiring, and hopeful ways 
• Learn how you can stay connected with these scientists, fellow climate communicators, and the national Earth to Sky community of practice over the long term. You’re not alone in your efforts!

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

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air. The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback.

New Air Knowledge E–Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

• A course that explains the key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
• A course that explains the basic components of state and tribal implementation plans,
• A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
• A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
• A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found in the attached document.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website.

NTAA Upcoming Calls 

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

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

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

 AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Recorded Webinars

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

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

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series 

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

Climate Change / Energy

EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool

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

This year’s updates include:

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

Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here. Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:

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

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources 

EPA is seeking nominations from representatives of nonfederal interests to serve on the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee (MSTRS). 

  EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on its Federal Advisory Committees. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of people from all racial and ethnic groups. MSTRS members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment to a second term.

The MSTRS, a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, counsel, and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of programs related to mobile source air pollution and its control. The subcommittee’s website is at https://www.epa.gov/caaac/mobile-sources-technical-review-subcommittee-mstrs-caaac.

For more information on how to submit a nomination, please see the Federal Register Notice announcing the request for nominations. Nominations must be received by July 11, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact: Julia Burch, Designated Federal Officer; email: burch.julia@epa.gov.

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

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

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

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

EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events 

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

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

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

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

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! EPA Webinar: Innovations in Financing Environmental Asthma Home Visits Within Medicaid

June 23^rd, 2022, @ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EDT | Click Here To Register 

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division (IED) will showcase solutions to help communities reduce indoor environmental risks to address asthma disparities and improve community health, including health care reimbursement for multi-sector workforces that deliver home environmental asthma interventions.

• Technical solutions that state health care policy makers and community partners are pioneering to improve asthma outcomes, reduce health disparities and cultivate health equity.
• Innovations to address indoor environmental determinants of health (IEDOH) through clinic and community integration, such as asthma home visits with environmental interventions for children who need them for asthma control.
• Ways to collaborate between health care, public health, housing, community development, energy and others to put the latest IEDOH policies and science to work to improve asthma.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Released Allergy Capitals 2022. 

This report ranks the top 100 cities in the continental United States where it is most challenging to live with seasonal pollen allergies, which may worsen chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. AAFA’s report is an annual research and educational project designed to help people recognize, prevent and manage allergy symptoms. It also helps communities see where the needs of people with allergic diseases, like seasonal allergies, can be better met.

Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranks #1 overall again this year. City rankings are based on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in the area. Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org to see if your city made the list and see what actions you can take to reduce your contact with pollen.

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!

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes 

NEW!  EPA: Understanding Environmental Justice through two EPA tools: EJSCREEN and EnviroAtlas

June 15^th, 2022, @ 3:00 PM (ET) | Click Here To Register

Environmental justice (EJ) is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. This goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys:

• The same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards,
• Equal access to environmental assets, and
• Equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn and work.

It is vital that as a society we fix the problems created by decades of environmental injustice. Understanding patterns of how different sectors of the population are impacted inequitably by environmental issues is a necessary step towards a solution. EPA has developed tools that can be used to help users understand and address EJ. This webinar will examine two of those tools—EJScreen and EnviroAtlas—including how they can be used together.

EJScreen is an EJ mapping and screening tool that provides a nationally consistent dataset and approach for combining environmental and demographic indicators. EJScreen users choose a geographic area, and the tool then provides demographic and environmental information for that area. EnviroAtlas is a data-rich, web-based decision support tool that combines maps, analysis tools, downloadable data, and informational resources. It is used by states, tribes, communities and individuals to help inform policy and planning decisions that impact the places where we live, learn, work and play.

Please join the American Lung Association on Wednesday, June 8 from 3-4 PM ET/noon-1 PM PT to learn about a new report that the Lung Association will announce on June 8, titled “Can Prescribed Fires Mitigate Health Harm? A Review of Air Quality and Public Health Implications of Wildfire and Prescribed Fire.”

This report, prepared for the American Lung Association by PSE Healthy Energy, makes clear that wildfire activity is predicted to increase in the decades ahead, historical fire suppression policies are insufficient for longer-term fire management, and prescribed fire can be used to mitigate the negative air quality, health, and safety impacts of large-scale wildfires. You will hear from Lung Association staff and a lead author of the report PSE Healthy Energy on the broader context for the report and key report findings. This briefing will be closed to the press. Register here to attend.

NEW! EPA: Workshop to Obtain Input on Preliminary Draft Materials for the Lead (Pb) Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) (May and June 2022)

EPA is currently updating its Lead (Pb) Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) as part of the review of the primary (health) and secondary (welfare) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Pb. The ISA will be completed by EPA’s Office of Research and Development’s (ORD) Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA). As part of the Pb review, EPA is announcing a series of webinar teleconference workshops to obtain input on preliminary draft materials of the Pb ISA from expert reviewers. The workshop will be open to attendance by interested public observers by webinars and teleconference only.

Dates/Registration

The workshop will be held in 4 webinar and teleconference sessions on June 7, June 22, and June 29, 2022.

• Jun 07: Session 2. Epidemiologic and Toxicological Evidence for Health Effects of Pb Exposure
• Jun 22: Session 3. Ambient Pb: Source to Concentration
• Jun 29: Session 4. Exposure, Toxicokinetics, and Pb Biomarkers

REGISTRATION: Members of the public may attend as observers, but you must register in advance by visiting the session links above to attend.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Please direct questions regarding workshop registration or logistics to EPA’s contractor, ICF, by e-mail at EPA-Workshops@icf.com. For technical issues, please use the contact us form with the subject line “Lead ISA Peer Review Workshops.”

NEW! The Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership, in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park, is excited to announce an upcoming course for interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals on the Colorado Plateau.

September 6 – 9, 2022 | Click Here for Application | Click Here to Learn More

This course is offered by the Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park. Together we will provide participants a foundation in climate science and effective climate communication and interpretation; an understanding of the connections between global and local processes; and perspectives on the interdependence of culture and climate on the Colorado Plateau. The course emphasizes a supportive, collegial learning environment. You will:

• Meet with NASA and regional scientists to learn about the latest global and regional climate research and discuss their insights on understanding and responding to changing climate
• Observe, practice, and discuss techniques for successful climate change interpretation and communication
• Hear Native perspectives on climate change and learn about Tribal resilience and adaptation strategies
• Experience first-hand evidence of and responses to local climate change impacts on a field trip
• Meet colleagues from around the region and join a community of interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals committed to communicating regional climate issues and solutions
• Depart with cutting-edge knowledge about climate change, and a plan for bringing the climate story to your visitors in relevant, engaging, inspiring, and hopeful ways
• Learn how you can stay connected with these scientists, fellow climate communicators, and the national Earth to Sky community of practice over the long term. You’re not alone in your efforts!

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

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air. The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback.

New Air Knowledge E-Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

• A course that explains the key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
• A course that explains the basic components of state and tribal implementation plans,
• A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
• A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
• A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found in the attached document.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website.

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

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.  New courses have been added, so check it out!

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

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Recorded Webinars

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

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

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

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

Climate Change / Energy

EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool

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

         This year’s updates include:

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

Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here. Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:

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

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources  

NEW! Natural Resources and Infrastructure Committee 2022 Spring Webinar Series: School Bus Electrification: State Policy Options

June 2, 2022, | 3:00 PM ET | Must Create Account to Register  

The United States’ 480,000 school buses account for 80% of all buses nationwide. Only 1% of school buses are electrified. According to the World Resources Institute, electrifying the entire fleet of U.S. school buses would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 8 megatons per year and reduce emissions from all U.S. buses by 35% per year. The IIJA provided $2.5 billion in funding specifically for zero-emission electric school buses and an additional $2.5 billion for all types of low-emission buses. This webinar for state legislators and legislative staff will focus on policy options and funding opportunities for school bus electrification. ​

EPA is seeking nominations from representatives of nonfederal interests to serve on the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee (MSTRS).

EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on its Federal Advisory Committees. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of people from all racial and ethnic groups. MSTRS members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment to a second term.

The MSTRS, a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, counsel, and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of programs related to mobile source air pollution and its control. The subcommittee’s website is at https://www.epa.gov/caaac/mobile-sources-technical-review-subcommittee-mstrs-caaac.

For more information on how to submit a nomination, please see the Federal Register Notice announcing the request for nominations. Nominations must be received by July 11, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact: Julia Burch, Designated Federal Officer; email: burch.julia@epa.gov.

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

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

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

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

EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

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

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

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

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

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! EPA Webinar: Innovations in Financing Environmental Asthma Home Visits Within Medicaid

June 23^rd, 2022, @ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EDT | Click Here To Register

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division (IED) will showcase solutions to help communities reduce indoor environmental risks to address asthma disparities and improve community health, including health care reimbursement for multi-sector workforces that deliver home environmental asthma interventions.

• Technical solutions that state health care policy makers and community partners are pioneering to improve asthma outcomes, reduce health disparities and cultivate health equity.
• Innovations to address indoor environmental determinants of health (IEDOH) through clinic and community integration, such as asthma home visits with environmental interventions for children who need them for asthma control.
• Ways to collaborate between health care, public health, housing, community development, energy and others to put the latest IEDOH policies and science to work to improve asthma.

2022 Indoor airPLUS Leader Award Applications Now Available!

Apply by June 3^rd, 2022, by 8:00 PM ET | Click Here For Application

The Indoor airPLUS Leader Awards were created to recognize Indoor airPLUS Program partners who construct and verify Indoor airPLUS homes, designed and built for improved indoor air quality. This annual award recognizes market leading organizations who promote safer, healthier, and more comfortable indoor environments by participating with Indoor airPLUS and offering enhanced indoor air quality protections for their new homebuyers.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Released Allergy Capitals 2022.

This report ranks the top 100 cities in the continental United States where it is most challenging to live with seasonal pollen allergies, which may worsen chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. AAFA’s report is an annual research and educational project designed to help people recognize, prevent and manage allergy symptoms. It also helps communities see where the needs of people with allergic diseases, like seasonal allergies, can be better met.

Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranks #1 overall again this year. City rankings are based on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in the area. Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org to see if your city made the list and see what actions you can take to reduce your contact with pollen.

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!

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW!  Please join the American Lung Association on Wednesday, June 8 from 3-4 PM ET/noon-1 PM PT to learn about a new report that the Lung Association will announce on June 8, titled “Can Prescribed Fires Mitigate Health Harm? A Review of Air Quality and Public Health Implications of Wildfire and Prescribed Fire.”

This report, prepared for the American Lung Association by PSE Healthy Energy, makes clear that wildfire activity is predicted to increase in the decades ahead, historical fire suppression policies are insufficient for longer-term fire management, and prescribed fire can be used to mitigate the negative air quality, health, and safety impacts of large-scale wildfires. You will hear from Lung Association staff and a lead author of the report PSE Healthy Energy on the broader context for the report and key report findings. This briefing will be closed to the press. Register here to attend. 

NEW! EPA: Workshop to Obtain Input on Preliminary Draft Materials for the Lead (Pb) Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) (May and June 2022)

EPA is currently updating its Lead (Pb) Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) as part of the review of the primary (health) and secondary (welfare) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Pb. The ISA will be completed by EPA’s Office of Research and Development’s (ORD) Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA). As part of the Pb review, EPA is announcing a series of webinar teleconference workshops to obtain input on preliminary draft materials of the Pb ISA from expert reviewers. The workshop will be open to attendance by interested public observers by webinar and teleconference only.

Dates/Registration

The workshop will be held in 4 webinar and teleconference sessions on May 26, June 7, June 22, and June 29, 2022.

• May 26: Session 1. Effects of Pb in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems
• Jun 07: Session 2. Epidemiologic and Toxicological Evidence for Health Effects of Pb Exposure
• Jun 22: Session 3. Ambient Pb: Source to Concentration
• Jun 29: Session 4. Exposure, Toxicokinetics, and Pb Biomarkers

REGISTRATION: Members of the public may attend as observers, but you must register in advance by visiting the session links above to attend.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Please direct questions regarding workshop registration or logistics to EPA’s contractor, ICF, by e-mail at EPA-Workshops@icf.com. For technical issues, please use the contact us form with the subject line “Lead ISA Peer Review Workshops.”

NEW! Justice 40: Climate and Economic Screening Tool Public Comment Recorded Webinar Now Available! Comment Period Ends TODAY May 25^th!

(Editor’s note: NTAA HAS REQUESTED A COMMENT PERIOD EXTENSION)

If you missed the webinar or want to recap on what Justice 40 and the Climate and Economic Screening tool are, here is the link to the recording:

• Watch the Justice 40 Webinar Here

Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool

During the webinar we guided folks through the beta version of the Climate and Economic Screening Tool. Here is where you can access the tool and find out whether or not your Tribe or Indigenous community is included:

• Access the Screening Tool Here 

Comment Template

If you are a Tribe, please use this template to submit a comment. If you are not a Tribe, you can review this template and use it to support in drafting your own public comment:

• Access the Template via Google Docs Here 

NEW! The White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) has released their Interim Final Recommendations on the Justice40 Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool & Executive Order 12898 Revisions. These draft recommendations were first discussed during the May 6, 2021 WHEJAC Meeting.

• WHEJAC Interim Final Recommendations On: Justice40 Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool & Executive Order 12898 Revisions (pdf)

Comments must be received by May 25, 2022.

(Editor’s note: NTAA HAS REQUESTED A COMMENT PERIOD EXTENSION)

You may submit comments, identified by docket number CEQ-2022-0002, by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202-456-6546.
• Mail: Council on Environmental Quality, 730 Jackson Place NW, Washington, DC 20503.

NEW! The Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership, in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park, is excited to announce an upcoming course for interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals on the Colorado Plateau.

September 6 – 9, 2022 | Click Here for Application | Click Here to Learn More

This course is offered by the Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park. Together we will provide participants a foundation in climate science and effective climate communication and interpretation; an understanding of the connections between global and local processes; and perspectives on the interdependence of culture and climate on the Colorado Plateau. The course emphasizes a supportive, collegial learning environment. You will:

• Meet with NASA and regional scientists to learn about the latest global and regional climate research and discuss their insights on understanding and responding to changing climate
• Observe, practice, and discuss techniques for successful climate change interpretation and communication
• Hear Native perspectives on climate change and learn about Tribal resilience and adaptation strategies
• Experience first-hand evidence of and responses to local climate change impacts on a field trip
• Meet colleagues from around the region and join a community of interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals committed to communicating regional climate issues and solutions
• Depart with cutting-edge knowledge about climate change, and a plan for bringing the climate story to your visitors in relevant, engaging, inspiring, and hopeful ways
• Learn how you can stay connected with these scientists, fellow climate communicators, and the national Earth to Sky community of practice over the long term. You’re not alone in your efforts! 

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

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air. The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback. 

New Air Knowledge E–Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

• A course that explains the key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
• A course that explains the basic components of state and tribal implementation plans,
• A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
• A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
• A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found in the attached document.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website.

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

 The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

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

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

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Recorded Webinars

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

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

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

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

Climate Change / Energy

EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool

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

         This year’s updates include:

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

Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here. Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:

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

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! Natural Resources and Infrastructure Committee 2022 Spring Webinar Series: School Bus Electrification: State Policy Options

June 2, 2022 | 3:00 PM ET | Must Create Account to Register  

The United States’ 480,000 school buses account for 80% of all buses nationwide. Only 1% of school buses are electrified. According to the World Resources Institute, electrifying the entire fleet of U.S. school buses would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 8 megatons per year and reduce emissions from all U.S. buses by 35% per year. The IIJA provided $2.5 billion in funding specifically for zero-emission electric school buses and an additional $2.5 billion for all types of low-emission buses. This webinar for state legislators and legislative staff will focus on policy options and funding opportunities for school bus electrification. ​

Applying the Pre-Incident All-Hazards Waste Management Plan Guidelines

The ITEP Waste & Response Program partnered with the U.S. EPA’s ORD to create a series of webinars and virtual trainings. Using the Four-Step Waste Management Planning Process to address natural disasters. This particular webinar will be using flooding as the scenario. You can look over the attached document to learn a bit more about these guidelines.

The first webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 25, 10 am (Alaska); 11 am (Pacific); 12 pm (Mountain); 1 pm (Central); 2 pm (Eastern). The webinar will be held on Zoom, which you can access here:

• Zoom Link
• Password – 979363
• Toll-free number – 877 853 5247

EPA is seeking nominations from representatives of nonfederal interests to serve on the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee (MSTRS).

EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on its Federal Advisory Committees. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of people from all racial and ethnic groups. MSTRS members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment to a second term.

The MSTRS, a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, counsel, and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of programs related to mobile source air pollution and its control. The subcommittee’s website is at https://www.epa.gov/caaac/mobile-sources-technical-review-subcommittee-mstrs-caaac.

For more information on how to submit a nomination, please see the Federal Register Notice announcing the request for nominations. Nominations must be received by July 11, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact: Julia Burch, Designated Federal Officer; email: burch.julia@epa.gov. 

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

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

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

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

EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

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

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

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

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

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! 2022 Indoor airPLUS Leader Award Applications Now Available!

Apply by June 3^rd, 2022 by 8:00 PM ET | Click Here For Application

The Indoor airPLUS Leader Awards were created to recognize Indoor airPLUS Program partners who construct and verify Indoor airPLUS homes, designed and built for improved indoor air quality. This annual award recognizes market leading organizations who promote safer, healthier, and more comfortable indoor environments by participating with Indoor airPLUS and offering enhanced indoor air quality protections for their new homebuyers.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Released Allergy Capitals 2022.

This report ranks the top 100 cities in the continental United States where it is most challenging to live with seasonal pollen allergies, which may worsen chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. AAFA’s report is an annual research and educational project designed to help people recognize, prevent and manage allergy symptoms. It also helps communities see where the needs of people with allergic diseases, like seasonal allergies, can be better met.

Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranks #1 overall again this year. City rankings are based on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in the area. Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org to see if your city made the list and see what actions you can take to reduce your contact with pollen. 

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!

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

The White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) has released their Interim Final Recommendations On the Justice40 Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool & Executive Order 12898 Revisions. These draft recommendations were first discussed during the May 6, 2021 WHEJAC Meeting.

• WHEJAC Interim Final Recommendations On: Justice40 Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool & Executive Order 12898 Revisions (pdf)

Comments must be received by May 25, 2022. You may submit comments, identified by docket number CEQ-2022-0002, by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202-456-6546.
• Mail: Council on Environmental Quality, 730 Jackson Place NW, Washington, DC 20503. 

NEW! 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 2022, this pilot technology loan program will continue to provide several technology types – including stationary air sensor systems and a compact mobile monitoring system – 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.

Registration for the Hybrid 2022 Tribal Lands and Environment Forum is now open! 

April 8 – 11, 2022 | Register Here

For those wanting to attend in-person, registration is $125. For those preferring to attend virtually the cost is $25. You can also apply for a scholarship if you are attending in-person, to help cover some of your travel costs if necessary. All the details are on our website at: http://www.nau.edu/tlef2022

If you are interested in participating in this year’s Multi Media Meetup we also have an online form you can fill out. The MMM is a terrific way to share your stories, research, projects, and services with all the other attendees – and get some great feedback in the bargain. At our website you’ll find all the information about MMM, and the form, under the “Schedule” tab.

And if you, or an organization or company you know, are interested in being a sponsor of this year’s TLEF, or reserving space for your exhibitor booth, we have new sponsorship levels to choose from. You’ll find all the details under the “Sponsors and Exhibitors” tab.

Be sure to check out the TLEF website often, as we are planning some additional special events for you! More details will be coming soon.

NEW! The Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership, in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park, is excited to announce an upcoming course for interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals on the Colorado Plateau.

September 6 – 9, 2022 | Click Here for Application | Click Here to Learn More

This course is offered by the Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership in collaboration with the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals and Grand Canyon National Park. Together we will provide participants a foundation in climate science and effective climate communication and interpretation; an understanding of the connections between global and local processes; and perspectives on the interdependence of culture and climate on the Colorado Plateau. The course emphasizes a supportive, collegial learning environment. You will:

• Meet with NASA and regional scientists to learn about the latest global and regional climate research and discuss their insights on understanding and responding to changing climate
• Observe, practice, and discuss techniques for successful climate change interpretation and communication
• Hear Native perspectives on climate change and learn about Tribal resilience and adaptation strategies
• Experience first-hand evidence of and responses to local climate change impacts on a field trip
• Meet colleagues from around the region and join a community of interpreters, informal educators, and Tribal professionals committed to communicating regional climate issues and solutions
• Depart with cutting-edge knowledge about climate change, and a plan for bringing the climate story to your visitors in relevant, engaging, inspiring, and hopeful ways
• Learn how you can stay connected with these scientists, fellow climate communicators, and the national Earth to Sky community of practice over the long term. You’re not alone in your efforts!

Preparing for Wildland Fire Smoke

May 18, 2022, | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET | Register Here

Environmental and public health officials can help their communities prepare for smoke events. This webinar highlights the ASHRAE  Planning Framework for Protecting Commercial Building Occupants from Smoke During Wildfires

Planning Framework is a publicly available resource developed by government and industry experts that provides building managers for public and commercial buildings, including schools, with advice on steps to reduce smoke exposures that can occur indoors during wildfires and prescribed burning. In addition, EPA researchers will share examples from field studies in Missoula, MT and the Hoopa Valley Tribe in Hoopa, CA to better understand indoor air quality in public and commercial buildings under typical ambient conditions and when smoke events occur. These examples include the impact of building characteristics and ventilation systems on indoor air quality during smoke episodes.

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

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air. The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback.

New Air Knowledge E–Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

• A course that explains the key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
• A course that explains the basic components of state and tribal implementation plans,
• A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
• A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
• A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found in the attached document.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website. 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

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.  New courses have been added, so check it out!

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

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Recorded Webinars

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

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

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

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

Climate Change / Energy

NEW! EPA’s Clean School Bus Program will be hosting a Zoom Webinar on Tuesday, May 24th @ 1 PM Eastern about the upcoming Zero-Emission and Clean School Bus Rebates. The priority applicant list and program guidance are coming soon.

• Click here to register for the May 24^th Webinar (pre-registration is required).
• Click here to learn more about how to prepare for the upcoming rebate application.
• Click here to sign-up for the Clean School Bus News listserv to guarantee you receive regular program updates.
  • Add cleanschoolbus@epa.gov to your email contacts to ensure our messages don’t go to your spam folder.
• Click here to access the EPA Clean School Bus website to learn more about the program and the benefits of clean school buses.
• Email cleanschoolbus@epa.gov with any questions or feedback to improve the program.

Save the Date: 2022 Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit

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

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

EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool

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

         This year’s updates include:

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

Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here. Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:

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

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! Applying the Pre-Incident All-Hazards Waste Management Plan Guidelines

The ITEP Waste & Response Program partnered with the U.S. EPA’s ORD to create a series of webinars and virtual trainings. Using the Four-Step Waste Management Planning Process to address natural disasters. This particular webinar will be using flooding as the scenario. You can look over the attached document to learn a bit more about these guidelines.

The first webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 25, 10 am (Alaska); 11 am (Pacific); 12 pm (Mountain); 1 pm (Central); 2 pm (Eastern). The webinar will be held on Zoom, which you can access here:

• Zoom Link
• Password – 979363
• Toll-free number – 877 853 5247

EPA is seeking nominations from representatives of nonfederal interests to serve on the Mobile Sources Technical Review Subcommittee (MSTRS).

EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on its Federal Advisory Committees. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of people from all racial and ethnic groups. MSTRS members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment to a second term.

The MSTRS, a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provides the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee with independent advice, counsel, and recommendations on the scientific and technical aspects of programs related to mobile source air pollution and its control. The subcommittee’s website is at https://www.epa.gov/caaac/mobile-sources-technical-review-subcommittee-mstrs-caaac.

For more information on how to submit a nomination, please see the Federal Register Notice announcing the request for nominations. Nominations must be received by July 11, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact: Julia Burch, Designated Federal Officer; email: burch.julia@epa.gov.

Transportation, Climate Change and Health Resources for U.S. Tribes

The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Jamul Indian Village of California (JIVoC) were funded by Caltrans’s 2019 Adaption Planning Grant (per Senate Bill 1) to complete the Tribal Transportation Climate Adaptation Project. By Feb 2022, this project produced analysis and reports outlining current and anticipated transportation-related impacts of more extreme wildfires, storms, flooding, and heat on Pala and Jamul’s valued social, cultural, economic, natural, and built assets, with a strong focus on protecting the health and safety of members, residents, employees, and visitors.

Click Here to Learn More

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

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

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

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

EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

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

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

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

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

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! EPA’s 2022 Award Winner Webinar: Innovative Strategies and Partnerships to Improve Asthma Outcomes Through a Comprehensive Approach

May 24, 2022 | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET | Click Here to Register

Learn how the Utah Department of Health Asthma Program—

• Expanded the reach, effectiveness and sustainability of comprehensive asthma control services in Utah.
• Developed partnerships and a screening protocol to address high-risk clients’ social, mental, physical and emotional needs to help control their asthma.
• Established a home-visiting program shown to improve asthma outcomes, including a 75 percent reduction in asthma-related emergency department visits.
• Worked with payers to seek sustainable financing for the Utah Asthma Home Visiting Program, which included conducting a return-on-investment analysis that secured additional funding to expand the program to Medicaid members in rural fee-for-service areas.

EPA Webinar: You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure:
Monitoring IAQ in Schools for Improved Health

May 19, 2022 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ET | Register Here

Register for this webinar to learn how to implement cost-effective and comprehensive IAQ monitoring to improve respiratory health of students and staff by reducing air pollutants and asthma triggers, such as viruses, allergens, mold, dust, and others. This webinar will feature best practices used by Boston Public Schools to monitor IAQ and assess ventilation and HVAC systems to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools and provide healthy indoor air. 

EPA’s 2022 Award Winner Webinar: Innovative Strategies and Partnerships to Improve Asthma Outcomes Through a Comprehensive Approach

May 24, 2022 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm ET | Register Here

Learn how the Utah Department of Health Asthma Program

• Expanded the reach, effectiveness and sustainability of comprehensive asthma control services in Utah.
• Developed partnerships and a screening protocol to address high-risk clients’ social, mental, physical and emotional needs to help control their asthma.
• Established a home-visiting program shown to improve asthma outcomes, including a 75 percent reduction in asthma-related emergency department visits.
• Worked with payers to seek sustainable financing for the Utah Asthma Home Visiting Program, which included conducting a return-on-investment analysis. That secured additional funding to expand the program to Medicaid members in rural fee-for-service areas. 

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Released Allergy Capitals 2022.

This report ranks the top 100 cities in the continental United States where it is most challenging to live with seasonal pollen allergies, which may worsen chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. AAFA’s report is an annual research and educational project designed to help people recognize, prevent and manage allergy symptoms. It also helps communities see where the needs of people with allergic diseases, like seasonal allergies, can be better met.

Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranks #1 overall again this year. City rankings are based on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in the area. Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org to see if your city made the list and see what actions you can take to reduce your contact with pollen. 

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

NEW! Preparing for Wildland Fire Smoke

May 18, 2022, | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET | Register Here

Environmental and public health officials can help their communities prepare for smoke events. This webinar highlights the ASHRAE  Planning Framework for Protecting Commercial Building Occupants from Smoke During Wildfires

Planning Framework is a publicly available resource developed by government and industry experts that provides building managers for public and commercial buildings, including schools, with advice on steps to reduce smoke exposures that can occur indoors during wildfires and prescribed burning. In addition, EPA researchers will share examples from field studies in Missoula, MT and the Hoopa Valley Tribe in Hoopa, CA to better understand indoor air quality in public and commercial buildings under typical ambient conditions and when smoke events occur. These examples include the impact of building characteristics and ventilation systems on indoor air quality during smoke episodes.

NEW! Tribal Lands & Environmental Forum Call for Proposals Closing Soon

The deadline for submitting your session proposal for the 2022 Tribal Lands and Environment Forum is fast approaching. This year’s TLEF will be hybrid in format, with in-person activities taking place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but also having lots of opportunities for virtual attendees as well.  And this means you can submit a proposal for a session that is live in-person, live virtual, or pre-recorded. We want you to share your stories, lessons you’ve learned, innovative ideas that have helped you in your work protecting our lands and all our relations. But we’ll only e accepting your proposal until May 16.

Hop on over to http://www.nau.edu/tlef2022 and click on the Call for Proposals tab for more information and the online submission form.

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

This calendar is also linked under the “Tribal Air and Climate Resources” webpage under the “Policy and Planning” heading available at https://www.epa.gov/tribal-air. The purpose of the calendar is to ensure that our Tribal partners are kept apprised of EPA activities that are relevant to them. If you have any questions about the calendars or any recommendations on how EPA can improve upon the calendars please do not hesitate to reach out to Toni Colon (colon.toni@epa.gov) and/or Loren Fox (fox.loren@epa.gov) with any feedback.

New Air Knowledge E–Learning Content

The Air Knowledge training team is pleased to announce the availability of new air quality training materials!

These e-learning courses and modules are at the foundational learning level and are available to tribal, state, and local air agencies through our learning management system (LMS) and to the public here. The website was recently enhanced to provide additional self-instructional and instructor-led training materials.

The new materials include:

• A course that explains the key historic events that led to air pollution control legislation and describes progress made with air pollution control since the passage of the Clean Air Act,
• A course that explains the basic components of state and tribal implementation plans,
• A module that generally defines the transport and fate of air pollutants and how transport and fate are influenced by meteorology and topography,
• A module that explains the basic aspects of an air emissions inventory, and
• A module that explains the purposes and types of air emissions inventories, including the inventories that the EPA develops.

More detailed information about the contents of these new materials can be found in the attached document.

To access the courses and modules on the LMS (https://epaapti.csod.com), tribal air agencies and organizations can register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page. All other users (the public, international community, academia, industry, EPA staff, etc.) can access the courses and modules on the Air Knowledge interim website.

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact Andy.Bessler@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! *Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a rollcall, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

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

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

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Recorded Webinars

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

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

EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series

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

Climate Change / Energy

NEW! ICCT COMMENTS ON EPA’S PROPOSED HEAVY-DUTY ENGINE AND VEHICLE STANDARDS

May 10, 2022, | 10 am PT/1 pm ET | Register Here

In March, the EPA released its proposal for new heavy-duty engine and vehicle standards with the aim of controlling air pollution from future sales of trucks and buses. The EPA is currently accepting public comments, and the ICCT, among others, has been working to evaluate the rule and advise on how it can be improved. The comments we have produced reflect decades of experience in vehicle regulation from around the world, are grounded in both the technical and economic realities, and are driven by the near-term goal of improving human health and the long-term goal of keeping global warming under 1.5 degrees. This webinar will provide an overview of ICCT’s views on the proposed rule and our public comments. Our experts will walk through the risks posed by ZEV crediting, the health impacts of NOx emissions, and the importance of accelerating ZEV uptake through more stringent GHG standards.

Save the Date: 2022 Southwestern Tribal Climate Change Summit

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

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

EPA has updated the Tribal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tool

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

          This year’s updates include:

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

Find the updated Tribal community and government operations modules and users’ guides here. Are you a long-time inventory tool user with questions about the new updates? Or is this your first GHG inventory? Join this webinar or upcoming offices hours to learn more and ask questions:

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

Learn more about the courses and register here.

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! Applying the Pre-Incident All-Hazards Waste Management Plan Guidelines

The ITEP Waste & Response Program partnered with the U.S. EPA’s ORD to create a series of webinars and virtual trainings. Using the Four-Step Waste Management Planning Process to address natural disasters. This particular webinar will be using flooding as the scenario. You can look over the attached document to learn a bit more about these guidelines.

The first webinar will take place on Wednesday, May 25, 10 am (Alaska); 11 am (Pacific); 12 pm (Mountain); 1 pm (Central); 2 pm (Eastern). The webinar will be held on Zoom, which you can access here:

• Zoom Link
• Password – 979363
• Toll-free number – 877 853 5247

The World Resources Institute (WRI) presents the Getting on Board Electric School Bush (ESB) webinar series. The second webinar is on May 10^th at 1pm ET and will provide timely details on the EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program. You can register here.

This April, the U.S. EPA is expected to officially launch its new Clean School Bus Program, which will provide billions of dollars to help school districts invest in electric school buses over the next five years. Join the webinar to learn more about this unprecedented funding opportunity and how you can leverage it for your school district and community. Drawing on years of federal and local experience, panelists will offer unique and helpful insights into applying for, receiving and deploying clean school bus funding. WRI is a global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being.

Transportation, Climate Change and Health Resources for U.S. Tribes

The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Jamul Indian Village of California (JIVoC) were funded by Caltrans’s 2019 Adaption Planning Grant (per Senate Bill 1) to complete the Tribal Transportation Climate Adaptation Project. By Feb 2022, this project produced analysis and reports outlining current and anticipated transportation-related impacts of more extreme wildfires, storms, flooding, and heat on Pala and Jamul’s valued social, cultural, economic, natural, and built assets, with a strong focus on protecting the health and safety of members, residents, employees, and visitors.

Click Here to Learn More

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

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

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

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

EPA Past SmartWay Webinars and Events

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

Launched in 2004, this voluntary public-private program:

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

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

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! EPA Webinar: You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure:
Monitoring IAQ in Schools for Improved Health

May 19, 2022 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ET | Register Here

Register for this webinar to learn how to implement cost-effective and comprehensive IAQ monitoring to improve respiratory health of students and staff by reducing air pollutants and asthma triggers, such as viruses, allergens, mold, dust, and others. This webinar will feature best practices used by Boston Public Schools to monitor IAQ and assess ventilation and HVAC systems to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools and provide healthy indoor air.

NEW! EPA’s 2022 Award Winner Webinar: Innovative Strategies and Partnerships to Improve Asthma Outcomes Through a Comprehensive Approach

May 24, 2022 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm ET | Register Here

Learn how the Utah Department of Health Asthma Program

• Expanded the reach, effectiveness and sustainability of comprehensive asthma control services in Utah.
• Developed partnerships and a screening protocol to address high-risk clients’ social, mental, physical and emotional needs to help control their asthma.
• Established a home-visiting program shown to improve asthma outcomes, including a 75 percent reduction in asthma-related emergency department visits.
• Worked with payers to seek sustainable financing for the Utah Asthma Home Visiting Program, which included conducting a return-on-investment analysis. That secured additional funding to expand the program to Medicaid members in rural fee-for-service areas.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) Released Allergy Capitals 2022.

This report ranks the top 100 cities in the continental United States where it is most challenging to live with seasonal pollen allergies, which may worsen chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma. AAFA’s report is an annual research and educational project designed to help people recognize, prevent and manage allergy symptoms. It also helps communities see where the needs of people with allergic diseases, like seasonal allergies, can be better met.

Scranton, Pennsylvania, ranks #1 overall again this year. City rankings are based on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in the area. Visit AsthmaCommunityNetwork.org to see if your city made the list and see what actions you can take to reduce your contact with pollen.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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