TOP STORIES & HEADLINES Archives - Page 3 of 18 - National Tribal Air Association

NTAA News!

The NTAA is excited to present the 2022 Status of Tribal Air Report! A recording of yesterday’s STAR release webinar is available on NTAA’s website.

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

E&E – Committee Deadlocks on EPA Air Nominee

WAMC: North East Public Radio – Study Finds Western Wildfires Impacted Air Quality in New York

National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update

One Green Planet – Air Pollution Linked to Nearly-One Million Stillbirths

Politico Pro – House bill would beef up air monitoring at industrial sites

Climate Change/Energy

NPR – 3 Tribes Dealing with the Toll of Climate Change get $75 Million to Relocate

USDOI Press Release – Biden-Harris Administration Makes $135 Million Commitment to Support Relocation of Tribal Communities Affected by Climate Change

Inside Climate News – Car Companies Are Now Bundling EVs With Home Solar Panels. Are Customers Going to Buy?

E&E – Biden begins new phase on climate action

White House – Environmental Justice and Congressional Leaders Advocates Applaud the NEW Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool

The Washington Post – Alaska’s northernmost city posts warmest winter temperature on record

E&E – EPA has a new climate fund, who should control the money?

Toxics/Mobile Sources

E&E News – EPA Advances Biomass for EVs, Pushes Increase in Biofuels

E&E News – Regulators Propose Closing PFAS Loophole

LA Times – Local air regulators say it’s impossible to meet smog standards without federal help

Energy Institute at HAAS – Are Vehicle Air Pollution Standards Effective, Efficient, and Equitable?

NRDC – Electric Vehicles are Driving Rates Down

Climate Connections – New solar-powered car designed to travel up to 40 miles on sunshine alone

Indoor Air Quality

RETRACTION: Last week, we inadvertently shared an article for removing mold that suggested the use of Bleach. NTAA Staff and members advise against the use of Bleach and instead promote the use of Green Cleaning products and methods. ITEP offers several classes that include information on mold and indoor air quality. These courses can be found HERE.

Indoor Air – Impact of do-it-yourself air cleaner design on the reduction of simulated wildfire smoke in a controlled chamber environment

EHS Daily Advisor – Task Force Calls for Tougher Indoor Air Standards

2022-12-07T18:15:53+00:00December 7th, 2022|TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

NTAA News!

The NTAA is excited to present the 2022 Status of Tribal Air Report! We hope that you’ll be able to join us for an informational webinar to review the 100-page report from NTAA EC members and staff. This webinar will take place on Tuesday, December 6th, 12-1:30pm PST or 3-4:30pm EST. Register here!

NTAA has just published a helpful fact sheet for Tribes: The Inflation Reduction Act and Its Potential for Tribal Participation. This fact sheet and additional resources can be found on NTAA’s Policy Resource Kit web page here. EPA and several other federal agencies are conducting Tribal consultation for Tribes on funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). More information can be found on this new NTAA fact sheet!

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

E&E News – Committee deadlocks on EPA air nominee

E&E News – Biden admin proposes methane rules for public lands

E&E News – Leaders to decide fate of spending, permitting bills

National Law Review – EPA Proposes Expedited Release of Environmental Justice Data

ABC 10 – Why cultural burning might be an answer to California’s fire season

Oregon Public Radio – Air pollution monitoring to increase for diverse communities in Portland and on Oregon coast

American Council on Science and Health – Timing The Health Effects Of Air Pollution

East Oregonian – Umatilla tribes celebrate 40 years of Department of Natural Resources

Indian Country Today – Joye Braun, the firestorm, dies at 53

National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update

Climate Change/Energy

The Hill – Possible rail strike could send shockwaves through energy industry

Washington Post – 3 climate stories you may have missed over the Thanksgiving break

Inside Climate News – Corn Nourishes the Hopi Identity, but Climate-Driven Drought Is Stressing the Tribe’s Foods and Traditions

Inside Climate News – For Many, the Global Warming Confab That Rose in the Egyptian Desert Was a Mirage

The Hill – Climate activists set to pressure Biden with Congress divided

AP – NASA cancels greenhouse gas monitoring satellite due to cost

Gizmodo – Drought Is Killing Christmas Trees Across the U.S.

E$E News – Colorado: Capital of ‘responsibly sourced’ oil and gas

E&E News – EPA floats sharply increased social cost of carbon

E&E News – Western states ponder regional grid as renewables grow

Reuters – Puerto Rican towns sue Big Oil under RICO alleging collusion on climate denial

Toxics/Mobile Sources

E&E News – EPA skips stricter aircraft pollution regs

AP – Judge orders Enbridge, tribe to form emergency pipeline plan

Gizmodo – Shipping Emissions Are Black Friday’s Dirty Secret

KTOO – Biden administration announces $15M in climate grants for Alaska tribes

Rig Zone – Final Guidance Published for Tribes to Pick Up Orphaned Well Grant

Indian Country Today – Long battle against radioactive waste turns personal

Indoor Air Quality

New York Times – Can Sensor Technology Help Keep Office Workers Healthy?

CNBC – Is your house making you sick? 3 things you might not realize are affecting your health at home—and how to fix them

2022-11-30T17:40:12+00:00November 30th, 2022|TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

NTAA News!

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

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

REMINDER! NTAA /EPA Air Policy Update Call

Due to holiday scheduling, the next NTAA/EPA Air Policy Call will take place in January; details and calendar invitation to come.

NEW! Clean Air News in this week’s Washington Update:

NACAA Comments on EPA Power Sector Strategy Calls for Partnership, Urgency, and Strategic Action
CEQ Launches Improvements to Climate and EJ Screening Tool
Final Agreement Proposes Damage Fund But Does Not Commit to New GHG Reductions

Next week’s congressional hearings on nominations, as well as other clean air events, are included in The Week Ahead, and you can find more NACAA events calendared on AirWeb.

Your link to this week’s NACAA Washington Update:

https://www.4cleanair.org/newsletter/november-19-25-2022/

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

NPR – The EPA Awards Grants to Monitor Air Quality in Communities Hurt by Pollution

Ars Technica – https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/10/us-embassies-may-have-accidentally-improved-air-quality/

Climate Change/Energy

UN Environment Programme – Air Pollution from Wildfires Expected to Surge as World Warms

The Washington Post – COP27 Leaves World on Dangerous Warming Path Despite Historic Climate Fund

CNN – COP27 Summit Agrees to Help Climate Victims. But it does Nothing to Stop Fossil Fuels

BBC – Climate Change: Five Key Takeaways from COP27

Toxics/Mobile Sources

Wallstreet Journal – American Can’t Rely on China for its Electric Vehicles

Reuters – EV Battery Makers Race to Develop Cheaper Cell Materials, Skirting China

Utility Dive – Building out Nationwide EV Charging is Taking Longer than Consumers Think, Fuels Institute Says

C-Store Dive – How 7 C-Store Brands are Investing in EV Charging

Medical News Today – Dementia: Can Traffic-Related Air Pollution Increase Risk?

Bloomberg – US Oil Refineries find Paying Fines can be Cheaper than Cleaning Up

Indoor Air Quality

World Green Building Council – Covid-19 Brings Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Upfront

2022-11-23T18:34:30+00:00November 23rd, 2022|TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

NTAA News!

REMINDER! EPA Training: 2022 Supplemental Proposal – Reducing Climate – and Health – Harming Pollution from the Oil and Natural Gas Sector. Registration is Required!

To help engage with our stakeholders on the supplemental proposed oil and natural gas methane rule, EPA will host three separate trainings. Each training will provide an overview of the supplemental proposed rule, information on how to effectively engage in the regulatory process, and an opportunity to ask questions. Although all trainings are open to the public, the trainings will include information tailored to specific groups: environmental justice communities/tribal nations, tribal environmental professionals, and small business stakeholders.

These virtual events are FREE and open to the public. These events will be held using Zoom, and a toll-free call-in number will be available. To learn more about this supplemental proposed rule and the training events, please click HERE.

Webinar #1

Date: Thursday, November 17, 2022

Time: 6:00PM – 8:00PM (Eastern time)

Targeted Audience: EJ Communities and Organizations and Tribal Nations

Registration: Click HERE to register

NEW! The STAR Release Webinar scheduled for Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 3:00 PM EST has been cancelled!

The NTAA regrets to inform you that the 2022 STAR release webinar scheduled for this Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 3:00 PM EST has been cancelled. The NTAA is currently working on rescheduling the webinar for a time before in early December. We apologize for this and will be sending out an update as soon as possible!

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

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

NEW! NTAA /EPA Air Policy Update Call

Thursday, November 17^th, at 2 PM ET

NTAA invites any interested parties to participate, or listen in, on Air Policy Updates from NTAA partners and the U.S. EPA this Thursday, November 17^th at 2 pm ET. Join this monthly meeting to hear updates from EPA on important air quality and climate policy updates as well as updates around the country related to Tribal Air Programs. Calls are usually on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a national holiday. Use the following zoom information to participate or listen in.

You can listen in here: https://nau.zoom.us/j/81093074186?pwd=K1ZuWUQ4OTVoS1FkRTZrY0EwRitjUT09

Meeting ID: 810 9307 4186

Password: 555206

NEW! U.S. EPA Informational Webinar for Tribes on Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Funding Programs PowerPoint Now Available!

On November 15, 2022, the U.S. EPA held a webinar for Tribal Governments and critical partners regarding funding opportunities available to Tribes in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed earlier this year by President Biden. The webinar included an IRA overview, introduction to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, IRA and Air Pollution Control, IRA and Environmental Justice, and Chemical Safety & Pollution Prevention IRA Overview. The PowerPoint is available on NTAA’s website under Resources for Tribes on New Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act on the Policy Resource Kits page.

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

Indianz – Congress returns to work after big election by inching toward historic tribal delegate

Indian Country Today – Republicans see gains in Montana’s Majority-Native counties

E&E News – How EPA’s draft methane rule targets ‘super-emitters’

Green Bay Press Gazette – Tribe in rural northern Wisconsin, facing internet speeds ‘close to dial-up,’ will use $25M grant to build its own internet service

E&E News – Inside agencies, ‘it changes everything’ when Congress flips

Inside Climate News – New EPA Proposal to Augment Methane Regulations Would Help Achieve an 87% Reduction From the Oil and Gas Industry by 2030

AP News – UN to seek out methane emitters with data from space

Reuters – COP27: Global CO2 emissions to rise again, climate goals at risk, scientists say

The Guardian – Carbon emissions from fossil fuels will hit record high in 2022

EPA – EPA and PEMEX Announce Collaboration to Reduce Methane Emissions

EPA – Biden-Harris Administration Strengthens Proposal to Cut Methane Pollution to Protect Communities, Combat Climate Change, and Bolster American Innovation

Climate Change/Energy

Reuters – Sticking points slow deal-making at COP27 climate talks

E&E News – ‘I’m going to fight’: Biden vows to meet U.S. climate goals

TIME – Biden Has Had More Climate Wins Than Past Presidents. But It Will Never Be Good Enough

Climate Change News – ‘Oil and gas trade show’ promotes carbon capture at Cop27

NPR – Al Gore helped launch a global emissions tracker that keeps big polluters honest

E&E News – 3 ways the midterms will transform energy

NPR – A proposed lithium mine presents a climate versus environment conflict

Reuters – US West faces power reliability issues from growing use of renewables

Grist – Can carbon offsets kill coal? John Kerry wants to try it.

Utility Dive – DOE touts nuclear-powered hydrogen production projects with Xcel, Constellation, 4 other partners

Inside Climate News – Rooftop Solar Is Becoming More Accessible to People with Lower Incomes, But Not Fast Enough

Bloomberg – Big Utilities See Inflation Reduction Act Helping Reduce Customers’ Energy Bills

Climate Wire – Meet the Pentagon’s climate team

Toxics/Mobile Sources

CBS News – Electric or gas powered cars – which is better in the cold weather and snow?

Reuters – Tesla EVs ranked worst in annual reliability survey by Consumer Reports

Utility Dive – Electric vehicle sales rise as registrations jump 57% through September

Protocol – The EV revolution is here. It’s happening on two wheels.

CBS News – Shift to electric cars happening too slowly to avoid “climate catastrophe,” report finds

Protocol – New poll: The era of the ICE vehicle is ending. What comes next?

AP News – Unmanned, solar-powered US space plane back after 908 days

The Guardian – World’s biggest carmakers to build 400m more vehicles than 1.5C climate target will allow

Vox – A mountain, a tower, a thermos of molten salt. These are the batteries that could power our renewable future.

Canary Media – The race is on to build the world’s first ammonia-powered ship

Protocol – A net zero future doesn’t need to kill the two-car garage

Indoor Air Quality

TIME – Why Masks Still Matter

EIN News – Indoor Air Quality Solutions Market to grow by USD 14.61 Bn by 2026, Technological advancements in indoor air quality solutions to Boost Market Growth – Technavio

Tech Hive – Govee’s new air quality monitor is even cheaper than Amazon’s

2022-11-16T17:26:29+00:00November 16th, 2022|TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

NTAA News!

REMINDER! NTAA 2022 STAR Webinar Announcement! You are invited to join NTAA for a free webinar to showcase the 2022 Status of Tribal Air Report (STAR)

November 16^th, 2022, | 3:00 PM E.T. | You can join with this Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 874 6085 4795.

Webinar Password: star.

Or you can dial by phone: Find local Number

The NTAA’s 2022 STAR is an annual publication intended to provide an understanding of the importance and impact of Tribal air programs. Nationally vetted Tribal needs, priorities, and recommendations are all outlined, and the successes and challenges experienced by the environmental professionals are highlighted by way of personal narratives submitted by the Tribes themselves. A highlight of this year’s STAR is the Baseline Needs Assessment (BNA) that provides the first-of-its kind assessment that demonstrates the need for increased funding for Tribal Nations to address air quality and climate change on and around Tribal Lands. Join NTAA and Partners for this year’s release of the 2022 NTAA STAR!

REMINDER! U.S. EPA Informational Webinar for Tribes on Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Funding Programs

November 15, 2022, | 2:30 PM ET | Register Here

Consistent with EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes (Policy), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering Tribes the opportunity to consult on the financial assistance program(s) identified in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Tribal governments are critical partners in achieving EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment, especially as the climate changes.

EPA is seeking input from Tribes on how EPA can use the IRA funding, based on the eligible activities and entities in the law. EPA would like to hear how we can support the efforts of Tribal governments and Tribal and indigenous communities to advance environmental and public health protection in Indian country and in other areas of interest to Tribes and indigenous communities in the United States, to include U.S. territories and free-associated states.

Tribal consultation will be held to obtain input from Tribes, based on the general programs authorized by the IRA. This consultation period will take place from October 28, 2022 – December 27, 2022.

NEW! Selections for the ARP Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring Competitive Grant

EPA is selecting 132 projects, in 37 states, to receive a total of $53.4 million to conduct ambient air monitoring of pollutants in communities across the country with environmental and health outcome disparities stemming from pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA will start the process to award the funding by the end of 2022, once the grant applicants have met all legal and administrative requirements. This table can be sorted by clicking on each column header. A downloadable version is available here.

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

Bloomberg Law – EPA West Coast Leader Six killer Seeks to Answer Tribes’ Concerns

E&E News – How the Hulk took EPA to task over ‘forever chemicals’

Inside Climate News – Oil Companies Are Eying Federal Climate Funds to Expand Hydrogen Production. Will Their Projects Cut Emissions?

Gizmodo – A Carbon Capture Company Wants to Sell Credits on Tech That Hasn’t Been Commercially Tested Yet

The Hill – The pollution EPA refuses to regulate

Ap News – EPA awards grants to monitor air quality in 37 states

Sahan Journal – Native-run solar firm aims to lower heating emissions and costs.

Reuters – Total Energies to take legal action after Greenpeace says it under-reports emissions

NPR – The EPA awards grants to monitor air quality in communities hurt by pollution

Climate Change/Energy

E&E News – Midterm nail-biter clouds Biden’s clean energy plans

E&E News – What’s next for climate politics? 7 results offer clues.

AP News – UN weather report: Climate woes bad and getting worse faster

NPR – Climate change negotiator talks priorities and setbacks ahead of UN conference

CNN – As countries convene at climate summit in Egypt, reports show the world is wildly off track. Here’s what to watch at COP27

E&E News – Manchin eyes defense bill for stalled permitting reform

Utility Dive – Clean energy deployments tumble 22% in Q3 to 3-year low as delayed projects rise to 36 GW: report

PV Tech – Middle income US households accounted for a third of rooftop solar installs in 2021

The Hill – Banning energy exports is a terrible idea

CBS News – 3 compelling reasons to go solar right now

Toxics/Mobile Sources

AP News – Equipment that’s designed to cut methane emission is failing

The Hill – Biden says he will talk directly to oil companies soon about high gas prices

Yale Climate Connections – Don’t get fooled: Electric vehicles really are better for the climate

Buffalo News – Another Voice: Hydrogen causes more problems than it would solve

Nexus News Media – Methane Pollution Undercounted by EPA

Inside Climate News – Over 130 Power Plants That Have Spawned Leaking Toxic Coal Ash Ponds and Landfills Don’t Think Cleanup Is Necessary

CBS News – Trucking companies turn to electric vehicles for sustainability and savings

Automotive News – Long awaited, hydrogen’s moment may be here

Indoor Air Quality

Yahoo! Finance – Pure Maintenance Launches Its Indoor Air Quality Warranty Program ‘Pure Care’ to Ensure the Air Remains Clean and Healthy from Mold Infection

Air Quality News – Why a Well-Ventilated Workplace is a Well-Functioning Workplace

World Green Building Council – COVID-19 Brings Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Upfront

2022-11-09T17:56:31+00:00November 9th, 2022|TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

NTAA News!

NEW! NTAA 2022 STAR Webinar Announcement!

November 13, 2022, | 3:00 PM ET

Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 874 6085 4795

Password: star

Dial by your location

Find your local number: https://nau.zoom.us/u/kdRII64pNV

The NTAA’s 2022 STAR is an annual publication intended to provide an understanding of the importance and impact of Tribal air programs. Nationally vetted Tribal needs, priorities, and recommendations are all outlined, and the successes and challenges experienced by the environmental professionals are highlighted by way of personal narratives submitted by the Tribes themselves. A highlight of this year’s STAR is the Baseline Needs Assessment (BNA) that provides the first-of-its kind assessment that demonstrates the need for increased funding for Tribal Nations to address air quality and climate change on and around Tribal Lands. Join NTAA and Partners for this year’s release of the 2022 NTAA STAR!

NEW! U.S. EPA Informational Webinar for Tribes on Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Funding Programs

November 15, 2022, | 2:30 PM ET | Register Here

Consistent with EPA’s Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes (Policy), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering Tribes the opportunity to consult on the financial assistance program(s) identified in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Tribal governments are critical partners in achieving EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment, especially as the climate changes.

EPA is seeking input from tribes on how EPA can use the IRA funding, based on the eligible activities and entities in the law. EPA would like to hear how we can support the efforts of tribal governments and tribal and indigenous communities to advance environmental and public health protection in Indian country and in other areas of interest to tribes and indigenous communities in the United States, to include U.S. territories and free-associated states.

Tribal consultation will be held to obtain input from tribes, based on the general programs authorized by the IRA. This consultation period will take place from October 28, 2022 – December 27, 2022.

NEW! EPA 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Award Winners Announced!

At this time, through a lottery system, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected nearly 400 applications totaling almost $1 billion to support the purchase of over 2,400 buses, 95% of which will be electric. EPA will distribute awards to school districts in all 50 states and Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. School districts identified as priority areas serving low-income, rural, and, or Tribal students make up 99% of the projects that were selected. More applications are under review, and the agency plans to select more to reach the full $965 million in the coming weeks. Award winners were notified of selection via email and must refer to that email notification for their official award details and instructions on how to proceed. Click here to view the results.

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

Reuters – Idled St. Croix refinery risks explosion, ‘catastrophic’ releases: EPA

Yale Climate Connections – U.S. coal use is falling, but some communities still bear pollution burden

The Guardian – Carbon emissions from energy to peak in 2025 in ‘historic turning point’, says IEA

UN News – Climate change: No ‘credible pathway’ to 1.5C limit, UNEP warns

High Country News – Treaty-less tribes struggle to have their rights recognized

AZO Clean Tech – Space-Based CO2 Observations Quantify Emission Reductions

NACAA – Washington Update

Climate Change/Energy

Utility Dive – ESG backlash unlikely to derail SEC climate risk rule

E&E News – A ‘lean’ team is making sure the climate law doesn’t fail

Inside Climate News – A Big Federal Grant Aims to Make Baltimore a Laboratory for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

The Hill – Climate change-fueled heat waves have cost the world’s economy trillions: study

Protocol – 3 things to know about the state of clean energy tech

Utility Dive – Electric utilities aren’t doing enough to address inequities in today’s power system, advocates say

E&E News Energy Wire – Utility CEOs expect climate law to boost profits, lower rates

Utility Dive – National Grid, DOE panelists call for ‘grid-enhancing technologies’ to quickly boost transmission capacity

The Hill – Climate change: A communications failure

Toxics/Mobile Sources

The Hill – Biden signs climate treaty aimed at limiting greenhouse gases used in refrigeration

The Hill – Khanna bill would ban gas exports during price spikes

Canary Media – Electric buses are ready for takeoff at US airports

E&E News – Will electric vehicles kill the gas station?

Yale Climate Connections – Scientists probe newly discovered methane emissions

The Verge – There was a record-breaking increase in methane in Earth’s atmosphere last year

Utility Dive – BMW invests $1.7B to expand EV output in the US

Indoor Air Quality

Air Quality News – Why indoor air quality is a key issue you should be addressing now

Indian Express – Is an air purifier enough to beat indoor air pollution? Which kind is best for the home?

Beyond Pesticides – EPA Opens Door to Indoor Air Contamination with Virus Spray, Efficacy Questioned

Bloomberg Law – Groups Urge Department of Housing to Address Indoor Air Quality

Vox – Our buildings are making us sick

2022-11-02T16:40:35+00:00November 2nd, 2022|TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

NTAA News!

Reminder! Alaskan Tribes are invited to NTAA’s Informational Webinar for Alaskan Tribes: Tribal Consultation 101: An Introduction to the Federal Government’s Tribal Consultation with Alaskan Tribes

TODAY October 26, 2022, | 10 am – 11 am AK Time
The agenda includes:

Welcome and Introductions: Rose Kalistook and Andy Bessler, NTAA

What is Tribal Consultation and why is it Important: Pilar Thomas, NTAA Policy Advisor

How the U.S. EPA conduct Tribal Consultation: Pat Childers, Senior Tribal Coordinator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air and Radiation
Questions and Discussion: Andy Bessler, NTAA

This informational webinar will be held via Zoom on this link:

https://nau.zoom.us/j/2828649061?pwd=akxUb08vT05UaDNuY0dmRElDRm9MZz09
Meeting ID: 282 864 9061
Password: NTAA

You can also dial into the webinar via phone using one of these phone numbers:
1-646-931-3860 US or dial toll free to 1-888-788-0099.

REMINDER! EPA: Tribal and Insular Area Grants: Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Request for Applications OPEN! – $8 million

Applications Due TODAY: October 26, 2022

Eligible Entities: Tribal governments (or intertribal consortiums), Alaska Native Villages, or insular area government agencies which have jurisdiction over transportation or air quality

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the availability of grant funding for tribal and certain insular area governments to implement projects which reduce emissions from the nation’s existing fleet of older diesel engines. A total of $7 million will be made available to tribal governments, or intertribal consortia, and Alaska Native villages; and $1 million will be made available to insular area governments including the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Funds may be used to upgrade and replace older, dirtier diesel-powered vehicles and equipment with newer, cleaner vehicles and technologies.

For more information and to view the full RFA, please visit https://www.epa.gov/dera/tribal-insulararea or contact Lucita Valiere, DERA Tribal Grants Lead at 206-553-8087 or via email at valiere.lucita@epa.gov.

NTAA has a new Policy Resource Kit (PRK) for Tribes to help them respond to EPA’s Pre-Proposal to Regulate Greenhouse Gases from the Power Sector by March 23, 2023!

Recently, EPA requested comments regarding their intent to address power sector rules related to:

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for New, Modified, and Reconstructed Fossil Fuel-Fired EGUs under CAA section 111(b);
Developing Proposed GHG Emission Guidelines Under CAA Section 111(d); and
Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review (RTR) for the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)

EPA is asking five questions related to their pre-proposal that can be read here.

You can learn more from EPA here and at this link: Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0723. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the opening of a non-rulemaking docket for public input. The purpose of this docket is to solicit public input on the Agency’s efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from new and existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs). The goal of this non-rulemaking docket is to gather perspectives from a broad group of stakeholders. This docket will be open for public comment until March 27, 2023. The EPA will provide a separate opportunity for public comment on any future proposed rulemaking(s) for EGUs through a formal comment period. A formal comment period will be announced in the Federal Register notice of any future proposed rulemaking(s).

You can submit your comments to EPA via this link by March 27, 2023. Learn more how to submit comments to EPA here.

NTAA’s PRK for Tribes to use to submit their comments to EPA by the comment deadline of March 27, 2022. This is a pre-proposal opportunity for public comment. EPA will be seeking another round of public comment and Tribal Consultation when a draft rule is released by EPA later in 2023. NTAA has long advocated for strong emission controls on GHG emissions that impact climate change. Tribes and Tribal Air Quality will only benefit the faster we can collectively reduce GHG emissions from existing and new stationary stories.

NTAA’s PRK includes a Tribal Template Letter to use this template that includes NTAA’s comments that will be submitted by the comment period deadline of March 27, 2023).

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

Ethanol – EPA approves expanded E30 demonstration project in Nebraska

PHYS.Org – Real-time air quality data can be ‘life saving’

EPA – EPA Region 7 and Haskell Indian Nations University Partner to Promote Student Career Opportunities and Environmental Outreach on Campus

Canary Media – Charts: Utilities sticking with fossil fuels despite climate pledges

Washington.Edu – A new approach, not currently described by the Clean Air Act, could eliminate air pollution disparities

Native News Online – Wisconsin U.S. Senate Challenger Speaks on Relationship with Tribes, farm Bill, Environment at Oneida Forum

The Hill – EPA takes additional step toward phasing out planet-warming gas used in refrigeration

NACAA – Washington Update

Climate Change/Energy

NBC News – Doctors decry ‘record profits’ for fossil fuel companies as climate change weighs on global health

NBC News – ‘Our horses are ready’: Native Americans and white farmers form an unlikely alliance to oppose a pipeline in the Dakotas

Fast Company – States are starting to sue the fossil fuel industry over climate change

The Hill – Biden fends off challenge to climate accounting metric

Dallas Morning News – Study: Solar and wind energy saved Texas customers more than $7 billion in 2022 so far

Utility Dive – Duke Energy to pass first $56 million wave of Inflation Reduction Act tax credits to customers

TIME – Donating to Climate Charities Might Be Better Than Buying Carbon Offsets

The Verge – Climeworks closes a chapter in early carbon removal tech

E&E News – Inside EPA’s climate strategy for power plants

BBC News – Can floating turbines harvest the world’s wind?

Air Quality News – Wood burning is not a renewable energy source, campaigners say

Toxics/Mobile Sources

State of North Carolina – Executive Order # 271: Growing North Carolina’s Zero Emission Vehicle Market

NPR – Recycling plastic is practically impossible — and the problem is getting worse

Ethanol Producers – EPA approves expanded E30 demonstration project in Nebraska

Canary Media – Meet the leader in charge of doling out DOE’s $25B for novel cleantech

Utility Dive – Battery capacity in the US more than tripled since the start of 2021: report

Yale Climate Connection – Indianapolis adds more than 80 electric and electric-hybrid buses to public transit fleet

Vox – Under the hood of the electric vehicle revolution

The Hill – Federal government needs 30,000 new electric vehicles per year to meet emission goals: report

ENN – NASA Study Finds Evidence That Fuel Regulation Reduced Air Pollution from Shipping

Indoor Air Quality

Yale Environment 360 – Cancer-Causing Benzene Leaking From California Stoves, Study Finds

The Hill – Natural gas ban threats spark fear for restaurants

Inside Climate News – A New Report Suggests 6 ‘Magic’ Measures to Curb Emissions of Super-Polluting Refrigerants

Vox – Our buildings are making us sick

2022-10-26T16:30:00+00:00October 26th, 2022|TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

NTAA News!

NTAA has a new Policy Resource Kit (PRK) for Tribes to help them respond to EPA’s Pre-Proposal to Regulate Greenhouse Gases from the Power Sector by March 23, 2023!

Recently, EPA requested comments regarding their intent to address power sector rules related to:

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for New, Modified, and Reconstructed Fossil Fuel-Fired EGUs under CAA section 111(b);
Developing Proposed GHG Emission Guidelines Under CAA Section 111(d); and
Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review (RTR) for the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)

EPA is asking five questions related to their pre-proposal that can be read here.

You can learn more from EPA here and at this link: Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0723. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the opening of a non-rulemaking docket for public input. The purpose of this docket is to solicit public input on the Agency’s efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from new and existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs). The goal of this non-rulemaking docket is to gather perspectives from a broad group of stakeholders. This docket will be open for public comment until March 27, 2023. The EPA will provide a separate opportunity for public comment on any future proposed rulemaking(s) for EGUs through a formal comment period. A formal comment period will be announced in the Federal Register notice of any future proposed rulemaking(s).

You can submit your comments to EPA via this link by March 27, 2023. Learn more how to submit comments to EPA here.

NTAA’s PRK for Tribes to use to submit their comments to EPA by the comment deadline of March 27, 2022. This is a pre-proposal opportunity for public comment. EPA will be seeking another round of public comment and Tribal Consultation when a draft rule is released by EPA later in 2023. NTAA has long advocated for strong emission controls on GHG emissions that impact climate change. Tribes and Tribal Air Quality will only benefit the faster we can collectively reduce GHG emissions from existing and new stationary stories.

NTAA’s PRK includes a Tribal Template Letter to use this template that includes NTAA’s comments that will be submitted by the comment period deadline of March 27, 2023).

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

USDA – USDA Forest Service partners with Alliance for Green Heat to expand firewood banks nationwide

E&E News – What a Republican Congress would mean for EPA

E&E News – Feds rework rules to return human remains to tribes

E&E News – Tribes split over new Colorado national monument

AP News – Student loan forgiveness application website goes live

Utility Dive – NGOs sue EPA to force it to act on Texas’s plan exempting 8 coal-fired plants from particulate matter limits

NM Political Report – New study fingerprints methane emission sources in the San Juan Basin

AP News – Ozone hole grows this year, but still shrinking in general

EPA – EPA Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Washington Reservations

EPA – EPA Releases 2021 Data Collected under Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program

NACAA – Washington Update

Climate Change/Energy

The Guardian – The supreme court is in session – and every case is potentially a climate one

The Guardian – The great hydrogen gamble: hot air or net zero’s holy grail?

EPA – EPA Releases 2021 Data Collected under Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program

AP – NJ sues oil, gas firms, trade group over climate change

E&E News – 5 state-level races that could alter the energy transition

E&E News – Clean energy transition gains speed, despite global tumult

Protocol – Why the $100 per ton target for carbon removal may be ‘pure fantasy’

Phys. Org – Discovery of microbial pathway that may help combat methane emissions

NPR – ‘Water batteries’ could store solar and wind power for when it’s needed

CNBC – The ‘bummer’ of the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit: Its full value may be hard to get

Toxics/Mobile Sources

E&E News – Highway carbon rule an early test of SCOTUS climate ruling

E&E News – How much mining is needed to save the planet?

Inside Climate News – Indigenous Leaders in Texas Target Global Banks to Keep LNG Export Off of Sacred Land at the Port of Brownsville

TIME – Scientists May Have Just Cracked the Code on Fast Electric Car Charging

CNBC – Inside the only lithium producer in the U.S., which provides the critical mineral used in batteries by Tesla, EV makers

Los Angeles Times – Ports reveal unprecedented surge in harmful emissions; officials blame COVID-19 logjam

Holland & Knight – The Inflation Reduction Act: Provisions and Incentives for Local Governments

The Hill – EPA raises discrimination concerns in ‘Cancer Alley’

Medical News Today – Researchers find toxic particles in lungs, brains, and liver of unborn babies

Inside EVs – More Positive EV News From Energy Agency, But Emissions Outlook Bleak

Indoor Air Quality

Vox – The next frontier for climate action is the great indoors

The White House – Readout of Last Week’s White House Summit on Improving Indoor Air Quality

CBS News – Some U.S. cities banning new gas appliances in effort to combat climate change

GlobeNewswire – Green Builder Media Releases The Healthy Home Handbook

2022-10-19T17:04:00+00:00October 19th, 2022|TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

NTAA News!

NTAA has a new Policy Resource Kit (PRK) for Tribes to help them respond to EPA’s Pre-Proposal to Regulate Greenhouse Gases from the Power Sector by March 23, 2023!

Recently, EPA requested comments regarding their intent to address power sector rules related to:

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for New, Modified, and Reconstructed Fossil Fuel-Fired EGUs under CAA section 111(b);
Developing Proposed GHG Emission Guidelines Under CAA Section 111(d); and
Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review (RTR) for the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)

EPA is asking five questions related to their pre-proposal that can be read here.

You can learn more from EPA here and at this link: Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0723. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the opening of a non-rulemaking docket for public input. The purpose of this docket is to solicit public input on the Agency’s efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from new and existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs). The goal of this non-rulemaking docket is to gather perspectives from a broad group of stakeholders. This docket will be open for public comment until March 27, 2023. The EPA will provide a separate opportunity for public comment on any future proposed rulemaking(s) for EGUs through a formal comment period. A formal comment period will be announced in the Federal Register notice of any future proposed rulemaking(s).

You can submit your comments to EPA via this link by March 27, 2023. Learn more how to submit comments to EPA here.

NTAA’s PRK for Tribes to use to submit their comments to EPA by the comment deadline of March 27, 2022. This is a pre-proposal opportunity for public comment. EPA will be seeking another round of public comment and Tribal Consultation when a draft rule is released by EPA later in 2023. NTAA has long advocated for strong emission controls on GHG emissions that impact climate change. Tribes and Tribal Air Quality will only benefit the faster we can collectively reduce GHG emissions from existing and new stationary stories.

NTAA’s PRK includes a Tribal Template Letter to use this template that includes NTAA’s comments that will be submitted by the comment period deadline of March 27, 2023).

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/Tribes News

E&E News – Flush with cash, EPA could toughen methane rules

E&E News – Regan aide eyed to lead EPA environmental justice office

E&E News – Years into fracking boom, air regulators can’t keep up

Washington Post – EPA is ‘falling behind’ on power plant rules, report says

You can view the report mentioned in the article here.

Wisconsin Public Radio – Despite 2 decades of progress, Wisconsin still isn’t meeting national air quality standards

Yahoo News – Methane plume from ruptured Nord Stream is visible from space

E&E News – Inside the environmental justice movement’s big win

E&E News – Biden’s promise to tribes faces test in Great Lakes

U.S. EPA – EPA Launches Updates to Environmental Justice Mapping Tool EJScreen

U.S. News and World Report – State Pollution Rankings: Measuring exposure to pollution and related health risks

Nature – A 28-day, 2-year study reveals that adolescents are more fatigued and distressed on days with greater NO₂ and CO air pollution

NACAA – Washington Update

Climate Change/Energy

The Guardian – ‘The US dammed us up’: how drought is threatening Navajo ties to ancestral lands

E&E News – EPA power plant rules could be part of bigger initiative

Bloomberg – Coal Revival Threatens to Push Power Sector Emissions to Record

E&E News – What a Supreme Court case on pigs means for renewable energy

E&E News – U.S.-Saudi relations take a hit as OPEC cuts oil production

E&E News – FEMA plan sparks fears of renewables slowdown

The Hill – West Coast leaders sign agreement to expand regional climate collaboration

San Francisco Chronicle – Children exposed to air pollution before age 5 show significant changes to brain structure

Purdue University News – Something’s in the air: It’s nanoplastic pollution

Toxics/Mobile Sources

E&E News – Can anti-coal tactics work against plastics?

E&E News – U.S. shift on child labor may scramble EV sector

E&E News – General Motors launches electric grid division

U.S. EPA – Biden-Harris Administration Will Double Clean School Bus Rebate Awards to Nearly $1 Billion

Forbes – Toxic Air Pollution Particles Can Get Into Fetus Brains, Lungs, Livers, Says New Study

Safety4Sea – Analysis of shipping emissions reveals larger effect of air pollution than previously thought

Energy Monitor – Can electric boats decarbonize shipping?

Indoor Air Quality

The Guardian – How high fuel bills can worsen air pollution in our homes

U.S. EPA – EPA Announces Nationwide Outreach Initiative to Reduce Lead Exposure in Underserved Communities

Consumer Reports – How to Protect Yourself From Indoor Air Pollution and Other Hidden Home Hazards

2022-10-12T17:12:17+00:00October 12th, 2022|TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|

NTAA News!

NTAA is preparing a Policy Resource Kit for Tribes to respond to EPA’s three upcoming power sector rules, with intended proposal dates for Spring 2023. If Tribes are interested in requesting government-to-government consultation with the EPA during the pre-proposal period, please contact Regina Chappell at (919) 541-3650 or email at chappell.regina@epa.gov by September 30, 2022.

The EPA is addressing the following three upcoming power sector rules, with intended proposal dates for Spring 2023:

GHG Emission Guidelines for existing EGUs under Clean Air Act (CAA) section 111(d);
GHG New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for new, modified, and reconstructed EGUs under CAA section 111(b); and
Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review (RTR) for the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS)

NTAA’s PRK will include a template letter that Tribes can use to respond to EPA’s specific questions for consideration. More information on the rules can be found here https://www.epa.gov/stationary-sources-air-pollution/nsps-ghg-emissions-newmodified-and-reconstructed-electric-utility for 111(b), and https://www.epa.gov/stationarysources-air-pollution/mercury-and-air-toxics-standards for MATS RTR. This consultation will be conducted in accordance with the EPA Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes (https://www.epa.gov/tribal/forms/consultation-andcoordination-tribes). The Agency invites you and your designated consultation representative(s) to participate in this process. The EPA’s anticipated timeline for the consultation period is expected to extend from September 1, 2022, to October 17, 2022.