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Announcements 2005

Archive of events and news of interest to those who live and work in Indian Country, including training, conferences, workshops and TribalAIR news.

Recent Announcements | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

11/16/05

Two $50,000 Grants Available (Update)

EPA has officially announced the availability of two $50,000 grants to facilitate state/local/tribal innovative approaches to reducing air pollution through the demonstration of new programs, technologies, and strategies.

The official announcement can be found at www.epa.gov/oar/grants_funding.html#0522. The application deadline is January 6, 2006. Questions should be directed to David Cole of EPA at (919) 541-5565.

09/09/05

Two $50,000 Grants Available

EPA announces the availability of two $50,000 grants to facilitate state/local/tribal innovative approaches to reducing air pollution through the demonstration of new programs, technologies, and strategies. Grant proposal selection criteria will include innovation, immediate significance, long-term significance, project feasibility, budget, communications plan and performance measures. Grant proposals – to be no more than four pages – must include a short descriptive title, problem statement, project description, budget and communication plan; identify a lead organization, key participants and funding sources; and describe expected benefits and how the methodology can or will be transferred to others.

A description of this grant opportunity was provided to attendees of the Air Innovations conference August 24-26, 2005. The application deadline is extended beyond September 30, 2005; we will post more details about the schedule for submittal of applications at the Office of Air and Radiation Grants page. In the meantime, applicants can be working on their submittals. Questions should be directed to David Cole of EPA at (919) 541-5565.

07/19/05

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Training for Tribal Professionals

The American Lung Association Health House Program is conducting a Hands-On IAQ Training for Tribal Professionals on August 29 - September 2, 2005 at Bois Forte (Fortune Bay Resort and Casino) located in Tower, MN. This 5-day session is geared toward Cold Climate practices. By attending you will learn about:

For more information and to register, visit The American Lung Association Health House Web site Exit EPA disclaimer

Future sessions covering Hot/Humid, Hot/Dry, and Mixed climates will be held in locations to be determined. If you're interested in hosting a session, please contact Angie Lien at 651-268-7602 or angie.lien@healthhouse.org

07/12/05

The Virgil Masayesva Native American Environmental Education Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund has been established at Northern Arizona University in recognition of Virgil Masayesva and his tireless pursuit to advance Native American environmental education and protection issues around the country. The principal purpose of the fund is to support qualified Native American students who are pursuing environmental careers, and others who are committed to careers associated with environmental protection of Indian Country.

To help raise funds for the scholarship, the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) is offering prints of Stacy Talahytewa's artwork honoring Vigil's contribution to tribes for donations of $35.00 or more. Art prints are matted 8 1/2 x 11 and include art interpretation. ITEP hopes to bring this beautiful artwork to the lives of many people to memorialize the man whose dedication and perseverance has made such a difference in the development of tribal environmental issues and programs nationwide.

A description of the artwork, information about the artist, and information about the scholarship fund are available at http://www4.nau.edu/itep/virgil/scholarship.asp Exit EPA disclaimer

For more information please contact:
Naomi Yazzie
Phone: 928/523-0673
Email: Naomi.Yazzie@nau.edu

06/16/05

Tribal Monitoring Strategy Work Group

The Tribal Monitoring Strategy Work Group will hold the first of a series of meetings on Monday, June 20 at 1 pm eastern time. We are inviting tribal environmental professionals, particularly those doing monitoring, to join us to draft a document which will be specific to tribes (or a part of the National Air Monitoring Strategy). The workgoup will meet every 3-4 weeks until November. A smaller drafting group will meet more frequently.

On the first call we will discuss the purpose of this strategy, which might be to better inform both EPA and tribal staff about the unique needs of tribes for air quality data; the sufficiency of available resources relative to needs; a resource to be used by tribes to determine their need for monitoring and to prepare work plans and grant applications; to be used by tribes to conduct monitoring, and as a resource to understand monitoring data. A draft outline has been prepared to start the discussion.

If you would like to be a part of this effort, please contact Julie McClintock at mcclintock.julie@epa.gov.

Draft Outline (PDF, 4 pp, 14 KB)

05/26/05

Clean School Bus USA Assistance Agreements

Funding is available for school districts, including federally recognized Indian tribes which operate schools, for retrofit and/or replacement projects that reduce pollution from school buses through the use of EPA verified or certified and/or California Air Resources Board verfiied pollution reduction technologies. For more information go to the Grants and Funding page: http://www.epa.gov/oar/grants_funding.html#0513

Fact Sheet (PDF, 1 pp, 86 KB)

05/26/05

SIP Training courses for Tribes

EPA, the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) and the National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) are providing SIP training workshops for tribal professionals. The course work will cover how SIPs are developed and how to improve air quality in Indian country by working with states. Participants can attend at no cost. Tribes can apply at this web address: http://projects.pechan.com/epa/tribalworkshops/index.htm

05/26/05

SIP Credit for Bundled Measures

EPA is developing a "SIP Credit for Bundled Measures Policy" (draft, PDF, 43 pp, 2564 KB) in response to number 3.11 of the Air Quality Management recommendations (to respond to the National Academy of Sciences report on air). We are interested in feedback from the tribes, state and local air agencies on the draft of the guidance. Please send comments to David Solomon solomon.david@epa.gov

The Tribal Air call is held monthly for interested Tribes to ask questions and give input on EPA policies and rules. This month's call was held Tuesday, May 24 at 1:30 eastern time . The Bundled Measure Draft document was discussed during this call. Contact Julie McClintock at mcclintock.julie@epa.gov or Stephen Hartsfield at shartsfield@ntec.org for minutes on this call. Watch this page for announcements of future calls.

05/02/05

National Clean Diesel Campaign Demonstration Assistance Agreements - Grant Competition

This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals from eligible entities for partnership projects that demonstrate the applicability and feasibility of implementation of EPA and/or California Air Resources Board verified (or certified) pollution reduction retrofit technologies in nonroad vehicles and equipment such as those used in construction or port-related activities. Eligible activities include the use of verified pollution control technologies or innovative uses of verified pollution control technologies in nonroad diesel vehicles and equipment in public, tribal or privately owned fleets. Diesel engine/vehicle/equipment replacements or the application of cleaner fuels are also eligible.

Applications will only be accepted from state, local, multi-state, and tribal agencies, and other non-profit organizations. The total estimated funding for this project is up to $800,000. EPA anticipates award of eight to twelve cooperative agreements, each ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, resulting from this announcement.

EPA requests notification of intent to apply by May 27, 2005. Complete applications must be submitted and received no later than July 1, 2005.

04/15/05

Workshop Announcement: How to Participate in the SIP Process

Purpose of training's: Since State Implementation Plans do not apply in Indian country, this creates a gap for air quality protection for Indian country. EPA is building tribal capacity so tribes can develop programs to fill this gap. Therefore State air quality will have the biggest impact on tribal air quality. Tribes will find it useful to learn about SIPs and how they are developed because their air quality is affected by pollution. ITEP and NTAA are assisting EPA to develop and presenting the course. For more information, please download this brochure (194 KB PDF).

04/12/05

EPA Empowering Communities to Reduce Risks from Toxic Exposure

EPA is launching a new grant program to help communities understand and reduce the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. CARE (Community Action for a Renewed Environment) is a new and unique community-based, community-driven, multimedia demonstration program. Through CARE, EPA is offering financial and technical assistance to help communities understand and reduce risks caused by toxics from multiple sources. The CARE program will award $1.65 million through two levels of funding. Under Level I, communities will receive approximately $75,000 to establish collaborative partnerships and set priorities for reducing toxic risks in their environments. Level II offers approximately $300,000 to communities that already have a broad-based collaborative partnership, have identified priorities, and are ready to implement risk reduction strategies. A total of ten projects will be funded nationally in FYO5. Applications are due May 20. To obtain an application or for more information about CARE, visit www.epa.gov/CARE.

04/12/05

2004 Clean Air Excellence Award

Congratulations to the Mohegan Environmental Protection Department, recipients of a 2004 Clean Air Excellence Award for their Mohegan Integrated Emission Reductions Program. The Mohegan Environmental Protection Department collaborated with the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino to develop a comprehensive environmental policy to reduce pollution and increase energy efficiency. This program has implemented a myriad of pollution reduction strategies which span the areas of building energy, transportation, and materials management in a holistic systems approach to environmental management. Building energy systems employ co-generation, fuel cells, electrolytic hydrogen generators, solar panels and a ground-source heat pump HVAC. Transportation efficiencies are enhanced by: replacing Reservation Security Department vehicles with gas-electric hybrid automobiles and bicycles and assisting with financing for a school bus retrofit program in the nearby City of Norwich. Waste management is guided by a pollution prevention (P2) policy that eliminates emissions from the combustion of solid waste; low VOC paints; green purchasing; and infrared scanning of buildings to detect and remedy heat loss.

For information about other winners, visit http://www.epa.gov/air/caaac/2004awar.html

04/04/05

Apply for Smart Growth Implementation Assistance!

After learning about the principles of smart growth, many communities are asking "How do we get from the principles to practice? This could really help my community -- but how do we do it?" EPA is offering an opportunity to apply for free technical assistance that will help you apply smart growth principles to a real challenge in your community.  

The Development, Community and Environment Division in U.S. EPA's Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation is seeking applications from communities that want to develop in ways that meet environmental and other community goals. A team of multidisciplinary experts will provide technical assistance to communities that are selected.

Communities around the country are interested in fostering economic development, protecting their environmental resources, enhancing public health, and planning for growth, but they may lack the tools, resources, or information to achieve these goals. EPA can help communities overcome these roadblocks by providing evaluation tools and expert analysis.

EPA is soliciting applications from communities that want help with either policy analysis (e.g., reviewing state and local codes, school siting guidelines, transportation policies, etc.) or public participatory processes (e.g., visioning, alternatives analysis, build-out analysis, etc.). Selected communities will receive assistance from a team of experts organized by EPA and other national partners to work with local leaders.

For more information and application materials, please go to: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sg_implementation.htm

03/23/05

To EPA Tribal Air Coordinators (TAC) and Emission Inventory Contacts:

Please read the following announcement below announcing the "Tribal Community: Reducing Toxic Air Pollutants Project (RFA). Please pay reference to the key dates regarding conference calls, deliverables and etc.

Office of Radiation & Indoor Air
RFA# OAR-ORIA-05-07 - Closing Date: May 4, 2005

“Tribal Community: Reducing Toxic Air Pollutants Project (RFA)”
This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits applications from eligible entities for projects to conduct education, training and outreach on the application of voluntary methods that effectively reduce the risk of human exposure to both indoor and outdoor toxic air pollutants in Tribal communities. EPA anticipates that Tribal community(s) members will collaborate with various Tribal government and non-government agencies, organizations, and stakeholders to conduct education, training, or outreach to reduce Tribal exposure to toxic air pollutants from indoor and outdoor sources. Request for Applications (RFA) - Initial Announcement (165 KB, 15 pp., PDF)
The on-line websites where the RFA can be viewed:

http://www.epa.gov/air/grants_funding.html#0507
http://fedgrants.gov/Applicants/EPA/postdate_1.html

B. Christopher "Chris" Griffin
U.S. EPA/Indoor Environments Division
Ph. (202) 343-9421
Fax (202) 343-2391
E-mail: griffin.chris@epa.gov

Mail Address:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Indoor Environments Division (IED)
1310 L Street, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20002

03/01/05

Tribal Energy Program Summer Internship Program

Background: The Tribal Energy Program promotes tribal energy self-sufficiency, economic development and employment on tribal lands through the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

Eligibility: Current college upper-classmen and graduate students, who are familiar with Native American culture and tribal issues, are needed to support the Tribal Energy Program efforts with technical project tasks. Students are needed to assist a cross-disciplinary team to perform specific tasks. Interactions will be with Sandia’s renewable energy staff, Native American tribes interested in renewable systems and Sandia’s American Indian Outreach Committee. Instant immersion in these activities is offered in working directly with experienced and internationally recognized peers. Travel will be required, including field visits to renewable energy projects. Required: As authorized by the Tribal Energy Program, the student interns must be US Citizens and Native American. Specific interest in renewable energy is required.

Application (78KB, 2pp., PDF)

For more information contact:
Sandra K. Begay-Campbell
Sandia National Laboratories
P.O. Box 5800, M/S 0708
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-0708

Telephone: (505) 844-5418
Fax Number: (505) 844-6541
skbegay@sandia.gov

03/01/05

Research Applications Solicited by The Mickey Leland National Urban Air Toxics Research Center

The Mickey Leland National Urban Air Toxics Research Center (NUATRC) is soliciting research applications under its Request for Application (RFA 2005-01) on short-term research studies dealing with the association between non-cancer health effects and exposures to air toxics resulting from proximity to vehicular traffic. NUATRC seeks to support studies that will contribute to the achievement of its goals, which are to identify and address the public health risks associated with urban air toxics.

The NUATRC is interested in innovative projects that are hypothesis driven and designed to test the relationship between exposures to air toxics and proximity to vehicular traffic and potential adverse non-cancer health effects resulting from these exposures. The health effects of interest are those affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune systems. The air toxics of interest are one or more of the 33 chemicals listed as priority air toxics in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Integrated Urban Air Toxics Strategy (FRL-6157-2; Docket No. A-97-44) and the National Scale Air Toxics Assessment and those that are uniquely mobile source related. Emphasis on criteria pollutants will be considered non-responsive to the RFA. All proposals must include state of the art health measures for evaluating potential health effects in relation to air toxics exposure. Respondents should also propose strategies to clarify the relevant exposures.

A cost reimbursable contract will be awarded for a three-year project period. Total funds for each three-year project may not exceed $500,000. Indirect costs are limited to a maximum of 20% of direct costs. It is anticipated that one or two awards will be made in response to the RFA.

A full-text copy of the RFA can be downloaded from http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/mleland.
To receive a hard copy of the RFA, please contact:
The Mickey Leland National Urban Air Toxics Research Center
P.O. Box 20286
Houston, Texas 77225-0286

Telephone: (713) 500-3450
Fax Number: (713) 500-0345

01/13/05

National Air Quality Conference

Program Overview
EPA's National Air Quality Conference is a must for federal, state, tribal, and local air pollution organizations, metropolitan planning organizations, environmental organizations, and industry. This annual meeting provides a unique opportunity to learn the latest information on air quality mapping and forecasting, the Air Quality Index (AQI) and your health, and innovative outreach programs. Come to share your experiences and learn about more effective ways to ensure the public has timely, accurate air quality information to make choices about how to protect their health. For complete information visit www.airnow.gov .

This year's conference will feature an expanded air quality monitoring section, which will include presentations and discussion on implementation of the National Monitoring Strategy. Topics to be addressed may include: 1) The latest implementation schedule; 2) EPA's trace gas analyzer laboratory and field study; 3) Enhanced data management and reporting to AIRNow; 4) Development of potential new equivalency criteria for Class III PM2.5 continuous monitors; and 5) Other projects to support State, local and Tribal monitoring agencies.

Why You Should Attend:

Who Should Attend?

01/12/05

Introduction to Environmental Statistics

Is a series of web casts on data analysis topics related to air pollution. The first 3 modules are available at: http://www.uic.edu/sph/eohs_webcasts.htm Exit EPA disclaimer . There is no registration required, and the web casts are available to be used at anytime. There is an email link on the website that allows the user to submit questions related to the material in the course.

This series is taught by Dr. Peter Scheff of the University of Illinois at Chicago. These are the first in a series of 9 modules which will be released throughout the course of 2005. Modules 4 and 5 will be ready in February and March.

If you have further questions or to provide feedback on the modules, please contact Mike Letke letke.michael@epa.gov .

01/03/05

As a follow on to the Native American Anemometer Loan Program, Wind Powering America (WPA) expects to soon be offering 40-meter and 50-meter anemometer towers for loan to Native American tribes and Native Alaska Villages.

WPA is set to inherit six tall tower anemometers from a Department of Defense wind monitoring effort that is scheduled to wind down over the next year. WPA currently doesn't have the anemometers. Earliest availability is estimated to be spring of 2005, but we encourage applicants to apply now. Applications received through February 18th will be considered first. After that, applications will be processed on a first come, first served, basis. Due to the limited number of available tall tower anemometers and the expense and effort required to properly site and install them, the lending criteria will be much more stringent than for the 20-meter towers. Applicants must have a well-developed project concept. Also, applicants must be able to pay for installation and dismantling of the tower ($6,000 - $10,000). Please contact Tony Jimenez for application materials or with any questions. Again, applications received prior to February 18th, will be considered first.

Tony Jimenez
National Wind Technology Center
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
1617 Cole Blvd. (MS3811)
Golden, CO 80401
Tony_Jimenez@nrel.gov

phone: 303-384-7027
fax: 303-384-7097

12/02/04

Cenrap SIP/TIP Training Notification

The Central Regional Air Planning Association (CENRRAP) is hosting a SIP/TIP training January 11-13th 2005 in Oklahoma City. This training is open to all interested Tribes. The training is of no cost to the attendee, the only costs being travel to training, food, and lodging. This is a great opportunity for a free training on this complex issue with Tribal instructors who have been through the process. Please sign up soon as the deadline is December 27th. You can sign up electronically and get more information at CENRAP.org Exit EPA disclaimer or by calling the CENRAP office at 405-378-7377. Attached is the draft agenda for the course. More information can be found online.

Draft agenda (31KB, 3pp., PDF)

 

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