TOP STORIES
NY Times – New Research Links Air Pollution to Higher Coronavirus Death Rates
From the article: Coronavirus patients in areas that had high levels of air pollution before the pandemic are more likely to die from the infection than patients in cleaner parts of the country, according to a new nationwide study that offers the first clear link between long-term exposure to pollution and Covid-19 death rates.
Free Webinar Today at 3 pm EDT!
Issues Affecting Native American Communities during the COVID-19 Crisis
The American Bar Association (ABA) is hosting a number of free webinars related to Covid-19. The COVID 19 crisis is affecting Native American tribes and urban communities in ways that are unique to this population in terms of health challenges, economic impact and legal issues. This webinar will discuss how Native Americans are being impacted through this crisis both from a health perspective and an economic perspective. This webinar will be segmented into three parts: (1) First, there will be discussion of the provisions in the stimulus packages that are directed to Native communities; (2) Second, the panelists will discuss the unique health and operational challenges in both rural and urban Native communities; and (3) Finally, this webinar will address the economic and legal impact both in the short-term and long-term in tribal communities.
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Register here. More information is available here.
The NTAA Requests Photos of Air Quality Work from Member Tribes
The NTAA is putting out a request for Member Tribes to send in photos to use on the cover of the 2020 Status of Tribal Air Report (STAR) that highlight work being done to improve air quality. Photos may include air monitoring equipment, staff completing assessments, education/outreach, clean energy development, clean mobility efforts, or any other air quality related image. Please include photo credit and send images to Dara.Marks-Marino@nau.edu by April 23.
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) – COVID-19 Resources for Indian Country
HEADLINES
Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes
EPA – EPA Announces Extended Comment Period on Supplement to Science Transparency Proposed Rule
Editor’s Note: NTAA recorded an informational webinar for Tribes yesterday on this proposal that can be found on NTAA’s Policy Resource Kit website here.
Cronkite News – EPA defends plan to ease compliance requirements in face of coronavirus
NPR – As Coronavirus Cases Rise, Navajo Nation Tries To Get Ahead Of Pandemic
Colorlines – Native Americans Fight Multiple COVID-19 Crises
Tribal Tribune – Need something to do while stuck at home? Get ready for fire season with these suggestions
E&E News – Pandemic stalls water, tribal lands cases indefinitely
National Association of Clean Air Agencies – Washington Update
Climate Change/Energy
Yes! Magazine – Saving People from Coronavirus Can Teach Us How to Do the Same for Climate Change
Carbon Brief – Coronavirus: What could lifestyle changes mean for tackling climate change?
NPR – Pandemic Delays International Climate Change Negotiations
E&E News – Carbon Capture: EPA issues rule for CO2 injection
Toxics/Mobile Sources
The Hill – EPA loses case seeking modeling behind Obama mileage rollback
NY Times – Trump Calls New Fuel Economy Rule a Boon. Some Experts See Steep Costs.
AP – Cleanup of US nuclear waste takes back seat as virus spreads
The Hill – Advocates raise questions about proposal to allow some nuclear waste to be disposed in landfills
Indoor Air Quality
Oregon Live – 5 ways to improve indoor air quality, thwart respiratory illnesses
Huffpost – Cleaning Your Home for Coronavirus? Don’t Forget Your Indoor Air.
Be sure to subscribe to EPA’s IAQ Bulletins
