UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of October 11 – 15, 2021

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

 Join the White Mesa Concerned Community and partners for a virtual conference to learn more and take action to protect the Ute community from toxic and radioactive waste at the White Mesa Mill in southeastern Utah, a mile from #BearsEars National Monument.

  • Thursday, October 7 at 5 p.m. MDT: Traditional Knowledge and Protecting Cultural Landscapes
  • Friday, October 8 at 10:30 a.m. MDT: The Struggle to Protect Current and Future Generations from the White Mesa Uranium Mill
  • Friday, October 8 at 1 p.m. MDT: Indigenous Communities Impacted by Uranium in the U.S.

Visit www.grandcanyontrust.org/environmental-justice-white-mesa-online-conference for more information and Zoom link to join.

 

You are invited for Part 3 of the INHABITANTS screening & webinar series, featuring Ervin Carlson from the Blackfeet Nation to learn about the history and resilience of the Blackfeet buffalo restoration program. For more information and to register, visit the INHABITANTS website: https://www.inhabitantsfilm.com/

 

Applications for EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards are Now Being Accepted!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases.

The five award categories are:

  1. Clean Air Technology
  2. Community Action
  3. Education/Outreach
  4. State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations
  5. Transportation Efficiency Innovations.

The award application and more information are available here. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically to [email protected].

 

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

 

The Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center is announcing a call for nominations for an open position on the TAMS Steering Committee. 

This position will complete a term that was recently vacated. This term will end in September 2024.  The Nomination Form can be found on the TAMS website link below.  The deadline to submit a nomination is November 1., 2021. Please contact the TAMS Center ITEP Program Manager or EPA Codirector for any questions. Click here for more information!

 

Host Sites Needed For Summer Internship Program

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.

The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a work-place and supervision for the intern.  Some internships may be virtual.  You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual projects and in-person projects.

The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in tribal communities.

Submit an application online here 

Deadline: Apply by December 3, 2021

 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

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

 

Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. Thursday, October 7, 2pm  ET
Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. Thursday, October 21, 2pm ET
EPA Policy Call: Call in to hear updates from EPA on policies, actions, and tools relevant to Indian Country and Air Quality. Attend by clicking here. Thursday, October 28, 2pm ET
Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. Thursday, November 18,

2pm ET

 

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

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

 

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

 

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

 

Recorded Webinars

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

 

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

 

Climate Change / Energy 

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is excited to announce an upcoming virtual listening session focused on climate change and Tribal youth. 

Information and registration for this listening session may be found on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) webpage.

This listening session is open to Tribal middle school, high school, and college students. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, priorities, and experience to help shape policies and programs that promote and advance Tribal climate resilience.

 

Tribal Community-scale Solar Solutions for Climate & Community Resilience

Monday, October 18; 9:30 – Noon | RSVP by sending an email to [email protected]

Who (would find it useful to attend):  Tribal government leaders, Tribal staff, Tribal community members, Tribal businesses in energy, all those managing or building solar and related systems (i.e., telecom, microgrids, tribal utility authorities) on tribal lands.

Why: For tribal nations seeking to build – or expand – solar energy development within their nations at the community, facility, and/or residential scale, join this lively dialogue-based workshop with experts and practitioners and opportunities for one-on-one follow-up consulting.

 

2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Energy Projects and Workforce Development: A Win-Win Opportunity: October 27

Energy projects are often labor-intensive during construction—and once they are complete, local capability is needed to operate and maintain those energy systems. Tribes who develop a local workforce in conjunction with developing projects can realize improved project economics while creating local jobs and skilled labor.

This webinar will explore this win-win opportunity. Register now.

 

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

 

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

Learn more about the courses and register here.

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

 EPA’s 2021 School Bus Rebates Applications Being Accepted Two Separate School Bus Rebate Programs Deadline to Apply – November 5 (4:00 p.m. ET). 

EPA is excited to announce two funding opportunities for school bus fleets that serve public schools: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 DERA School Bus Rebate Program. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is accepting applications nationwide for rebates to assist in replacing older, dirtier diesel school buses with new school buses. Please take a look at the descriptions below to learn more about each opportunity and visit the new 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website for a table showing the differences between the two rebate programs. 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates for Underserved School Districts

The newest program is the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates. This $7 million program exclusively funds the replacement of old diesel school buses with new electric school buses for underserved school districts, tribal schools, and private fleets serving those schools. A list of eligible school districts is available on the 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website. Please check the list to see if you qualify for this new funding opportunity. This new program will offer $300,000 per bus for up to four electric school bus replacements for eligible applicants selected in a lottery process.

 

Virtual National Radon Training Event

October 11 – 13, 2021 | Register Here

Building Technical Capacity (BTC) will not be offered for virtual training.

The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) will still have their symposium in person. We will join them virtually on the joint day. To register, view the agenda, and find more information please visit our Radon Training Event Program Website

Due to COVID related travel restrictions, we will not be meeting in Bethesda, MD. Our radon training is now completely virtual.

 

The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in September 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

 

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! If You Use DIY Air Cleaners, Use Them Safely During Wildfire Smoke Events

If portable air cleaners are not available or affordable, you may decide to use do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners as a temporary alternative to commercial air cleaners. DIY air cleaners are made by attaching a furnace filter to a box fan with tape, brackets, or a bungee cord. There may be drawbacks to using a DIY air cleaner as compared to a commercial air cleaner such as:

  • Increased noise and heat generation from the fan motor.
  • Limited data on how well DIY air cleaners filter smoke particles.

If you use a DIY air cleaner, it is probably most effective in a small room where you spend a significant amount of time, such as a bedroom. For better filtration, choose a high-efficiency filter, preferably rated MERV 13 or higher, and align the arrows on the filter with the direction of the air flow through the fan. Try to get a good seal between the fan and the filter.

For more information on the testing and research by EPA, visit Research on DIY Air Cleaners to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors.  The web page includes frequently asked questions and safety tips for using DIY air cleaners and other resources to protect public health from wildfire smoke.

For more information on how to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke inside the home, visit Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality.

 

U.S EPA is hosting a webinar on Ventilation and COVID-19 in Schools: Using a Framework to Assess, Prioritize and Plan for HVAC Upgrades and IAQ Improvements on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 10 am – 11:30 AM MST.

Learn about proven strategies your school can put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) for students and staff! Putting strategies in place to ensure adequate ventilation and filtration in school buildings – such as increasing ventilation rate, increasing HVAC filter efficiency, and supplementing with portable air cleaners – is critical for providing healthy indoor air to students and staff. Register for the webinar here!


Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper

The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.

 

Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

  • Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
  • Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
  • inside your house or garage
  • on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
  • near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

 

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

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

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

 

Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality

This summer, wildfires have spread across the U.S. creating devastation and dangerous smoke events affecting millions of American lives. If you are in need of immediate wildfire guidance, see EPA’s wildfire webpage for more resources.

Smoke from wildfires can adversely affect indoor air quality and put people’s health at risk from exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants. Read on to learn more about:

How Indoor airPLUS Homes Help Reduce the Occurrence of Asthma Triggers in the Home

Here are ways an Indoor airPLUS home can help reduce asthma triggers in the home.

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

2021-10-13T19:19:02+00:00October 13th, 2021|CALLS/WEBINARS/EVENTS|
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RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of October 11 – 15, 2021

RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Now Hiring!

The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians

(CTCLUSI) Natural Resources Department has two job opportunities: a Restoration & Wetlands Project Manager, and an Air Protection Specialist. You can find more information on the positions here.

 

The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Is hiring for an Air Quality Program Manager position with the Red Cliff Environmental Department. Job posting and instructions can be found here. 

 

Sitting Bull College Meteorology and Atmospheric Science Instructor

This person will teach classes in Environmental Science at Sitting Bull College, especially in the area of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. This person will mentor and advise students in the SBC Environmental Science degree programs. This person will help develop, maintain and promote the FIARE monitoring station, which is funded by NASA. FIARE will provide research opportunities for BS and MS students using data derived from FIARE. FIARE can be previewed at the Sitting Bull College website at http://www.sittingbull.edu/fiare.

Please submit: Completed Standing Rock Public Transportation application, official transcripts (please white out birth date and social security number), 3 current reference letters (1 from immediate supervisor), Certificate of Indian blood (please white out photo, birth date, social security number), and Veterans Status to: Personnel Office Sitting Bull College 9299 HWY 24 Fort Yates, ND 58538 (701)854-8004

 

The Santa Ana Pueblo’s Department of Natural Resources is hiring an Environmental Education Outreach Coordinator. The position will increase the understanding of the ecosystems on the Santa Ana Pueblo and environmental

stewardship of the Pueblo’s lands by implementing all of the environmental education and outreach efforts for the Department of Natural Resources.

You can apply here.

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

 

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is pleased to announce the availability of funding to support the hiring of Tribal Climate Resilience Liaisons in Alaska, the Northwest, and the Southwest through the BIA’s Tribal Resilience Program (Program). Eligible applicants include tribal non-profit, non-governmental organizations and tribally-controlled colleges or universities (TCUs) that serve federally-recognized tribes. Other entities may participate as sub-grantees. The solicitation is available on grants.gov, and named BIA-2021-TCRP.

 

To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!

 

Climate Change/Energy

 

Join NCAI’s Climate Action email listserv here!

 

Sign up for the Alliance for Green Heat’s newsletter!

 

To view and/or receive ITEP’s Climate Change newsletter, click here!

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates

EPA will fund $7 million for electric school bus rebates in underserved communities. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) appropriated funds to the EPA for “activities that identify and address disproportionate environmental or public health harms and risks in minority populations or low-income populations” under several programs, including the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).

Rebate Application Form and Supporting Documents

Eligible Applicants

  1. Public school districts listed on the ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Eligibility List
  2. Districts on the eligibility list are estimated to have 30% or more students living in poverty based on the US Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) School District Estimates for 2019.

 

States with zero school districts that make this cutoff will have one school district with the highest percent of students in poverty represented in the eligibility list.

  1. Tribal schools
  2. Private fleets that operate school buses under a contract with an eligible entity listed above

 

EPA Announces $10 Million Available for States, Tribes, and Territories to Address Environmental Challenges

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of Multipurpose Grant (MPG) funding to support states, Tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues, including PFAS, environmental justice and climate change. For more information on eligibility, use of funding, process for award, and timelines, please reference the Multipurpose Grant guidance.

 

Recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2021

You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

 

Indoor Air Quality

The Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center announces two funding opportunities through its grants programs, supported by the USDA-NIFA.

Applications must be submitted online and are due by Thursday, November 11, 2021. An Informational Webinar about the RFA will be held on October 6, 2021, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.

For more information on the application process and guidelines, and to download the application, visit the Northeastern IPM Center website at www.northeastipm.org or the IPM Partnership Grants Program page at www.northeastipm.org/rfa/partnership. For both programs, there is a 12-month time limit on funded projects, and the application deadline is November 11, 2021.

IPM Partnership Grants

Each year, the Center offers funding through its IPM Partnership Grants Program. Funded projects must foster the development and adoption of IPM, address or identify regional priorities, and benefit the northeastern region at large.

The program supports three project types:

  • IPM Applied Research
  • IPM Working Groups
  • IPM Communications

Up to $150,000 in total will be available for 2022, generally with a maximum of $30,000 per award, although Applied Research projects that include an 1890 land-grant institution or Native American-affiliated organization may apply for up to $40,000. For more information or to apply for a Partnership Grant, visit neipmc.org/go/cnJQ.

Resource for Healthy Indoor Air Quality

Check out the website https://forhealth.org/ for many resources related to healthy homes and indoor air quality!

 

The Tribal Healthy Homes Network (THHN) has a webpage dedicated to Funding Opportunities! Additionally, THHN has developed a Funding Guide for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities.

Most Recent Listing: EPA Rules from the Federal Register can be found here.

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2021-10-13T19:16:05+00:00October 13th, 2021|RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES|
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TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of October 4 – 8, 2021

TOP STORIES

The National Tribal Air Association invites you to participate in a baseline needs assessment of Tribal air quality needs, issues, and priorities. All Tribes are encouraged to submit their survey.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

  1. What’s the Purpose of the Survey? The information you provide will enable NTAA to comprehensively describe Tribal ambient and indoor air quality needs. This information will then be used to identify the range of Tribal air quality needs and priorities and build Tribal air quality management
  2. Is it Voluntary? Yes! Your participation in this survey is voluntary and you are free to decline to answer any question you do not wish to
  3. How Long Will It Take? The survey will take between 15 – 20 minutes to
  4. Is There an Incentive? Actually yes! The first 50 respondents to submit a completed survey will receive a $10 Starbucks or $10 Amazon gift card. (This is made possible through the donation of an NTAA non-profit partner, not federal funds.)
  5. What if My Internet is Connection is Poor? We are happy to conduct the survey with you by telephone. If you would like to take the survey by phone, please email Sydney Janssen at [email protected] to set up a time, or call 800-717-2118, Ext. 105
  6. What if I am Not Familiar to Air Quality? If you would like to familiarize yourself with air quality funding sources and concepts mentioned in the survey, please review the glossary PDF.
  7. When Does the Survey Close? The survey closes on Friday, October 29th at 5:00pm Pacific Standard

TO BEGIN THE SURVEY, CLICK HERE. (If the link does not automatically open, please cut and paste this link into your browser: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6420470/NTAA-Baseline-Needs- Assessment). You can also find the survey on NTAA’s website here.

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

E&E News – EPA strategic plan touts climate, environmental justice goals

E&E News – Top EPA Air Appointee Offloaded Oil Stocks

CNN – EPA moves to block controversial mine that threatened salmon habitat in Alaska

The Hill – White House proposes reversing parts of Trump rewrite of bedrock environmental law implementation (NEPA)

NY Times – In Arizona, Drought Ignites Tensions and Threatens Traditions Among the Hopi

To’ Nizhoni Ani – Diné Residents of Black Mesa tell why they support Build Back Better Plan

Grist – Here’s how Congress could hold the EPA accountable for its ‘dereliction of duty’

The Wall Street Journal – The Colorado River Is in Crisis. The Walton Family Is Pushing a Solution.

Environmental Health News – We’re miscalculating the cancer risk from a massive class of chemicals: MIT Study

Andover Technology Partners – Analysis of PM and Hg Emissions and Controls from Coal-Fired Power Plants

Here’s your link to this week’s NACAA Washington Update.

Climate Change/Energy

Time – Climate Pressure Mounts for Biden As a Major Conference Looms

Climate Signals – Arctic Amplification: The Arctic is warming twice to three times as fast as the rest of the planet due to sea ice loss—a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification

Bloomberg Green – The Cheap and Easy Climate Fix That Can Cool the Planet Fast

Grist – Study: The rich can spur climate action — or uphold the status quo

AP – Physics Nobel rewards work on climate change, other forces

The Guardian – Giant sequoias and fire have coexisted for centuries. Climate crisis is upping the stakes

The Hill – Warming Arctic could spread nuclear waste, unknown viruses: report

NPR – Pushed to the edge, tribe members in coastal Louisiana wonder where to go after Ida

TIME – U.S. Fishermen Are Making Their Last Stand Against Offshore Wind

The Hill – Greenpeace ad asks if climate change is racist

Toxics/Mobile Sources

EPA – EPA Announces $4.5 Million in Grants Available for Tribes to Replace Diesel Equipment and Reduce Harmful Emissions

NPR – 5 Midwestern governors agree to create a network to charge electric vehicles

Washington Post – GM sets earlier deadline for all-renewable energy

The Hill – Five things to know about the California oil spill

The Hill – Plastics company agrees to $23M settlement in drinking water pollution case

Reuters – Explainer: What’s behind the wild surges in global LNG prices and the risks ahead

Gizmodo – Oil Starts Flowing Through Line 3 on Friday, But Water Protectors Will Keep Fighting It

Reuters – Energy lawsuits pact seen threatening Paris climate deal

Earther – The ABCs of Big Oil: The Fossil Fuel Industry’s Century-Long Quest to Invade Elementary Schools

E&E – How Dems’ clean electricity plan hits nuclear, gas, FERC

ABC15 Arizona – Southwest Gas releases data on frequency of Driscopipe 8000 leaks

Indoor Air Quality

New York Times – Is Bad Indoor Air Dulling Your Brain?

Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins

2021-10-06T16:53:46+00:00October 6th, 2021|TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|
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UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES: Week of October 4 – 8, 2021

UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/NOTICES

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

Join the White Mesa Concerned Community and partners for a virtual conference to learn more and take action to protect the Ute community from toxic and radioactive waste at the White Mesa Mill in southeastern Utah, a mile from #BearsEars National Monument.

         Thursday, October 7 at 5 p.m. MDT: Traditional Knowledge and Protecting Cultural Landscapes

Friday, October 8 at 10:30 a.m. MDT: The Struggle to Protect Current and Future Generations from the White Mesa Uranium Mill

Friday, October 8 at 1 p.m. MDT: Indigenous Communities Impacted by Uranium in the U.S.

Visit www.grandcanyontrust.org/environmental-justice-white-mesa-online-conference for more information and Zoom link to join.

 

You are invited for Part 3 of the INHABITANTS screening & webinar series, featuring Ervin Carlson from the Blackfeet Nation to learn about the history and resilience of the Blackfeet buffalo restoration program. For more information and to register, visit the INHABITANTS website: https://www.inhabitantsfilm.com/

 

Applications for EPA’s Clean Air Excellence Awards are Now Being Accepted!

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program. Through this program, EPA recognizes and honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have helped to make progress in achieving cleaner air. The award recipients are selected for developing innovative, replicable, and sustainable programs; serving as pioneers in their fields; and improving air quality either directly or indirectly through reduced emissions of criteria pollutants, hazardous air pollutants, and/or greenhouse gases.

The five award categories are:

  1. Clean Air Technology
  2. Community Action
  3. Education/Outreach
  4. State/Tribal/Local Air Quality Policy Innovations
  5. Transportation Efficiency Innovations.

The award application and more information are available here. Applications must be emailed or postmarked by Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to send their entries electronically to [email protected].

 

EPA releases new report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts

EPA’s new report quantifies the degree to which four socially vulnerable populations— defined based on income, educational attainment, race and ethnicity, and age—may be more exposed to the highest impacts of climate change. The report quantifies six types of impacts: air quality and health, extreme temperature and health, extreme temperature and labor, coastal flooding and traffic, coastal flooding and property, and inland flooding and property. Access the report. To download the report’s findings related to the disproportionate risks of climate change to American Indian and Alaska Natives. To find more information about climate change: https://www.epa.gov/climate-change

 

AQSync: Calibration Station for Sensor-Based Mobile Monitoring

October 6; 10:00am – 10:30am PT | Register Here

With the explosion of sensor use for air monitoring, the eternal question on everyone’s mind is “what about calibration”? Sensor calibration can pose a

daunting task for communities without access to a regulatory site. In this webinar we introduce the new AQSync by 2B Technologies. The AQSync represents an exciting evolution in air monitoring by combining miniaturized FEM and near- FEM instruments in a weatherproof enclosure. In this webinar we will explore some of the current applications of the AQSync, including drive-by calibrations of mobile sensors. Lastly, we will share information on the effort underway to use AQSyncs placed at schools as the hub of community monitoring and air pollution mapping efforts

 

Fourth National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Workshop, Virtual Event

October 4 – 8, 2021 | Register Here

The 4th National Cohesive Strategy Workshop will center on this theme and focus sharply on understanding, co-managing, transferring, and accepting risk at federal, state, Tribal and local stakeholder levels to prioritize and invest in decisions, projects and other efforts that result in widespread reduction in risk across landscapes, and communities, the public and firefighters collectively.

Since the inception of The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, we have learned that there are multiple “hard truths” of living with fire that must be accepted in order to make meaningful progress towards the three national goals of Resilient Landscapes, Fire Adapted Communities and a Safe, Effective, Risk- Based Wildfire Response.

 

NEW! The Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center is announcing a call for nominations for an open position on the TAMS Steering Committee. 

This position will complete a term that was recently vacated. This term will end in September 2024.  The Nomination Form can be found on the TAMS website link below.  The deadline to submit a nomination is November 1., 2021. Please contact the TAMS Center ITEP Program Manager or EPA Codirector for any questions. Click here for more information!

 

NEW! Host Sites Needed For Summer Internship Program

The Institute for Tribal Environmental at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality focused offices and programs to host a college student for an 8-week summer internship. Tribal environmental offices, EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.

The interns will be highly motivated undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,800 stipend, and housing and travel allowances for interns that relocate. The host site provides a work-place and supervision for the intern.  Some internships may be virtual.  You are welcome to submit applications for both virtual projects and in-person projects.

The projects MUST focus on addressing air quality issues in tribal communities.

Submit an application online here 

Deadline: Apply by December 3, 2021

 

NTAA Upcoming Calls

Contact [email protected] if you have any questions about any call!

*Registration instructions* When you register for the GoToWebinar, please remember to include your Tribe, Region, or Organization in parenthesis after your last name. This allows you to see everyone on the call and prevents us from conducting a roll-call, ultimately saving everyone’s time.

 

Mobile Sources Work Group: This monthly work group addresses all mobile source pollution issues. Attend by clicking here. Thursday, October 7, 2pm ET
Indoor Air Quality Work Group: Join this work group every other month to help support IAQ work throughout Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. Thursday, October 21, 2pm ET
EPA Policy Call: Call in to hear updates from EPA on policies, actions, and tools relevant to Indian Country and Air Quality. Attend by clicking here. Thursday, October 28, 2pm ET
Wood Smoke Work Group: Join this work group every other month to address wood smoke issues in Indian Country. Attend by clicking here. Thursday, November 18, 2pm ET

 

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional (ITEP)

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

 

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

 

NEW! ITEP’s Latest Course: Management of Tribal Air Programs and Grants

Course Dates: November 15-19, 2021

Course Times: 11:30pm-3pm ET (1.5 hour session, 30 minute break, 1.5 hour session)

Application Due Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2021.

Apply Now: https://forms.gle/UJG885eKyh6r4fak6 Course Description: This virtual course is designed for environmental professionals who are responsible for managing tribal air programs and grants.  Participants will engage with other participants, instructors, and guest speakers from EPA. This one-week virtual course will have daily presentations, discussions, and group work addressing the uniqueness of tribal air program management. The course will be held via zoom for 3.5 hours per day, see above for course times and dates.

Topics Include:

  • The Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Tribal Authority Rule (TAR)
  • Elements in a typical tribal air program
  • Work plan and budget
  • Grant submission, management, and reporting
  • Tribal case study
  • Discussion with Tribal Air Coordinators and Project Officers

 

Required Pre-Course Webinars:

Selected participants must watch three pre-course webinars. The webinars are part of the course and must be completed to attend the virtual class. Selected participants will need to complete the pre-course assignment by Wednesday, November 10, 2021. If you have questions please contact Christal Black, Assistant Manager, ITEP at [email protected], or phone 928-523-8410.

Apply Now: https://forms.gle/UJG885eKyh6r4fak6

 

AIAQTP Schedule and Registration

Recorded Webinars

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

 

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

 

Climate Change / Energy

NEW! The Department of the Interior (DOI) is excited to announce an upcoming virtual listening session focused on climate change and Tribal youth.  Information and registration for this listening session may be found on the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Tribal Climate Resilience (TCR) web page: https://www.bia.gov/guide/tribal-climate-listening-sessions

This listening session is open to Tribal middle school, high school, and college students. This is an opportunity to voice your concerns, priorities, and experience to help shape policies and programs that promote and advance Tribal climate resilience.

 

NEW! Tribal Community-scale Solar Solutions for Climate & Community Resilience

Monday, October 18; 9:30 – Noon | RSVP by sending an email to [email protected]

Who (would find it useful to attend):  Tribal government leaders, Tribal staff, Tribal community members, Tribal businesses in energy, all those managing or building solar and related systems (i.e., telecom, microgrids, tribal utility authorities) on tribal lands.

Why: For tribal nations seeking to build – or expand – solar energy development within their nations at the community, facility, and/or residential scale, join this lively dialogue-based workshop with experts and practitioners and opportunities for one-on-one follow-up consulting.

 

2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Energy Projects and Workforce Development: A Win-Win Opportunity: October 27

Energy projects are often labor-intensive during construction—and once they are complete, local capability is needed to operate and maintain those energy systems. Tribes who develop a local workforce in conjunction with developing projects can realize improved project economics while creating local jobs and skilled labor.

This webinar will explore this win-win opportunity. Register now.

 

US EPA Announces Upcoming Climate and Energy Webinars for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The US EPA announces there will be many webinars on climate and energy topics offered by federal agencies and others during the month of October. All webinars are free of charge, but space may be limited or require registration in advance. For more information subscribe to the US EPA’s State and Local Energy Newsletter.

 

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

Learn more about the courses and register here.

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

NEW! EPA’s 2021 School Bus Rebates Applications Being Accepted Two Separate School Bus Rebate Programs Deadline to Apply – November 5 (4:00 p.m. ET). 

EPA is excited to announce two funding opportunities for school bus fleets that serve public schools: the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates, and the 2021 DERA School Bus Rebate Program. EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is accepting applications nationwide for rebates to assist in replacing older, dirtier diesel school buses with new school buses. Please take a look at the descriptions below to learn more about each opportunity and visit the new 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website for a table showing the differences between the two rebate programs. 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates for Underserved School Districts

The newest program is the 2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates. This $7 million program exclusively funds the replacement of old diesel school buses with new electric school buses for underserved school districts, tribal schools, and private fleets serving those schools. A list of eligible school districts is available on the 2021 ARP Electric School Bus Rebates website. Please check the list to see if you qualify for this new funding opportunity. This new program will offer $300,000 per bus for up to four electric school bus replacements for eligible applicants selected in a lottery process.

 

2021 Tribal Energy Webinar Series: Building Electrification: Why and How: September 29

Hosted by the Office of Indian Energy, this webinar will explore building electrification to utilize electricity rather than fossil fuels for building heating and cooking applications. Doing so can improve indoor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This webinar will explore this trending topic on the path to a clean energy future. Register now.

 

Toxics in the Community: Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) for Local and Tribal Governments

October 6; 1-2:30pm EDT | Register Here

An ELI and LGEAN Co-Sponsored Public Webinar: The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) created the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to inform the public about potentially hazardous materials in the community. In fact, two out of every three Americans live within three miles of facilities subject to the TRI, which covers over 800 individual chemicals and chemical categories. These substances often originate from manufacturing, mining and hazardous waste management sites and are known to cause significant adverse harm to the environment and human health.

Join the Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN), the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and EPA to learn more about how local and tribal governments can best use the TRI to help protect community members’ health and welfare. EPA experts will provide an overview of the TRI, explaining which local and tribal government facilities may be subject to reporting requirements and how officials can use the TRI and other EPA tools to respond to community concerns and trace chemical releases back to their sources.

 

Virtual National Radon Training Event

October 11 – 13, 2021 | Register Here

Building Technical Capacity (BTC) will not be offered for virtual training.

The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) will still have their symposium in person. We will join them virtually on the joint day. To register, view the agenda, and find more information please visit our Radon Training Event Program Website

Due to COVID related travel restrictions, we will not be meeting in Bethesda, MD. Our radon training is now completely virtual.

 

The recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2021. You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

 

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! Improving Environmental Health in Schools White Paper

The authors of this white paper are environmental health academics who recognize the importance of in-school education. However, we also understand that infectious disease transmission in schools is an existential challenge affecting the health of local communities and ultimately, society at large. We have extensive experience implementing environmental improvements both before and during the current pandemic. We wish to persuade the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the lead Agency for protecting human health and the environment, that now is the time to revive and expand their School Integrated Pest Management (SIPM) initiative to improve environmental health in schools and document the tangible benefits that follow.

 

Need Temporary Power? Use Caution with Portable Generators! Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During power outages, portable generators can be used to help temporarily restore power to a few key appliances like refrigerators, lights and fans. Portable generators that use fuels such as gasoline, natural gas or kerosene are widely available. However, if they are not used correctly they can be hazardous because their exhaust contains deadly fumes, like carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas you cannot see or smell but could kill you in minutes.

Remember:

  • Do use portable generators outside and far away from buildings.
  • Do not use portable generators under any of the following conditions:
  • inside your house or garage
  • on balconies or near doors, vents or windows, and
  • near where anyone is sleeping.

For more information please visit EPA’s websites on Safely Provide Power for Lighting, Cooking and Heating During an Emergency and Carbon Monoxides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality

 

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

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

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

 

Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality

This summer, wildfires have spread across the U.S. creating devastation and dangerous smoke events affecting millions of American lives. If you are in need of immediate wildfire guidance, see EPA’s wildfire webpage for more resources.

Smoke from wildfires can adversely affect indoor air quality and put people’s health at risk from exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants. Read on to learn more about:

 

How Indoor airPLUS Homes Help Reduce the Occurrence of Asthma Triggers in the Home

Here are ways an Indoor airPLUS home can help reduce asthma triggers in the home.

 

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

2021-10-06T16:51:41+00:00October 6th, 2021|CALLS/WEBINARS/EVENTS|
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RESOURCES AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: Week of October 4 – 8, 2021

RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Now Hiring!

The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Is hiring for an Air Quality Program Manager position with the Red Cliff Environmental Department. Job posting and instructions can be found here.    

 

Sitting Bull College Meteorology and Atmospheric Science Instructor

This person will teach classes in Environmental Science at Sitting Bull College, especially in the area of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. This person will mentor and advise students in the SBC Environmental Science degree programs. This person will help develop, maintain and promote the FIARE monitoring station, which is funded by NASA. FIARE will provide research opportunities for BS and MS students using data derived from FIARE. FIARE can be previewed at the Sitting Bull College website at www.sittingbull.edu/fiare.

Please submit: Completed Standing Rock Public Transportation application, official transcripts (please white out birth date and social security number), 3 current reference letters (1 from immediate supervisor), Certificate of Indian blood (please white out photo, birth date, social security number), and Veterans Status to: Personnel Office Sitting Bull College 9299 HWY 24 Fort Yates, ND 58538 (701)854-8004

 

The Santa Ana Pueblo’s Department of Natural Resources is hiring an Environmental Education Outreach Coordinator. The position will increase the understanding of the ecosystems on the Santa Ana Pueblo and environmental

stewardship of the Pueblo’s lands by implementing all of the environmental education and outreach efforts for the Department of Natural Resources.

You can apply here.

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is pleased to announce the availability of funding to support the hiring of Tribal Climate Resilience Liaisons in Alaska, the Northwest, and the Southwest through the BIA’s Tribal Resilience Program (Program). Eligible applicants include tribal non-profit, non- governmental organizations and tribally-controlled colleges or universities (TCUs) that serve federally-recognized tribes. Other entities may participate as sub- grantees. The solicitation is available on grants.gov, and named BIA-2021-TCRP.

To view and/or receive ITEP’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program newsletter, Native Voices, click here!

Climate Change/Energy

Join NCAI’s Climate Action email listserv here!

Sign up for the Alliance for Green Heat’s newsletter!

To view and/or receive ITEP’s Climate Change newsletter, click here!

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources

2021 American Rescue Plan (ARP) Electric School Bus Rebates

EPA will fund $7 million for electric school bus rebates in underserved communities. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) appropriated funds to the EPA for “activities that identify and address disproportionate environmental or public health harms and risks in minority populations or low-income populations” under several programs, including the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).

This program has not opened to accept applications. More details and supporting documents for this program will be posted on this page by the end of September. Rebate Application Form and Supporting Documents

Eligible Applicants

  1. Public school districts listed on the ARP Electric School Bus Rebates Eligibility List
  2. Districts on the eligibility list are estimated to have 30% or more students living in poverty based on the US Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE) School District Estimates for 2019.

 

States with zero school districts that make this cutoff will have one school district with the highest percent of students in poverty represented in the eligibility list.

  1. Tribal schools
  2. Private fleets that operate school buses under a contract with an eligible entity listed above

 

EPA Announces $10 Million Available for States, Tribes, and Territories to Address Environmental Challenges

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of Multipurpose Grant (MPG) funding to support states, Tribes and territories in addressing high-priority environmental issues, including PFAS, environmental justice and climate change. For more information on eligibility, use of funding, process for award, and timelines, please reference the Multipurpose Grant guidance.

 

Recent additions to OTAQ’s website in August 2021

You can access these additions as well as new press releases and Federal Register notices related to OTAQ on our website.

 

Indoor Air Quality

NEW! The Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Center announces two funding opportunities through its grants programs, supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). Applications must be submitted online and are due by Thursday, November 11, 2021. An Informational Webinar about the RFA will be held on October 6, 2021, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.

For more information on the application process and guidelines, and to download the application, visit the Northeastern IPM Center website at www.northeastipm.org or the IPM Partnership Grants Program page at www.northeastipm.org/rfa/partnership. For both programs, there is a 12-month time limit on funded projects, and the application deadline is November 11, 2021.

IPM Partnership Grants

Each year, the Center offers funding through its IPM Partnership Grants Program. Funded projects must foster the development and adoption of IPM, address or identify regional priorities, and benefit the northeastern region at large.

The program supports three project types:

  • IPM Applied Research
  • IPM Working Groups
  • IPM Communications

Up to $150,000 in total will be available for 2022, generally with a maximum of $30,000 per award, although Applied Research projects that include an 1890 land-grant institution or Native American-affiliated organization may apply for up to $40,000.

For more information or to apply for a Partnership Grant, visit neipmc.org/go/cnJQ.

Resource for Healthy Indoor Air Quality

Check out the website https://forhealth.org/ for many resources related to healthy homes and indoor air quality!

The Tribal Healthy Homes Network (THHN) has a webpage dedicated to Funding Opportunities! Additionally, THHN has developed a Funding Guide for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities.

Most Recent Listing: EPA Rules from the Federal Register can be found here.

You have received this email as a subscriber to the NTAA Weekly Update. To unsubscribe or modify your subscriptions, click the appropriate link below:

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2021-10-06T16:48:42+00:00October 6th, 2021|RESOURCES & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES|
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PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD: Week of September 27 – October 1, 2021

Photo From the Field

NTAA Presents the NTAA Monthly Video Update from Executive Committee Member for Region 7, Billie Toledo with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Indians.

If you don’t have time to dive deep into the NTAA Weekly Update, watch the quick video update to help give you the latest news from NTAA and learn more about the Tribes in each region. You can also find this video and previous videos from other NTAA EC members on the NTAA website, www.NTAATribalAir.org. Thanks to Happy Accidents Video Production!

 

2021-09-29T19:19:59+00:00September 29th, 2021|PHOTOS FROM THE FIELD|
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TOP STORIES/HEADLINES: Week of September 27 – October 1, 2021

TOP STORIES

NTAA Releases the Nation’s First Baseline Needs Assessment Survey for Tribal Air Programs.

A Note from NTAA Chairwoman Carol Kriebs:

On behalf of the NTAA’s Executive Committee and staff, we thank you in advance for completing this Baseline Needs Assessment. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to contribute to NTAA’s collective

knowledge and information needed to fund Tribes’ unmet needs to advance Tribal Air Quality Programs. Your BNA results will be made public and you can request a copy of your answers. NTAA will be providing the BNA results so that Tribes and members of the public can better understand the unmet needs for all 573 federally recognized Tribes and many other Tribal communities who work hard to bring clean air for all and the future generations. Finally, we wish to express our gratitude to the Partnership for Air Matters for their professionalism and care with NTAA’s Executive Committee to release this BNA today!

ABOUT THE SURVEY:

The National Tribal Air Association invites you to participate in a baseline needs assessment of Tribal air quality funding needs, issues and priorities. All Tribes are encouraged to submit their survey.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

  1. What’s the Purpose of the Survey? The information you provide will enable NTAA to comprehensively describe Tribal ambient and indoor air quality funding needs. This information will then be used to identify the range of Tribal air quality funding needs and priorities and build Tribal air quality management
  2. Is it Voluntary? Yes! Your participation in this survey is voluntary and you are free to decline to answer any question you do not wish to
  3. How Long Will It Take? The survey will take between 15 – 20 minutes to
  4. Is There an Incentive? Actually yes! The first 50 respondents to submit a completed survey will receive a $10 Starbucks or $10 Amazon gift card. (This is made possible through the donation of an NTAA non-profit partner, not federal funds.)
  5. What if My Internet is Connection is Poor? We are happy to conduct the survey with you by telephone. If you would like to take the survey by phone, please email Sydney Janssen at [email protected] to set up a time, or call 800-717-2118, Ext. 105
  6. What if I am Not Familiar to Air Quality? If you would like to familiarize yourself with air quality funding sources and concepts mentioned in the survey, please review the glossary PDF.
  7. When Does the Survey Close? The survey closes on Friday, October 29th at 5:00pm Pacific Standard

 

TO BEGIN THE SURVEY, CLICK HERE. (If the link does not automatically open, please cut and paste this link into your

browser: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6420470/NTAA-Baseline-Needs- Assessment). You can also find the survey on NTAA’s website here.

 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

E&E News- Spending vote Monday as agencies prepare for possible shutdown

U.S. EPA – EPA Now Hosting Biweekly National Environmental Justice Community Engagement Calls

HCN – Federal judge allows excavation work on Native massacre site

The Verge – Babies’ poop has way higher levels of microplastics than adults’

Tribal Tribune – Reintroducing Salmon back to their native habitat

NPR – Northern California Has Been Hit With A Startling Increase Of Wildfire Smoke

NPR – The Cherokee Nation Has Agreed To A $75 Million Settlement With Opioid Distributors

High Country News – 6 things you should know about the 2021 Native American Voting Rights Act

The Hill – Native American tribes call for ‘immediate action’ to protect Bears Ears National Monument: report

Here’s your link to this week’s NACAA Washington Update.

Climate Change/Energy

NPR – Children Born In 2020 Will Experience Up To 7 Times More Extreme Climate Events

The Guardian – COP26: Women must be heard on climate, says rights groups

U.S. EPA – U.S. Will Dramatically Cut Climate-Damaging Greenhouse Gases with New Program Aimed at Chemicals Used in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration

Washington Post – Young climate activists join Greta Thunberg for first major Fridays for Future strikes of pandemic

The Guardian – Children set for more climate disasters than their grandparents, research shows

The Hill – Pelosi says it would be a ‘dereliction of duty’ if infrastructure goes in ‘wrong direction’ on climate

NPR – Oregon Has A New Plan To Protect Homes From Wildfire. Homebuilders Are Pushing Back.

Ensia – Desalination has guided water exchanges for Israel and Jordan. Could it play a role in the Colorado River Basin’s future?

NY Times – Bitcoin Uses More Electricity Than Many Countries. How Is That Possible?

MarketWatch – 2015 methane-gas blowout near Los Angeles leads to settlement of up to $1.8 billion

Toxics/Mobile Sources

High Country News – Wild rice sues to stop oil pipeline

The Hill – 21 states urge Biden to consider stricter car emissions rules than proposed

NY Times – After Hurricane Ida, Oil Infrastructure Springs Dozens of Leaks

PHYS.org – Microbial ‘theft’ enables breakdown of methane, toxic methylmercury

E&E – What China’s coal phaseout means for the world

E&E – Oil States Brace For Biden Methane Rule

Reuters – GM backs vehicle emissions reductions goals in EPA proposal

Indoor Air Quality

NY Times – How Bad Indoor Air Quality Can Affect Your Brain

Livescience.com – What is the Air Quality Index?

Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins

 

2021-09-29T19:10:37+00:00September 29th, 2021|TOP STORIES & HEADLINES|
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