Announcements 2013

Find out about events and news of interest to those who live and work in Indian country, including upcoming training, conferences, workshops and the latest TribalAIR news.

If you have a tribal announcement not listed on this page, please use the Contact Us link, located at the top and bottom of the page, to submit your announcement.

If you would like to be notified whenever the Announcements page is updated, register for Tribal Air Mail

Past Announcements | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

05/16/13

DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to Host Tribal Energy Development and Financing Trainings

The Tribal Energy Program, under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), is pleased to forward the following tribal training opportunities on behalf of the DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs (Office of Indian Energy).

Over the last year, the DOE Office of Indian Energy has developed a “first of its kind” series of renewable energy development education and training curriculum for tribal leaders and tribal staff. The Office of Indian Energy is pleased to announce the following upcoming dates when we will roll out and deliver this curriculum to Indian Country. Tribal leaders, project managers, and other tribal staff are encouraged to attend. This is an excellent opportunity for your organization to build internal capacity on renewable energy development and advance the benefits of renewable energy among Tribes in your region.

Tribal Renewable Energy Project Development and Finance Workshops

Commercial-Scale Development
July 9-11, 2013
Denver, Colorado

Learn about the steps necessary to develop and finance commercial-scale renewable energy projects on tribal lands. This three-day workshop briefly reviews terminology and technology before diving into the essential steps to develop a commercial-scale renewable energy project, including how to assess the project potential; determine technology options; refine the project; implement financing and construction; and plan for project operation and maintenance. Technical experts from DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will explain the materials and provide real life examples to help you gain the knowledge and confidence to embark on the path of developing a commercial-scale renewable energy project for your Tribe.

Community/Facility-Scale Development
September 16-20, 2013
Denver, Colorado

This five-day workshop begins in the afternoon on Monday and ends mid-day on Friday and will provide information on developing community- and facility-scale renewable energy on tribal lands. Similar to the above workshop on commercial-scale development, this workshop will walk you through the steps necessary to take your project from idea to reality. Developing community- and facility-scale renewable energy projects offers tremendous opportunities for increasing energy reliability, decreasing costs, and generating power for use on tribal lands. Technical experts from NREL will explain the materials, while people who have developed tribal community- and facility-scale projects will provide real-life examples to help you gain the knowledge and confidence to embark on your own path of implementing a community- or facility-scale renewable energy project for your Tribe.

Please note that there is no cost to attend the workshops, but participants will be responsible for their own lodging and travel costs. Additional information about the location and detailed agendas will be provided in the next few weeks. To RSVP for this training, email kara.thate@nrel.gov.

In preparation for the meeting, we ask that attendees watch the “Foundational Topics” on the National Training & Education Resource website. From the NTER website, search for “DOE-IE Renewable Energy Curriculum."

If you have questions, please email indianenergy@hq.doe.

Regards,
DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

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New Regulation Navigation Tool for Owners and Operators of Internal Combustion Engines

The US EPA would like to announce the availability of a new Regulation Navigation tool for owners and operators of internal combustion engines subject to the Stationary Spark Ignited and Compression Ignition Internal Combustion Engine NSPS rules (subparts JJJJ and IIII). The “Reg Nav” tool asks a series of questions, which produces a printout of the regulatory requirements for a specific engine. The tool can be found under “Implementation Information” at http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/nsps/sinsps/sinspspg.html and at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/nsps/cinsps/cinspspg.html.

The original Reg Nav tool- for the Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines NESHAP (subpart ZZZZ)-has been temporarily taken down while we update it with the recent regulatory changes. It should be up again in the next month or so, and can be found at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/rice/ricepg.html under “Implementation Information.”

Please pass this information on to anyone you think would be interested.

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ITEP is currently accepting applications for our Tribal Waste and Response Assistance Program (TWRAP) National Steering Committee

ITEP is currently accepting applications for our Tribal Waste and Response Assistance Program (TWRAP) National Steering Committee. This committee works very closely with both ITEP and USEPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) on all aspects of TWRAP. Some of the committee's activities include:

Assisting with the development and the delivery of the annual Tribal Lands and Environment Forum;
Working with ITEP in selecting topics for training courses and often serving as instructors at the courses;
Communicating with their tribal colleagues to determine tribal priorities and challenges, and share those issues to both ITEP and OSWER;
Serving as mentors to their tribal colleagues and assisting ITEP with developing tools to help tribal programs in their vital work.

In order to qualify for the steering committee applicants must be employed by a federally-recognized tribe and have experience in one or more of the following areas: solid waste management, Underground Storage Tanks, Brownfields/Tribal Response Programs, Superfund and Federal Facilities, and emergency response. Successful applicants must have their supervisor's approval to serve on the committee and be willing to attend two in-person meetings a year as well as two conference calls a year. The in-person meetings are held every November in Washington DC (so that steering committee members can meet one-on-one with their colleagues in various OSWER offices) and every May at the location of that year's Tribal Lands and Environment Forum.

Attached to this email is the application for the steering committee. If you are interested in applying please keep in mind the following:

You must complete and submit the attached application as well as your resume and up to three references;
Applications must be submitted to ITEP no later than June 24, 2013;
If you are selected, your term would start on November 1, 2013 and end on October 31, 2015.

All applications submitted prior to June 24 will be reviewed by a selection team composed of one ITEP representative, one OSWER representative, three tribal professionals, and three USEPA employees working in Regional offices. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Todd Barnell, Program Manager
Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
Tribal Solid Waste Education and Assistance Program
Tribal Waste and Response Assistance Program
928-523-3840
todd.barnell@nau.edu

Steering Committee Application 2013.pdf

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Nearly $490 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

The Tribal Energy Program, under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Reliability (EERE) is pleased to forward the following information on various funding opportunities that may be of interest to Tribes. Nearly $490 million in funding is available for state, local, and tribal governments from DOE, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Funders’ Network. The funding can be used to support climate and energy initiatives, including sustainable planning, sustainable transportation, renewable energy, and urban forestry. For full eligibility and application details, please visit the links provided below.

In addition, please visit the calendar of 2013 EPA grant opportunities that may be of particular interest to tribal communities.

***DOE Community-Scale Clean Energy Projects in Indian Country – $4.5 Million

Applications due: June 27, 2013
Eligible entities: Indian Tribes, tribal energy resource development organizations, or tribal consortiums on whose Indian lands the project(s) will be located.

The Energy Department is soliciting applications to install “community-scale” or “facility-scale” clean energy systems on Indian lands to provide electricity and/or heating and cooling for local use in tribal buildings. For purposes of this announcement, “clean energy systems” include “renewable energy systems” and “combined heat and power systems.” Projects selected under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) are intended to reduce energy costs and increase energy security for Indian Tribes and tribal members. For the complete FOA, visit the DOE Funding Opportunity Exchange website.

***DOE Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance – Approximately $2.5 Million

Applications due: June 20, 2013
Eligible entities: Indian Tribes, tribal energy resource development organizations, or tribal consortiums on whose Indian lands the project(s) will be located.

The Energy Department is soliciting applications to install “community-scale” or “facility-scale” clean energy systems on Indian lands to provide electricity and/or heating and cooling for local use in tribal buildings. The renewable energy and/or energy efficiency projects are intended to provide electricity and/or heating and cooling or efficiency measures for existing tribal buildings, including homes, businesses, community buildings, government buildings, or other tribal facilities. Projects selected under this Funding Opportunity Announcement are intended to reduce energy costs and increase energy security for Indian Tribes and tribal members. For the complete FOA, visit the DOE Funding Opportunity Exchange website.

***Funders’ Network Local Sustainability Matching Fund – Between $25,000 and $75,000 per Project

Application due: May 22, 2013
Eligible entities: The proposal must be submitted by a team of at least two partners who are (1) the sustainability director of a city (municipality) or a county and (2) the local, place-based foundation.

The Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities announces round 3 of the Local Sustainability Matching Fund. The Matching Fund is intended both to support significant urban sustainability projects and to build bridges between public sector sustainability leaders and local foundations. The Fund will provide matching investments from national foundations on a competitive basis to build partnerships between sustainability directors and local place-based foundations to advance discrete sustainability initiatives that demonstrate broad-based community support and engagement.

For more information, visit the Funders’ Network.

***HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants – Total Funding Available TBD

Applications due: May 28, 2013
Eligible entities: Public housing authorities, local governments, nonprofits, tribal entities, and for-profit developers that apply jointly with a public entity.

The Choice Neighborhoods program targets funding to improve severely distressed public and/or HUD-assisted multifamily housing that is located in distressed neighborhoods. Planning Grants support the development of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans which, when implemented, will be expected to achieve the following three core goals: 1) Housing: Replace distressed public and assisted housing with high-quality mixed-income housing that is well-managed and responsive to the needs of the surrounding neighborhood; 2) People: Improve educational outcomes and intergenerational mobility for youth and supports delivered directly to youth and their families; and 3) Neighborhood: Create the conditions necessary for public and private reinvestment in distressed neighborhoods to offer the kinds of amenities and assets, including safety, good schools, and commercial activity, that are important to families’ choices about their community.

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

DOT Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant Program – $473.847 Million

Applications due: June 3, 2013
Eligible entities: State, local, and tribal governments, including U.S. territories, transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations, other political subdivisions of state or local governments, and multi-state or multi-jurisdictional groups applying through a single lead applicant

The FY 2013 TIGER program is designed to invest in road, rail, transit, and port projects that may help achieve critical national objectives which include environmental sustainability, livability, and economic competitiveness. Priority will also be given to projects that are expected to quickly create and preserve jobs and stimulate rapid increases in economic activity. Applicants must request no less than $10 million, or $1 million minimum in rural areas, and provide at least 20% match.

For more information, visit the TIGER grants website.

EDA Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunity – Total Funding Available TBD

Applications due: June 13, 2013
Eligible entities: State and local governments, federally recognized tribes, nonprofits, institutions of higher education

Under the Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunity announcement, EDA will make construction, nonconstruction, and revolving loan fund investments under the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs. Grants made under these programs will leverage regional assets to support the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, encourage economic development, and strengthen America’s ability to compete in the global marketplace. EDA is soliciting applications from rural and urban communities to develop initiatives that advance new ideas and creative approaches to address rapidly evolving economic conditions. EDA’s investment priorities include environmentally sustainable development and economically distressed and underserved communities.

For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.

EPA Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – $6 Million

Applications due: June 25, 2013
Eligible entities: State and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, U.S. territories or possessions, public nonprofit institutions/organizations (includes public institutions of higher education and hospitals)

EPA, as part of its Science to Achieve Results program, is seeking applications proposing research to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems that affect Tribes. The objectives of the awards to be made under this solicitation are to improve understanding of: 1) the health impacts of climate change on tribal populations; and 2) the health impacts of indoor air pollution exposures that derive from or are directly affecting traditional tribal life-ways and cultural practices. In both cases, projects should focus on impacts to vulnerable sub-populations of the tribal communities. Proposals should also consider sustainable, culturally appropriate, and acceptable pollution prevention, and adaptation/mitigation strategies.

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Renewable Energy Development, visit our website.

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Gap Guidance

On Wednesday, May 15th the final GAP Guidance was posted to EPA’s website. This is the Agency’s final revised guidance for the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP). This revised guidance will enhance the successful EPA-tribal partnership by identifying a means for joint strategic planning, documenting mutual responsibilities for program development and implementation, targeting resources to build tribal environmental program capacities that are aligned with the tribe’s long-term goals, and measuring environmental program development progress over time. This multi-year effort would not have been possible without the input and work from so many across the Agency – our sincerest thanks to each of you for your support. EPA looks forward to continuing to work together, as One EPA, as we begin to implement the new guidance in the months ahead.

http://www.epa.gov/indian/

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OGC’s new NOI website:

http://epa.gov/ogc/noi.html

Many of the environmental statutes that govern EPA actions contain provisions that allow citizens to sue EPA when EPA fails to perform an act or duty required by the statue. Unlike provisions allowing citizens to challenge final agency actions, these citizen suit provisions usually require a potential plaintiff to first provide the EPA with "notice of intent to sue" in advance of filing the lawsuit. Not all such notices result in lawsuits being filed.

These citizen suit provisions include: section 304 of the Clean Air Act (CAA), section 505(a)(2) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), section 1449(a)(2) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), section 11(g)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), section 7002(a)(2) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), section 310(a)(2) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), and section 326(a)(1)(B) or (C) of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

This site makes available notices received by EPA's Office of General Counsel on or after January 1, 2013. Newly received notices are added on an ongoing basis.

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Conference on Strengthening Tribal Communities (June 4-6)
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The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Native Learning Center is organizing the “5th Annual Summer Conference: Strengthening Tribal Communities into the Future.” The conference will be held in Hollywood, Florida, from June 4-6, 2013. Each conference session touches on key components that could help tribes accomplish more significant goals. Topics to be covered include: financing renewable energy, grant management, job opportunities in the renewable sector, and federal – tribal relationships.

For more information and to register for the conference, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

About the TEEIC

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The TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) provides information about the environmental effects of energy development on tribal lands.

The site includes information about energy resource development and associated environmental impacts and mitigation measures; guidance for conducting site-specific environmental assessments and developing monitoring programs; information about applicable federal laws and regulations; and federal and tribal points of contact.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding the maintenance of the TEEIC through the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.

For More Information
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If you have questions or need more information, visit the TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) or contact the TEEIC Webmaster at teeicwebmaster@anl.gov

05/15/13

Law Seminars International Presents

Tribal Rights, Sovereignty and Economic Development in the Midwest

Date: June 20 & 21, 2013
Location: Minneapolis, MN (Wells Fargo Center)
Agenda: View the Agenda here
Register now!

Law Seminars International's Conference on Tribal Rights, Sovereignty and Economic Development in the Midwest provides a comprehensive look at the legal, regulatory and business developments for developers, attorneys and Tribes. Environmental regulation and energy projects will be a primary focus of discussion. Attendees will hear about:

Updates on settlement of trust fund mismanagement lawsuits against the federal government
Taxes: Application of the General Welfare Exclusion to benefits provided under
Indian Tribal government programs
Tribal vs. federal environmental regulations Developments in Tribal control over land use and drilling rights
Key Tribal issues in the Congress and the courts
Federal incentives for Tribal development of energy resources
Commercial development in Indian country
Tribal enterprise operations: National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) jurisdiction
Payday lending

Tribal officials, developers and their practitioners will want to make plans to attend. Register soon to reserve your seat.

Registration
Register here or call us at (206) 567-4490.

Intended Audience
Attorneys, Tribal representatives, industry executives and governmental officials

Program Chairs
Aaron J. Harkins, Esq. of Faegre Baker Daniels LLP and
Vanya S. Hogen, Esq. of Jacobson, Buffalo, Magnuson, Anderson & Hogen, P.C.

Available Credits
Live credits: This program qualifies for 12.25 MN CLE credits. Upon request, we will apply for, or help you apply for, CLE credits in other states and other types of credits.

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Regional Transmission Planning Webinar on May 29
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In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs and Western Area Power Administration (Western), the DOE Tribal Energy Program is sponsoring the Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series. The series is intended for tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale energy projects, responding to utilities' requests for proposals, and learning more about the competitive power market.

The next webinar in the series is titled “Regional Transmission Planning” and will be held on May 29, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MDT. There is no charge to participate in the webinar, but registration is required.

For more information and to register for the webinar, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

About the TEEIC

***************

The TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) provides information about the environmental effects of energy development on tribal lands.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding the maintenance of the TEEIC through the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.

For More Information
********************

If you have questions or need more information, visit the TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) or contact the TEEIC Webmaster at teeicwebmaster@anl.gov

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We in EPA are very pleased to convey to you the attached memo and fact sheet relating to the Interim Guidance to Implement Requirements for the Treatment of Air Quality Monitoring Data Influenced by Exceptional Events. There are two additional documents, which are not included here because of their large size, but are available at our exceptional events website at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/analysis/exevents.htm. These documents are the “Interim Exceptional Events Rule Frequently Asked Questions” and the “Interim Guidance on the Preparation of Demonstrations in Support of Requests to Exclude Ambient Air Quality Data Affected by High Winds Under the Exceptional Events Rule.”

These documents will help state, local and tribal governments manage air quality data recorded during “exceptional events.” Exceptional events include natural events such as: high winds, wildfires, and volcanic and seismic activities. The guidance will provide implementation assistance while the Agency is undertaking a notice and comment rulemaking process to finalize important changes to the current Exceptional Events Rule (EER). EPA intends to complete the rulemaking process by early 2015.

Thanks to those of you who contributed to this guidance over the past nearly 2 years since its start.

Thank you,
Rhea Jones, Group Leader
Geographic Strategies Group USEPA - Office of Air Quality and Planning Standards
Air Quality Policy Division
109 TW Alexander Drive (C539-04)
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
919-541-2940

Memo
Fact Sheet

05/13/13

May 2013 – Nearly $490 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

Nearly $490 million of funding is available for state, local, and tribal governments from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Transportation (DOT), Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Funders’ Network that can be used to support climate and energy initiatives, including sustainable planning, sustainable transportation, renewable energy, and urban forestry. For full eligibility and application details, please visit the links provided below.

In addition, please visit the calendar of 2013 EPA grant opportunities that may be of particular interest to communities.

***Funders’ Network Local Sustainability Matching Fund – between $25,000 and $75,000 per project

Application Due: May 22, 2013
Eligible Entities: The proposal must be submitted by a team of at least two partners who are (1) the sustainability director of a city (municipality) or a county and (2) the local, place-based foundation.

The Funders’ Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities (TFN) announces round 3 of the Local Sustainability Matching Fund. The Matching Fund is intended both to support significant urban sustainability projects and to build bridges between public sector sustainability leaders and local foundations. The Fund will provide matching investments from national foundations on a competitive basis to build partnerships between sustainability directors and local place-based foundations to advance discrete sustainability initiatives that demonstrate broad-based community support and engagement.

For more information, visit the Funders’ Network.

***HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants – Total funding available TBD

Application Due: May 28, 2013
Eligible Entities: Public housing authorities, local governments, nonprofits, tribal entities, and for-profit developers that apply jointly with a public entity.

The Choice Neighborhoods program targets funding to improve severely distressed public and/or HUD-assisted Multifamily housing that is located in distressed neighborhoods. Planning Grants support the development of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans which, when implemented, will be expected to achieve the following three core goals: 1) Housing: Replace distressed public and assisted housing with high-quality mixed-income housing that is well-managed and responsive to the needs of the surrounding neighborhood; 2) People: Improve educational outcomes and intergenerational mobility for youth and supports delivered directly to youth and their families; and 3) Neighborhood: Create the conditions necessary for public and private reinvestment in distressed neighborhoods to offer the kinds of amenities and assets, including safety, good schools, and commercial activity, that are important to families’ choices about their community.

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

***DOT Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER Discretionary Grant program) – $473.847 million

Application Due: June 3, 2013
Eligible Entities: State, local, and tribal governments, including U.S. territories, transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), other political subdivisions of State or local governments, and multi-State or multi-jurisdictional groups applying through a single lead applicant.

For more information, visit the TIGER grants website.

***EDA Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunity – Total funding available TBD

Application Due:Varies by program year; next due date is June 13, 2013
Eligible Entities:State and local governments, federally recognized tribes, non-profits, institutions of higher education.

Under the Economic Development Assistance Programs (EDAP) Federal Funding Opportunity announcement, EDA will make construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investments under the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs. Grants made under these programs will leverage regional assets to support the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, encourage economic development, and strengthen America’s ability to compete in the global marketplace. EDA is soliciting applications from rural and urban communities to develop initiatives that advance new ideas and creative approaches to address rapidly evolving economic conditions. EDA’s investment priorities include environmentally sustainable development and economically distressed and underserved communities.

For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.

***DOE Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance – $2,500,000

Application Due: June 20, 2013
Eligible Entities: Indian Tribes, Tribal Energy Resource Development Organizations, and Tribal Consortia

DOE is soliciting applications to install community-scale or facility-scale renewable energy and/or energy efficiency energy projects on Indian lands. The renewable energy and/or energy efficiency projects are intended to provide electricity and/or heating and cooling or efficiency measures for existing tribal buildings, including homes, businesses, community buildings, government buildings, or other tribal facilities. Projects selected under this Funding Opportunity Announcement are intended to reduce energy costs and increase energy security for Indian Tribes and tribal members.

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

***EPA Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – $6 million

Application Due: June 25, 2013
Eligible Entities: State and local governments, Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments, U.S. territories or possessions, public nonprofit institutions/organizations (includes public institutions of higher education and hospitals), and private nonprofit institutions/organizations (includes private institutions of higher education and hospitals) located in the U.S.

EPA, as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing research to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems that affect tribes. The objectives of the awards to be made under this solicitation are to improve understanding of: 1) the health impacts of climate change on tribal populations; and 2) the health impacts of indoor air pollution exposures that derive from or are directly affecting traditional tribal life-ways and cultural practices. In both cases, projects should focus on impacts to vulnerable sub-populations of the Tribal communities. Proposals should also consider sustainable, culturally appropriate and acceptable pollution prevention, and adaptation/mitigation strategies.

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

***DOE Community-scale Clean Energy Projects in Indian Country – $4,500,000

Application Due: June 27, 2013
Eligible Entities: Indian Tribes, Tribal Energy Resource Development Organizations, and Tribal Consortia

DOE is soliciting applications to install community-scale or facility-scale clean energy systems on Indian lands to provide electricity and/or heating and cooling for local use in tribal buildings. For purposes of this announcement, “clean energy systems” include renewable energy systems and combined heat and power systems. Projects selected under this Funding Opportunity Announcement are intended to reduce energy costs and increase energy security for Indian Tribes and tribal members.

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

***USDA 2014 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program – $900,000

Application Due: July 15, 2013
Eligible Entities: State governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, independent school districts, public and State controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofits, private institutions of higher education.

The USDA National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council seeks grant proposals to address the following priority issues: 1) Making Urban Trees and Forests More Resilient to the Impacts of Natural Disasters and the long-term Impacts of Climate Change; 2) Green Infrastructure Jobs Analysis; 3) Utilizing Green Infrastructure to Manage and Mitigate Stormwater to Improve Water Quality. Potential grantees should work collaboratively with other organizations and entities not traditionally involved in urban and community forestry.

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

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EPA State and Local Climate and Energy Program logo State and local officials interested in additional information about developing and implementing cost-effective climate and energy strategies that help further environmental goals and achieve public health and economic benefits may visit EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program site.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

05/10/13

Climate Change Adaptation for States, Tribes and Local Governments: a Webinar Series hosted by North Carolina State University, in cooperation with EPA’s Office of Strategic Environmental Management

North Carolina State University, in cooperation with EPA's Office of Strategic Environmental Management, will host a virtual Symposium on climate change adaptation for states, tribes and local governments to be offered in a series of twelve on-line sessions over two weeks. The series will bring together tribal, state and local stakeholders, EPA representatives, and experts from a variety of sectors to consider the impact of EPA’s new Climate Change Adaptation Plan on the implementation of federal environmental programs, and to present case studies, tools and solutions to some of the most pressing climate change adaptation challenges.

Individual webinars are stand-alone educational opportunities for governments, planners and policy makers, and participants can attend one or more webinars as meets their particular needs. Participants will obtain the most current knowledge and information applicable to states, tribes and communities on adaptation practice and implementation to build community resiliency.

2013 Webinar Series Schedule

(Subject to change until final)

Date/Time (EDT)	10:00 - 11:30 AM	11:30 AM - 1:00 PM	1:30 - 3:00 PM	3:30 - 5:00 PM
June 3		Building Adaptive Capacity for Climate Change	Planning for Sea Level Rise	Water, Communities & Planning
June 4	Adapting to Air Quality and Health Impacts of Climate Change		Achieving Resiliency to Drought	Tribal Climate Adaptation
June 10		Incorporating Emergency Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation into Adaptation Plans		Risk Management and Insurance Strategies related to Climate Change
June 11	Equity and Adaptation for Vulnerable Populations		Climate Adaptation Decision Support Tools	Successful Response to Coastal Adaptation Challenges
June 12				Climate Adaptation: the Way Forward

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Upcoming Conferences Related to Tribal Energy Development and Economic Development
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There are upcoming conferences and a workshop in May that cover topics relating to tribal energy development, tribal economic development, and wind/solar interconnection. The following events will be held on the dates and locations indicated:

Sixth Annual Energy Projects in Indian Country Conference (May 20-21, 2013- Las Vegas, NV)
7th Annual National Native American Economic Development Conference (May 20-21, 2013 - Las Vegas, NV)
2013 Distributed Wind/Solar Interconnection Workshop (May 21-22, 2013 – Golden, CO)

For more information, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

About the TEEIC
***************

The TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) provides information about the environmental effects of energy development on tribal lands.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding the maintenance of the TEEIC through the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.

For More Information
********************

If you have questions or need more information, visit the TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) or contact the TEEIC Webmaster at teeicwebmaster@anl.gov

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EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC)

EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC) is now soliciting proposals for the 2013 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program funded through the Diesel Emissions Reduction (DERA) program. The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $9 million. The Request for Proposals (RFP) is posted here and on www.grants.gov. The NCDC website contains information regarding clean diesel technologies, past awarded projects, and helpful tips.

The RFP will be open for approximately 45 days, closing on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. EPA plans to award funding through this competition in the fall.

This RFP has been updated from previous years, so applicants are encouraged to carefully review the RFP for eligible projects, technologies, and funding restrictions.

There will be general applicant Q&A webinars on Monday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 14, with tribal applicant Q&A webinars on Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16. Please visit the NCDC website for more information.

All questions regarding this RFP should be submitted to cleandiesel@epa.gov.

05/09/13

CONFERENCE CALL: PM2.5 Continuous FEMs - Policy and Technical Update on Wednesday, May 15th - Hosted by EPA

By popular request and for those of you who missed the 1st call that was held on 4/24/13, we have scheduled another call, just for tribes, on Wednesday, May 15th. See the Draft Agenda below.

Topic: PM2.5 Continuous FEMs – Policy and Technical Update
Time: 2:30 pm (eastern); 1:30 pm (central); 12:30 pm (mountain); 11:30 am (pacific); 10:30 am (alaskan)
Call in #: 1-866-299-3188; Code: 9195412802#

Draft Agenda:

Introductions and roll call of agencies present (we wont track individual names as it gets too long)
Policy Changes - PM NAAQS final rule (78 FR 3086) changes associated with PM2.5 continuous FEMs
1. Administrative change to Part 53
2. Requests to exclude certain PM2.5 continuous FEM data
Technical Update
1. Quick reminder of detailed PM2.5 continuous FEM PPTs – Best Practices for Operating PM2.5 Continuous FEMs from Denver 2012 Ambient Air Monitoring Conference.
2. Status of deployed network and recent approval of PM2.5 continuous FEMs.
3. Technical aspects of the PM2.5 continuous FEMs – are more frequent zero test on Met One BAMs working? Other?
AQS - PM2.5 continuous metadata - Methods codes and other metadata
Anything else

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Ambient Air Monitoring Agencies (States, locals, & Tribes) are invited to a National Call on PM2.5 continuous FEMs. This conference call will be hosted by EPA.

When: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 2:30 pm eastern time.
Call in Number: Dial (866) 299-3188 Conference Code: 9195412802#

With no national conferences this spring, we are thinking it would be useful to have a national call and provide an update on this topic.

Please Email any questions or topics you would like addressed to: hanley.tim@epa.gov . Also, cc your EPA Regional office contact so that they are in the loop.

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Funding Opportunities for Tribal Clean Energy Projects
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On May 1, 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the availability of funding to deploy clean energy projects in tribal communities. DOE’s Tribal Energy Program, in cooperation with the Office of Indian Energy, will help Native American communities, tribal energy resource development organizations, and tribal consortia install community or facility-scale clean energy projects. The titles and application deadlines of the funding opportunities are provided below:

Community-Scale Clean Energy Projects in Indian Country (June 27, 2013) Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance (June 20, 2013)

For more information, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

About the TEEIC
***************

The TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) provides information about the environmental effects of energy development on tribal lands.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding the maintenance of the TEEIC through the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.

For More Information
********************

If you have questions or need more information, visit the TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) or contact the TEEIC Webmaster at teeicwebmaster@anl.gov

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Catawba Preschool Joins the School Flag Program

Just in time for AQAW, students at the Catawba Indian Nation Headstart held a ceremony Tuesday morning to kick off the school flag program that uses colored flags based on the U.S. EPA’s AQI. Click this link to see the entire article and to view the video at the bottom.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/04/30/4820941/catawba-preschool-incorporates.html

05/08/13

New Interactive Webinar Series Begins May 21, 2013!

Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments

In today’s challenging financial climate, the ability to identify and take simple, affordable steps to protect the health of students and staff in our schools has never been more important. This webinar series will outline sensible, low- or no-cost steps that school communities can take to create healthier environments in their buildings. Each webinar will feature school district personnel from across the country presenting their real-life examples and solutions.

Designed to meet the needs of your entire school community!

Facility Managers	School Nurses
Custodial Staff	Teachers
District Administrators	Support Staff
Principals	School Board Members

To receive webinar details and registration reminders, subscribe to our mailing list.

View the Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments guide.

Webinar #1 - May 21, 2013, 3:00 PM East
Register Now: Sensible Steps To Healthier School Environments - Assessment and Team Building
Join this interactive webinar to:

Explore essential building blocks of a model school environmental health program;
Evaluate your school health status with the Sensible Steps Quick Assessment;
Learn how to build an effective environmental health team in your school or district;
Discover steps the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in Carrollton, Texas took to enhance environmental health conditions in its schools.

Webinar #2 – June 18, 2013, 3:00 PM Eastern
Register Now: The Role of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Creating Healthy Learning Environments
Attend this webinar to:

Discover why IAQ is an essential component of green and healthy schools and healthy learning environments;
Learn how robust IAQ management plans promote academic achievement;
Gain in-depth knowledge on how the IAQ Tools for Schools guidance provides simple, low-and no-cost resources, such as the IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit, to create healthy learning environments;
Hear examples of how school districts have successfully implemented and institutionalized comprehensive IAQ management programs in their districts.

Webinar #3 – July 23, 2013, 3:00 PM Eastern
Register Now: Integrated Pest Management(IPM): Protecting Children in Schools from Pests and Pesticides
Sign up for this webinar to:

Understand what IPM is;
Learn the benefits of IPM;
Discover sensible steps for implementing or enhancing school IPM programs;
See how to integrate IPM into a comprehensive Healthy School Program.

Webinar #4 – August 20, 2013, 3:00 PM Eastern
Register Now: Current Issues in Chemical Management, Best Practices for Schools and Districts
Join us for this webinar to:

Get up to date information about best chemical management practices in schools;
Learn sensible steps to ensure your chemical management program applies to educational art, and science supplies as well as to chemicals commonly used in facility maintenance and operation;
Discover measures one district took to educate students and staff, improve its chemical management practices, prevent accidents, and reduce health risks associated with use and disposal of chemicals in its facilities.

Webinar #5 – September 25, 2013, 3:00 PM Eastern
Register Now: Cleaning and Maintenance, Sensible Steps for Creating Healthier School Environments
Join us for this school cleaning and maintenance webinar to:

Gain insights on the most current trends in green cleaning for schools;
Learn steps other schools have taken to assess and improve cleaning, maintenance and waste management practices;
Discover how to create and sustain a clean, green and healthy cleaning and maintenance program in your school or district.

Webinar #6 – October 22, 2013, 3:00 PM Eastern
Register Now: Sensible Steps for Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction in Schools

Join us for this webinar to:

Learn guidelines for energy management and waste reduction that your school can follow to improve energy and financial performance;
See how to evaluate your school’s energy performance with ENERGY STAR’S new and improved Portfolio Manager;
Discover sensible steps that one award winning district took to enhance energy efficiency, reduce waste and realize sustainable operational savings.

Webinar #7 – November 19, 2013, 3:00 PM Eastern
Register Now: Sensible Steps for Mold and Moisture Control In Schools

Join us for this webinar to:

Get current information about the health effects of mold and its impacts on schools;
Learn sensible steps you can take to solve moisture and condensation problems before they become mold problems;
Get the most up-to-date information about effectively addressing indoor mold growth and contamination when it occurs.

Webinar #8 - December 17, 2013, 3:00 PM Eastern
Register Now: Renovate Right: EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program at Schools
Join us for this webinar to:

Get up-to-date information about the serious health effects of lead on children;
Learn how federal law applies to K-12 schools;
Discover sensible steps that administrators, facilities managers, school nurses and early childhood learning professionals can take to protect their students from lead poisoning.

Register today! You will receive a certificate of completion for your participation in each webinar.

For additional information on clean, green and healthy schools, check out:

EPASensibleStepsWebinarSeriesFlyer.pdf

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Education is Accepting Proposals

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Education is accepting proposals in response to the Education Opportunities in NASA STEM (EONS) 2013-14 NASA Research Announcement. This new announcement is an umbrella announcement for opportunities under the Minority University Research and Education Program (MUREP), and includes calls for proposals in the following program elements for Fiscal Year 2013: NASA Innovations in Climate Education - Tribal (NICE-T) Tribal College and University Experiential Learning Opportunities – (TCU ELO)

Eligibility Information: Proposals will be accepted from Tribal Colleges and Universities. NASA centers and other organizations may apply through partnership with the lead organization in some cases.

Notice of Intent due date: May 22, 2013.

Full proposals due July 24, 2013.

Interested parties may also attend or connect to a pre-proposal workshop on the NICE-Tprogram element on May 8, 2013, at 3pm EDT for further information on that program element. Call-in information: 888-469-0976. Passcode NICE 2013. See NSPIRES for further details.

For more information regarding this opportunity, please visit the EONS page on the NSPIRES website at http://go.nasa.gov/14So8d6.

If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact the NSPIRES Help Desk at nspires-help@nasaprs.com or call 202-479-9376 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Dr. Lin Chambers - Project Scientist
NASA Innovations in Climate Education (NICE)
Minority University Research and Education Program (MUREP)
(Formerly NASA Global Climate Change Education Project (I/GCCE)
https://nice.larc.nasa.gov)

****************************************************************************

Lin.H.Chambers@nasa.gov
Tel.: (757) 864-4371
Fax.: (757) 864-7996
MS 420, NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681-2199

05/07/13

Webinar - Asthma in Tribal Communities

Title: Asthma in Tribal Communities
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2013
Time: 1:00 PM Arizona Time (noon AKDT, 1:00 PDT, 2:00 pm MDT, 3:00 pm CDT, 4:00 pm EDT)
Duration: 1.5 hours

Reserve your Webinar seat now at nau.edu/iaqtc

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Many tribal communities have high rates of asthma. Asthma is a unique medical condition that compels both medical treatment and environmental mitigation. Ongoing research will help us gain a better understanding of asthma and how to prevent. Meanwhile, we can reduce asthma triggers in our communities, resulting in reduced medical costs and enhanced quality of life.

Mansel Nelson, Program Coordinator, Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities (IAQTC)
- Personal experiences with asthma
- Asthma - Basic Background
- Research opportunity in schools

Dr. Camlesh Nirmul, Chief of Pediatrics, Phoenix Indian Medical Center
- Medical management and prevalence

Gillian Mittelstaedt, Director, Tribal Healthy Homes Northwest
- Environmental Triggers

Barbara Allen, University Extension Agent, Housing and Environmental Health Program
- Native AIR program materials

Angela Porter, Nurse, Nez Perce Medical Clinic
- Tribal Clinics Managing Asthma

Nicole Paredes, Open Airways in Schools, American Lung Association
- Open Airways program for schools

Cristina Gonzalez-Maddux, Research Specialist, IAQTC
- Website update
- Resources for asthma

Questions: Contact Mansel A Nelson at mansel.nelson@nau.edu or (928) 523-1275

Funding for IAQTC is provided by the Indoor Environments Division of the USEPA.

Mansel Nelson
Senior Program Coordinator
Tribal Environmental Education Outreach
928-523-1275
mansel.nelson@nau.edu

Invitation for Asthma Webinar

05/02/13

DOE Issues Funding Announcements for Tribal Clean Energy Projects

The Energy Department today announced up to $7 million to deploy clean energy projects in tribal communities, reducing reliance on fossil fuel and promoting economic development on tribal lands. The Energy Department’s Tribal Energy Program, in cooperation with the Office of Indian Energy, will help Native American communities, tribal energy resource development organizations, and tribal consortia install community or facility-scale clean energy projects to provide electricity and/or heating and cooling for local use in tribal buildings. Read the full DOE Progress Alert.

Following is a summary of the funding opportunity announcements (FOAs):

"Community-Scale Clean Energy Projects in Indian Country” (DE-FOA-0000852) is requesting applications for the installation of clean energy systems that will reduce fossil fuel use in either new or existing tribal buildings by at least 15%.
"Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance” (DE-FOA-000853) is seeking applications for the installation of renewable energy and/or energy efficiency technologies to reduce fossil fuel use in existing tribal buildings. Under this announcement, DOE hopes to leverage state or local incentives to reduce fossil fuel use by at least 30%.

See the FOAs for a complete description, eligibility requirements, instructions on how to apply, application content, and the criteria by which applications will be selected for funding. Please note that only applications submitted through the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's (EERE's) Exchange website will be considered.

The full FOAs are available online at EERE’s Exchange website or accessible through the Energy Department’s Tribal Energy Program website.

The Energy Department’s Tribal Energy Program promotes tribal energy sufficiency and fosters economic development and employment on tribal lands through the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The program, which has invested $41.8 million in 175 tribal clean energy projects since 2002, provides financial and technical assistance to tribes for the evaluation and development of their renewable energy resources, implementation of energy efficiency to reduce energy use, and education and training to help build the knowledge and skills essential for sustainable energy projects. Learn more about the Tribal Energy Program.

The Energy Department’s Office of Indian Energy was charged by Congress to lead, direct, foster, coordinate, and implement energy planning, education, management, programs, and financial assistance that assist Tribes with energy development capacity building, energy infrastructure, energy costs, and electrification of Indian lands and homes.

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Renewable Energy Development, visit our website.

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Website to Help Local Governments Advance Solar Energy Initiatives
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The Solar Outreach Partnership (SolarOPs) launched a Web site in February to help local governments adopt solar energy. The site includes a database of resources related to solar energy development, a calendar of events and trainings, a blog providing solar energy-related news, and access to “Ask an Expert” and other technical assistance services. SolarOPs is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative.

About the TEEIC

***************

The TEEIC Web site http://teeic.anl.gov provides information about the environmental effects of energy development on tribal lands.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding the maintenance of the TEEIC through the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.

For More Information

********************

If you have questions or need more information, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/ or contact the TEEIC Webmaster at teeicwebmaster@anl.gov

04/29/13

May 2013: Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments

This message provides details about 11 upcoming webcasts being offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others. All webcasts are offered free of charge, but space may be limited.

Featured EPA Webcast

May 1, 1:00-2:30 PM (EDT) – Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments: Attracting Funding for Adaptation

EPA Webcasts

May 8, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness 101: Risk Assessment Process
May 22, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – Preparing for Extreme Weather Events Workshop Planner for the Water Sector / Adaptation Strategies Guide
May 29, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – On-site Renewables: Lessons Learned from Idea to Implementation

ENERGY STAR Webcasts

May 2, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – For Utilities: Designing and Implementing Successful Data Center Efficiency Programs
May 7 AND May 22, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – How to Register for EPA’s 2013 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition
May 8, 1:00-2:30 PM (EDT) – School Siting: Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities for Communities and Decision-Makers

DOE Webcasts

May 1, 2:00-3:00 PM (EDT) – Solar Finance for Residential and Commercial Customers and Potential Roles of State and Local Government
May 9, 2:00-3:00 PM (EDT) - Commercial Building Partnership Success Story Webinar Series: A Look at The Home Depot’s Most Energy Efficient Store
May 29, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM (MDT) – Tribal Renewable Energy Series Webinar: Regional Transmission Planning

***Featured EPA Webcast

May 1, 1:00-2:30 PM (EDT) – Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments: Attracting Funding for Adaptation
This is the third in a three-part webcast series on climate change adaptation hosted by EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program. This mini-series builds on our popular 2010-2011 adaptation mini-series. Part III will focus on how to secure funding for adaptation. The presentations will provide examples of how communities of various sizes have attracted funding and provide available resources for participants to identify appropriate funds. Experts will discuss how to maximize funding by mainstreaming adaptation planning and how to address adaptation and mitigation simultaneously.

Webcast Registration

***EPA Webcasts

May 8, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness 101: Risk Assessment Process
Sponsored by EPA’s Climate Ready Water Utilities Initiative, this webcast provides an introduction to CRWU’s risk assessment tool, the Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT). This webinar outlines CREAT’s risk assessment process, how it can help utilities build more resilient systems, and examples of threats and adaptation options.

Webcast Registration

May 22, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – Preparing for Extreme Weather Events Workshop Planner for the Water Sector / Adaptation Strategies Guide
Sponsored by EPA’s Climate Ready Water Utilities Initiative, this joint webcast will highlight the Preparing for Extreme Weather Events Workshop Planner for the Water Sector and the Adaptation Strategies Guide, and how a utility can use them both when developing adaptation plans. It will also highlight utility experiences with the tools.

Webcast Registration

May 29, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – On-site Renewables: Lessons Learned from Idea to Implementation Organizations across the country continue to make direct investments in on-site renewable energy generation, indicating a long-term commitment to using renewable energy and securing the benefits of reduced electricity price volatility. This webcast, sponsored by EPA’s Green Power Partnership, will feature two EPA Green Power Partners, SC Johnson and Coca-Cola Refreshments, that have invested in on-site projects powered by landfill gas and wind, respectively, and highlight the companies’ experiences from initial investigation of on-site systems to the results obtained once the projects were brought online.

Webcast Registration

***ENERGY STAR Webcasts

May 2, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – For Utilities: Designing and Implementing Successful Data Center Efficiency Programs
Over the past decade, total data center energy use in the United States has almost quadrupled. Energy-efficiency program administrators can play a significant role in helping customers reduce data center energy use and demand. Based on the new ENERGY STAR guide on data center efficiency programs, this webinar will explore the energy saving opportunities available and share emerging practices for program design and implementation. Mark Bramfitt, former head of PG&E’s data center efficiency program, will lead the presentation and be available to answer questions.

Webcast Registration

May 7 AND May 22, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – How to Register for EPA’s 2013 ENERGY STAR National Building Competition
Back by popular demand, this year’s competition features new ways to participate and get recognition. For the first time ever, tenants occupying part of a building will be able to compete alongside whole buildings, provided they have access to energy bills or meter data for their space. Plus, EPA will be recognizing the ENERGY STAR MVP for excellence in communication to occupants and the public!

All organizations that apply and provide all required data for their nominated building(s) or tenant space(s) will be invited to compete and work off their energy waste with help from EPA’s ENERGY STAR program. This year’s registration process has changed, so don’t be left out! Attend this webinar to learn how to register and what’s in store for this year.

Webcast Registration

May 8, 1:00-2:30 PM (EDT) – School Siting: Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities for Communities and Decision-Makers
This webinar will help districts, schools, and communities understand the importance of school siting and the impacts on economic development, communities, public health, and the environment. A panel of experts from U.S. EPA including Suzi Ruhl, J.D., M.P.H, Senior Attorney Policy Advisor in the Office of Environmental Justice; and Regina Langton, Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Sustainable Communities; as well as Katherine Moore, AICP, Manager of Georgia Conservancy’s Sustainable Growth program, will provide participants with information and tools that can help districts, schools, and communities weigh school siting decisions.

Webcast Registration

***DOE Webcasts

May 1, 2:00-3:00 PM (EDT) – Solar Finance for Residential and Commercial Customers and Potential Roles of State and Local Government
Sponsored by the DOE and the National Renewable Energy Lab, this webinar will provide an overview of how residential and commercial solar projects are financed and the various roles that state and local governments can play to support the deployment of solar projects within their jurisdictions.

Webcast Registration

May 9, 2:00-3:00 PM (EDT) - Commercial Building Partnership Success Story Webinar Series: A Look at The Home Depot’s Most Energy Efficient Store
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) partnered with The Home Depot, one of America's largest home improvement retailers, to develop and implement solutions to build new, low-energy buildings that are at least 50% below Standard 90.1-2007. The effort was part of the Commercial Building Partnerships (CBP) initiative, a DOE initiative that accelerates the transformation of America's energy landscape by demonstrating innovative low-energy technologies and strategies in commercial buildings. DOE is hosting a webinar outlining CPD's work with The Home Depot, focusing on a specific store in Lodi, California. This is the first Home Depot store built using a new prototype design and is the most energy efficient Home Depot store in the country. DOE hopes that interested parties that attend the webinar will gain a clear understanding of the results of successfully implemented energy savings project, how the featured project met its energy savings goals, unique features of the case study, and how these strategies can be replicated in other projects.

Webcast Registration

May 29, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM (MDT) – Tribal Renewable Energy Series Webinar: Regional Transmission Planning
Transmission plans for the Eastern and Western Interconnections and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the eight U.S. regional reliability organizations are expanding existing regional transmission planning activities and broadening stakeholder involvement. In this webcast sponsored by DOE and the Western Area Power Administration, hear about the status of the organizations’ plans and evaluations of long-term regional transmission needs.

Webcast Registration

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Better Buildings Summit for State and Local Communities (May 30-31)
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The U.S. Department of Energy is holding the Second Annual Better Buildings Summit for State and Local Communities from May 30-31, 2013, in Washington, DC. The Summit provides an opportunity to engage with state, local, and other decision-makers on effective actions and policies to build a clean energy economy in states and local communities. Participants will learn innovative strategies, policies, and models for adopting and implementing clean energy solutions in their communities that save money, create jobs, increase energy security and protect the environment.

About the TEEIC

***************

The TEEIC Web site http://teeic.anl.gov provides information about the environmental effects of energy development on tribal lands.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding the maintenance of the TEEIC through the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.

For More Information

********************

If you have questions or need more information, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/ or contact the TEEIC Webmaster at teeicwebmaster@anl.gov

04/25/13

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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IRS Ruling Allows Tribes to Own Renewable Energy Projects
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently made a ruling that a tribe may pass investment credits associated with renewable energy assets to an unrelated third party lessee. This ruling allows an Indian tribal government to be an owner or lessee of renewable energy projects.

About the TEEIC

***************

The TEEIC Web site http://teeic.anl.gov provides information about the environmental effects of energy development on tribal lands.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding the maintenance of the TEEIC through the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.

For More Information

********************

If you have questions or need more information, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/ or contact the TEEIC Webmaster at teeicwebmaster@anl.gov

04/23/13

Register for the April 24 Tribal Energy Webinar: How Power Marketing Administrations Market Power and Work with Tribes

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Tribal Energy Program, in cooperation with the DOE Office of Indian Energy and the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), will present the next Tribal Renewable Energy Series webinar on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

The webinar, entitled "How Power Marketing Administrations Market Power and Work with Tribes," is the fourth in a series of free tribal energy webinars focused on transmission. Presenters from WAPA and Bonneville Power Administration will provide information on the generation and transmission assets of PMAs, discuss their past cooperation with Tribes, and provide insight into how Tribes can work with them to promote economic growth and renewable energy development on Indian lands.

At the end of the webinar, there will be an interactive discussion in which participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about working with PMAs in the development and deployment of tribal energy projects.

There is no cost to attend the webinar, but advance registration is required. To register for this and other webinars in the series, click on the links provided in the table below. Each of the following webinars will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

DATE	TOPIC
April 24, 2013	How Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) Market Power and Work with Tribes
May 29, 2013	Regional Transmission Planning
June 26, 2013	Renewable Energy Project Leasing on Tribal Lands
July 31, 2013	Conducting Transmission Feasibility and System Impact Studies
August 28, 2013	Renewable Energy Market Expectations and Trends
September 25, 2013	Tribal and Utility Partnership Opportunities
October 30, 2013	Renewable Energy Case Studies: Tribal and Developer Perspectives

Each of these webinars focuses on a different aspect of the energy project development process. Taken as a whole, the series is designed to help Tribes identify ways to promote tribal energy sufficiency and foster economic development and employment on tribal lands through renewable energy and energy efficiency technology development. For recordings and presentations from past webinars, go to www.wapa.gov and click the Renewables link, then click on the Tribal Webinar Series link.

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

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Ambient Air Monitoring Agencies (States, locals, & Tribes) are invited to a National Call on PM2.5 continuous FEMs. This conference call will be hosted by EPA

Date: Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
Time: 2pm eastern time
Call in Number: (866) 299-3188 Conference Code: 919-541-5651#

With no national conferences this spring, we are thinking it would be useful to have a national call and provide an update on this topic.

Please Email any questions or topics you would like addressed to: hanley.time@epa.gov. Also, cc your EPA Regional office contact so that they are in the loop.

Draft Agenda

Introductions and roll call of agencies present (we wont track individual names as it gets too long)
Policy Changes - PM NAAQS final rule (78 FR 3086) changes associated with PM2.5 continuous FEMs
1. Administrative change to Part 53
2. Requests to exclude certain PM2.5 continuous FEM data
Technical Update
1. Quick reminder of detailed PM2.5 continuous FEM PPTs – Best Practices for Operating PM2.5 Continuous FEMs from Denver 2012 Ambient Air Monitoring Conference.
2. Status of deployed network and recent approval of PM2.5 continuous FEMs.
3. Technical aspects of the PM2.5 continuous FEMs – are more frequent zero test on Met One BAMs working? Other?
AQS - PM2.5 continuous metadata - Methods codes and other metadata
Anything else

04/17/13

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Developing Tribal Energy Resources & Economies Conference (June 10-12)
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The Developing Tribal Energy Resources & Economies Conference will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from June 10-12, 2013. The conference will highlight the process of strategic energy planning and development for tribes interested in improving their energy security, sovereignty and economies. The conference will explain how tribes have developed successful energy projects, explore new energy technologies and the impacts of fracking, provide the latest information on the right-of-way market, and more.

For more information, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

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Community Conference Call on U.S. EPA's Proposed Air Rules

Purpose: To provide information on upcoming activities in EPA's Air Programs and foster a dialog with communities on their air quality issues. This call will provide updates on the following regulations:

NESHAP for Stationary Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE)

On January 14, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized amendments to the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for stationary reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE). In this rulemaking, EPA addressed several petitions for reconsideration, legal challenges and new technical information submitted by stakeholders, including industry and environmental groups, which were brought to the EPA's attention after publication of the 2010 standards. For more information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/rice/ricepg.html

Speaker: Melanie King, (919) 541-2469, king.melanie@epa.gov, Office of Air Quality Planning Standards (OAQPS), Sector Policies and Programs Division (SPPD).

New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for new residential wood heaters

Later this summer, EPA is scheduled to propose revisions to the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for new residential wood heaters. The main objectives of this proposal, includes: updating the 1988 standards to require manufacturers to redesign wood heaters to be cleaner, lower emitting, and better performing, expanding the range of residential wood-heating appliances covered by the regulation to add pellet stoves, single burn-rate stoves, outdoor wood boilers, wood-fired forced air furnaces and masonry heaters, strengthening test methods, and streamlining the process for testing and certifying new model lines.

This proposal does not include any requirements associated with new heaters that are solely fired by gas, oil, or coal. In addition, it does not include any requirements associated with wood heaters or other wood-burning appliances that are already in use. Following publication of the proposal, the rule is open for a 90-day public comment period. The final rule is expected to be published approximately 1 year after proposal.

Speaker: Gil Wood, (919) 541-5272, wood.gil@epa.gov, OAQPS, Outreach and Information Division.

To register for the call, visit http://www.epa.gov/air/ej/announce.html

04/16/13

Overcoming the Uncertainty Barrier to Adaptation

Wednesday, April 17, 2013
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT

Overcoming the Uncertainty Barrier to Adaptation is the second webcast in a three part mini-series – Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments, hosted by U.S. EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program. The series will bring together state and local stakeholders from a variety of sectors to offer examples and solutions to some of the most pressing challenges to implementation – how to achieve buy-in, how to overcome the uncertainty barrier, and how to attract funding.

The second webcast will address the challenge of planning for climate change in the face of uncertainty.

Presentations include:

Using Thresholds and Historical Information - Anne Choate, ICF International
Climate Modeling: When is it necessary and appropriate? Chris Weaver, U.S. EPA Office of Research & Development
Case Study: Using Historical Data to Inform Decisions - Scott Schwarz and Alex Dews, City of Philadelphia, PA
Case Study: Southeastern Florida Regional Climate Change Compact - Debbie Griner, Miami Dade County, FL

What: Overcoming the Uncertainty Barrier to Adaptation
Date: Wednesday, April 17th, 2013
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EDT

To register, go to: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/587592314

04/15/13

April 2013 – Nearly $12 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

Nearly $12 million of funding is available for state, local, and tribal governments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Economic Development Administration (EDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Funders’ Network that can be used to support climate and energy initiatives, including local agriculture, sustainable planning, and urban forestry. For full eligibility and application details, please visit the links provided below.

In addition, please visit the calendar of 2013 EPA grant opportunities that may be of particular interest to communities.

***USDA Farm to School Grant Program – $5 million
Application Due: April 24, 2013
Eligible Entities: Eligible schools, state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers or groups of agricultural producers, and non-profit entities.

The purpose of the USDA Farm to School Grant Program is to assist implementation of programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. The program’s grants help eligible schools foster sustainability by connecting with local agricultural producers and help improve the health and wellbeing of their students. Applicants may apply for three types of grants: 1) a planning grant, for schools just getting started on farm to school activities; 2) an implementation grant, for schools seeking to augment or expand existing efforts; or 3) a support service grant, to conduct trainings, create complementary curriculum, or further develop supply chains, among other activities. Planning grants will represent approximately 25 percent of the total grant funding, while implementation and support service grants are expected to represent approximately 75 percent. For all three types of grants, the applicant must provide at least 25 percent of the costs of the total project.

For more information, visit the funding synopsis.

***Funders’ Network Local Sustainability Matching Fund – between $25,000 and $75,000 per project
Application Due: May 22, 2013
Eligible Entities: The proposal must be submitted by a team of at least two partners who are (1) the sustainability director of a city (municipality) or a county and (2) the local, place-based foundation.

For more information, visit the Funders’ Network.

***HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants – Total funding available TBD
Application Due: May 28 2013
Eligible Entities: Public housing authorities, local governments, nonprofits, tribal entities, and for-profit developers that apply jointly with a public entity.

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

***EDA Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunity – Total funding available TBD
Application Due: Varies by program year; next due date is June 13, 2013
Eligible Entities: State and local governments, federally recognized tribes, non-profits, institutions of higher education.

For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.

***EPA Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – $6 million
Application Due: June 25, 2013
Eligible Entities: State and local governments, Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments, U.S. territories or possessions, public nonprofit institutions/organizations (includes public institutions of higher education and hospitals), and private nonprofit institutions/organizations (includes private institutions of higher education and hospitals) located in the U.S.

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

***USDA 2014 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program – $900,000
Application Due: July 15, 2013
Eligible Entities: State governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, independent school districts, public and State controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofits, private institutions of higher education

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

04/12/13

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Alaska Rural Energy Conference: April 29 to May 1
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The 2013 Alaska Rural Energy Conference will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, from April 29 to May 1, 2013. The conference offers a variety of technical sessions covering new and ongoing energy projects in Alaska, as well as new technologies and needs for Alaska's remote communities. The conference includes sessions under four different tracks, which are “Energy: The Big Picture”, “The Diesel Powerhouse”, “Renewable Energy Options”, and “Energy Efficiency and Other Topics.”

For more information, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

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Community Conference Call on U.S. EPA's Proposed Air Rules

Intended Audience: Environmental Justice and Tribal Communities or Organizations
When: April 24, 2013
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm ET
Conference Line: 1-866-299-3188; code: 919-541-5624# (The phone line is limited to 125 participants on a first-come first-served basis)
Purpose: To provide information on upcoming activities in EPA's Air Programs and foster a dialog with communities on their air quality issues. This call will provide updates on the following regulations:

NESHAP for Stationary Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE)

Speaker: Melanie King, (919) 541-2469, king.melanie@epa.gov, Office of Air Quality Planning Standards (OAQPS), Sector Policies and Programs Division (SPPD).

New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for new residential wood heaters

Speaker: Gil Wood, (919) 541-5272, wood.gil@epa.gov, OAQPS, Outreach and Information Division.

To register for the call, visit http://www.epa.gov/air/ej/announce.html

04/10/13

Webinar Announcement: Innovation and the NSPS

How can the EPA encourage innovative new technologies?

1:00-2:00 PM ET
Thursday, May 9, 2013

EPA regulations for biomass heating devices often have addressed one set of problems, and inadvertently led to others as technology developed. The EPA has stated that in the next wood heater New Source Performance Standard (NSPS), it wants to "minimize potential loopholes." How can the NSPS encourage and not discourage new technologies that may be cleaner and more efficient, but have difficulty with approved test methods? What lessons have we learned from the existing NSPS and EPA voluntary programs?

This webinar is being held in the lead up to the Wood Stove Design Challenge, a national competition to promote extremely clean, efficient, innovative and affordable cordwood technology.

Although there will be a Question and Answer session, questions are requested in advance and should be submitted to info@forgreenheat.org by COB Monday, May 6. This webinar is co-hosted by the Biomass Thermal Energy Council and the Alliance for Green Heat.

Speakers

Mr. Gil Wood, Project Lead, NSPS Program, Environmental Protection Agency
Moderated by John Ackerly, President, Alliance for Green Heat
Welcome by Joseph Seymour, Executive Director of the Biomass Thermal Energy Council

Attend the webinar and learn

How the NSPS applies to residential biomass heating equipment
What procedures, qualifications, emissions limits, and technologies are under consideration for the draft NSPS rule
The comparative changes from the existing and draft NSPS
How the new NSPS would promote and handle innovative technologies
Will this NSPS drive innovation by requiring industry to meet strict emission limits?
Question and Answer session with the speaker (questions are requested in advance)

Registration Information

Cost: Free
Time: Thursday, May 9th @ 1PM ET - 2PM ET
Registration: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/946864810

Send any questions to info@forgreenheat.org.

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Power Marketing Administrations Webinar on April 24
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The next webinar in the series is titled “How Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) Market Power and Work with Tribes” and will be held on April 24, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MDT. There is no charge to participate in the webinar, but registration is required.

For more information and to register for the webinar, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

04/9/13

DERA Tribal Competition Pre-Open 2013 RFP Webinar/Teleconferences

The National Clean Diesel Campaign invites you to join at least one of our Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Program's (DERA) Tribal Competition Pre-Open Information Sessions. These webinars/teleconferences will detail the historical DERA Tribal Competition application process, offer grant tips, and address grant and general DERA competition questions. The same information will be presented in all three sessions; the sessions are repeated to accommodate varying schedules.

For more information on previous DERA Tribal Competition grants, please visit http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/prgtribal.htm or contact Rosalva Tapia at 202.343.9534 or tapia.rosalva@epa.gov.

Please forward this information to anyone who may be interested in attending these sessions or helpful in disseminating the information.

Session 1: DERA Tribal Competition Pre-Open 2013 RFP Webinar/Teleconference
Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2013:
Time: 2:00 PM (EST)
Call in Number: 1.866.299.3188
Call in Code: 202.343.9534
Adobe Connect link: https://epa.connectsolutions.com/r24ketjajs2/

Session 2: DERA Tribal Competition Pre-Open 2013 RFP Webinar/Teleconference
Date: Thursday, April 11, 2013
Time: 2:00 PM (EST)
Call in Number: 1.866.299.3188
Call in Code: 202.343.9534
Adobe Connect link: https://epa.connectsolutions.com/r105nxxcjy3/

Session 3: DERA Tribal Competition Pre-Open 2013 RFP Webinar/Teleconference
Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Time: 2:00 PM (EST)
Call in Number: 1.866.299.3188
Call in Code: 202.343.9534
Adobe Connect link: https://epa.connectsolutions.com/r3hhf8whshu/

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State and Local Climate and Energy Program

April Resource Roundup: April webinars keep springing up!

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In this issue:

Reminder: Register Now for Parts 2 and 3 of EPA’s Adaptation Series for State and Local Governments
Smart Growth Webinar: Smart Growth and Equitable Development – April 9
Earth Month webinar series from the National League of Cities – starting April 9
Sharing Success: Emerging Approaches to Efficient Rooftop Solar Permitting

***

*Reminder: Register Now for Parts 2 and 3 of EPA's Adaptation Series for State and Local Governments

EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Program is hosting a three-part webcast series on climate change adaptation for state and local governments. The series will bring state and local stakeholders together from many sectors to offer examples and solutions to some of the most pressing challenges to implementation – how to achieve buy-in, how to overcome the uncertainty barrier, and how to attract funding. Participants should come away from the series with an understanding of why adaptation to climate change is critical, the current state of the field as it applies to states and communities, how to scale programs to meet local needs, and what state and local staff can do to build support for adaptation and increase community resilience.

Webcast #1: Achieving Buy-In for Adaptation
The first webcast, on March 21, addressed the challenge of achieving community buy-in for adaptation projects. Presentations and audio files from the webcast are now available.

Webcast #2: Overcoming the Uncertainty Barrier to Adaptation
The second webcast is on April 17, 2013, 1:00-2:30 PM (EDT), and will address the challenge of planning for climate change in the face of uncertainty. Through presentations on best practices, case studies, and an interactive panel, experts will discuss how to recognize future vulnerability by looking at historical information and how to use downscaling tools that are suitable for local governments of varying sizes and capacities.
Register now.

Webcast #3: Attracting Funding for Adaptation
The third webcast is on May 1, 2013, 1:00-2:30 PM (EDT), and will focus on how to secure funding for adaptation. The presentations will provide examples of how communities of various sizes have attracted funding and provide available resources for participants to identify appropriate funds. Experts will also discuss how to maximize funding by mainstreaming adaptation planning and how to address adaptation and mitigation simultaneously
Register now.

***Smart Growth Webinar: Smart Growth and Equitable Development – April 9
Join EPA's Smart Growth Program on April 9, 2:00-3:00 PM (EDT), for a webinar on how communities are using equitable development and smart growth strategies to create neighborhoods that are healthy, sustainable, and inclusive. You will hear from two of EPA's 2012 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement winners in the Equitable Development category, and you'll get highlights from the agency's new report, Creating Equitable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities: Strategies for Advancing Smart Growth, Environmental Justice, and Equitable Development.

Who should attend: Government officials, planners, developers, community organizers, and others interested in equitable development for communities.

No pre-registration is required. Click here to join. You may enter as a guest.
Before the webinar, test your computer.
Participants will hear the meeting audio through their computer speakers. Please be sure your computer speakers are turned on.

***Earth Month webinar series from the National League of Cities – starting April 9
In honor of “Earth Month,” NLC’s Sustainability Program will be hosting a special webinar series highlighting city leadership in sustainability. Elected officials and their staff are playing a critical role in advancing social, economic and environmental sustainability in their communities. This series will celebrate their leadership and innovation during this month of heightened environmental awareness.

Beginning on April 9th and going through April 30th, each Tuesday at 2:00 PM (EDT), NLC will profile a different city in a 30-minute webinar. Cities will present programs, policies or initiatives that have been critical in moving the sustainability conversation forward in their communities. NLC will spotlight communities of varied geographies and populations, from coastal towns and small suburbs to small and large cities to show the range of innovative efforts taking place.

Click on the links below to register:

***Sharing Success: Emerging Approaches to Efficient Rooftop Solar Permitting
This Interstate Renewable Energy Council report serves as both a prompt for discussing permitting challenges, and as a source of inspiration for communities looking for realistic and effective ways to improve solar permitting while ensuring safe solar installations.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

04/2/13

Ten New Webcasts for State and Local Governments

April 2013: Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments

This message provides details about 10 upcoming webcasts being offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others. All webcasts are offered free of charge, but space may be limited.

Featured EPA Webcast

April 17, 1:00-2:30 PM (EDT) - Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments, Part 2: Overcoming the Uncertainty Barrier to Adaptation

EPA Webcasts

April 3, 1:00-3:00 PM (EDT) – Draft National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2008-2009: A Collaborative Survey
April 5, Noon-1:00 PM (EDT) – Urban Growth Trends in U.S. Metropolitan Regions: A Tale of Two Cities
April 9, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) - Long-Term Power Purchase Agreements for Wind Power: University Perspectives
April 10, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – Workshop Planner/ Adaptation Strategies Guide

DOE Webcasts

April 3, 2:00-3:30 PM (EDT) – TAP/NASEO Webinar: State Energy Planning
April 3, 2:00-3:30 PM (EDT) – CHP Webinar: Enabling Resilient Energy Infrastructure
April 4, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – The Role of Alternative Fuel Vehicles in Emergency Preparedness
April 11, 2:00-3:30 (EDT) – Financing Energy Upgrades for K-12 School Districts
April 24, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM (MDT) – Tribal Renewable Energy Series Webinar: How Power Marketing Administrations Market Power and Work with Tribes

ENERGY STAR Training

***Featured EPA Webcast

April 17, 1:00-2:30 PM (EDT) - Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments, Part 2: Overcoming the Uncertainty Barrier to Adaptation
This is the second in a three-part webcast series on climate change adaptation hosted by EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program. This mini-series builds on our popular 2010-2011 adaptation mini-series. In Part II, experts and local government staff will address the challenge of planning for climate change in the face of uncertainty. Through presentations on best practices, case studies, and an interactive panel, experts will discuss how to look at historical information to understand future vulnerability and how to use downscaling tools that are appropriate for local governments of various sizes and capacities.Part III, “Attracting Funding for Adaptation” will be on May 1.

Webcast Registration

***EPA Webcasts

April 3, 1:00-3:00 PM (EDT) – Draft National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2008-2009: A Collaborative Survey
Hosted by EPA’s Watershed Academy, this webcast seminar will discuss the Draft National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA). The NRSA is a study on the health of the nation’s rivers and streams, from the largest “great rivers” to the smallest headwater streams. This draft study conducted by U.S. EPA and its state, tribal, federal and other partners is available for review and comment. This survey-the first of its kind in the nation – combines an assessment of the nation’s rivers with the second national survey of small wadeable streams. The webcast will present key findings of the survey.

Learn more and register

April 5, Noon-1:00 PM (EDT) – Urban Growth Trends in U.S. Metropolitan Regions: A Tale of Two Cities
Hosted by EPA’s Office of Sustainable Communities (OSC) and the National Center for Smart Growth at the University of Maryland, College PARK (UMCP). In the past few months, OSC and UMCP have released papers examining growth patterns in large U.S. cities. Both papers find a resurgence of growth in some cities but a continuation of sprawl in others. The two papers are based on different sets of data and cover different periods. Kevin Ramsey of OSC and Gerrit Knaap of UMCP will present the results of these two research projects and discuss the similarities and differences in their findings. Dr. Ramsey's paper, Residential Construction Trends in America's Metropolitan Regions, was released in December 2012.

Registration not necessary; view webcast here

April 9, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) - Long-Term Power Purchase Agreements for Wind Power: University Perspectives
Hosted by EPA’s Green Power Partnership, this webinar examines how colleges and universities can procure wind power via long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). To date, the vast majority of colleges and universities purchasing wind power have used short-term contracts (1–3 years) for utility products or renewable energy certificates (RECs). Only recently have a few leading universities purchased wind via long-term (10+ years) PPAs. This webinar will highlight the experiences of The Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Oklahoma in exploring long-term wind power contracts and the questions and issues that other schools investigating this procurement option should consider.

Webinar participants will learn about: Wind PPAs, including their structure, key terms; and requirements; the potential for wind PPAs to reduce energy costs, hedge against price volatility, and reduce an institution’s carbon footprint; and the influence of long-term contracts on decisions by project developers to build new generation facilities, such as wind farms.

Webcast Registration

April 10, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – Workshop Planner/ Adaptation Strategies Guide
This webinar will highlight both the Workshop Planner and the Adaptation Strategies Guide, and how a water sector utility can use them both when developing adaptation plans. It will also highlight utility experiences with the tools. The webinar is hosted by EPA and is a part of the Climate Ready Water Utilities (CRWU) initiative.

Webcast Registration

***DOE Webcasts

April 3, 2:00-3:30 PM (EDT) – TAP/NASEO Webinar: State Energy Planning
This webinar is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Technical Assistance Program and the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO). NASEO representatives will discuss their recent analysis of 39 state energy plans and accompanying Guide to State Energy Planning. This webinar will focus on the necessary steps to create an effective state energy plan, will feature states that have recently completed the process, and highlight best practices from NASEO’s research. States that are embarking on the energy planning process in 2013 are encouraged to attend.

Webcast Registration

April 3, 2:00-3:30 PM (EDT) – CHP Webinar: Enabling Resilient Energy Infrastructure
Natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Ike in 2008, and Superstorm Sandy in 2012 have highlighted the need to protect critical infrastructure facilities, to better prepare for energy emergencies and long-term electric grid outages, and to consider how to rebuild a more resilient grid. These are frequent topics of conversation by state and local policy makers, building and manufacturing facility owners, and disaster preparedness planners. Combined heat and power (CHP) systems can make for critical infrastructures more resilient while making energy more cost- and fuel-efficient for the user, as well as more reliable and environmentally friendly for society-at-large.

This webinar will highlight the role for CHP systems in critical infrastructure resiliency, business continuity, and emergency planning and operations. Information will be presented on how CHP is a key element in critical infrastructure applications, detailed case studies of how CHP powered facilities through Hurricane Sandy, and federal/state policies promoting CHP in critical infrastructure. This webinar will support the concurrent release of a new report containing detailed information on the use of CHP for resilient infrastructure and reliability, as well as additional case studies of facilities that were able to operate through prolonged grid outages with their CHP system.

Webcast Registration

April 4, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – The Role of Alternative Fuel Vehicles in Emergency Preparedness
Sponsored by the Clean Cities Program, this webinar features presentations by Jeff Pillon, director of energy assurance at the National Association of State Energy Officials; Bill Schaeffer, executive director of Valley of the Sun Clean Cities; and Rita Ebert, program coordinator of the Greater Long Island Clean Cities coalition. This webinar will cover the important role that alternative fuel vehicles played in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Learn about energy assurance plans at the state and local level and how transportation technologies can play a part in these plans and in future emergencies.

No pre-registration is required. To join the webinar:

Audio: Dial 888-831-4302 and enter passcode 2951759.

Web: Log in to MyMeetings with conference number PW8499981 and passcode 2951759.

April 11, 2:00-3:30 (EDT) – Financing Energy Upgrades for K-12 School Districts
In April, DOE and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will release “Financing Energy Upgrades for K-12 School Districts,” a guide to tapping into funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvement in schools. U.S. schools spend over $6 billion on energy annually – more than they spent on textbooks and computers combined. Well-designed energy improvements can help stabilize and reduce these costs, as well as improve the comfort and health of students and teachers. Of course, even the most cost-effective upgrades require upfront capital, and at time when school budgets are increasingly stretched securing funds can be a challenge. This webinar will introduce key financing principles and the range of options available to schools, as well as feature several schools districts who have successfully implemented projects using a diverse set of financing approaches.

Webcast Registration

April 24, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM (MDT) – Tribal Renewable Energy Series Webinar: How Power Marketing Administrations Market Power and Work with Tribes
This webinar is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Tribal Energy Program, and the Western Area Power Administration. The webinar will discuss ways to promote tribal energy sufficiency and foster economic development and employment on tribal lands using renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. It is recommended for Tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale projects, responding to utility offered requests for proposals, and/or are interested in learning more about the competitive power market.

Webcast Registration

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

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EPA Proposes Updates to 2012 Performance Standards for VOCs

March 28, 2013 - EPA proposed updates to its 2012 VOC performance standards for storage tanks used in crude oil and natural gas production to facilitate compliance with the standards and clarify requirements. The proposed changes reflect recent information showing that more higher-volume storage tanks will be coming on line than the agency originally estimated.

Proposed rule (PDF) (147pp, 680k)
Fact sheet (PDF) (6pp, 374k)

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Industry Wins Delay, Exemptions In EPA Drilling Storage Tank NSPS Update

Posted: March 29, 2013
EPA is proposing to amend parts of its recent final new source performance standards (NSPS) for oil and natural gas drilling to extend compliance deadlines and allow potential exemptions for some storage tank emission controls, a win for industry, which argued that the agency vastly underestimated the amount of sources covered in the rule.

The agency announced the proposed changes March 29 in a pre-publication Federal Register notice, in response to several petitions for reconsideration of its NSPS and air toxics rules for the oil and natural gas production sector, issued in August.

EPA is granting reconsideration on a limited set of issues related to its emissions controls for storage tanks, which include proposing to extend an Oct. 15 compliance deadline to April 15, 2014 for storage vessels that come online after the proposed amendments to install controls and to ease control requirements for vessels constructed or modified between the August 2011 proposed rule and the publication date of the March 29 proposal in the Federal Register.

Additionally, EPA is proposing a potential exemption where facilities would not have to comply with the controls in the rule, which requires a reduction of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 95 percent, if they can show that VOC releases have tapered to less than 4 tons per year (tpy) without additional controls.

“This alternative limit would reflect the decline in emissions that occurs at most tanks over time and allow owners/operators to shift control equipment to higher-emitting tanks,” EPA says in a fact sheet released March 29 with the Register notice.

The agency says the changes are necessary to avoid further delays to the control requirements, given that a sufficient supply of control devices is not expected to be available until 2016.

Environmentalists are wary of the proposed changes, however. “We're disappointed with the proposed delay in the NSPS compliance date for tanks, and with the increased pollution that will result,” one environmentalist says, adding that they are still reviewing the agency's reason for the delay and its estimates of air quality impacts.

EPA's final rules revise the 1985 NSPS and 1999 air toxics regulations to address emissions from some oil and gas sources not previously regulated, including hydraulic fracturing wells. The rules set strict controls for storage tanks used in oil and gas production if they had the potential to emit six or more tons per year (tpy) of VOCs, requiring them to install controls resulting in at least 95 percent VOC reductions annually.

Industry pushed for EPA to soften the storage tank controls, arguing in its Aug. 16 petition for reconsideration that EPA underestimated the amount of storage vessels that would fall under the 6 tpy of VOCs threshold and urging the agency to give facilities more time to comply with the control requirements.

“Specifically, we believe that EPA has inadvertently written some of the requirements in a manner that will cause widespread non-compliance with the rules,” Matt Todd, American Petroleum Institute's (API) senior policy adviser, said in an Aug. 16 statement. “Additionally, because EPA has significantly underestimated the number of [storage] tanks affected by this rule, there will be significant impact on our ability continue operations unless the Agency modifies the rule language.”

API in its petition for reconsideration said that “several thousand tanks per year will trigger the standard,” compared to EPA's previous estimation that the rules would affect about 300 vessels.

Storage Vessels

In the Register notice, however, EPA is acknowledging that “[b]ased on our analysis and the information provided to us, we believe that there are on the order of 970 storage vessels per month being installed at this time and expected in the future, and over 20,000 affected storage vessels constructed, modified or reconstructed between the August 23, 2011, proposal date of the NSPS and” the date that EPA publishes the notice.

To address the limited availability of controls, EPA is proposing to bifurcate the storage tanks into two groups, allowing those built since EPA proposed the NSPS in August 2011 to report only the date the vessel became active and its geographic coordinates, barring any changes that would potentially increase emissions. Tanks that become active after the proposed changes would have until April 15, 2014, or within 60 days of the startup.

The agency outlined its plans to reconsider provisions of the NSPS and national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP) for the oil and gas industry in a Jan. 16 legal filing to hold in abeyance multiple suits filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit over the rules.

The lawsuits have been filed by environmental groups, including Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Clean Air Council and others Group Against Smog and Pollution. Other legal challenges to the rules are from industry groups American Petroleum Institute, Texas Oil and Gas Association, Gas Processors Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America and its state affiliates, and others. Environmental groups are seeking, among other provisions, first-time controls on methane from the oil and gas sector.

EPA also in the Register notice is proposing to clarify that the rules do not apply to certain types of storage vessels, such as fuel tanks or those located at refineries. Instead, the rules would only apply to “[t]anks that are considered 'affected sources' would have VOC emissions of 6 or more tons per year and are used to store crude oil, condensate, unrefined petroleum liquids known as 'intermediate hydrocarbon liquids,' and produced water.” --

03/28/13

March Resources for State and Local Governments: new policy best practices guides for wind and CHP; three award and conference opportunities, and more

Please note: To cut down on the number of emails sent each month, we will switch from sending multiple, smaller messages about new resources and reports to one consolidated monthly message. Don’t worry: we'll still send out the very popular upcoming webcast and funding opportunities messages! We welcome your suggestions on ways to make the most of this newsletter for you, so please let me know what you think at bollerud.erica@epa.gov

***

In this issue:

2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement – Why Apply?

NACo and DWEA Release County Wind Ordinance Best Practices Guide

Regional Climate Scenarios and Projections of Sea Level Rise – webinar files now available

New SEE Action Combined Heat and Power Publication for State Policymakers Released

New Report from ACEEE: Everyday Energy Efficiency Across the South

EPA, NOAA, National Wildlife Federation, and the North Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative Announce Searchable Online Database of Eastern Regional Climate Information

Call for Proposals: ACEEE National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource – Presentation Proposals due March 29

Call for Abstracts: BECC 2013 – Abstracts due April 15

*** 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement – Why Apply?

EPA is seeking applicants to the 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. We encourage communities to apply that use innovative policies and strategies to strengthen their economies, provide housing and transportation choices, and protect the environment.

Why should you apply? The 2012 winners said this:

“We’ve received an outstanding response from winning this award, and our project has received attention from throughout the state, across the nation and even internationally. We’ve communicated with urban design groups and government agencies from as far afield as Japan and Australia who are looking to emulate our project. The response has been nothing short of incredible.” – Marvin Crist, Vice Mayor, Lancaster, CA

“It was absolutely worth the effort. Mariposa is a mixed-use, mixed-income transit-oriented development with a lot of various partnerships involved in redevelopment. Receiving the award increased awareness about what the Denver Housing Authority is doing among many different policy makers and stakeholders.” – Kimball Crangle, Denver Housing Authority, Denver, CO

“Just since the time the award was announced, we’ve been able to announce new working partnerships in the neighborhood. I think the Smart Growth Award is a part of what solidified our position to the point where partners decided they wanted to be a part of this.” – Scott Strawbridge, Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale, FL

Download the 2013 application. All entries are due by April 12, 2013. Public-sector and private-sector entities are eligible to apply, but all applications must include a public-sector partner.

Questions? Contact Sarah Dale at dale.sarah@epa.gov or 202-564-6998.

***NACo and DWEA Release County Wind Ordinance Best Practices Guide

The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA) released a guide detailing best practices to help county officials and planners develop effective county wind ordinances. Learn more here.

***Regional Climate Scenarios and Projections of Sea Level Rise – webinar files now available

On January 29, 2013, EPA hosted a webinar on “Regional Climate Scenarios and Projections of Sea Level Rise.” The webinar was held in partnership with the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). The purpose of the webinar was to present regional climate scenarios and sea level rise scenarios that are now available for all federal agencies, and their partners in the states, tribes, and local communities, to use as they begin to integrate climate adaptation planning into their programs, policies, and operations. The scenarios were developed as part of the USGCRP’s National Climate Assessment.

Webinar materials are now available on EPA’s website.

The webinar materials are also listed on EPA’s “Adaptation Tools for Public Officials” website in the section on “Region-Specific Tools and Resources”

***New SEE Action Combined Heat and Power Publication Released

The Guide to Successful Implementation of State Combined Heat and Power Policies (pdf) is a resource for state utility regulators and other state policymakers as they implement state policies that impact combined heat and power. CHP can provide significant energy efficiency and environmental advantages over separate heat and power. By being more efficient, less fuel is consumed and greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other emissions are reduced. Properly designed CHP can bolster the grid, provide security benefits, and potentially support intermittent renewable energy sources. Sign up for SEE Action alerts.

***New Report from ACEEE: Everyday Energy Efficiency across the South

The Deep South Ethnographic Project at ACEEE examines the everyday energy practices across the building, agriculture, and transportation sectors. In this report, they look at communities in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi – all states with new or emerging energy efficiency programs. The question the report tries to answer is “are end-users of energy in the Southeastern states interested in energy efficiency?”

EPA, NOAA, National Wildlife Federation, and the North Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative Announce Searchable Online Database of Eastern Regional Climate Information

NEclimateUS.org is a searchable online database that provides a gateway to climate information for the Eastern United States. It summarizes needs for climate information as articulated in publications; identifies available data, products and services; and captures planned and on-going projects. Its goal is to offer a tool to search for regionally relevant climate information, and to facilitate collaborative opportunities across the network of climate-focused programs and partners in the Eastern United States. The database is in its early stages of development. Its content will change with time to reflect developments in climate work within the region, and to respond to individual sector needs when necessary.

***Call for Proposals: ACEEE National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource – Presentation Proposals due March 29

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is asking for proposals for break-out sessions presentations for their biennial national conference. This conference brings leaders together to discuss energy efficiency as a key resource for meeting customer and utility system needs while addressing economic and environmental goals.

***Call for Abstracts: BECC 2013 – Abstracts due April 15

The Behavior, Energy and Climate Change (BECC) Conference 2013 focuses on understanding human behavior and decision-making with respect to energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and sustainability. Annually, 700 participants come together to share new research, discuss policy and program strategies, build networks, and find potential partners for collaboration. BECC is interested in abstracts that address “building & technology design and usage (residential and commercial), transportation, urban design, and sustainable consumption (e.g., food, water, and waste). Abstracts should offer new research findings and/or documented examples of behavior change pilots, programs, or trials.”

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

03/27/13

April 11th Webinar -- School Flag Program: Resources and Strategies for Reaching out to Schools

Webinar: School Flag Program: Resources and Strategies for Reaching out to Schools

Intended audience: State, Tribal and local air agency representatives interested in startingand/or expanding the school flag program

Presenters: EPA and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) are presenting a joint webinar on the School Flag Program. Over 180 schools participate in the ADEQ school flag program.

Date: Thursday, April 11, 2013
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm Eastern Time
Registration link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/206209056
Can’t attend? Register anyway and we will send you a copy of the presentations and a link to the recording of the webinar.

Background: The Flag Program uses brightly colored flags based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) to notify teachers, coaches, students, and others about outdoor air quality conditions. Schools raise a flag each day that corresponds to their local air quality forecast. The purpose of this program is to create awareness of outdoor air quality conditions so students can continue to exercise while protecting their health when air quality is in unhealthy ranges.

Webinar Details:

EPA will:

provide a quick overview of the school flag program, and
discuss what resources the Agency has available, including some recently updated guidance for schools

ADEQ will:

provide background on why Arizona started the program
discuss ways they sustain and expand it
recommend targets and techniques for recruitment
suggest tips for building relationships with schools and school districts
highlight challenges -- including regional difference in air quality and limitations in number of areas that do forecasting

For more information on the EPA’s school flag program, please visit www.airnow.gov/schoolflag. For more information on Arizona’s School Flag Program, please visit http://www.azdeq.gov/ceh/flag.html.

Q & A Session: After the webinar presentation, EPA and ADEQ will answer any questions.

03/26/13

March 2013 – Nearly $35.8 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

Nearly $35.8 million of funding is available for state, local, and tribal governments from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Economic Development Administration (EDA), and National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) that can be used to support climate and energy initiatives, including renewable energy, environmental job training, and local agriculture. For full eligibility and application details, please visit the links provided below.

In addition, please visit the calendar of 2013 EPA grant opportunities that may be of particular interest to communities.

***HUD Transformation Initiative: Sustainable Construction in Indian Country Small Grant Program – $400,000

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

HUD invites applicants to submit proposals for funding that encourages the use of sustainable construction practices in Native American housing. Proposals should take into account the multiple geographic, economic, and cultural aspects of Native American residential design and construction. HUD seeks applications in four broad areas: demonstration, technical assistance, curriculum development/training, and information dissemination related to sustainable construction in the native community. Activities performed under the program should document the impact of one or more innovative approaches to sustainable construction in Indian Country, identify a set of lessons learned, and then develop, deploy, or distribute a tool highlighting those lessons.

For more information, visit the grant notice.

***2013 National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) – nearly $1,005,000 over three years

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

The National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) announces the availability of funds to provide comprehensive air quality policy and regulatory analysis including support and national coordination activities to assist tribes in understanding, participating in, and responding to EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation’s (OAR) policy and regulatory activities. NTAA is an organization that increases national coordination among and between Indian tribes and EPA/OAR in matters related to air quality policy and regulatory planning, development, and implementation.

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

***NOAA Climate Program Office – $17 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

The NOAA Climate Program Office’s Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) program supports research teams that conduct innovative, interdisciplinary, user-inspired, and regionally relevant research that informs resource management and public policy. NOAA seeks to marshal climate assets and partners toward the common goal of assessing regional needs and vulnerabilities and then supporting the development and delivery of timely climate services that aid adaptation and mitigation choices.

Competition 1 is soliciting proposals to two priorities: one RISA team focused on the South Central region of the United States (Priority 1), and one RISA team focused on the upper midwestern United States (Priority 2). For Competition 1, approximately $3.5 million over five years will be available for each priority, pending budget appropriations. Awards will be at a funding level of approximately $700,000 per year. Competition 2 is soliciting proposals only from RISA teams and their partners to conduct projects relevant to one of four priorities: 1) preparing for floods in urban coastal communities, 2) scenario and management planning processes, 3) Drought monitoring and prediction products to support decision making, and 4) Climate impacts on marine and Great Lakes ecosystems. For Competition 2, an estimated $500,000 to $3 million will be available for approximately 5 to 15 awards.

For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.

***USDA Woody Biomass Utilization Grant – $3 million

Eligible Entities:

The goals of the grant program are to promote projects that target and help remove economic and market barriers to using woody biomass for renewable energy. The program also intends to reduce the public’s cost for forest restoration by increasing the value of biomass and other forest products generated from hazardous fuels reduction and forest health activities on forested lands.

For more information, see the grant synopsis.

***EPA Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants – $2.4 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

EPA announces the availability of funds to deliver environmental workforce development and job training programs that recruit, train, and place local, unemployed and under-employed residents with the skills needed to secure full-time employment in the environmental field. Eligible uses of grant funds include training in technologies that use alternative energy or alternative fuels, training in energy efficiency retrofitting and building weatherization, and training in management techniques to support the assessment and cleanup of sites for urban agriculture and horticulture. Under this competition, applicants should intend to serve dislocated workers, or those laid off as a result of recent manufacturing plant closures, as well as those severely under-employed or unemployed in the target community.

For more information, visit the grant opportunity.

***National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

The application period for EPA’s 12th annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement is now open. This competition is open to public- and private-sector entities that have successfully used smart growth principles to improve communities environmentally, socially, and economically. There is one application form for four categories: 1) Built Projects; 2) Corridor and Neighborhood Revitalization; 3) Plazas, Parks, and Public Places; 4) Policies, Programs, and Plans. The review panel will also choose an Overall Excellence winner from those that apply in these four categories.

For more information, visit the Smart Growth Awards website.

***NOAA Sea Grant Community Climate Adaptation Initiative 2013 – $1 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

NOAA seeks to fund climate adaptation efforts for FY 2013-2014 as part of an overall plan to enhance climate adaptation in coastal communities. Climate adaptation projects are expected to be conducted in partnership with local community governments, state, and Federal agencies. It is a programmatic priority for this competition to fund technical assistance projects for coastal community climate adaptation where the outcomes of the project improve the capacity of a specific coastal community to adapt to climate change, which may include adaptation to economic, ecological, or cultural changes.

For more information, visit the funding synopsis.

***USDA Farm to School Grant Program – $5 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the funding synopsis.

***EDA Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunity – Total funding available TBD

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.

***EPA Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – $6 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

***
EPA State and Local Climate and Energy Program logo State and local officials interested in additional information about developing and implementing cost-effective climate and energy strategies that help further environmental goals and achieve public health and economic benefits may visit EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Program site.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

03/19/13

Housing and Health: A Look at Effective Interventions for People with Asthma

Housing and Health Asthma Webinar: On March 19, EPA’s Indoor Environments Division (IED) will host a webinar entitled “Housing and Health: A Look at Effective Interventions for People with Asthma” with a follow-up discussion. During the webinar, participants will learn how the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development program, Case Healthy Homes & Patients (CHHAP), realized a dramatic reduction of 59% in hospitalizations of children with asthma. Featured speakers include Dorr Dearborn (Director, Swetland Center for Environmental Health, Case Western Reserve University) and Stuart Greenberg (former Executive Director, Environmental Health Watch). The presenters will provide details on CHHAP’s educational interventions for patients and their families and home-based interventions to address issues such as mold and moisture problems. Tracy Enger of IED will facilitate the webinar.

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/606671982

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Last month, we announced the opening of EPA's Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes Request For Applications (RFA). To further support this RFA announcement, EPA will host an information session this week to cover the discussion topics listed below. If you have any questions on the RFA or submission process, we encourage you to join us for the webinar.

Webinar Details:
This RFA solicits applications on research to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems that affect Tribes. The RFA (Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes) opened February 25, 2013, and closes on June 25, 2013.

Date of Webinar: Tuesday, March 19, 2013; 2pm to 4pm EDT
Registration information: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/events/#mar1913

Component research areas include:
   - Science to understand the health impacts of climate change on tribal
     populations
   - Science to understand the health impacts of indoor air pollution
     exposures that derive from or are directly affecting traditional tribal
     life-ways and cultural practices
   - Development of sustainable, culturally appropriate and acceptable
     pollution prevention, and adaptation/mitigation strategies
   - Community involvement in the design, acceptance and implementation of the
     mitigation and adaptation approaches
   - Focus on impacts to vulnerable sub-populations of Tribal communities

Learning objectives:
   - Review major research elements of the RFA
   - Review administrative, electronic filing, eligibility, and peer review
     concerns
   - Share frequently asked questions

For more information on this webinar and to register see:
http://www.epa.gov/ncer/events/#mar1913

Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes RFA:
http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2013/2013_star_tribal.html

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Upcoming Webinars Related to Tribal Energy Development
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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Tribal Energy Program, the DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Western Area Power Administration (Western), the DOE Technical Assistance Program (TAP), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are sponsoring webinars related to tribal energy development. There is no charge to participate in the webinars, but advance registration is required. The webinar titles and dates are provided below. For more information and to register, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

Commercial PACE – Updates from the Field and New Resources for Program Design and Implementation (March 19, 2013)
The Solar Roadmap: Navigating the Evolving Solar Energy Market (March 20, 2013)
Guidelines for Developing, Staffing, and Overseeing a State ESPC Program (March 26, 2013)
Understanding the Grid (March 27, 2013)
TAP Peer Exchange Call: Local Trends in Clean Energy Finance (March 27, 2013)

The TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) provides information about the environmental effects of energy development on tribal lands.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding the maintenance of the TEEIC through the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.

For More Information
********************

If you have questions or need more information, visit the TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) or contact the TEEIC Webmaster at teeicwebmaster@anl.gov

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March 2013 – Nearly $35.8 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

In addition, please visit the calendar of 2013 EPA grant opportunities that may be of particular interest to communities.

***HUD Transformation Initiative: Sustainable Construction in Indian Country Small Grant Program – $400,000

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the grant notice.

***2013 National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) – nearly $1,005,000 over three years

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

***NOAA Climate Program Office – $17 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.

***USDA Woody Biomass Utilization Grant – $3 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

grant synopsis

***EPA Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants – $2.4 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the grant opportunity.

***National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the Smart Growth Awards website.

***NOAA Sea Grant Community Climate Adaptation Initiative 2013 – $1 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the funding synopsis.

***USDA Farm to School Grant Program – $5 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the funding synopsis.

***EDA Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunity – Total funding available TBD

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.

***EPA Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – $6 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

03/15/13

Register Today for the March 27 Tribal Renewable Energy Series Webinar: Understanding the Grid

Learn about how and why the electric grid works in a new webinar, Understanding the Grid, to be held on Wednesday, March 27, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain time. This is the third in a series of free tribal energy webinars sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Tribal Energy Program, and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA).

Webinar attendees will come away with a better understanding and appreciation of the intricacy of the grid, as well as its importance to the economy and security of the country.

There is no cost to attend the webinar, but advance registration is required. To register for this and other webinars in the series, click on the links provided in the table below.

Each of the following webinars will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain time.

DATE	TOPIC
March 27, 2013	Understanding the Grid
April 24, 2013	How Power Marketing Administrations Market Power and Work with Tribes
May 29, 2013	Regional Transmission Planning
June 26, 2013	Renewable Energy Project Leasing on Tribal Lands
July 31, 2013	Conducting Transmission Feasibility and System Impact Studies
August 28, 2013	Renewable Energy Market Expectations and Trends
September 25, 2013	Tribal and Utility Partnership Opportunities
October 30, 2013	Renewable Energy Case Studies: Tribal and Developer Perspectives

For more information on the webinar series, see the attached flier or visit the Tribal Energy Program Webinars page.

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

03/14/13

Reminder: Send in Your START, Summer Internship, and ICDBG Program Applications!

The Tribal Energy Program, under the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, is pleased to forward the following information as a final reminder that DOE Office of Indian Energy START Round 2 and Tribal Energy Program Summer Internship Program applications are due tomorrow (March 15), and applications for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program are due Monday (March 18).

Application Deadline for START Round 2 Is Friday, March 15

As part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to help tribal communities across the country enhance their energy security and build a sustainable energy future, the DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs on January 29 announced the second round of the Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Program, which provides federally recognized tribal governments with technical assistance to accelerate clean energy project deployment.

This second round of technical assistance awards will build upon the initial successes of the START Program and further help Native American and Alaska Native communities increase local generation capacity, enhance energy efficiency measures and create local entrepreneurial and job opportunities. In the contiguous United States, Energy Department and National Laboratory experts will provide technical assistance on Tribes’ clean energy project development – supporting community-scale renewable energy projects across the country. In Alaska, the Energy Department and the Denali Commission help rural Alaska Native communities conduct energy awareness and training programs and pursue new renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities. The selected Alaska Native villages may also be eligible for grant funding that supports renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.

For more information and application requirements for the START Program, please visit the DOE Office of Indian Energy website. Applications are due by March 15, 2013.

Learn about the Energy Department’s broader efforts to support energy efficiency projects and energy development on tribal lands at www.energy.gov/indianenergy.

Application Deadline for the Tribal Energy Program Summer Internship Opportunity Is Friday, March 15

The 12-week 2013 Tribal Energy Program Summer Internship will be located at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Working closely with experienced renewable energy program staff and Tribes interested in deploying renewable energy systems, interns will benefit from direct tribal energy project experience and exposure to a variety of issues concerning tribal renewable energy technology use and application. Frequent travel will be required, as interns will participate in field visits to current tribal energy projects.

http://www.sandia.gov/careers/index.html

Deadline for submitting applications is March 15, 2013.

For details about eligibility, application requirements, and compensation, see the attached flier.

Visit the Tribal Energy Program website to learn more about the Tribal Energy Program College Student Summer Internships.

ICDBG Program Application Deadline Is Monday, March 18

Funding opportunity number:

Eligible entities:

This posting provides information and instructions for the FY 2013 ICDBG Program subject to Congress appropriating funding for this program. Because FY 2013 funding has not been appropriated, the availability of any such funding for this program is contingent upon future congressional action. Funds that are carried over from previous fiscal years or are recaptured may also be used for grant awards under this NOFA. HUD's ICDBG Program is authorized by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and the ICDBG Program regulations at 24 CFR Part 1003.

The application deadline is 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time on March 18, 2013. HUD will issue a technical correction to this NOFA if appropriations are enacted that require HUD to modify the funding criteria or application requirements, or if HUD determines that adjustments to estimated award amounts or timelines are necessary. Any such technical correction will provide detailed instructions for applicants to permit them to resubmit the application to address the revised NOFA requirements.

For Further Information
Questions regarding specific program requirements should be directed to your Area Office of Native American Programs (ONAP). A contact list for each Area ONAP can be accessed online. Questions regarding the FY 2013 General Section should be directed to the Office of Departmental Grants Management and Oversight at 1-202-708-0667 (this is not a toll-free number) or the NOFA Information Center at 800-HUD-8929 (toll-free). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access these numbers via TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. The NOFA Information Center is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

03/13/13

Tribal Rights, Sovereignty and Economic Development in the Midwest

Law Seminars International is pleased to announce a comprehensive conference on Tribal rights, Sovereignty and Economic Development in the Midwest on June 20 & 21, 2013 at the Wells Fargo Center in Minneapolis, MN

Law Seminars International is pleased to announce a comprehensive conference on Tribal rights, Sovereignty and Economic Development in the Midwest. Throughout Indian Country, there are significant legal issues impacting Tribal rights and sovereignty. This conference will offer in-depth looks at a number of topics, including how current federal legislation, new case law and regulation can impact Tribal economic development. You will hear updates on settlements, taxes, payday loans, labor relations, the environment, land use and energy development, as well as practical tips for getting projects off the ground between Tribes and non-Tribal contractors.

The conference will place significant focus on the Tribes' unique status of being exempt from state regulation, and legislation likely to impact Tribal economic development.

Don't miss this excellent update on today's legal, business and policy developments, along with practical strategies and tips to assist attorneys, Tribes, agency officials and consultants in navigating the changing Tribal economic landscape. Sign up soon.

Agenda
View the agenda here. Register now!

Registration
Register here or call us at (206) 567-4490.

Intended Audience
Attorneys, Tribal representatives, industry executives and governmental officials

Program Chairs
Aaron J. Harkins, Esq. of Faegre Baker Daniels LLP
Vanya S. Hogen, Esq. of Jacobson, Buffalo, Magnuson, Anderson & Hogen, P.C.

Available credits
Live credits: This program qualifies for 12.25 MN CLE credits. Upon request, we will apply for, or help you apply for, CLE credits in other states and other types of credits.

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Register now for new webcast series on Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments

EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program is hosting a three-part webcast series on climate change adaptation for state and local governments. The series will bring together state and local stakeholders share examples and solutions to some of the most pressing challenges to implementation – how to achieve buy-in, how to overcome the uncertainty barrier, and how to attract funding. Participants should come away from the series with an understanding of why adaptation to climate change is critical, the current state of the field as it applies to states and communities, how to scale programs to meet local needs, and what actions can be taken at the state and local levels to build support for adaptation and increase community resilience.

Webcast #1: Achieving Buy-In for Adaptation The first webcast will be held from 1:00pm-2:30pm EDT on Thursday, March 21st and will address the challenge of achieving community buy-in for adaptation projects. Through presentations on best practices, case studies, and an interactive panel, experts will discuss how to integrate resilience considerations into mainstream decision-making and how to simultaneously address mitigation and adaptation. Register now.

AGENDA

Introduction
Overview: What is risk communication? Who should be on board? What types of stakeholders in your community should reach out to for project support? (Cara Pike, The Social Capital Project)
Best Practices: Educating the community on climate impacts using best available science (Cynthia Rosenzweig, NASA)
Case Study: How to communicate risk to key communities (Nancy Gilliam/Gwen Griffith, Climate Solutions University)
Case Study: How to establish community buy-in (Jonathan Lockman, Catalysis Adaptation Partners)
Facilitated Panel Discussion
Q&A

Webcast #2: Overcoming the Uncertainty Barrier to Adaptation
The second webcast will be held later in the spring (date/time TBD) and will address the challenge of planning for climate change in the face of uncertainty. Through presentations on best practices, case studies, and an interactive panel, experts will discuss how to look at historical information to understand future vulnerability and how to use downscaling tools that are appropriate for local governments of various sizes and capacities.

Webcast #3: Attracting Funding for Adaptation
The third webcast will be held later in the spring (date/time TBD) and will focus on how to secure funding for adaptation. The presentations will provide examples of how communities of various sizes have attracted funding and provide available resources for participants to identify appropriate funds. The experts who present on this webcast will discuss how to maximize funding by mainstreaming adaptation planning and how to simultaneously address adaptation and mitigation.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

03/12/13

Achieving Buy-In for Adaptation

Thursday, March 21, 2013
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT

Achieving Buy-In for Adaptation is the first webcast in a three part mini-series – Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments, hosted by U.S. EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program. The series will bring together state and local stakeholders from a variety of sectors to offer examples and solutions to some of the most pressing challenges to implementation – how to achieve buy-in, how to overcome the uncertainty barrier, and how to attract funding. Participants should come away from the series with an understanding of why adaptation to climate change is critical, the current state of the field as it applies to states and communities, how to scale programs to meet local needs, and what actions can be taken at the state and local levels to build support for adaptation and increase community resilience.

The first webcast will address the challenge of achieving community buy-in for adaptation projects. Through presentations on best practices, case studies, and an interactive panel, experts will discuss how to integrate resilience considerations into mainstream decision making and how to simultaneously address mitigation and adaptation.

What: Achieving Buy-In for Adaptation
Date: Thursday, March 21st, 2013
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EDT

To register, go to: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/815656386

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Technical Assistance Program Alerts

TAP provides state, local, and tribal officials with resources to advance successful, high-impact, and long-lasting clean energy policies, program, and projects. You can "tap" into these resources in a number of ways:

Explore their online library and past trainings by visiting the Solution Center
Contact your Regional Coordinator to learn more about these resources and peer exchange opportunities
Submit an application for one-on-one assistance

Technical Assistance Project Alerts: March 2013

We've been busy, and there's a lot to share—this month, we invite you to:

Check out our new guide for "Designing a Benchmarking Plan"
Attend TAP webinars, including several financing sessions
Learn more about peer exchange opportunities through the Better Buildings Alliance Project Teams
Mark your calendars for the Better Buildings Summit for State and Local Communities, May 30-31.

As always, we look forward to working with you!

New! Designing a Benchmarking Plan

In February, TAP released "Designing a Benchmarking Plan," a new resource that provides considerations, tools, and tips for public sector organizations to use in developing a benchmarking plan. Benchmarking is the process of accounting for and comparing a metered building's current energy performance with its energy baseline, or comparing a metered building's energy performance with the energy performance of similar types of buildings. Benchmarking can be used to compare performance over time, within and between peer groups, or to document top savings from conservation measures. Whether benchmarking as part of an energy management plan or to meet requirements of a policy or program, having a clearly established benchmarking plan helps organizations strategically implement their efforts. "Designing a Benchmarking Plan" is available on the Solution Center and was introduced via a webinar, which will be posted later this month. It will also be a key resource for the Better Buildings Alliance Project Team on Data Management that kicks off March 20. For more information, please contact Joel Blaine at joel.blaine@ee.doe.gov.

March Webinars

Commercial PACE—Updates from the Field and New Resources for Program Design and Implementation

Register here
Tuesday, March 19, 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern
In March, DOE will publish a set of resources to support the design and implementation of commercial property-assessed clean energy (PACE) programs, including an updated "Guide to Commercial PACE Financing" with a sample application package and new templates for marketing commercial PACE programs. The PACE model is an innovative mechanism for financing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements on private property. Over the last several years, PACE programs for commercial buildings have been launched across the U.S. and many local and state governments are considering pursuing this model. This webinar will provide an update on commercial PACE trends and introduce the new DOE resources.

Guidelines for Developing, Staffing, and Overseeing a State Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) Program

Register here
Tuesday, March 26, 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern
Also in March, DOE will roll out "Energy Savings Performance Contracting: Guidelines for Developing, Staffing, and Overseeing a State Program." These guidelines provide strategies, tools, and resources for state energy offices, state building administrations, and others that want to move beyond one-off contracts and develop or expand a sustainable ESPC program. This webinar will present an overview of the guidelines and the many resources it offers to help you get a running start, as well as feature state peers that have already successfully taken this approach to ESPC.

TAP Peer Exchange Call: Local Trends in Clean Energy Finance

Register here
Wednesday, March 27, 2-3 p.m. Eastern
Building on webinars earlier in the month introducing new clean energy finance resources from DOE, the March peer exchange call will explore the range of ways that communities are engaging in clean energy finance. This will include a discussion of the most current approaches governments are taking to pay for their own energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, as well as how they are setting up finance programs to support projects for their residents and businesses. We will also review resources already available to support this work and discuss what communities still need to develop their own financing strategies.

Internal Benchmarking Outreach and Data Collection Techniques

Thursday, March 28, 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern

TAP/NASEO Webinar: State Energy Strategic Planning

Register here
Wednesday, April 3, 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern
The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) will discuss their recent analysis of 39 State Energy Strategic Plans and accompanying "Guide to State Energy Planning." This webinar will focus on the necessary steps to take to create an effective State Energy Plan, hearing from states that have recently completed the process and highlighting best practices from NASEO's research. States that are embarking on the planning process in 2013 are encouraged to attend.

Financing Energy Upgrades for K-12 School Districts

Register here
Thursday, April 11, 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern
In April, DOE and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will release "Financing Energy Upgrades for K-12 School Districts," a guide to tapping into funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvement in schools. U.S. schools spend over $6 billion annually on energy—more than they spend on textbooks and computers combined. Well-designed energy improvements can help stabilize and reduce these costs, as well as improve the comfort and health of students and teachers. Of course, even the most cost-effective upgrades require upfront capital, and at a time when school budgets are increasingly stretched, securing funds can be a challenge. This webinar will introduce key financing principles and the range of options available to schools, as well as feature several school districts that have successfully implemented projects using a diverse set of financing approaches.

For more clean energy webinars, meetings, and other events, please visit our Solution Center Events Calendar.

Join the Better Buildings Alliance and New Project Teams!

The Better Buildings Alliance is an opportunity for state and local governments to sustain the momentum of their ARRA work by accessing DOE-facilitated peer exchange and expertise. Members commit to annual energy reductions across their building portfolios, and participate in a Project Team to develop skills, plans, and tools in four strategic areas: energy planning, data management, energy savings performance contracting, and financing. Descriptions of these Project Teams can be found below:

Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC)

Meeting dates: March 2013 - December 2013
Outcome: Develop an energy services agreement framework, along with a recommended task list for high-performing contracts.

The ESPC Project Team will provide tools and guidance to help organizations prepare for ESPC implementation. A replicable RFP, process templates, and legislative guidance will be available as participants set up their ESPC programs.

Community Strategic Energy Planning

Meeting dates: April 2013 - December 2013
Outcome: Fully developed strategic energy plan framework

The Strategic Energy Planning meetings will equip participating organizations with the knowledge, tools, peer exchange, and feedback needed to develop and implement energy plans in their communities. Participants will learn about strategic energy planning and then be guided through the actual plan development steps, supported by DOE expertise and discussions with peers.

Finance Strategies

Meeting dates: April 2013 - December 2013
Outcome: Strategy for financing a portfolio of public projects

This Project Team will focus on implementing finance strategy across participants' public building portfolios. Participants will be asked to identify a suite of projects they are looking to finance, and then technical experts will lead the team through discussion of possible options, and best practices in design and implementation. A project team focused on public support for the private sector may follow later in the year.

Data Management Approaches

Meeting dates: March 2013 - December 2013
Outcome: Harness building energy data for greater energy efficiency impact
This project team focuses on critical elements needed to benchmark energy use across a portfolio of buildings. Receiving expertise from DOE and peers, participants will discuss the mechanics for tracking and benchmarking building energy use. The group will develop skills in utilizing benchmarking data for energy management and energy program decision-making.

This is a great opportunity to receive targeted technical assistance and DOE expertise to further your post-ARRA efforts. We encourage you to join the Alliance and our new Project Teams. For more information on the Better Buildings Alliance, please send questions to bba@ee.doe.gov.

Better Buildings Summit for State and Local Communities

Please join DOE at its second annual Better Buildings Summit for State and Local Communities, May 30-31, in Denver, CO. The Summit is your opportunity to engage with fellow state, local, and education leaders and decision-makers on successful approaches to achieving the benefits of energy efficiency in public buildings and within local communities. Participants will learn innovative strategies, policies, and models for adopting and implementing clean energy solutions in their communities that save money, create jobs, increase energy security, and protect the environment. Better Buildings Challenge Partners will also be recognized for achievements in energy reduction and demonstrated leadership in 2012.

May 30: Workshops focused on developing and improving clean energy programs in the public sector, including:

Program design
Financing elements
Outreach and education
Workforce development
Data management and standardization

May 31: Breakout sessions centered on key issues for:

Better Buildings Challenge Partners
Better Buildings Alliance Members
State Energy Program Cohorts(Competitive Awards)

Information on how to register for the Summit and what to expect will be coming soon. In the meantime, please send questions to Lauren Hall at lauren.hall@ee.doe.gov. Mark your calendars now!

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

03/08/13

Funding Opportunities, Training, Events, News, and Resources for Tribes

The Tribal Energy Program, under the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, is pleased to forward the following information courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) State and Local Climate and Energy Program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Office of Native American Programs (ONAP), and DOE's Green Power Network.

This issue covers the following topics:

Funding Opportunities
Upcoming Events
News and Information
Internships and Fellowships
Requests for Proposals
Other Information Resources

Funding Opportunities

Indian Community Development Block Grant Program

Applications due: March 18, 2013
Funding opportunity number: 2577-0191
Eligible entities: Eligible applicants are Indian Tribes or tribal organizations on behalf of Indian Tribes. For details, see the full Notice Of Funding Availability (NOFA).

This posting provides information and instructions for the FY 2013 Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program subject to Congress appropriating funding for this program. Because FY 2013 funding has not been appropriated, the availability of any such funding for this program is contingent upon future congressional action. Funds that are carried over from previous fiscal years or are recaptured may also be used for grant awards under this NOFA. HUD's ICDBG Program is authorized by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and the ICDBG Program regulations at 24 CFR Part 1003.

Deadline
The application deadline is 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time on March 18, 2013. HUD will issue a technical correction to this NOFA if appropriations are enacted that require HUD to modify the funding criteria or application requirements, or if HUD determines that adjustments to estimated award amounts or timelines are necessary. Any such technical correction will provide detailed instructions for applicants to permit them to resubmit the application to address the revised NOFA requirements.

For Further Information
Questions regarding specific program requirements should be directed to your Area Office of Native American Programs. A contact list for each Area ONAP can be accessed online. Questions regarding the FY 2013 General Section should be directed to the Office of Departmental Grants Management and Oversight at 202-708-0667 (this is not a toll-free number) or the NOFA Information Center at 800-HUD-8929 (toll-free). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access these numbers via TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. The NOFA Information Center is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

HUD Transformation Initiative for Sustainable Construction in Indian Country Small Grant Program

Applications due: March 25, 2013
Funding opportunity number: 31895
Eligible applicants: Tribes and tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, think tanks, consortia, institutions of higher education accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and other entities that will sponsor a researcher, expert(s), or analyst(s). HUD will not directly fund individual researchers.

HUD invites applicants to submit proposals for funding that encourages the use of sustainable construction practices in Native American housing. Proposals should take into account the multiple geographic, economic, and cultural aspects of Native American residential design and construction. HUD seeks applications in four broad areas: demonstration, technical assistance, curriculum development/training, and information dissemination related to sustainable construction in the Native community. For the complete NOFA, visit the Grants.gov website. For more information on this funding opportunity, contact Michael.D.Blanford@hud.gov.

Applications for START Round 2 Now Being Accepted: Deadline Is March 15

Over the past year, the DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Program has helped nine tribal communities advance their clean energy technology and infrastructure projects—from solar and wind to biofuels and energy efficiency. Through the current round of START projects, energy experts at the Department's National Laboratories and at other federal agencies have worked side-by-side with tribal leaders to develop strategic community energy plans, conduct market research, and identify financing mechanisms to support cost-effective renewable energy project development.

This second round of START technical assistance awards will build upon the initial successes of the START Program and further help Native American and Alaska Native communities increase local generation capacity, enhance energy efficiency measures, and create local entrepreneurial and job opportunities. In the contiguous United States, Energy Department and National Laboratory experts will provide technical assistance on Tribes' clean energy project development—supporting community-scale renewable energy projects across the country. In Alaska, the Energy Department and the Denali Commission help rural Alaska Native communities conduct energy awareness and training programs and pursue new renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities. The selected Alaska Native villages may also be eligible for grant funding that supports renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.

For more information and application requirements for the START Program, please visit the Energy Department's Office of Indian Energy website.

EPA's Science to Achieve Results Program Request for Applications

Recently, as part of EPA's Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, EPA announced a request for applications (RFA) proposing research on science for sustainable and healthy Tribes. Award recipients will seek to better understand how tribal population health is impacted specifically by climate change as well as indoor air pollution exposure from traditional tribal life-ways and cultural practices. View the full RFA, titled Science for Sustainability and Healthy Tribes, on the EPA website. If you have specific questions, please contact Kelly Widener at williams.ryann@epa.gov.

Other Opportunities

See the table below for other opportunities for funding or technical assistance.

Agency/Source	Submission Deadline	Additional Information
Economic Development Assistance Program Grant (Department of Commerce)	Rolling	Cooperative agreement grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will leverage regional assets to support the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, encourage economic development, and strengthen America's ability to compete in the global marketplace
Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant (Department of Agriculture)	Rolling	USDA Rural Development's grant program for Emergency Community Water Assistance.
Tribal Energy Program Technical Assistance (Department of Energy)	Rolling	Free technical assistance to assist federally recognized Indian tribes, bands, nations, and other organized groups and communities-including Alaska Native villages or regional and village corporations-with renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Typically limited to 40 hours and may include renewable energy technology information, renewable resource information, energy efficiency techniques, project support, system performance modeling, policy information, design review, special studies, strategic energy planning and training. To request assistance, complete the application online.
Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance ProgramDepartment of Commerce)	Rolling	Up to $100K from EDA to assist eligible recipients in creating regional economic development plans designed to stimulate and guide the economic development efforts of a community or region.

Upcoming Events

DOE's 2013 Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series

The DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Tribal Energy Program, and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) are pleased to continue their joint sponsorship of the Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series in 2013. The series is intended for tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale energy projects, responding to utilities' requests for proposals, and learning more about the competitive power market. Each of these webinars focuses on a different aspect of the energy project development process. Taken as a whole, the series is designed to help Tribes identify ways to promote tribal energy sufficiency and foster economic development and employment on tribal lands through renewable energy and energy efficiency technology development.

For more information on the webinar series, see the attached flier. For recordings and presentations from past webinars, go to www.wapa.gov and click the Renewables link, then click on the Tribal Webinar Series link.

Registration
There is no charge to participate in the webinars, but registration is required. To register, click on the links provided in the table below. The following webinars will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain time.

DATE	TOPIC
March 27, 2013	Understanding the Grid
April 24, 2013	How Power Marketing Administrations Market Power and Work with Tribes
May 29, 2013	Regional Transmission Planning
June 26, 2013	Renewable Energy Project Leasing on Tribal Lands
July 31, 2013	Conducting Transmission Feasibility and System Impact Studies
August 28, 2013	Renewable Energy Market Expectations and Trends
September 25, 2013	Tribal and Utility Partnership Opportunities
October 30, 2013	Renewable Energy Case Studies: Tribal and Developer Perspectives

Other Upcoming Events

For details about and contact information for webinars and other upcoming events, visit the events calendar on the Tribal Energy Program website.

News and Information

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Signs Regulation Confirming "Government-to-Government" Consultation with Tribes

WASHINGTON, January 31, 2013—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has signed a departmental regulation that "establishes over-arching Department-wide guidance" concerning consultation and coordination with Indian Tribes.

"This regulation is intended to ensure that American Indians and Alaska Natives have full access to the programs and services offered by the Department," said Vilsack. "To achieve this goal it is essential that all agencies of USDA engage with Tribes in timely and meaningful consultation on policies that directly affect one or more Tribes."

As approved by the Secretary, the departmental regulation directs USDA and its agencies to provide federally recognized Tribes the opportunity for government-to-government consultation in policy development and program activities "which have direct and substantial effects on their Tribe." The intent is to ensure that tribal perspectives be heard and fully considered "on the social, cultural, economic, and ecological aspects of agriculture, as well as tribal food and natural resource priorities and goals."

The policy sets forth criteria that all USDA agencies will use to identify actions that require the extension of an invitation to a federally recognized Tribe to engage in consultation. It sets minimum requirements for consultation and coordination, holds agency heads accountable, and affirms that each USDA agency is responsible for appropriate consultation and collaboration with the Tribes.

The regulation also specifies that "each USDA agency shall provide an opportunity for Tribes to participate in policy development to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law," and it notes that "All USDA agencies and personnel shall respect and uphold the sovereignty of all federally recognized tribal governments." Under the regulation, each USDA agency and office shall maintain an accountability process, and "administrative records shall be retained by the pertinent agency and entered into the USDA Tribal Consultation Database, once it is established by the Office of Tribal Relations."

New BIA Leasing Regulations

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has published the Final Rule on its new leasing regulations. Read the full press release, which also has links to fact sheets, a Q&A, and the Final Rule.

Secretary Salazar Finalizes Plan to Establish Renewable Energy Zone on Public Lands in Arizona
First-ever statewide plan to set aside previously disturbed lands to encourage wind and solar energy development

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar recently announced that the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has designated 192,100 acres of public land across Arizona as potentially suitable for utility-scale solar and wind energy development, furthering President Obama's "all-of-the-above" strategy to expand domestic energy production.

The publication of the Record of Decision (ROD) for this initiative, known as the Restoration Design Energy Project, caps a three-year, statewide environmental analysis of disturbed land and other areas with few known resource conflicts that could accommodate commercial renewable energy projects.

The ROD also establishes the Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone, the third solar zone on public lands in Arizona and the 18th nationwide. The Solar Energy Zones are part of the Obama Administration's efforts to facilitate solar energy development by identifying areas in six states in the West with high solar potential, few resource conflicts, and access to existing or planned transmission. With the Agua Caliente Zone, DOI is delivering on the promise made as part of the Western Solar Plan to identify and establish additional Solar Energy Zones.

The new 2,550-acre Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone is located in Yuma County near Dateland, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) estimates that the zone could generate more than 20 megawatts through utility-scale solar projects. The BLM administers about 12.2 million surface acres of public lands in Arizona.

To implement the ROD, eight BLM resource management plans will be amended to identify Renewable Energy Development Areas and provide guidance on how public lands are to be used. These identified areas are within five miles of a transmission line or a designated transmission corridor, and are close to cities, towns, or industrial centers.

For more information on Secretary Salazar's announcement, including maps, a fact sheet, and the ROD, visit the BLM website.

Internships and Fellowships

Tribal Energy Program Announces Summer Internship Opportunity;
Application Deadline Is March 15

The application period is March 1–15. Interested students may apply via the SNL website beginning March 1, by searching on the keyword tribal energy: http://www.sandia.gov/careers/index.html

Deadline for submitting applications is March 15, 2013. For details about eligibility, application requirements, and compensation, see the attached flier. Visit the Tribal Energy Program website to learn more about College Student Summer Internships.

USDA Land-Grant Development/Tribal Fellowship Program Accepting Applications

Posted by Lavinia Panizo, USDA 1994 Tribal Land-Grant Colleges & Universities Program, on February 19, 2013, at 10:15 a.m.

From June 1 through June 8, USDA will host faculty and staff from the 32 land-grant tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) that work in the areas of agriculture, conservation, science, or community development to participate in the USDA Land-Grant Development/Tribal Fellowship Program, a key component of the Terra Preta do Indio Tribal Fellowship Suite. The USDA 1994 Tribal Land-Grant Colleges and Universities Program office works with land-grant TCUs to develop their land-grant capacities and rural tribal economies to ensure U.S. food security. In order to achieve this mission, the Department offers accepted applicants a Tribal Fellowship, a one-week intensive workshop which includes the cost of travel, lodging, and per diem.

Over the course of the workshop, fellows learn about programs and resources available throughout USDA and where and how to access them. They have an opportunity to exchange ideas with their colleagues, ask questions of specialists, and consider which of the resources discussed might benefit their institutions. Fellows apply their knowledge by developing or revisiting their strategic plan to address the needs of their 1994 tribal land-grant college in the areas of agriculture, conservation, and the development of their rural communities—in collaboration with their institution's tribal community and with support from our staff and USDA service centers.

A local USDA service center can really make the difference in the success of these land grants to optimize their plan. While the Tribal Fellows Program offers participants an overview of the USDA landscape and opportunities to share ideas and develop potential partnerships and relationships, the support of the local service centers is crucial to develop these collaborations. USDA service center employees' expertise and regional knowledge will help schools implement a well-thought-out plan and realize its goals.

In 2013 USDA graduated its first group of Terra Preta do Indio Tribal Fellows. While participants left a bit overwhelmed, they also left with a better understanding of USDA and the programs available to them. For example:

"There are actually quite a few programs that are not just for me and my program at the farm but for the college overall. The idea was for me to come here and learn as much as I can and help the college to be able to access a lot of these programs…"
Todd Brier
Sustainable Agriculture Research Manager
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Community College, WI

"There are opportunities for us to expand some of our programs so that we can build our capacity in communities with youth… [USDA] resources available to tribal colleges are wonderful."
Jacquelyn Gutierrez
Coordinator, Center for Lifelong Education
Institute of American Indian Arts, NM

lavinia.panizo@osec.usda.gov

Requests for Proposals for Renewable Energy

The following solicitations are included in this update as a courtesy to our subscribers. These Requests For Proposals (RFPs) are neither supported nor endorsed by the DOE Green Power Network. A complete list of active RFPs can found on the Renewable Energy RFPs page.

Deadline - March 28, 2013
The Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) RFP seeking proposals for demonstrations of energy technologies on Department of Defense (DOD) installations as candidates for funding in FY 2014 on behalf of DOD. The solicitation requests pre-proposals via calls for proposals to DOD organizations and Non-DOD federal organizations and via a broad agency announcement for private sector organizations. ESTCP requests pre-proposals for the following topics:

1. Smart and Secure Military Installation Energy Management
2. Advanced Building Energy Management and Control

Contact: Jon Bunger, 571-372-6565

Deadline - April 1, 2013
Northern States Power Company (NSP) RFP seeking up to 200 megawatts of wind generation resources for the Midwest (MISO) Electric Region. Proposals will be accepted for either power purchase agreements (PPAs) or ownership arrangements. The company reserves the right to reject any project that has not entered the definitive planning phase of the MISO generator interconnection process. Contact Stan Dufault, 612-215-4577 (PPA proposals) or John Valerius, 612-215-4572 (ownership proposals).

Deadline - December 31, 2014

Connecticut Light & Power Company (CL&P) RFP

Joseph Fowler

Other Information Resources

American Planning Association Releases Report on Green Infrastructure

A recent report from the American Planning Association demonstrates how green infrastructure cleans the air and water, replenishes aquifers, reduces flooding, and moderates climate. Green infrastructure approaches also help promote healthy exercise and access to more grown food. The report also notes that green infrastructure can make communities safer and even helps reduce crime, while boosting the economy as it attracts business, raises property values, and lowers energy and healthcare costs. The report presents six principles for successful green infrastructure projects, and provides detailed case studies describing these principles at work. The report is available for $60 from the American Planning Association's website.

Northeast Regional Energy Efficiency Database Goes Live

The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) has announced the launch of its Regional Energy Efficiency Database (REED), a public resource that currently includes 2011 electric and gas energy efficiency program data for eight states: Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Energy efficiency data for the year 2012 from these eight states, along with data for Delaware and the District of Columbia, will be added to REED this autumn.

NEEP plans to hold user webinars for REED in March and April. Throughout 2013, NEEP will be working with states and program administrators to identify key similarities and differences in energy efficiency program impacts, and plans to issue periodic reports on its findings.

New Website Helps Local Governments Advance Solar Energy Initiatives

The SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership (SolarOPs), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative, has created a new website to help local governments adopt solar energy. The site includes a resource database, a calendar of events and trainings, a blog, and access to "Ask the Expert" services and technical assistance offerings.

EPA's Climate Ready Water Utilities Initiative Announces Extreme Events Workshop Planning Tool

2012 was the second most expensive year on record for extreme events in the United States, and events like these are expected to occur more frequently and with greater intensity in the years ahead. Extreme events, such as the current prolonged period of drought, can have devastating impacts on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities. It is important that water utilities identify actions that can be taken today to better prepare for these events. EPA's Climate Ready Water Utilities initiative has just released its "Preparing for Extreme Weather Events: Workshop Planner for the Water Sector" to help utilities plan for extreme events. The planner provides all of the materials needed to plan, conduct, and facilitate an adaptation planning workshop on five extreme event scenarios: floods, drought, wildfire, sea level rise, and reduced snowpack. To download the workshop planner, visit the Climate Ready Water Utilities website.

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

SIP announcement.pdf

57066 DOE-IE webinar FS r5.pdf

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Indoor Air Quality in Schools Webinar

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2013
Time: 12:00 pm Arizona Time (12:00 pm PDT, 1:00 pm MDT, 2:00 pm CDT, 3:00 pm EDT)

Registration

Agenda
IAQ in Tribal Schools
Why IAQ is Important in Tribal Schools
Collaboration between Tribal Staff and Tribal Schools
Green Cleaning in Schools

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March 2013: Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments

This message provides details about ten upcoming webcasts being offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others. All webcasts are offered free of charge, but space may be limited.

EPA Webcasts

March 20, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – The Solar Roadmap: Navigating the Evolving Solar Energy Market
March 21, 1:00-2:30 PM (EDT) - Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments, Part I: Achieving Buy-In for Adaptation

ENERGY STAR Webcasts

March 7, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – For Utilities: Designing and Implementing Successful Data Center Efficiency
March 12, 2:00-3:00 PM (EDT) – The Basics of Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager
March 14, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – Benchmark Water/Wastewater Treatment Facilities Using EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

DOE Webcasts

March 18, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Incentives Webinar
March 19, 2:00-3:30 PM (EDT) – Commercial PACE: Updates from the Field and New Resources for Program Design and Implementation
March 19, 1:00-2:15 PM (MDT) – Community Renewable Energy Success Stories: Renewable Energy Parks
March 27, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM (MDT) – Understanding the Grid NREL Webcasts
March 22, 9:00 AM-10:00AM (PDT) – Can Solar Financing Be Easier?

NREL Webcasts

March 22, 9:00 AM-10:00AM (PDT) – Can Solar Financing Be Easier?

***EPA Webcasts

March 20, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – The Solar Roadmap: Navigating the Evolving Solar Energy Market
Navigating the rapidly evolving solar energy market can be a challenge and charting the right course for a community requires both local and national knowledge. The Solar Roadmap platform, and its free resources, organize global best practices and make them easily accessible locally for government agencies, regional organizations, businesses and electric utilities. Through a tailored Solar Roadmap, interested communities can join others from across the country who are transforming their regional environments and economies with clean energy solutions. This webinar, sponsored by EPA’s Green Power Partnership and Local Climate and Energy Program will review success stories and opportunities for local and state governments to make significant progress toward their renewable energy goals using the Solar Roadmap platform.

Webcast Registration

March 21, 1:00-2:30 PM (EST) – Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments, Part I: Achieving Buy-In for Adaptation
Beginning this month, EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program will be hosting a three-part webcast series on climate change adaptation. This mini-series will build on our popular 2010-2011 adaptation mini-series. In Part I, experts and local government staff will discuss the importance of support for adaptation programs. Presenters will discuss the best ways to educate communities about climate impacts, walk through a case study about how to gain political buy-in for adaptation work, and how to address political opposition. Through presentations on best practices, case studies, and an interactive panel, experts will discuss how to integrate resilience considerations into mainstream decision-making and how to simultaneously address mitigation and adaptation. Part II, “Overcoming the Uncertainty Barrier to Adaptation” will be on April 17, and Part III, “Attracting Funding for Adaptation” will be on May 1.

Webcast Registration

***ENERGY STAR Webcasts

ENERGY STAR offers free online training to help you improve the energy performance of your organization. To register for any of these trainings or to see other upcoming ENERGY STAR trainings, visit the ENERGY STAR Trainings page.

March 7, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – For Utilities: Designing and Implementing Successful Data Center Efficiency
Over the past decade, total data center energy use in the United States has almost quadrupled. Energy-efficiency program administrators can play a significant role in helping customers reduce data center energy use and demand. Based on the new ENERGY STAR guide on data center efficiency programs, this webinar will explore the energy saving opportunities available and share emerging practices for program design and implementation. Mark Bramfitt, former head of PG&E’s data center efficiency program, will lead the presentation and be available to answer questions.

Webcast registration

March 12, 2:00-3:00 PM (EDT) – The Basics of Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager
Learn the basics of benchmarking using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, EPA’s no-cost energy measurement and tracking tool. Portfolio Manager enables you to track the progress of energy and water efficiency efforts and compare the energy use of your buildings with that of similar buildings nationwide. Attendees will learn how to use Portfolio Manager to establish energy and water use baselines, track energy and water use and greenhouse gas emission reductions over time, prioritize investments, and set goals. Attendees will also learn how EPA’s energy performance score compares peer facilities across the country, and how to take advantage of national recognition opportunities for top-performing buildings.

Webcast registration

March 14, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – Benchmark Water/Wastewater Treatment Facilities Using EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Learn how to track the progress of energy efficiency efforts and compare the energy use of wastewater treatment plants to other peer facilities across the country. Attendees will learn how to measure and track energy use and carbon dioxide emission reductions in wastewater treatment plants to establish baseline energy use, prioritize investments, set goals, and track improvements over time.

Webcast registration

***DOE Webcasts

March 18, 1:00-2:00 PM (EDT) – Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Incentives Webinar
This webinar will provide an overview of the laws and incentives database on the Alternative Fuels Data Center. Learn how to identify state and federal incentives, find out about changes to federal tax incentives related to the recent "fiscal cliff" legislation, and hear about trends in state incentives. No pre-registration necessary. Dial 877-784-3231 and enter passcode 7826325. Log in to MyMeetings with conference number PW8263324 and passcode 7826325.

March 19, 2:00-3:30 PM (EDT) – Commercial PACE: Updates from the Field and New Resources for Program Design and Implementation

Webcast Registration

March 19, 1:00-2:15 PM (MDT) – Community Renewable Energy Success Stories: Renewable Energy Parks
This webcast will provide information on how two cities in Washington and New York Sate integrated multiple renewable energy technologies to create renewable energy parts in their areas. The webinar will feature presentations on Ellensburg, Washington’s Renewable Energy Park, and Hempstead, New York’s Project Energy.

Webcast Registration

March 27, 11 a.m.-12:30 PM (MDT) – Understanding the Grid
Electricity generation and transmission operations must be monitored and controlled continuously to ensure a consistent and ample flow of electricity. This requires the cooperation and coordination of hundreds of electricity industry participants. This webcast, part of DOE’s Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series, is intended for tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale projects, responding to utility-offered requests for proposals, and/or are interested in learning more about the competitive power market. It will cover ways to promote tribal energy sufficiency and foster economic development and employment on tribal lands using renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

Webcast Registration

***NREL Webcasts

March 22, 9:00 AM-10:00AM (PDT) – Can Solar Financing Be Easier?
Investigations by NREL and others have illuminated the high cost and complexity of solar financing. There are many factors behind this and many possible solutions. Taking a page from other financing areas, NREL is leading a national effort through their SAPC program to streamline finance through standardization of transaction documents and contracts. NREL has assembled an impressive working group of leaders in the solar industry experienced in various contract instruments. To date, progress is being made and this webinar is a great opportunity to learn more about this work. The webcast will explore the complexities of solar financing in residential and commercial markets; what opportunities are there for streamlining, and/or developing more effective methods; and how can the broader industry support these efforts?

Webcast Registration

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

03/06/13

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Tribal Energy Program Internships at Sandia National Laboratories (Applications due March 15)
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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Tribal Energy Program is offering a summer 2013 internship opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students. The 12-week 2013 Tribal Energy Program Summer Internship will be located at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Working closely with experienced renewable energy program staff and Tribes interested in deploying renewable energy systems, interns will benefit from direct tribal energy project experience and exposure to a variety of issues concerning tribal renewable energy technology use and application. Frequent travel will be required, as interns will participate in field visits to current tribal energy projects.

Student applicants must be U.S. citizens, and there is a preference for Native Americans. The application deadline is March 15, 2013. For more information and full eligibility requirements, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

About the TEEIC

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The TEEIC Web site http://teeic.anl.gov provides information about the environmental effects of energy development on tribal lands.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding the maintenance of the TEEIC through the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.

For More Information

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If you have questions or need more information, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/ or contact the TEEIC Webmaster at teeicwebmaster@anl.gov

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Exciting Opportunity for Tribes Related to Climate Adaptation

EPA has announced a new Request for Applications (RFA) through its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program. Open: February 25, 2013 - Closing: June 25, 2013. The RFA is titled “Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes.” The funding opportunities will explore how tribal population health is impacted by climate change as well as indoor air pollution exposure. The RFA can be viewed at: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2013/2013_star_tribal.html

Funding Opportunity Number:
EPA-G2013-STAR-X1: Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – Climate Change Impacts
EPA-G2013-STAR-X2: Early Career Projects: Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – Climate Change Impacts
EPA-G2013-STAR-Y1: Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – Indoor Air Impacts
EPA-G2013-STAR-Y2: Early Career Projects: Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – Indoor Air Impacts

03/01/13

Reminder: Applications for Round 2 of DOE Office of Indian Energy START Program Are Due March 15

The Tribal Energy Program, under the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, is pleased to forward the following DOE Office of Indian Energy press release as a reminder that START Round 2 applications are due two weeks from today.

Applications for START Round 2 Now Being Accepted: Deadline Is March 15

January 29, 2013 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – As part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to help Tribal communities across the country enhance their energy security and build a sustainable energy future, the Energy Department today announced the second round of the Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Program, which provides federally recognized Tribal governments with technical assistance to accelerate clean energy project deployment. Additionally, the Energy Department plans to seek information from Tribes interested in launching or expanding utility services in their own communities, which will help establish a new START Utility Program (START-UP).

“Building on our all-of-the-above strategy to deploy every available domestic energy resource, the new technical assistance opportunities announced today will strengthen our partnerships with Tribal communities, create good jobs and protect our planet,” said Office of Indian Energy Director Tracey LeBeau. “Working side-by-side with tribal energy leaders across the country, we are making sure Native American and Alaska Native Tribes have the tools and resources they need to foster economic competitiveness and promote tribal self-sufficiency.”

***Launching START Second Round

Over the past year, the START Program has helped nine Tribal communities advance their clean energy technology and infrastructure projects – from solar and wind to biofuels and energy efficiency. Through the current round of START projects, energy experts at the Department’s National Laboratories and at other federal agencies have worked side-by-side with tribal leaders to develop strategic community energy plans, conduct market research and identify financing mechanisms to support cost-effective renewable energy project development.

For more information and application requirements for the START Program, please visit the Energy Department’s Office of Indian Energy website. Applications are due by March 15, 2013.

***New Program Focused on Tribal Utility Planning

As part of the Energy Department’s efforts to support affordable and reliable electrical service to Indian lands and Tribal communities, the Department is launching a new Tribal START Utility Program (START-UP). This new program expands on the current START Program to help Tribes across the country develop their own utility services and increase ownership of local energy assets.

To ensure START-UP meets the needs of Indian Country, the Department plans to gather information and public comment from tribes interested in developing, acquiring or expanding utility services in their own communities. Additional details on this effort will be available on the Office of Indian Energy website in the coming weeks.

Find more information on the Energy Department’s broader efforts to support energy efficiency projects and energy development on Tribal lands at www.energy.gov/indianenergy.

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

02/27/13

Apply for Smart Growth Implementation Assistance and Explore New Resources for Extreme Event Planning, Green Infrastructure, Regional Energy Efficiency, and Solar Energy

***EPA Announces Smart Growth Implementation Assistance, Letters of Interest Due March 1
EPA's Office of Sustainable Communities seeks letters of interest from tribes, states, regions, and communities that want to encourage development in ways that protect the environment, use resources efficiently, create economic opportunities, and provide a high quality of life. The Smart Growth Implementation Assistance (SGIA) program provides assistance from national experts to help communities explore barriers to smart growth implementation and pilot innovative ideas that create more sustainable communities. Selected communities will be awarded direct technical assistance in one of two areas: policy analysis (e.g., reviewing state and local codes, school siting guidelines, transportation policies, etc.) or public participatory processes (e.g., visioning, design workshops, alternative analysis, build-out analysis, etc.). Through a multiple-day site visit and a detailed final report, multidisciplinary teams will provide information to help the community achieve the goal of encouraging growth that fosters economic progress and environmental protection. Letters of interest are due no later than March 1, 2013. For more information, see the request for letters of interest.

***EPA's Climate Ready Water Utilities Initiative Announces Extreme Events Workshop Planning Tool
2012 was the second most expensive year on record for extreme events in the United States, and events like these are expected to occur more frequently and with greater intensity in the years ahead. Extreme events, such as the current prolonged period of drought, can have devastating impacts on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities. It is important that water utilities identify actions that can be taken today to better prepare for these events. EPA's Climate Ready Water Utilities initiative has just released its "Preparing for Extreme Weather Events: Workshop Planner for the Water Sector" to help utilities plan for extreme events. The planner provides all of the materials needed to plan, conduct, and facilitate an adaptation planning workshop on five extreme event scenarios: floods, drought, wildfire, sea level rise, and reduced snowpack. To download the Workshop Planner, visit the Climate Ready Water Utilities website.

***American Planning Association Releases Report on Green Infrastructure
A recent report from the American Planning Association demonstrates how green infrastructure cleans the air and water, replenishes aquifers, reduces flooding, and moderates climate. Green infrastructure approaches also help promote healthy exercise and access to more grown food. The report also notes that green infrastructure can make communities safer and even helps reduce crime, while boosting the economy as it attracts business, raises property values, and lowers energy and healthcare costs. The report presents six principles for successful green infrastructure projects, and provides detailed case studies describing these principles at work. The report is available for $60 from the American Planning Association’s website.

***Northeast Regional Energy Efficiency Database Goes Live
The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) has announced the launch of its Regional Energy Efficiency Database (REED), a public resource that currently includes 2011 electric and gas energy efficiency program data for eight states: Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. Energy efficiency data for the year 2012 from these eight states, along with data for Delaware and the District of Columbia, will be added to REED this autumn.

***New Website Helps Local Governments Advance Solar Energy Initiatives
The SunShot Solar Outreach Partnership (SolarOPs), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative, has created a new website to help local governments adopt solar energy. The site includes a resource database, a calendar of events and trainings, a blog, and access to “Ask the Expert” services and technical assistance offerings.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

02/26/13

EPA's Office of Research and Development/National Center for Environmental Research invites you to participate in the following Extreme Events research grant kick-off webinar:

Please join EPA and fourteen recent recipients of research grants on climate-induced changes in extreme events in the context of air and water quality management.

A goal of this research funding is to seek a better understanding of the hazards (the extreme events) and to establish ways for climate scientists, impact assessment modelers, air and water quality managers, and other stakeholders to co-produce information necessary to form sound policy in relation to extreme events and their impact on air and water quality under a changing climate. Researchers from across the country will present their research plans and early results.

To Participate in the Webinar please register at:

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/335539166

For more information about this webinar see:

http://www.epa.gov/ncer/events/#feb2613

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Attend a tribal renewables webinar, register for EPA’s Climate Leadership Conference, and explore the Smart Growth Network’s new compendium

This newsletter provides details on upcoming webcasts, conferences, and resources of interest to state, local, and tribal governments.

***Webinar on Tribal Renewable Energy Potential, February 27, 2013
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy, the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Tribal Energy Program, and the Western Area Power Administration will present the next 2013 Tribal Renewable Energy Series webinar, “Renewable Energy Potential on Tribal Lands,” on Wednesday, February 27, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The webinar will provide an introduction to the recently released National Renewable Energy Laboratory and ICF International studies on tribal renewable energy resources.

Webinar registration

***Climate Leadership Conference & Awards , February 27 - March 1, 2013, in Washington, DC
It’s not too late to register for the Climate Leadership Conference, which will be held in Washington, DC, from February 27 - March 1, 2013. The conference is dedicated to professionals addressing global climate change through policy, innovation, and business solutions. The Climate Leadership Awards will take place during the conference on February 28 to recognize and encourage exemplary leadership in response to climate change. EPA’s Center for Corporate Climate Leadership is the conference headline sponsor and co-sponsors the awards with the Association of Climate Change Officers, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, and The Climate Registry.

***Smart Growth Network Publishes Compendium of Papers
In summer 2012, the Smart Growth Network issued a call for papers to start a national conversation around the questions of what we want our communities to look like by the year 2027, what development issues we will face, and how we will solve them. The Network received 95 papers in response; 20 were published in a compendium that was released at the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. To view the compendium and other submitted papers, please visit the Network’s web page, A National Conversation on the Future of Our Communities.

*** EPA State and Local Climate and Energy Program logo
State and local officials interested in additional information about developing and implementing cost-effective climate and energy strategies that help further environmental goals and achieve public health and economic benefits may visit EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program site.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

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The Tribal Energy Program, under the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, is pleased to announce the following summer internship opportunity.

Tribal Energy Program Announces Summer Internship Opportunity; Application Deadline Is March 15

As part of its mission, Tribal Energy Program provides Native communities with education and training to build the knowledge and skills that are essential to developing, implementing, and sustaining energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Indian Country. Because future generations have an important role in fulfilling that mission, each year the program offers summer internship opportunities for full-time technical undergraduate and graduate students interested in gaining on-the-ground experience in clean energy technology deployment in Indian Country.
The 12-week 2013 Tribal Energy Program Summer Internship will be located at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Working closely with experienced renewable energy program staff and Tribes interested in deploying renewable energy systems, interns will benefit from direct tribal energy project experience and exposure to a variety of issues concerning tribal renewable energy technology use and application. Frequent travel will be required, as interns will participate in field visits to current tribal energy projects.

The application period is March 1–March 15. Interested students may apply via the SNL website beginning March 1, by searching on the key word tribal energy: http://www.sandia.gov/careers/index.html

Deadline for submitting applications is March 15, 2013.

For details about eligibility, application requirements, and compensation, see the attached flier.
Visit the Tribal Energy Program website to learn more about the Tribal Energy Program College Student Summer Internships.

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Reminder: Register Today for the February 27 Tribal Renewable Energy Development Potential Webinar

Learn about opportunities for tribal renewable energy development in a new webinar, Renewable Energy Potential on Tribal Lands, to be held on Wednesday, February 27, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain time. This is the second in a series of free tribal energy webinars sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Tribal Energy Program, and Western Area Power Administration.

American Indian land comprises approximately 2% of U.S. land but contains an estimated 5% of all renewable energy resources. To help Tribes make informed decisions about renewable development options for their communities, this webinar will cover:

Market context
Technical potential of various renewable energy technologies
Opportunities for Tribes to partner with the Department of Defense.

The webinar will be presented by the DOE Office of Indian Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which analyzed data to substantiate the estimated renewable energy technical potential on tribal lands and identify Tribes located near military bases. Presenters include DOE Office of Indian Energy Deputy Director Pilar Thomas and NREL’s Dan Beckley and John Nangle.

At the end of the webinar, there will be an interactive discussion in which participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about tribal renewable energy development potential.

There is no cost to attend the webinar, but advance registration is required. To register for this and other webinars in the series, click on the links provided in the table below.

Each of the following webinars will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain time.

DATE	TOPIC
February 27, 2013	Renewable Energy Potential on Tribal Lands
March 27, 2013	Understanding the Grid
April 24, 2013	How Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) Market Power and Work with Tribes
May 29, 2013	Regional Transmission Planning
June 26, 2013	Renewable Energy Project Leasing on Tribal Lands
July 31, 2013	Conducting Transmission Feasibility and System Impact Studies
August 28, 2013	Renewable Energy Market Expectations and Trends
September 25, 2013	Tribal and Utility Partnership Opportunities
October 30, 2013	Renewable Energy Case Studies: Tribal and Developer Perspectives

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

02/21/13

Current Training:
How to Use the Tribal NSR Registration Calculators
Wednesday, February 27, 2013.

For more information go to http://www.epa.gov/air/tribal/tribalnsrtraining.html

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Free Print Versions of EPA's Climate Change Indicators in the United States 2012 Now Available

The Earth's climate is changing. Temperatures are rising, snow and rainfall patterns are shifting, and more extreme climate events—such as heavy rainstorms and record high temperatures—are taking place. These types of changes can bring about fundamental disruptions in ecosystems, affecting plant and animal populations, communities, and biodiversity. Such shifts can also affect society, including where people can live, what kinds of crops farmers can grow, and what kinds of businesses can thrive in certain areas.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Change Indicators in the United States, 2012 report presents a set of 26 indicators tracking observed signs of climate change in the United States. EPA has worked in partnership with other agencies, organizations, and individuals to collect and communicate useful data about five categories of climate indicators: greenhouse gases, weather and climate, oceans, snow and ice, and society and ecosystems.

The report, Climate Change Indicators in the United States, 2012 is designed to be useful for scientists, analysts, decision-makers, educators, and others who can use climate change indicators as a tool for:

Assessing trends in environmental quality, factors that influence the environment, and effects on ecosystems and society.
Effectively supporting science-based decision making and communication.
Evaluating existing and future climate-related policies and programs.

If you are interested in ordering some print copies of Climate Change Indicators in the United States, 2012, please write to climateindicators@epa.gov.

There is no charge for these reports, but we would love to hear how you'll be using the report to support your own climate change work on a state or local level.

***
State and local officials interested in additional information about developing and implementing cost-effective climate and energy strategies that help further environmental goals and achieve public health and economic benefits may visit EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program site.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

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News You Can Use: Register for Energy Efficiency Webinars, use a new Multi-Pollutant Calculator, Apply for a Smart Growth Award, and Read about Building Blocks Awardees

***SEE Action Webinars Coming Up in February

The State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network (SEE Action) is a state- and local-led effort facilitated by the U.S. Department of Energy and EPA. SEE Action will host two webinars in February on energy efficiency topics of interest to state and local governments:

1. Third-Party Data Access and Privacy for Energy Efficiency
Tuesday, February 19, 2:00–3:30 p.m. EST.
Advance registration is required.

Access to customer energy use data presents a significant opportunity for actors in the energy efficiency services market. However, the inability for energy efficiency service providers to gain access to the data because of privacy concerns creates a barrier to realizing many of the benefits from these services. During this webinar, participants will learn about SEE Action's newly released guide, A Regulator's Privacy Guide to Third-Party Data Access for Energy Efficiency, which examines state policies addressing data access and privacy issues in the context of energy efficiency.

2. High-Performance Leasing Strategies for State and Local Governments
Tuesday, February 26, 2:00–4:00 p.m. EST.
Advance registration is required.

Traditional lease structures can discourage both owners and tenants from reducing operating costs through energy efficiency due to the “split-incentive” barrier. High-performance leasing aligns both parties’ incentives and incorporates benefit- and cost-sharing practices into lease terms. In this webcast, state and local leaders will learn how to use model high-performance leasing strategies in publicly leased buildings, and promote their use in the private sector.

***ACEEE Releases Energy Efficiency and Pollution Control Calculator

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has released a downloadable calculator intended to help policymakers, state governments, utility operators, and other stakeholders estimate the multi-pollutant air quality benefits of energy efficiency policies and compare both the benefits and the costs with more traditional approaches to reducing pollution. The organization has also developed a related web page on multi-pollutant solutions for states.

***Applications Invited for National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, Deadline April 12

There is one application form for four categories:

Built Projects
Corridor and Neighborhood Revitalization
Plazas, Parks, and Public Places
Policies, Programs, and Plans

The review panel will also choose an Overall Excellence winner from those that apply in these four categories.

Further information and the application form can be found on the Smart Growth Awards website.

***EPA Announces Technical Assistance Awards to 43 Communities Under Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program

EPA has announced that 43 communities across the country will receive technical assistance from the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. The program provides tools to help communities achieve their development goals, improve the quality of life, and become more economically and environmentally sustainable.

EPA staff and national experts will conduct one- to two-day workshops that focus on a specific sustainability tool the community chose. EPA offers a variety of tools, such as complete streets, land use strategies to protect water quality, and neighborhood planning for healthy aging.

More information on the program and this year’s awardees is available on the Building Blocks Program website.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

02/14/13

New Opportunities in Sustainable Transportation Assessment, Infrastructure for Transit-Oriented Development, Guidance on Revitalizing Communities, and DOE’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program

This newsletter describes several funding opportunities, financing options, webcasts, and other resources in the areas of sustainable transportation, smart growth, and revitalizing communities.

***DOE Announces Webinar on the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program
The U.S. Department of Energy will present a webcast titled "Preliminary Process and Market Evaluation: Better Buildings Neighborhood Program" on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. This webcast will present findings from two years of program implementation, highlight key elements of successful partner programs that brought about market change, and offer insights that can help Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners and other residential energy efficiency program administrators strengthen their program delivery.

Webcast registration

***FHWA Funding Opportunity for Assessing Sustainable Transportation Projects

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) seeks to partner with state departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations, federal lands, and local governments in using INVEST 1.0, FHWA’s voluntary self-assessment tool, to assess and enhance the sustainability of their projects and programs.

INVEST (Infrastructure Voluntary Evaluation Sustainability Tool) is a web-based collection of voluntary best practices and criteria designed to help transportation agencies integrate sustainable practices into their projects, plans, and programs. INVEST helps transportation agencies improve investment decisions while enhancing economic, social, and environmental outcomes.

FWHA anticipates providing multiple awards of approximately $25,000 to $150,000, though projects may be larger or smaller depending on the context, scope, and approach. A 100% non-federal match (50-50 cost share) is required. In-kind contributions such as staffing can be counted toward the match requirement. Agencies interested in the funding opportunity are asked to submit a four to five page letter of interest to the respective FHWA division office; funding will be allocated on a rolling basis; for example, letters of interest received by February 15 will be considered for the round of funding targeted for March. Letters of interest are welcome after that date, and there is no set timeframe for project completion.

For more information, see the solicitation. To learn aboutINVEST 1.0, visit the INVEST website.

***EPA Publishes Report on Infrastructure Financing Options for Transit-Oriented Development
EPA’s Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program has released a new report that identifies dozens of infrastructure financing options for transit-oriented development. The report provides examples of how some communities are using specific tools for individual infrastructure components, as well as strategies for combining and bundling tools to create plans that address construction phasing and market growth over time.

***EPA Releases Report on Strategies for Advancing Smart Growth, Environmental Justice, and Equitable Development
EPA has released a report that offers low-income, minority, tribal, and overburdened communities a range of approaches to shape development that responds to their needs and reflects their values. Creating Equitable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities: Strategies for Advancing Smart Growth, Environmental Justice, and Equitable Development provides a menu of land use and community design strategies that community-based organizations, local and regional decision-makers, developers, and others can use to revitalize their communities.Case studies highlight seven communities that have used these strategies: Edmonston, Maryland; Chicago, Illinois; Spartanburg, South Carolina; New Orleans, Louisiana; Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico; Boston, Massachusetts; and Seattle, Washington.

Read the press release.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse

Applications for START Round 2 Being Accepted (Applications due: March 15)
On January 30, 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the second round of the Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Program, which provides federally recognized Tribal governments with technical assistance to accelerate clean energy project deployment. Additionally, the Energy Department plans to seek information from Tribes interested in launching or expanding utility services in their own communities, which will help establish a new START Utility Program (START-UP).

The DOE Office of Indian Energy is accepting applications for round two of the START Program until March 15, 2013.

For more information, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news

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February 2013 – Nearly $26.7 Million in Funding and Technical Assistance Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

Nearly $26.7 million of funding and technical assistance is available for state, local, and tribal governments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Tribal Air Association (NTAA), and RE.invest Initiative that can be used to support climate and energy initiatives, including smart growth, renewable energy, and local agriculture. For full eligibility and application details, please visit the links provided below.

In addition, please visit the calendar of 2013 EPA grant opportunities that may be of particular interest to communities.

***EPA Smart Growth Implementation Assistance – nearly $225,000 to $300,000 in technical assistance
Application Due: Letters of interest due March 1, 2013
Eligible Entities: State, local, regional, and tribal governments and non-profits that have partnered with a governmental entity.

The EPA Smart Growth Implementation Assistance (SGIA) program provides assistance from national experts to help communities explore barriers to smart growth implementation and pilot innovative ideas that create more sustainable communities. Policy issues that EPA seeks to work with communities on in 2013 include: 1) Community Resilience to Disasters and Climate Change, 2) Redevelopment for Job Creation, 3) The Role of Manufactured and Modular Homes in Sustainable Neighborhood Design, and 4) Medical and Social Service Facilities Siting.

Selected communities will be awarded with direct technical assistance in one of two areas: policy analysis (e.g., reviewing state and local codes, school siting guidelines, transportation policies, etc.) or public participatory processes (e.g., visioning, design workshops, alternative analysis, build-out analysis, etc.). Through a multiple-day site visit and a detailed final report, the multi-disciplinary teams provide information to help the community achieve its goal of encouraging growth that fosters economic progress and environmental protection.

For more information, visit the request for letters of interest.

***RE.invest Initiative – $3 million in technical assistance
Application Due: March 15, 2013
Eligible Entities: Cities and metropolitan areas of all sizes from around the United States.

The RE.invest Initiative was developed to create a shift in the way we design, plan, and invest in resilient infrastructure systems to attract large-scale private financing. The Initiative comes from funding support from the Rockefeller Foundation. The RE.invest Initiative will deploy teams of engineers, lawyers, and public finance experts to work directly with officials and managers of 6-8 selected cities to develop locally appropriate strategies for creating investable sustainable infrastructure portfolios, including stormwater, broadband, and electricity systems, through new Community Investment Vehicles (CIVics). The end product will be a national report that provides options for how the participant cities can implement sustainable infrastructure improvements through a CIVic or other public-private partnership and a template for other interested cities to develop similar financing and integrated sustainable infrastructure delivery approaches.

For more information, visit the initiative’s website.

***DOE Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Program for Renewable Energy Project Development Assistance – Technical assistance
Application Due: March 15, 2013
Eligible Entities: Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Regional Corporations, and formally organized tribal energy resource development organizations. Alaska Native villages or village corporations are eligible for the START initiative for Rural Alaska Native Community Energy Planning and Projects.

The Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Program is part of the DOE Office of Indian Energy’s effort to assist in the development of tribal renewable energy projects. START technical assistance will support the implementation of community-scale and commercial-scale renewable energy projects by providing tribal project teams with technical expertise and guidance with: verifying economic and technical viability of project’s power and revenue generation; establishing terms and strategies for negotiating land-lease, energy off-take, and/or power purchase agreements; selecting project ownership options, partnership arrangements, and financing structures; and developing requests for proposals with appropriate technical guidelines and selection criteria.

For more information, visit the START program website. Alaska Native villages interested in applying for the START initiative for Rural Alaska Native Community Energy
Planning and Projects should use the separate application.

***HUD Transformation Initiative: Sustainable Construction in Indian Country Small Grant Program – $400,000
Application Due March 25, 2013
Eligible Entities: Tribes and tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, think tanks, consortia, institutions of higher education, and other entities that will sponsor a researcher, expert, or analyst.

For more information, visit the grant notice.

***2013 National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) – nearly $1,005,000 over three years
Application Due: April 1, 2013
Eligible Entities: States, local governments, territories, Indian tribes, and possessions of the United States, including the District of Columbia; international organizations; public and private universities and colleges; hospitals; laboratories; and other public or private non-profit institutions.

For more information, visit the funding announcement.

***NOAA Climate Program Office – $17 million
Application Due: April 8, 2013
Eligible Entities: State and local governments, federally recognized tribes, non-profits, institutions of higher education.

For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.

***USDA Farm to School Grant Program– $5 million
Application Due: April 24, 2013
Eligible Entities: Eligible schools, state and local agencies, Indian tribal organizations, agricultural producers or groups of agricultural producers, and non-profit entities.

For more information, visit the funding synopsis.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Renewable Energy Potential on Tribal Lands Webinar on February 27
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n cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs and Western Area Power Administration (Western), the DOE Tribal Energy Program is sponsoring the Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series. The series is intended for tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale energy projects, responding to utilities' requests for proposals, and learning more about the competitive power market.

The “Renewable Energy Potential on Tribal Lands” webinar will be held on February 27, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MST. There is no charge to participate in the webinar, but registration is required.

For more information and to register for the webinar, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

02/07/13

EPA Invites Communities to Apply for Smart Growth Assistance

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today is inviting applications from communities interested in exploring barriers to smart growth and testing innovative strategies that can create healthier, more sustainable places to live, work, and play.

EPA’s Smart Growth Implementation Assistance (SGIA) program provides technical assistance to help communities grow in ways that improve the local economy, the environment, and people’s health. The program aims to help applicants develop solutions to local challenges, such as managing stormwater, increasing transit-oriented development, and adapting to climate change, and to share those solutions with other communities.

EPA will be accepting applications from tribal, local, regional, and state governments and nonprofit organizations that have partnered with a governmental entity for their request for assistance. Applications will be accepted until March 1, 2013. EPA will provide assistance to three to four communities selected from this round of applications.

EPA is seeking applications in the following four categories:

1. Community Resilience to Disasters and Climate Change – Projects should aim to develop planning principles and building design guidelines that ensure future development provides communities with better protection against storms, floods, and other natural disasters.

2. Redevelopment for Job Creation – Projects should aim to support growing industries that provide quality jobs for existing residents using land use policies that direct development to existing neighborhoods, are pedestrian-friendly, allow for transit connections, and are close to businesses and public services.

3. Manufactured and Modular Homes in Sustainable Neighborhood Design – Projects should help communities that are using manufactured and modular homes to address sudden population and economic growth. These communities should provide a mix of uses and maximize existing streets and other infrastructure investments, community gathering spaces, and water and energy efficiency.

4. Medical and Social Service Facilities Siting – Projects should aim to explore planning for high-quality community service facilities, including health care centers and social services centers, in ways that support neighborhood economic development and healthy communities.

Since 2005, the SGIA program has helped an array of communities from across the country on issues such as stormwater management, code revision, transit-oriented development, affordable housing, infill development, corridor planning, green building, and climate change. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) became involved with the SGIA program through the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. This interagency collaboration coordinates federal investments in infrastructure, facilities, and services to get better results for communities and use taxpayer money more efficiently. In many cases, HUD and DOT serve on the SGIA technical assistance teams, and help identify how SGIA projects can complement and build on past and future federal investments.

More information on the SGIA program and applications: http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia.htm

More information on the Partnership for Sustainable Communities: http://www.sustainablecommunities.gov

02/07/13

Wood Smoke PSAs Now Available

We're excited to share our newly released public service announcements (youtube and broadcast-ready versions). The two, 2-minute videos, offer easy steps the public can take to help protect their health and save money when burning wood. Please share with others- these are great to post on websites, Facebook and other social media platforms. We plan to edit these videos and release 60-second PSAs in the coming weeks- stay tuned.

"Wet Wood is a Waste" PSA explains how to use a simple moisture meter to test wood to see if it is dry enough to burn. Moisture meters are available in all sizes and can cost as little as $20. Properly dried wood should have a reading of 20% or less.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM2WGgRcnm0

- Split wood to a variety of sizes but no larger than a six-inch wedge
- Stack wood away from a building and off the ground on a pallet with split side down to promote drying
- Cover the top of wood with a tarp or woodshed
- Store: Allow time for the wood to dry. This can be 6-12 months, depending on the type of wood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo1--Zrh11s

In the winter, residential wood smoke can be a significant source of fine particle pollution in many areas across the U.S. The pollutant can trigger asthma, aggravate other lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and aggravate heart disease. Research indicates that pregnant women, newborns, and people with certain health conditions, such as obesity or diabetes, also may be at increased risk.

Please contact me (Herrington.Leigh@epa.gov) or Ann Brown (brown.ann@epa.gov) if you need additional information. If you have a local TV station that would like to broadcast the PSAs, please let us know! They should be able to access broadcast-ready versions here- http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/usepa#.URQedPL4LTo

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/epaburnwise

www.epa.gov/burnwise

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Funding Opportunities, Training, Events, News, and Resources for Tribes

This issue contains the following topics:

Funding Opportunities
Upcoming Events
News and Information
Request for Proposal

Funding Opportunities

Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program

This posting provides information and instructions for the FY2013 ICDBG Program subject to Congress appropriating funding for this program. Because FY2013 funding has not been appropriated, the availability of any such funding for this program is contingent upon future Congressional action. Funds that are carried over from previous fiscal years or are recaptured may also be used for grant awards under this NOFA. HUD's ICDBG Program is authorized by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and the ICDBG Program regulations at 24 CFR Part 1003.

Deadline
The application deadline is 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 18, 2013. HUD may modify the due date for this notice to the extent a final appropriations bill for FY2013 is enacted. HUD will issue a technical correction to this NOFA if appropriations are enacted that require HUD to modify the funding criteria or application requirements, or if HUD determines that adjustments to estimated award amounts or timelines are necessary. Any such technical correction will provide detailed instructions for applicants to permit them to resubmit the application to address the revised NOFA requirements.

For Further Information
Questions regarding specific program requirements should be directed to your Area Office of Native American Programs. A contact list for each Area ONAP can be accessed online. Questions regarding the FY2013 General Section should be directed to the Office of Departmental Grants Management and Oversight at 202-708-0667 (this is not a toll-free number) or the NOFA Information Center at 800-HUD-8929 (toll-free). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access these numbers via TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. The NOFA Information Center is open between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

Other Opportunities
See the table below for other opportunities for funding or technical assistance.

Agency/Source	Submission Deadline	Additional Information
Economic Development Assistance Programs Grant (Dept. of Commerce)	Rolling	Cooperative agreement grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) will leverage regional assets to support the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, encourage economic development, and strengthen America’s ability to compete in the global marketplace
Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant	Rolling	USDA Rural Development's grant program for Emergency Community Water Assistance.
Tribal Energy Program Technical Assistance (Dept. of Energy)	Rolling	Free technical assistance to assist federally recognized Indian tribes, bands, nations, and other organized groups and communities—including Alaska Native villages or regional and village corporations—with renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Typically limited to 40 hours and may include renewable energy technology information, renewable resource information, energy efficiency techniques, project support, system performance modeling, policy information, design review, special studies, strategic energy planning and training. To request assistance, complete the application online.
Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program (Dept. of Commerce)	Rolling	Up to $100K from EDA to assist eligible recipients in creating regional economic development plans designed to stimulate and guide the economic development efforts of a community or region.
2013 Residential Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Service Coodinators (HUD)	Feb. 19	CFDA #: 14.870; Funding Opportunity Number: FR-5700-N-07. The program provides grants to public housing agencies (PHAs), tribes/tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs), Resident Associations (RAs), and tax-exempt nonprofit organizations (including grassroots, faith-based, and other community-based organizations) for the provision of a Service Coordinator to coordinate supportive services and other activities designed to help public and Indian housing residents attain economic and housing self-sufficiency. These services should enable participating families to increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for welfare assistance, make progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency or, in the case of elderly or disabled residents, help improve living conditions and enable residents to age in-place. A Service Coordinator coordinates services for residents and ensures that program participants are linked to the supportive services they need to achieve self-sufficiency or remain independent. This program is similar to the Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency program (PH FSS); however, the PH FSS program is open only to PHAs and tribes/TDHEs, has a requirement of an escrow account for its participants, and provides one-year funding. For more information, contact the Public and Indian Housing Resource Center at 800-955-2232 or Dina Lehmann-Kim, ROSS Program Manager at 202-402-2430, or visit hud.gov.

Upcoming Events

DOE's 2013 Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series

For more on these upcoming webinars, see the attached flyer. For recordings and presentations from past webinars, go to www.wapa.gov and click the Renewable link, then click on the tribal webinar series link.

Registration
There is no charge to participate in the webinars, but registration is required. To register for the webinars in the series, click on the links provided in the table below. The following webinars will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

February 27, 2013	Renewable Energy Potential on Tribal Lands
March 27, 2013	Understanding the Grid
April 24, 2013	How Power Marketing Administrations Market Power & Work with Tribes
May 29, 2013	Regional Transmission Planning
June 26, 2013	Renewable Energy Project Leasing on Tribal Lands
July 31, 2013	Conducting Transmission Feasibility and System Impact Studies
August 28, 2013	Renewable Energy Market Expectations and Trends
September 25, 2013	Tribal and Utility Partnership Opportunities
October 30, 2013	Renewable Energy Case Studies: Tribal and Developer Perspectives

Other Upcoming Events

For details and contact information on webinars and other upcoming events, visit the events calendar on the Tribal Energy Program website.

News and Information

New BIA Leasing Regulations

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has published the Final Rule on its new leasing regulations. Read the full press release, which also has links to fact sheets, a Q & A, and the Final Rule.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently announced that the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has designated 192,100 acres of public land across Arizona as potentially suitable for utility-scale solar and wind energy development, furthering President Obama's "all-of-the-above" strategy to expand domestic energy production.

The ROD also establishes the Agua Caliente Solar Energy Zone, the third solar zone on public lands in Arizona and the 18th nationwide. The Solar Energy Zones are part of the Obama Administration's efforts to facilitate solar energy development by identifying areas in six states in the West with high solar potential, few resource conflicts, and access to existing or planned transmission. With the Agua Caliente zone, DOI is delivering on the promise made as part of the Western Solar Plan to identify and establish additional Solar Energy Zones.

For more information on Secretary Salazar's announcement, including maps, a fact sheet, and the ROD, visit the BLM website.

Secretary Salazar to Return Home to Colorado

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that he will return to his home state of Colorado, having fulfilled his promise to President Obama to serve four years as Secretary of the Interior. Secretary Salazar has informed President Obama that he intends to leave the Department of the Interior by the end of March.

Salazar, a fifth-generation Coloradoan, has served his state and the nation for 14 continuous years as the Colorado Attorney General, as a U.S. senator, and as the 50th secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Renewable Energy Request for Proposal

The following solicitation is included in this update as a courtesy to our subscribers. This Request For Proposal (RFP) is neither supported nor endorsed by the DOE Green Power Network. A complete list of active RFPs can found on the Renewable Energy RFPs page.

Deadline – February 15, 2013
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) RFP – Seeking proposals for the long-term lease of approximately 75 acres of land on and adjacent to the former Fresh Kills Landfill for the ownership, design, construction, and operation of utility-scale installations of solar and wind energy facilities. Contact: renewablerfp@nycedc.com.

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

DOE_WebinarSeriesFlyer_FINAL.pdf

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Job Announcement - Gila River Indian Community - Senior Asst. General Counsel (specializing in environmental issues)

12-1272 Senior Assistant General Counsel (DOE)
Job Title: Senior Assistant General Counsel (DOE)
Closing Date: 02/12/2013

Job Number: 12-1272
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Department: Office of the General Counsel
City: Sacaton
Location: Gov Center, Exec Wing
Area of Interest: Legal
Salary Type: Depending on Experience
Salary / Hourly Rate: $105,776
Salary Tribal Driving Permit Required: No

http://www.gilariver.org/index.php/about-tribe/opportunities-group2-opportunities/jobs/17-current-gric-job-openings/3333-12-1272-senior-assistant-general-counsel-doe

Ondrea Barber
Executive Director
Department of Environmental Quality
Gila River Indian Community
P.O. Box 97
Sacaton, Arizona 85147
Phone: (520) 562-2234 Ext. 2225
Cell: (520) 610-0257
ondrea.barber@gric.nsn.us

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Webinar Announcement

Webinar: Next Steps for Area Designations and Implementation of the SO2 Standard
Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm Eastern Time
Intended Audience: State, Local, and Tribal Air Agencies
Registration link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/628628009

If you cannot attend, note that we will be recording the webinar and posting it for future on-line viewing in about two weeks at www.epa.gov/apti/broadcast.html.

Details: EPA will discuss next steps on designating areas and implementing the June 2010 1-hour primary SO2 NAAQS. EPA has developed a strategy that addresses areas that are not currently associated with a violating SO2 monitor and is a complement to EPA’s separate effort to designate those areas with violating monitors in June 2013. The updated strategy is available at http://www.epa.gov/oaqps001/sulfurdioxide/implement.html. (Please note that EPA does not consider the updated strategy a final document since it may change based on feedback from stakeholders as EPA develops additional guidance and rulemaking related to SO2 NAAQS implementation).

Q & A Session: After the webinar presentation, EPA will answer general questions about next steps for area designations and implementation of the SO2 Standard. (If you have questions about specific areas discussed in the recent "120-day letters" issued by EPA, please contact your EPA Regional Office contact for the SO2 designation process).

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Message to State Environmental Commissioners and Air Directors, From Gina McCarthy, Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, U. S. EPA

I would like to alert you to two upcoming EPA air efforts, one related to implementation of the 1-hour SO2 NAAQS and one related to interstate transport in light of recent decisions by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the Cross State Air Pollution Rule. Click here for the full letter.

02/05/13

EPA Updates Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data from Large Facilities

On February 5, 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency posted the second year of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data reported by large facilities in the United States under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. The data may be viewed by sector, by GHG, and by geographic region such as county or state.

The 2011 data include information from facilities in 41 source categories that emit large quantities of GHGs. The 2011 data also contains new data collected from 12 additional source categories, including petroleum and natural gas systems and coal mines.

For facilities that are direct emitters of GHGs, the data show that in 2011:

Power plants remain the largest stationary source of GHG emissions, with 2,221 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mmtCO2e), roughly one-third of total U.S. emissions. Emissions from this source in 2011 were approximately 4.6 percent below those in 2010, reflecting an ongoing increase in power generation from natural gas and renewable sources.
Petroleum and natural gas systems were the second largest sector, with emissions of 225 mmtCO2e in 2011, the first year of reporting for this group.
Refineries were the third-largest emitting source, with 182 mmtCO2e, an increase of half a percent over their level reported in 2010.

EPA now has two years of greenhouse gas data for 29 source categories. Some industrial sectors, such as metals production and chemicals production, reported overall increases in emissions, while others, such as power plants, reported decreases. Overall emissions reported from these 29 sources were 3 percent lower in 2011 than in 2010. In the future the data collected through the program will provide the public with the opportunity to compare emissions and developing trends for all 41 industry types, by facility and sector.

The reported data are accessible through the Facility Level Information on Green House gases Tool (FLIGHT), a web-based data publication tool. EPA has also expanded accessibility of the data through its online database EnviroFacts, which allows users to search for information by Zip code.

The data collection program is required by Congress in the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which requires facilities to report data from large emission sources across a range of industry sectors, as well as suppliers of certain GHGs, and products that would emit GHGs if released or combusted. EPA’s GHG Reporting Program includes information from more than 8,000 sources and represents 85-90 percent of total U.S. GHG emissions. The data only include large facilities, and do not include small sources, agriculture, or land use, which can also be significant sources of GHG emissions.

EPA’s GHG Reporting Program Data and Data Publication Tool
EPA’s EnviroFacts site (to search by Zip code)

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

02/01/13

DOE Office of Indian Energy Announces Second Round of START Program

Applications for START Round 2 Now Being Accepted
January 29, 2013 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – As part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to help Tribal communities across the country enhance their energy security and build a sustainable energy future, the Energy Department today announced the second round of the Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) Program, which provides federally recognized Tribal governments with technical assistance to accelerate clean energy project deployment. Additionally, the Energy Department plans to seek information from Tribes interested in launching or expanding utility services in their own communities, which will help establish a new START Utility Program (START-UP).

Launching START Second Round
Over the past year, the START Program has helped nine Tribal communities advance their clean energy technology and infrastructure projects – from solar and wind to biofuels and energy efficiency. Through the current round of START projects, energy experts at the Department’s National Laboratories and at other federal agencies have worked side-by-side with tribal leaders to develop strategic community energy plans, conduct market research and identify financing mechanisms to support cost-effective renewable energy project development.

For more information and application requirements for the START Program, please visit the Energy Department’s Office of Indian Energy website. Applications are due by March 15, 2013.

New Program Focused on Tribal Utility Planning
As part of the Energy Department’s efforts to support affordable and reliable electrical service to Indian lands and Tribal communities, the Department is launching a new Tribal START Utility Program (START-UP). This new program expands on the current START Program to help Tribes across the country develop their own utility services and increase ownership of local energy assets.

Find more information on the Energy Department’s broader efforts to support energy efficiency projects and energy development on Tribal lands at www.energy.gov/indianenergy.

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Indian Community Development Block Grant Funding Opportunity
(Applications due: March 18)
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) announced a possible funding opportunity under the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program. The purpose of the ICDBG program is the development of viable Indian and Alaska Native communities, including the creation of decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities primarily for persons with low and moderate incomes.

Eligible applicants are Indian tribes or tribal organizations on behalf of Indian tribes. The application deadline is March 18, 2013. For more information, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

About the TEEIC
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The TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) provides information about the environmental effects of energy development on tribal lands.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is funding the maintenance of the TEEIC through the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development.

For More Information
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If you have questions or need more information, visit the TEEIC Web site (http://teeic.anl.gov) or contact the TEEIC Webmaster at teeicwebmaster@anl.gov

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February 2013: Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments

This message provides details about eight upcoming webcasts being offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others. All webcasts are offered free of charge, but space may be limited.

EPA Webcasts

February 12, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – Market Outlook and Innovations in Wind and Solar Power
February 13, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – Climate Change and the Water Sector
February TBD – Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments, Part I: Achieving Buy-In for Adaptation

ENERGY STAR Webcasts

February 7, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – For Utilities: Designing and Implementing Successful Data Center Efficiency
February 14, 2:00-3:15 PM (EST) – ENERGY STAR and Green Building Rating Systems
February 19, 2:00-3:00 PM (EST) – The Basics of Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager
February 25, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – Benchmark Energy Performance Using EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager: For Energy Efficiency Program Sponsors

DOE Webcasts

February 19, 1:00-2:15 PM (EST) – Exploring How Municipal Utilities Fund Solar Energy Projects

***EPA Webcasts

February 12, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) - Market Outlook and Innovations in Wind and Solar Power
Hosted by EPA’s Green Power Partnership, this webinar will survey the state of the renewable energy industry as a whole, with a focus on wind and solar power, including prices end-users can expect to see in the market. It will also explore recent marketplace innovations in wind and solar power, including the structure, benefits, and real-world examples of today’s renewable energy purchases. Webinar attendees will learn about:

The structure and advantages of a “virtual” Power Purchase Agreement model;
The impact of natural gas prices on the renewable energy market; and
Examples of innovative wind and solar power strategies for commercial and industrial end-users.

The webinar will feature a presentation from Blake Nixon and Charlie Daum of Geronimo Energy, a utility-scale renewable energy developer based in Minnesota.

Webcast registration

February TBD – Climate Change Adaptation for State and Local Governments, Part I: Achieving Buy-In for Adaptation
Beginning in February, EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program will be hosting a three-part webcast series on climate change adaptation. This mini-series will build on our popular 2010-2011 adaptation mini-series. In Part I, experts and local government staff will discuss the important of support for adaptation programs. Presenters will discuss the best ways to educate communities about climate impacts, walk through a case study about how to gain political buy-in for adaptation work, and how to address political opposition. Registration information will posted when available on the local webcasts page of EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy site.

***ENERGY STAR Webcasts

February 7, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – For Utilities: Designing and Implementing Successful Data Center Efficiency
Over the past decade, total data center energy use in the United States has almost quadrupled. Energy-efficiency program administrators can play a significant role in helping customers reduce data center energy use and demand. Based on the new ENERGY STAR guide on data center efficiency programs, this webinar will explore the energy saving opportunities available and share emerging practices for program design and implementation. Mark Bramfitt, former head of PG&E’s data center efficiency program, will lead the presentation and be available to answer questions.

Webcast registration

February 14, 2:00-3:15 PM (EST) – ENERGY STAR and Green Building Rating Systems
Attendees will learn how to use EPA tools and resources to help meet requirements for green building rating systems such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the Green Globes system, and others.

Webcast registration

February 19, 2:00-3:00 PM (EST) – The Basics of Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager
Learn the basics of benchmarking using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, EPA’s no-cost energy measurement and tracking tool. Portfolio Manager enables you to track the progress of energy and water efficiency efforts and compare the energy use of your buildings with that of similar buildings nationwide. Attendees will learn how to use Portfolio Manager to establish energy and water use baselines, track energy and water use and greenhouse gas emission reductions over time, prioritize investments, and set goals. Attendees will also learn how EPA’s energy performance score compares peer facilities across the country, and how to take advantage of national recognition opportunities for top-performing buildings.

Webcast registration

February 25, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – Benchmark Energy Performance Using EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager: For Energy Efficiency Program Sponsors
This training is meant for energy efficiency program sponsors—regulated utilities; publicly owned utilities; energy delivery companies; national, regional, state, or local government entities; or organizations that administer energy efficiency programs promoting ENERGY STAR—interested in using EPA's Portfolio Manager. The training provides a high-level, introductory overview of Portfolio Manager, enabling program sponsors to assist customers in using the tool. The training will provide an online demonstration of the benchmarking process, including creating a user account, identifying data requirements, managing and sharing information, and establishing an energy performance score. It will also provide an introduction to additional ENERGY STAR tools and resources that support program implementation in the commercial and industrial market.

Webcast registration

***DOE Webcasts

February 19, 1:00-2:15 PM (EST) – Exploring How Municipal Utilities Fund Solar Energy Projects
Sponsored by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, this webinar will provide information on Concord Light, the municipal electric utility serving Concord, Massachusetts, and its solar photovoltaic rebate program. Austin Energy will also discuss its innovative “Residential Solar Rate,” which replaced net energy metering based on a value of solar analysis.

Webcast registration

***
Visit EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program site for more information about implementing cost-effective climate and energy strategies that save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public health.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

01/31/13

The 2013 National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) Request for Applications (RFA) is NOW OPEN. EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) will accept applications until 4:00 PM (EDT) on Monday, April 1, 2013. The 2013 NTAA RFA is located at: http://www.epa.gov/air/grants_funding.html

Please also note that OAR will be hosting a 2013 NTAA RFA Public Information Teleconference on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at 2:00 PM (EDT). We will go through the RFA and answer questions. Anyone interested in applying and/or obtaining information on the 2013 NTAA RFA is welcome to join us. The conference call-in number is: 1.866.299.3188; call-in code: 202.343.9534.

OAR will address all RFA inquiries via email. Please submit all questions regarding the 2013 NTAA RFA to Rosalva Tapia (tapia.rosalva@epa.gov). The answers to all inquiries will be posted at: http://www.epa.gov/air/grants_funding.html on a weekly basis during the RFA open period. All questions answered during the teleconference will also be posted within a week of the call.

01/30/13

The Tribal Energy Program, under the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, is pleased to forward the following grant opportunity information, courtesy of the DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs.

National Adaptation Forum Travel Grant Available; Deadline Is January 31

The inaugural National Adaptation Forum will take place April 2–4, 2013, in Denver, Colorado, and will convene adaptation practitioners and experts from around the country focused on moving from adaptation planning to adaptation action. The forum combines professional development training, individual presentation, peer networking, and working group innovation opportunities.

Within the agenda there is a tribal track to chart a path for participants, from conducting adaptation planning to scoping issues that are impediments to climate adaptation planning and action to participating in a working group to advance tribal issues nationally. This tribal track is an effort by the Red Lake Band, the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, the National Wildlife Federation's Office for Tribal Partnerships, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Planned presenters for the tribal track are coming from Swinomish, Grand Portage, Yurok, Oregon State University, the Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals, the National Wildlife Federation, and others.

The tribal track is only a small portion of the larger meeting. Attendees will have lot of time to attend other sessions and gather examples and ideas from other managers in government, the nongovernmental community, and private sector contractors.

Scholarships are available to eligible applicants from state, county, and municipal government; nonprofit organizations; and graduate students working on or studying climate change adaptation. The scholarships are awarded through a competitive review process.

Registration scholarships and travel support for the conference are only available if requested during registration by January 31, 2013. Request a travel grant at: http://www.nationaladaptationforum.org/index.php/registration/registration-details-3 and be sure to identify "TRIBAL" somewhere in the grant request to access special funding.

Learn more about the forum at http://www.nationaladaptationforum.org/.

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

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2013 National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTF)

The 2013 National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTF) will be held April 30-May 2, 2013 at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino in Fountain Hills, Arizona. This conference is co-sponsored by the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP), the National Tribal Air Association (NTAA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Abstract proposals for presentations during the NTF are now being considered. Tribal leaders, environmental staff, scientists, policy developers, and others are invited to submit an abstract of their presentation using the form below. Representatives from tribal colleges, universities, federal, state, and local agencies, and other interested parties involved in research or projects that pertain to air quality are also encouraged to respond to this invitation. The deadline for presentation abstracts to be submitted is February 15, 2013! Please click here to download the Presentation/Poster request form.

The Eco-Café a unique session held during the NTF where conference attendees can circulate to a variety of tables or stations that pique their interest, ask questions and interact one-on-one with the table presenters. Eco-Café tables can be used to present a special project, highlight services available, get feedback from attendees about the topic presented, and enhance networking among attendees. Requests for table/booth space during the Eco-Café session are now being considered. The deadline for Eco-Café requests to be submitted is April 5, 2013! Please click here for Eco-Café guidelines and request form.

Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
Northern Arizona University
NAU-Box 15004
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Ph: 928.523.9555
Fx: 928.523.1266

www.nau.edu/itep

01/29/13

HUD Announces Indian Community Development Block Grant Funding Opportunity

HUD ONAP Fiscal Year 13 Funding Opportunity

Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program

Applications due: March 18, 2013
Funding opportunity number: 2577-0191
Eligible entities: Eligible applicants are Indian tribes or tribal organizations on behalf of Indian tribes. For details, see the full notice of funding availability (NOFA).

This posting provides information and instructions for the FY2013 ICDBG program subject to Congress appropriating funding for this program. Because FY2013 funding has not been appropriated, the availability of any such funding for this program is contingent upon future Congressional action. Funds that are carried over from previous fiscal years or are recaptured may also be used for grant awards under this NOFA. HUD’s ICDBG Program is authorized by Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, and the ICDBG program regulations at 24 CFR Part 1003.

Deadline
The application deadline is 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 18, 2013. Applications must be received by Grants.gov no later than 11:59:59 p.m. on the application deadline date. HUD may modify the due date for this Notice to the extent a final appropriations bill for FY2013 is enacted. HUD will issue a technical correction to this NOFA if appropriations are enacted that require HUD to modify the funding criteria or application requirements, or if HUD determines that adjustments to estimated award amounts or timelines are necessary. Any such technical correction will provide detailed instructions for applicants to permit them to resubmit the application to address the revised NOFA requirements.

For Further Information
Questions regarding specific program requirements should be directed to your Area Office of Native American Programs (ONAP). A contact list for each Area ONAP can be accessed at http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/ih/codetalk/onap/map/nationalmap.cfm. Questions regarding the FY2013 General Section should be directed to the Office of Departmental Grants Management and Oversight at 202-708-0667 (this is not a toll-free number) or the NOFA Information Center at 800-HUD-8929 (toll-free). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access these numbers via TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. The NOFA Information Center is open between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

Regards,

DOE Tribal Energy Program
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
tribal@go.doe.gov

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Tribal Energy Development, visit our website.

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First Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar of 2013 Will Air Wednesday, January 30—Register Today!

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Tribal Energy Program, and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) are pleased to continue their joint sponsorship of the Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar Series in 2013. The series is Intended for tribal leaders and staff who are interested in developing commercial-scale energy projects, responding to utilities' requests for proposals, and learning more about the competitive power market.

The DOE Office of Indian Energy will kick off this year’s schedule on Wednesday, January 30, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain Time with a webinar, Strategic Technical Response Team (START) and Online Education Program Update.

Presented by Elizabeth Doris and Alexander Dane of DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, this two-part webinar will introduce the DOE Office of Indian Energy’s comprehensive educational training program as well as present the latest available information on START activities.

The first part of the webinar will focus on the tribal renewable energy training curriculum available on the National Training & Education Resource website. Doris will present a summary of the program, including descriptions of the available courses and the planned rollout schedule.

The second part of the webinar will be dedicated to the START Program updates. Dane will present an overview of the 11 initial START projects, describing the types of technical assistance DOE and NREL has provided and the results of those efforts in addressing pressing energy challenges and advancing tribal energy projects. Dane will wrap up with an introduction to the second round of START, including an overview of the application timeline and requirements. In addition, Dane will discuss a new potential effort by the DOE Office of Indian Energy to launch an adjunct to the START program that would provide technical assistance to Tribes interested in developing tribal utility authorities.

Registration:
There is no charge to participate in the webinars, but registration is required. Register today for the January 30 webinar. To register for other webinars in the series, click on the links provided in the table below.

The following webinars will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

February 27, 2013 - Renewable Energy Potential on Tribal Lands
March 27, 2013 - Understanding the Grid
April 24, 2013 - How Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) Market Power and Work with Tribes
May 29, 2013 - Regional Transmission Planning
June 26, 2013 - Renewable Energy Project Leasing on Tribal Lands
July 31, 2013 - Conducting Transmission Feasibility and System Impact Studies
August 28, 2013 - Renewable Energy Market Expectations and Trends
September 25, 2013 - Tribal and Utility Partnership Opportunities
October 30, 2013 - Renewable Energy Case Studies: Tribal and Developer Perspectives

Each of these webinars focuses on a different aspect of the energy project development process. Taken as a whole, the series is designed to help Tribes identify ways to promote tribal energy sufficiency and foster economic development and employment on tribal lands through renewable energy and energy efficiency technology development. For more on these upcoming webinars, see the attached flyer. For recordings and presentations from past webinars, go to www.wapa.gov and click the Renewable link, then click on the tribal webinar series link.

For more information on the Tribal Energy Program and our Guide to Renewable Energy Development, visit our website.

DOE Webinar Series Flyer

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American Water Now Accepting Applications For 2013 Environmental Grant Program

Grants Available to Community Projects in Service Areas in 13 States

American Water, the nation’s largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company, announced recently that applications are now being accepted by its participating state subsidiaries for the company’s 2013 Environmental Grant Program awards. The grant awards will be available in American Water service areas in 13 states as follows: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Established in 2005, American Water’s Environmental Grant Program offers funds for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies through partnerships.

“American Water is committed to ensuring water quality through testing and treatment, as well as through consumer education and community source protection programs,” said Debra Vernon, Manager of Corporate Responsibility. “We are all environmental stewards in protecting our water supplies, and this program is one way we help communities play an active role in this important effort.”

To qualify, proposed projects must:

Address a source water or watershed protection need in the community
Be completed between May 1, 2013 and November 29, 2013
Be a new or innovative program for the community, or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program
Be carried out by a formal or informal partnership between two or more organizations
Provide evidence of sustainability (continued existence after the American Water grant monies are utilized)
Be located within one of American Water's service areas in the following states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Information and application requirements can be obtained directly from participating American Water state subsidiaries, or on the company website at www.amwater.com/EnvironmentalGrantProgram. Applications must be postmarked by March 11, 2013 and recipients will be notified by April 12, 2013.

In 2012, a total of 48 projects throughout American Water’s service areas in ten states were awarded grants totaling more than $180,000.

01/17/13

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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NRC Tribal Policy Development - Open Comment Period
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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is seeking comments on draft agency procedures for consulting with Native American tribes and suggestions for a policy statement on tribal consultations that the staff will develop.

The draft Tribal Protocol Manual provides guidance on effective interaction between NRC staff and tribal governments, along with background on the historic relationship between the federal government and Native Americans. To aid in the development of an agency-wide policy statement, the NRC is looking for comments from tribal governments and organizations, the public, and other interested parties. The comment period closes April 1, 2013.

For more information and to register for the webinar, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

01/16/13

Register Now for January 28 Webcast on EPA's Climate Change Indicators Report

On Monday, January 28, 2013, from 2:00-3:30 PM (EST), EPA's State & Local Climate and Energy program will host a webinar on the newly released Climate Change Indicators in the United States, 2012 report. Available on EPA’s climate change website, the report brings together data from multiple public datasets to show observed changes over time in 26 indicators of climate change – including measures of high and low temperatures, rainfall, snowfall, pollen season and sea level rise. These indicators present compelling evidence that our climate is changing now and is already affecting society and ecosystems.

EPA staff will discuss how the report was developed, highlighting key points of the report and how information was gathered and synthesized. A brief demonstration of the climate indicators website and a question-and-answer session will follow.
Webinar registration
***
State and local officials interested in additional information about developing and implementing cost-effective climate and energy strategies that help further environmental goals and achieve public health and economic benefits may visit EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program site.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

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HUD - Department of Housing and Urban Development Healthy Homes Technical Studies Program Grant

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=215753

Purpose: To fund technical studies to improve existing methods for detecting and controlling key housing-related health and safety hazards; to develop new methods to detect and control these hazards; and to improve our knowledge of key housing-related health and safety hazards.

The overall goal of the Healthy Homes Technical Studies program is to gain knowledge to improve the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of methods for evaluation and control of housing-related health and safety hazards. This also supports HUD’s Strategic Goal to utilize housing as a platform for improving the quality of life and health outcomes for those living in HUD-assisted and HUD-regulated housing, and the associated policy priority to build inclusive and sustainable communities by improving the health of community residents while reducing the impact of communities on the environment.

01/15/13

January 2013 – Nearly $38 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

Nearly $38 million is available for state, local, and tribal governments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Land Reclamation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of Energy (DOE), Economic Development Administration (EDA), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that can be used to support climate and energy initiatives, including community sustainability, water efficiency, and climate vulnerability assessments. For full eligibility and application details, please visit the links provided below.

In addition, please visit the calendar of 2013 EPA grant opportunities that may be of particular interest to communities.

***U.S. Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants – $21 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant program provides funding to communities in the western United States to conserve and use water more efficiently, increase the use of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency, benefit endangered and threatened species, facilitate water markets, and carry out activities to address climate-related impacts on water.

For more information, visit the grant opportunity webpage.

***FHWA Pilot Projects: Climate Change and Extreme Weather Vulnerability Assessments and Adaptation Options Analyses - $75,000 to $300,000 per pilot project

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is soliciting pilot projects to conduct analysis in one of two areas related to climate change and extreme weather adaptation: 1) assessments of transportation vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events, or 2) developing options for improving resiliency of transportation facilities or systems to climate changes and/or extreme weather events. It is anticipated that 8 to 15 pilots will be selected and funded.

For more information, visit the pilot project solicitation.

***DOE Rooftop Solar Challenge II Program - $12 million

Application Due: January 25, 2013 (concept papers), March 8, 2013 (full application)

Eligible Entities:

The Rooftop Solar Challenge II is a program intended to deploy, at the regional and national scale, innovative, local government-level solutions toward eliminating market barriers and lowering the non-hardware balance of system costs of grid-tied solar photovoltaics (PV). Applicants will be expected to have already demonstrated exceptional progress towards achieving these cost reductions in specific geographic areas, and must present a credible plan to build on these successes by rapidly deploying techniques and tools to achieve larger-scale impact on solar PV markets.

Applicants may apply for one of two topic areas of awards:

Topic Area A: Wide-Impact Awards: These awards are intended to fund unique and innovative approaches to local solar PV market transformation, with particular focus on approaches with wide geographic and large population impacts.
Topic Area B: State and Regional-Impact Awards: These awards are intended to fund efforts to streamline and standardize processes at the state and regional level.

For more information, visit the grant listing.

***EPA Source Reduction Assistance Grant Program - $1.4 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

Source Reduction Assistance Grant Program awards are issued annually by the EPA Regions to support environmental projects that reduce or eliminate pollution at the source. In Fiscal Year 2013, the Regions are interested in funding proposals that encourage greenhouse gas reduction, hazardous materials reduction, resource conservation, efficient business practices and pollution prevention integration activities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate new, innovative techniques, surveys, studies; or use research, investigations, experiments, and education or training promoting pollution prevention/source reduction efforts. Proposals that principally support recycling, clean-up, treatment, disposal, or energy recovery activities will not be considered for funding.

For more information, visit the grant listing.

***NOAA Climate Program Office – up to $3.5 million

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.

***EDA Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunity – Total funding available TBD

Application Due:

Eligible Entities:

For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.

***

State and local officials interested in additional information about developing and implementing cost-effective climate and energy strategies that help further environmental goals and achieve public health and economic benefits may visit EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program site.

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

01/10/13

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Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse
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Upcoming Tribal Renewable Energy Webinar on January 30
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The next webinar in the series is titled “Strategic Technical Assistance Response Team (START) and Online Education Program Update” and will be held on January 30, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MST. There is no charge to participate in the webinar, but registration is required.

For more information and to register for the webinar, visit the TEEIC Web site at http://teeic.anl.gov/news/

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January 2013: Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments

This message provides details about seven upcoming webcasts being offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others. All webcasts are offered free of charge, but space may be limited.

EPA Webcasts

January 17, 1:00-2:15 PM (EST) Green Revolving Funds: Recent Trends and Notes from the Field
January 23, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) - Climate Ready Water Utilities 101

ENERGY STAR Webcasts

January 15, 2:00-3:00 PM (EST) – Basics of Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager

DOE Webcasts

January 7, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – GREET Fleet Footprint Calculator
January 15, 1:00-2:15 PM (EST) - Developing PV Projects with RFPs and PPAs

NACo Webcasts

January 10, 2:00-3:15 PM (EST) – Realizing Cost and Energy-Saving Opportunities in County Facilities

The Resource Innovation Group Webcasts

January 23, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – Community Shared Solar Project Development Tool

**EPA Webcasts

January 17, 1:00-2:15 PM (EST) – Green Revolving Funds: Recent Trends and Notes from the Field

Facing steep budget cuts and rising energy costs, many colleges and universities are grappling with how to finance urgently needed energy efficiency upgrades on campus when operating and capital funds are scarce. Sponsored by EPA’s Green Power Partnership, this webinar will explore innovative approaches, such as using return-oriented green revolving funds (GRFs)—a financing mechanism that colleges, universities, and nonprofits have increasingly adopted as a means to fund sustainability initiatives inside their buildings and operations. These initiatives reduce energy and resource use, resulting in significant financial and environmental benefits. While GRFs are increasing on college and university campuses across the country, the concept can also be adapted for other public- and private-sector organizations.

This webinar will examine the key findings and trends of the second annual Greening the Bottom Line report, based on data from 79 active GRFs at 76 institutions and published in partnership with the Green Power Partnership and more than a dozen other organizations. The webinar will also feature presentations on successful GRFs at Middlebury College and the University of Pennsylvania.

Webcast registration

January 23, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) - Climate Ready Water Utilities 101

This webinar is an introduction to EPA’s Climate Ready Water Utilities initiative and climate change adaptation planning. Learn about the history of the initiative and the tools and resources available to the water sector, including an adaptation guide, an extreme events workshop planner, and comprehensive risk assessment software.

Webcast registration

***ENERGY STAR Webcasts

January 15, 2:00-3:00 PM (EST) – Basics of Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager

Learn the basics of benchmarking using Portfolio Manager, EPA’s ENERGY STAR measurement and tracking tool. Portfolio Manager enables you to track the progress of energy and water efficiency efforts and compare the energy use of your buildings with that of similar buildings nationwide.

Regardless of whether you are looking to benchmark a K-12 school, fire station, courthouse, retail store, supermarket, or office, this session will show you how easy it is to get started by providing an introduction to ENERGY STAR and walking you through setting up a building in Portfolio Manager. You will learn how to use Portfolio Manager to establish energy and water use baselines, track energy and water use and greenhouse gas emission reductions over time, and assess your building's energy performance.

Webcast registration

***DOE Webcasts

January 7, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) – GREET Fleet Footprint Calculator

Sponsored by the Clean Cities program, this webinar will discuss recent updates to the GREET Fleet Footprint Calculator, including an introduction to life-cycle analysis, an overview of the tool and new features, and a demonstration of how to use it.

Webcast registration

January 15, 1:00-2:15 PM (EST) - Developing Photovoltaic Projects with RFPs and PPAs

In this webinar, sponsored by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the cities of Tucson, Arizona, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, will discuss their experiences, including the pros and cons, of using requests for proposals and power purchase agreements to develop photovoltaic projects.

Webcast registration

*** National Association of County Officials (NACo) Webcasts

January 10, 2:00-3:15 PM (EST) – Realizing Cost and Energy-Saving Opportunities in County Facilities

Research conducted by NACo and its partners shows that many counties have not taken advantage of easy cost savings from energy efficiency initiatives. Find out how NACo’s new County Building Database will help counties set investment priorities, identify underperforming buildings, and verify efficiency improvements. Join the webinar to learn how savvy county leaders are thinking about energy management and consider where the opportunities for savings are for your county.

Webcast registration

***The Resource Innovation Group Webcasts

January 23, 1:00-2:00 PM (EST) –Community Shared Solar Project Development Tool

Community-shared solar energy holds great potential for increasing investment in solar power by customers that cannot host a system onsite. So-called “solar gardens” allow for participation in collectively owned system and provide payments for the electricity generated by the system. But creating a community-shared solar program requires specialized business, legal, and technical expertise that can present formidable barriers for implementation.

The University of Oregon’s updated and expanded Community Solar Tool is a web-based decision support tool designed to help community groups, businesses, nonprofits, government and utilities in Oregon and elsewhere select the best business model and design for constructing and operating a community solar system. In this webcast, join project lead Sarah Mazze from The Resource Innovation Group to walk through the Community Solar Tool and to learn more about its applicability in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and nationwide. This webcast is made possible with support from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and the Carolyn Foundation.

Webcast registration

***

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

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New Year, New Guide to Evaluating Impacts of State and Local Energy Efficiency Programs

The State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network (SEE Action), an effort facilitated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has released a new guide to evaluating the impact of energy efficiency programs at the state and local levels. This guide updates the 2007 National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency Model Energy Efficiency Impact Evaluation Guide.

The new Energy Efficiency Program Impact Evaluation Guide covers key issues, practices, and steps for calculating energy savings, avoided emissions, and other non-energy impacts of efficiency programs. The primary audiences for this guide are state regulators, public and private energy efficiency portfolio administrators, program implementers, and evaluators looking for guidance on:

Planning evaluation efforts, and approaches for determining and documenting program impacts
Improving the efficacy of energy efficiency portfolios Comparing demand- and supply-side resources.
Download the guide (PDF, 180 pp, 2.8MB).

For more information on SEE Action’s Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification working group, visit the SEE Action website.

To sign up for news alerts from SEE Action, contact the Network Coordinator or subscribe via the SEE Action website.

***

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to the Newsletters page.

01/04/2013

Announcements 2013

DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs to Host Tribal Energy Development and Financing Trainings

Tribal Renewable Energy Project Development and Finance Workshops

New Regulation Navigation Tool for Owners and Operators of Internal Combustion Engines

ITEP is currently accepting applications for our Tribal Waste and Response Assistance Program (TWRAP) National Steering Committee

Nearly $490 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

***DOE Community-Scale Clean Energy Projects in Indian Country – $4.5 Million

***DOE Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance – Approximately $2.5 Million

***Funders’ Network Local Sustainability Matching Fund – Between $25,000 and $75,000 per Project

***HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants – Total Funding Available TBD

DOT Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant Program – $473.847 Million

EDA Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunity – Total Funding Available TBD

EPA Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – $6 Million

Gap Guidance

OGC’s new NOI website:

Law Seminars International Presents

Tribal Rights, Sovereignty and Economic Development in the Midwest

May 2013 – Nearly $490 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

***Funders’ Network Local Sustainability Matching Fund – between $25,000 and $75,000 per project

***HUD Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants – Total funding available TBD

***DOT Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER Discretionary Grant program) – $473.847 million

***EDA Economic Development Assistance Programs Federal Funding Opportunity – Total funding available TBD

***DOE Tribal Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Deployment Assistance – $2,500,000

***EPA Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes – $6 million

***DOE Community-scale Clean Energy Projects in Indian Country – $4,500,000

***USDA 2014 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program – $900,000

Climate Change Adaptation for States, Tribes and Local Governments: a Webinar Series hosted by North Carolina State University, in cooperation with EPA’s Office of Strategic Environmental Management

EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign (NCDC)

CONFERENCE CALL: PM2.5 Continuous FEMs - Policy and Technical Update on Wednesday, May 15th - Hosted by EPA

Ambient Air Monitoring Agencies (States, locals, & Tribes) are invited to a National Call on PM2.5 continuous FEMs. This conference call will be hosted by EPA.

Catawba Preschool Joins the School Flag Program

New Interactive Webinar Series Begins May 21, 2013!

Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Education is Accepting Proposals

Webinar - Asthma in Tribal Communities

DOE Issues Funding Announcements for Tribal Clean Energy Projects

May 2013: Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments

***Featured EPA Webcast

***EPA Webcasts

***ENERGY STAR Webcasts

***DOE Webcasts

Register for the April 24 Tribal Energy Webinar: How Power Marketing Administrations Market Power and Work with Tribes

Ambient Air Monitoring Agencies (States, locals, & Tribes) are invited to a National Call on PM2.5 continuous FEMs. This conference call will be hosted by EPA

Community Conference Call on U.S. EPA's Proposed Air Rules

Overcoming the Uncertainty Barrier to Adaptation

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT

April 2013 – Nearly $12 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

Community Conference Call on U.S. EPA's Proposed Air Rules

Webinar Announcement: Innovation and the NSPS

How can the EPA encourage innovative new technologies?

DERA Tribal Competition Pre-Open 2013 RFP Webinar/Teleconferences

State and Local Climate and Energy Program

April Resource Roundup: April webinars keep springing up!

Ten New Webcasts for State and Local Governments

April 2013: Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments

***Featured EPA Webcast

***EPA Webcasts

***DOE Webcasts

EPA Proposes Updates to 2012 Performance Standards for VOCs

Industry Wins Delay, Exemptions In EPA Drilling Storage Tank NSPS Update

March Resources for State and Local Governments: new policy best practices guides for wind and CHP; three award and conference opportunities, and more

In this issue:

*** 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement – Why Apply?

***NACo and DWEA Release County Wind Ordinance Best Practices Guide

***Regional Climate Scenarios and Projections of Sea Level Rise – webinar files now available

***New SEE Action Combined Heat and Power Publication Released

***New Report from ACEEE: Everyday Energy Efficiency across the South

EPA, NOAA, National Wildlife Federation, and the North Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative Announce Searchable Online Database of Eastern Regional Climate Information

***Call for Proposals: ACEEE National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource – Presentation Proposals due March 29

***Call for Abstracts: BECC 2013 – Abstracts due April 15

April 11th Webinar -- School Flag Program: Resources and Strategies for Reaching out to Schools

March 2013 – Nearly $35.8 Million in Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

***HUD Transformation Initiative: Sustainable Construction in Indian Country Small Grant Program – $400,000

***2013 National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) – nearly $1,005,000 over three years

***NOAA Climate Program Office – $17 million

***USDA Woody Biomass Utilization Grant – $3 million

***EPA Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grants – $2.4 million

***National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

***NOAA Sea Grant Community Climate Adaptation Initiative 2013 – $1 million

***USDA Farm to School Grant Program – $5 million

Wednesday, April 17, 2013
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT

Thursday, March 21, 2013
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT

Tribal Energy Program Announces Summer Internship Opportunity;
Application Deadline Is March 15