UPCOMING CALLS/EVENTS/ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES/NOTICES!
NTAA Upcoming Calls
Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu if you have any questions about any call! NTAA will be transitioning to Zoom. 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,
March 16, 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, April 6, 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! | March 29,
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 usually on the last Thursday of every month unless it falls on a national holiday. Contact Carolyn.Kelly@nau.edu to join the call! | Thursday, March 30, 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, April 13, 10 am AK or 2 pm ET |
NEW! Introducing “NEW” ITEP Grants Office Hours
March 21, 2021
10:30-12:30 PM AKDT, 11:30-1:30 PM PDT, 12:30-2:30 PM MDT, 1:30-3:30 PM CDT, 2:30-4:30 PM EDT
Join in the discussion via Zoom:
https://nau.zoom.us/j/6590963943?pwd=bVlhWEZpa2pEajdvSFRQMjRxc05PZz09
Zoom meeting ID: 659 096 3943 Password: AIAQTP
ITEP realized tribal nations rely on grants to get tribal air efforts accomplished. This newly established office hour will offer a regularly scheduled forum to provide updates from EPA and ITEP and provide a chance for tribal environmental staff to vet grant related issues with other tribes, ITEP and EPA. For this inaugural session a showing of a prerecorded “Get Grant Ready” grants overview will be followed by a 1 hour open grants office hour. Please join us with your Questions.
- Welcome – Pat Childers, EPA, OAR Tribal Program Manager– 5 minutes
- Get Grant Ready – 0verview of Justice 40 and Grant Process 1 hour (previously recorded)
- FINAL Competition Process Recording – YouTube– recording can be viewed prior
- Comments and J40 overview – Dr. Jalonne White-Newsome -CEQ, Senior Director for Environmental Justice
- Competitive Grants Process – Elizabeth January -EPA, Acting Grants Competition Advocate
- ITEP Grants Office Hour
- Julie Milazzo, National Grants Training Coordinator, Pat Childers, and EPA Regional Tribal Air Coordinators and ITEP staff respond to Tribe’s questions on grants
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
Interagency Wildland Fire Resource Advisor Course (N-9042)
WHEN: April 10 – June 16: Online Self-Study
May 17, 18, 23: Live Webinar Sessions (one session required)
WHAT: This introductory course provides participants with the background to serve as Resource Advisors during wildland fires. Resource Advisors work with Incident Management Teams and fireline personnel to minimize the impacts of wildland fire and fire management actions on natural, cultural, and social resources. Resource Advisors also provide critical support for the repair of fire suppression damages, identification and mitigation of threats caused by wildfires (e.g., Burned Area Emergency Response [BAER]), and long-term post-fire ecosystem recovery. This training meets the standards of the
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Resource Advisor course (N-9042).
For More Information, email Carolyn.kelly@nau.edu for the full flyer
REMINDER! You are invited to participate in EPA Region 10’s 2023 Smoke Management in the Northwest Conference.
- When: April 18-20, 2023
- Tuesday April 18, 1:30 – 5:00 pm PT, Wednesday April 19, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm PT, Thursday April 20, 8:30 am – 12:00 pm PT
- Where: Seattle, Washington in the EPA Region 10 Office and virtual via Microsoft Teams. Hotel room block information to follow.
- Who: All who are interested in issues related to wildfire smoke, forest management, air quality, and public health
- Cost: Free
- How to register: Register via Ticketleap today!
- Additional background:
- EPA Region 10, along with help from private and public partners, has grown this thriving meeting for many years to address evolving needs.
- Last year, the meeting was 100% virtual with over 300 people participating. Materials and recordings of last year’s sessions are available here.
- The meeting is an opportunity to meet and learn from professionals on air quality, land management, community engagement, public health, academic, and a range of other wildfire smoke related issues.
- There will be a mix of session formats including presentations, panel discussions, break-out sessions, and interactive exercises.
REMINDER! The Particulate Matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) reconsideration proposal has published in the Federal Register. The public comment period is open from January 27 to March 28.
**NTAA is currently working on a Tribal template letter for this; more info will be shared once complete**
REMINDER! The Tribal Healthy Homes Network is seeking Tribal insights on the ways you are working to protect Elders when climate events impact them inside their homes (e.g., wildfire smoke, high heat, and Ozone events). Your information will help other Tribes to create solutions, and will help inform their Spring, 2023 seminar: “Climate-Ready Housing for Tribal Elders.”
Please, take 3 minutes to fill out the survey. All participants receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card, courtesy of Partnership for Air Matters. Click here to take the survey:
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7084851/Tribal-Elders-Climate-Response-Survey
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 closes on March 30th. 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! The Residential Wood Smoke Training Workshop April 11-13, 2023
Registration: The Residential Wood Smoke Training Workshop registration is now open, please take a moment to register. The Registration site will allow you to register for the in-person workshop or virtually. If you are likely to join in person, please register in that manner and if you end up not being able to attend in-person, then we can simply modify your status. Seating is limited so register now.
Draft Agenda, Topics & Speakers: We have very robust list of topics we will cover during the Workshop and are currently finalizing speakers, the length of each session and determining what topics will be covered on what days.
Transportation: From the Denver Airport we recommend taking a train to Denver Union Station which is ½ mile from the hotel: Take the “A-line Train” from the airport, distance is 24 miles/45 minutes and cost $10.50 – each way. Also, please include in your travel cost funds to transport yourself on Tuesday afternoon (4/11) about 10 miles from the EPA Region 8 building to and from the “Fireplace Warehouse Denver” which is our field trip destination. Options will be to share a ride with others likely via Uber, Lyft or taxi with an estimated cost of $20 – $25 per vehicle.
Meeting Location: The location of the meeting is EPA Region 8 offices, 1595 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202.
Optional Evening Networking Events: We are in the planning phase for one or two evening events where you will have the opportunity to network with your colleagues. The Alliance for Green Heat is hosting an event on Wednesday evening and will likely include dinner, dessert, and a variety of drink choices. Cost is TBD, likely around $25. More to come.
Keep in mind we have not had this Workshop in over three years and it’s hard to say when we will have another opportunity to meet in person. With the PM2.5 NAAQS possibly being lowered and the unprecedented funds available through the Inflation Reduction Act, I hope you will join us in Denver. Please share this information with others and feel free to reach out if you have questions.
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
NEW! EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: noncompetitive planning grants webinar for tribes, tribal consortia, and U.S. Territories webinar: https://mediaspace.nau.edu/media/EPA%E2%80%99s+Climate+Pollution+Reduction+GrantsA+noncompetitive+planning+grants+webinar+for+tribes%2C+tribal+consortia%2C+and+U.S.+Territories/1_iumhr8to
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
Regional Tribal Environmental Health Summits
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to host a series of regional summits on the topic of environmental health in Indian Country. Each summit will feature Tribal leaders, environmental health practitioners, subject matter experts, and federal partners engaging on topics relevant to each region. A total of eight summits will be held between 2022 and 2024. The goal of each summit is to connect people from different backgrounds and Tribes, communities, federal agencies, Tribal organizations and state and local entities to address various environmental health and environmental justice issues of mutual concern across all regions as well as issues specific to individual regions. The first confirmed summit is May 1 – May 2, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.
Toxics/Mobile Sources
REMINDER! Webinar for The National Electric Vehicle Initiative for Tribal Nations
You are invited to join the Economic Development, Energy, and Infrastructure Committee of the White House Council on Native American Affairs to discuss the National Electric Vehicle Initiative for Tribal Nations on Wednesday, March 15th, from 3 – 4:30 pm Eastern Time.
This meeting will provide an overview of this new initiative to ensure that Tribal Nations are part of the EV future of the country. The meeting will include an overview of the federal resources for EV development to be equitably shared and supportive of Tribal economies towards the physical buildout of a national EV network that includes Tribal lands and Native communities. This meeting will be facilitated and hosted by the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals’ Tribal Clean Transportation Program.
This event is free and open to the public on Wednesday, March 15 from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm ET. You can register and attend by clicking here:
https://nau.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UkB2wjZ5S7icuW0wgSqNmA
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 as 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 |
| April 6, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT | Register here |
| 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.
REMINDER! Announcing the 2023 National Air Toxics Conference April 18-20, 2023 for your consideration for attending and/or presenting!
More details are available at the website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/save-the-date-2023-national-air-toxics-conference-tickets-473488295237.
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). If you are interested in requesting government-to-government consultation with EPA during the pre-proposal period, please contact Regina Chappell at (919) 541-3650 or email at chappell.regina@epa.gov. Please contact us before February 3, 2023, to request the consultation. EPA will strive to accommodate the requests as time and resources permit. Tribes may also 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
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.
Available Now: An Introduction to Radon Gas in Homes Webinar Recording
EPA’s Indoor Environments Division recently hosted a webinar to provide an overview of the key basic facts of radon – what it is, what it does to us, how we measure it, how we reduce our exposure, and where to find resources and additional information. A recording of An Introduction to Radon Gas in Homes is now available online. The recorded webinar features a presentation by Bruce Snead, Director of Engineering Extension at Kansas State University, and director of the National Radon Program Services effort for EPA since 2009.
EPA: A Fact Sheet for Tribes on State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants
EPA’s Indoor Environments Division is pleased to announce the State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program Fact Sheet. This fact sheet has information on SIRG eligibility, matching requirements, allowable activities, EPA contacts, and more. EPA works collaboratively and values our Tribal partnership to support healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) in Tribal communities. We work together to develop tools and resources that address the health and the safety of Tribal members when it comes to indoor air quality.
Please visit the Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities or State Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program and Resources pages to learn more and download the fact sheet.
Be sure to subscribe to CodeTalk, HUD’s Office of Native American Programs newsletter, for webinars and opportunities!
Environmental Justice
National Environmental Justice Community Engagement Call: March 21, 2023
EPA invites Environmental Justice (EJ) advocates to participate in the next National Environmental Justice Community Engagement Call taking place on March 21, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time). These calls are free and open to the public. Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/585626132527
Agenda:
- EPA OEJECR Leadership Updates
- Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR) Hiring Event and Environmental Protection Network (EPN)
- Q&A Dialogue
This call will focus on upcoming hiring announcements. The positions that will be opening are related to EJ policy integration, program development, internal coordination, and support of EJ priorities. Positions will include entry level opportunities. Join our call to learn more about becoming part of our team!
The purpose of these calls is to inform the community and other stakeholders about EPA’s EJ work and enhance opportunities to maintain an open dialogue with EJ advocates. Please email farrell.ericka@epa.gov by March 17, 2023 to request reasonable accommodation for a disability or interpreter services in a language other than English, so that you can participate in the call and/or to request a translation of any of the event documents into a language other than English. For more information about the National Environmental Justice Community Engagement Calls, please email farrell.ericka@epa.gov
Recordings and meeting materials for all calls are posted here: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/national-environmental-justice-community-engagement-calls
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is interested in hearing from overburdened and underserved communities and other key stakeholders about potential requirements under development to address pollution from Large Municipal Waste Combustors (LMWC)
On Tuesday, March 21, 2023 @ 5:00-6:00PM (EST), EPA will host a roundtable to hear directly from communities regarding air pollution from the LMWC source category. During this roundtable, EPA will present background information on the industry and plans for an upcoming rulemaking, then open the discussion for questions from the public.
The EPA is developing a proposed rulemaking to review the Clean Air Act (CAA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emission Guidelines (EG) for the LMWC source category (40 CFR part 60, subpart Eb, and 40 CFR part 60, subpart Cb, respectively). The rulemaking will impact owners and operators of LWMCs, including units that are owned and operated by state and local entities. These regulations were issued under Section 129 of the CAA which requires EPA to establish standards of performance for non-hazardous solid waste incinerators. The LMWC source category encompasses incinerators that combust greater than 250 tons per day of municipal solid waste. Additional background information can be found HERE.
In addition, as EPA develops this action, we have opened a pre-proposal public docket where you can submit written comments at https://www.regulations.gov/, Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0920. This docket will be open for public comment until June 6, 2023. The EPA will also provide a separate opportunity for public comment on any future proposed rulemaking for LMWCs through a formal comment period, which would be announced in the Federal Register notice of the proposed rulemaking.
Although open to the public, this event will include information tailored to environmental justice communities and professionals. This virtual event is FREE and open to the public. This event will be held using Microsoft Teams, and a toll-free call-in number is also available.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Date: Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (EST)
Audience: Communities and other Key Stakeholders
We will be using Microsoft Teams for this event. You will have the option of joining by either a computer link or by telephone (not both).
Microsoft Teams meeting Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Click here to join the meeting
- Meeting ID: 212 443 517 560
Passcode: CFggy6
Download Teams | Join on the web
- Join with a video conferencing device
sip:teams@video.epa.gov
Video Conference ID: 113 876 388 8
- Or call in (audio only)
+1 202-991-0477,,943778167# United States, Washington DC
Phone Conference ID: 943 778 167#
Find a local number | Reset PIN
For all EPA meetings, there is no expectation of privacy regarding any communications. Participation in a recorded meeting will be deemed as consent to be recorded. Information on EPA systems is the property of the Agency and may become official records.
EPA Environmental Justice recordings and meeting materials for all calls are posted here: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/national-environmental-justice-community-engagement-calls.
NOW HIRING!
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.