UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!

NTAA Upcoming Calls

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

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

 

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP)

Click Here for ITEP’s new Tribal Environmental Management and Planning Online Courses. Sign up for a self-paced course hosted by ITEP’s Waste and Response and Tribal Air Quality programs.

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

 AIAQTP Schedule and Registration 

Ambient Air Quality/EPA/NTAA/Tribes

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

The new materials include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

REMINDER! Methane Emissions Reduction Program Listening Sessions

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

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

Listening Session Details

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

REMINDER! 2023 Tribal Environmental Health Forum

Elevating Traditional Knowledge to Achieve Environmental Health Justice in Indigenous Communities

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

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

Where: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Events Center

15406 N Maricopa Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85139

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

Sponsored by: The Indigenous Resilience (IRes) Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

The following criteria will be used to evaluate nominees:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

Climate Change / Energy

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

Wednesday, April 26, 2023 

10:00-11:30 pm (Alaska) 

11:00-12:30 pm (Pacific/MST/AZ) 

12:00-1:30 pm (MDT/NN) 

1:00-2:30 pm (Central) 

2:00-3:30 pm (Eastern) 

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

Confirmed Guest Speakers:  

– Robert Knapp, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe  

– Jade Begay, NDN Collective  

– Pat Childers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Register Here

 

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

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

 

Toxics/Mobile Sources 

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

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

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

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

*Contest rules

 

REMINDER! The Green Transportation & Summit Expo (GTSE)

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Indoor Air Quality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Environmental Justice

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

NOW HIRING!

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

USAJOBS – Job Announcement

Title: Environmental Protection Specialist

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

Promotional Potential: 12

Location of Position: Durham, NC

Position Type: Permanent

Opening Date: 04/24/2023

Closing Date: 05/01/2023

Number of vacancies 2

 

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

Water Quality Specialist – Animas River Coordinator

Air Quality Planner

Senior Air Quality Compliance Specialist

Assistant Environmental Programs Manager

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

 

REMINDER! Your Opportunity to Restore Ecosystems and Connect Cultures!

Anticipated term June 2023-May 2025

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

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

 

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

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

Food Systems Specialist

Water Resources Specialist

 

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

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

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