Announcements 2012

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.

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Recent Announcements | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

02/08/2012

The Office of Grants and Debarment is pleased to announce that it is hosting another EPA Grants Award Process Webinar for our external grants community! We'd appreciate it if you could pass this information along to anyone you think might be interested. Please note that registration is limited.

Event: EPA Grants Award Process Webinar

Date: February 23, 2012

Time: 2pm ET

Description: EPA's Office of Grants and Debarment is hosting a webinar for the EPA grants community. The webinar will cover grants management topics, including: how to find and apply for grant opportunities; FFATA reporting requirements; and preparing a proper budget detail. In addition, we will be hosting a Q&A session during the second half of the webinar. If you have any questions, please email it to ogdweb.gad@epa.gov in advance of the call. We will cover as many questions as possible during the session.

For more information and to register: https://epa.connectsolutions.com/grantswebinar/event/event_info.html

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The Tribal Energy Program is pleased to forward the following on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs.

SAVE THE DATE

U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
Conventional Energy Forum
March 1, 2012
at RES 2012

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada

More details to follow. Visit our website or contact us at indianenergy@hq.doe.gov.

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.

If you did not receive this email directly but would like to receive future emails and the Tribal Energy Program newsletter, join our email list. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, unsubscribe. Feel free to forward this information. This email was sent on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy, 1000 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20585.

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EPA Releases Document on Energy Efficiency in Local Government Operations

EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program has released a final version of Energy Efficiency in Local Government Operations: A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs (PDF) (72 pp, 5.3 MB). This guide describes how local governments can lead by example and achieve multiple benefits by improving the energy efficiency of their new, existing, and renovated facilities and their day-to-day operations. It is designed to be used by facility managers, energy and environment staff, other local government agencies, and mayors and city councils.

Readers of the guide will come away with an understanding of options to improve the energy efficiency of municipal facilities and operations, and how to motivate the private sector and other stakeholders to follow suit. Readers will also understand the steps and considerations involved in developing and implementing these energy efficiency improvements, as well as an awareness of expected investment and funding opportunities.

This document is part of the Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series, which is designed to help policy makers and program staff plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective climate and energy projects that generate economic, environmental, social, and human health benefits.

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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: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/listservs/index.html

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USDA Announces CRP General Sign-up

Landowners and Producers Will Have 4-Week Window Beginning in March to Enroll

Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS) Michael Scuse announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a four-week Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup, beginning on March 12 and ending on April 6. CRP has a 25-year legacy of successfully protecting the nation's natural resources through voluntary participation, while providing significant economic and environmental benefits to rural communities across the United States.

"It is USDA's goal to ensure that we use CRP to address our most critical resource issues," said Scuse. "CRP is an important program for protecting our most environmentally sensitive lands from erosion and sedimentation, and for ensuring the sustainability of our groundwater, lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. As always, we expect strong competition to enroll acres into CRP, and we urge interested producers to maximize their environmental benefits and to make cost-effective offers."

CRP is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers to help them use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolled in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion and develop wildlife habitat. In return, USDA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years. Producers with expiring contracts and producers with environmentally sensitive land are encouraged to evaluate their options under CRP. Producers also are encouraged to look into CRP's other enrollment opportunities offered on a continuous, non-competitive, signup basis.

Currently, about 30 million acres are enrolled in CRP; and contracts on an estimated 6.5 million acres will expire on Sept. 30, 2012.
Offers for CRP contracts are ranked according to the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) collects data for each of the EBI factors based on the relative environmental benefits for the land offered. Each eligible offer is ranked in comparison to all other offers and selections made from that ranking. FSA uses the following EBI factors to assess the environmental benefits for the land offered:

· Wildlife habitat benefits resulting from covers on contract acreage;
· Water quality benefits from reduced erosion, runoff and leaching;
· On-farm benefits from reduced erosion;
· Benefits that will likely endure beyond the contract period;
· Air quality benefits from reduced wind erosion; and
· Cost.

Over the past 25 years, farmers, ranchers, conservationists, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts have made CRP the largest and one of the most important in USDA's conservation portfolio. CRP continues to make major contributions to national efforts to improve water and air quality, prevent soil erosion by protecting the most sensitive areas including those prone to flash flooding and runoff. At the same time, CRP has helped increase populations of pheasants, quail, ducks, and other rare species, like the sage grouse, the lesser prairie chicken, and others. Highlights of CRP include:

· CRP has restored more than two million acres of wetlands and two million acres of riparian buffers;
· Each year, CRP keeps more than 600 million pounds of nitrogen and more than 100 million pounds of phosphorous from flowing into our nation's streams, rivers, and lakes.
· CRP provides $1.8 billion annually to landowners—dollars that make their way into local economies, supporting small businesses and creating jobs; and
· CRP is the largest private lands carbon sequestration program in the country. By placing vulnerable cropland into conservation, CRP sequesters carbon in plants and soil, and reduces both fuel and fertilizer usage. In 2010, CRP resulted in carbon sequestration equal to taking almost 10 million cars off the road.

In 2011, USDA enrolled a record number of acres of private working lands in conservation programs, working with more than 500,000 farmers and ranchers to implement conservation practices that clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and prevent soil erosion. Moreover, the Obama Administration, with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's leadership, has worked tirelessly to strengthen rural America, implement the Farm Bill, maintain a strong farm safety net, and create opportunities for America's farmers and ranchers. U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its most productive periods in American history thanks to the productivity, resiliency, and resourcefulness of our producers.

02/02/2012

2012 National Training Conference on TRI & Environmental Conditions in Communities

Join us for the exciting 2012 National Training Conference on the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) and Environmental Conditions in Communities being held on April 11-13, 2012 in Washington, DC at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill (http://washingtonregency.hyatt.com).

Why You Should Consider Attending: The Conference serves as the principal nationwide event for the TRI community. The leading members of the TRI and environmental conditions community are either in attendance, presenting, or have submitted their work in the form of a demonstration or poster. The diverse attendance provides a perfect networking opportunity for all. This year, we have some fantastic sessions, including a breakout session entitled "Environmental Conditions & Toxics Reductions in Tribal Communities" and a demonstration and discussion of Tribal-Focused Environmental Risk and Sustainability Tool (Tribal - FERST).

The theme, Understanding the Past and Promoting a Sustainable Future, offers a plethora of presentation topics that will engage participants. Below are topic examples that laid the foundation for the Call for Abstracts:

Industry achievements in pollution prevention and sustainability
Using TRI data to enhance community engagement;
Pollution prevention initiatives in both state and federal organizations;
Efforts to improve environmental conditions on Tribal lands;
Finding, understanding and using environmental information and analytical tools;
Innovative ways of communicating and understanding TRI data; and
New research focusing on TRI data and other environmental information.

Get your early-bird discount today through March 1st! Travel scholarships will be also be available on a limited basis. Please send requests for assistance to Bryan Shipley, ECOS, at: bshipley@ecos.org .

To register please click here:
TRI Conference Registration

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Department of Energy - Tribal Energy Program

USDA Rural Development Announces 2012 Funding and Stakeholder Meetings for the Rural Energy for America Program
February 2, 2012

The Tribal Energy Program is pleased to forward information on possible funding opportunities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Please check eligibility requirements. If you have questions, please contact the Rural Development State Energy Coordinator for your state (refer to the list of state coordinators), or browse the Rural Energy for America Program Web page.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the nation's critical energy needs. For 2012, USDA was appropriated funding to support at least $12.5 million in grants and approximately $48.5 million in guaranteed loans through REAP. For details, view the REAP 2012 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) in its entirety. You can also read a USDA press release regarding this funding opportunity. USDA Rural Development is currently accepting the following applications:

Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications accepted until March 30, 2012—Tribes are not eligible to apply directly for this assistance, as there is a legislative prohibition of any applicant being directly controlled by a governmental body. However, Tribal Section 17 Corporations are eligible to apply for assistance, and other similarly structured tribal corporations may be eligible to apply after the corporate structure has been reviewed by Rural Development and legal counsel to ensure that there is no direct governmental control of the applicant. The maximum amount for the grant portion is $500,000 for renewable energy systems and $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements, or 25% of the project cost (whichever is lower). The minimum amount of the grant portion is $1,500 for either renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements. The maximum loan guarantee amount is $25 million or 75% of the project cost, whichever is lower. For grant and loan combination applications, the loan and grant dollar amount limits are the same, but Rural Development’s combined support for the project cannot exceed 75% of the project cost.
Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only applications accepted on a continuous basis up to June 29, 2012—Tribes are not eligible to apply directly for this assistance, as there is a legislative prohibition of any applicant being directly controlled by a governmental body. However, Tribal Section 17 Corporations are eligible to apply for assistance, and other similarly structured tribal corporations may be eligible to apply after the corporate structure has been reviewed by Rural Development and legal counsel to ensure that there is no direct governmental control of the applicant. The maximum loan guarantee amount is $25 million or 75% of the project cost, whichever is lower.
Renewable energy system feasibility study applications accepted through March 30, 2012—Tribes are not eligible to apply directly for this assistance, as there is a legislative prohibition of any applicant being directly controlled by a governmental body. However, Tribal Section 17 Corporations are eligible to apply for assistance, and other similarly structured tribal corporations may be eligible to apply after the corporate structure has been reviewed by Rural Development and legal counsel to ensure that there is no direct governmental control of the applicant. The maximum amount of grant funds that will be made available for an eligible feasibility study project under this subpart to any one recipient will not exceed $50,000 or 25% of the total eligible project cost of the study, whichever is less.
Energy audits and renewable energy development assistance applications accepted through February 21, 2012—Eligible applicants must be one of the following: (i) a unit of state, tribal, or local government; (ii) a land-grant college or university or other institution of higher education; (iii) a rural electric cooperative; (iv) apublic power entity; or (v) an instrumentality of a state, tribal, or local government. The maximum aggregate amount of energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants awarded to any one recipient under this notice cannot exceed $100,000. In addition, the recipient of a grant that conducts an energy audit for an agricultural producer or a rural small business must require the agricultural producer or rural small business to pay at least 25% of the cost of the energy audit. Energy audits and renewable energy development assistance conducted by the recipient can only be done for the benefit of agricultural producers or rural small businesses.

USDA Rural Development will hold meetings for stakeholders focusing on the Rural Energy for America Program during the first quarter of calendar year 2012—These meetings will be hosted by Rural Development state directors. Stakeholders must contact the appropriate Rural Development state office to participate. In recognition of current budget conditions and as we approach the time for developing the next Farm Bill, Rural Development is calling together stakeholders in order to provide updates on the Rural Energy for America Program; discuss ways we can leverage agency resources, including working with private and public partners and emphasizing guaranteed loans; and reiterate our commitment to helping meet President Obama’s energy independence goals.
Tribal leaders, tribal professionals, and other tribal stakeholders are encouraged to participate. Please note that, due to space limitations, participation in each stakeholder meeting will be limited and will be on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Therefore, we encourage you to contact, as soon as possible, your Rural Development State Energy Coordinator to obtain information on participating in the meeting in your state. Please be advised that if you participate in one of these meetings, you are responsible for your own transportation and any other costs (e.g., food) incurred in participating in the meeting.

For more information, contact your USDA Rural Development State Energy Coordinator (refer to the list of state coordinators), or browse the REAP Web page. If you prefer a single point of contact, please direct all tribal REAP-related inquires to USDA Rural Development’s Native American Coordinator, Tedd Buelow, at 720-544-2911.

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.
If you did not receive this e-mail directly but would like to receive future e-mails and the Tribal Energy Program newsletter, join our e-mail list. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, unsubscribe. Feel free to forward this information.

01/31/2012

Pulp and Paper Webinar

January 31, 2012 2:30 PM EST

Overview of the Pulp and Paper Risk and Technology Review Proposal (Subpart S)

Today's webinar is part of EPA's overall outreach strategy to Stakeholders. For more information please click on the link below.

Pulp and Paper Webinar.pdf

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Public Webinar on U.S. EPA’s DRAFT Proposed Rule –
NSPS for New Residential Wood Heaters February 9 at 2:00 PM ET

The U.S. EPA invites the public to participate in a webinar on EPA’s upcoming proposed New Source Performance Standards for New Residential Wood Heaters, New Residential Hydronic Heaters and Forced-Air Furnaces, and New Residential Masonry Heaters.

The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 9, 2012, from 2:00-3:15 p.m. Eastern Time.

EPA will provide information about the current drafts of the upcoming proposals. The proposals, which are still in development, include:

- tighter emission limits for new residential wood stoves to reflect today’s Best Systems of Emission Reduction;
- new emission limits for new residential hydronic heaters and forced air furnaces and new residential masonry heaters to reflect today’s Best Systems of Emission Reduction;
- elimination of the current exemption for pellet stoves and single burn rate stoves;
- test method revisions as appropriate; and
- compliance assurance process improvements.

EPA does not expect to include any requirements for heaters that are solely fired by gas or oil. EPA also does not expect to include any requirements for wood-fired fireplaces. Please note: these proposals apply only to new appliances.

Go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/619081801 to register for the upcoming webinar on the NSPS for New Residential Wood Heaters. A copy of EPA’s webinar presentation is currently posted on www.epa.gov/burnwise. Questions related to the technical aspects of the NSPS will be answered as time allows. Please make sure to submit questions at the time of the webinar. Instructions on how to submit questions can be found once the webinar begins.

Contact Rick Copland at copland.rick@epa.gov for IT questions related to the webinar registration.

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Online Resources Available: Clean Energy Calculators, Decision Tools and Resource Maps

January 30, 2012
The Tribal Energy Program is please to forward information on a variety of on-line clean energy calculators, decision, analysis, prospecting and mapping tools offered by the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and the DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

New Online State and Local Resource Available Now: Clean Energy Financing Decision Tool and Guide

States and communities are increasingly investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy to achieve their air quality, economic, and energy goals. In doing so, they have found that the up-front costs of improving energy efficiency and increasing renewable energy generation can be a barrier for many homeowners, building owners, and businesses. One way to address these barriers is by adopting clean energy financing programs that can make efficiency and renewable energy more affordable for these sectors. EPA's State and Local Climate and Clean Energy Program is supporting these efforts with the launch of a new online Financing Program Decision Tool and a Financing Program Decision Guide.

The Financing Program Decision Tool is designed for state and local staff in the early stages of choosing a clean energy financing program. Answer a handful of simple questions, and the Tool highlights quickly the most promising program options for your jurisdiction to pursue.

The Financing Program Decision Guide complements the Tool. This Guide includes the basics on financing-program options, as well as key considerations and factors for states and communities to weigh as they start up or expand their clean energy financing programs.

Learn more here: http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate/state/activities/financing.html

New Resources for Development of Clean Energy on Contaminated Sites

EPA, the Department of Energy, and the National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals have developed resources for local governments to cultivate renewable energy on potentially contaminated and underutilized sites.

***Solar & Wind Energy Screening Decision Trees
EPA and the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab have developed draft decision trees to screen brownfields, greyfields, rooftops, abandoned parcels, and landfills for solar and wind energy potential. The solar and wind screening decision trees are designed to encourage leadership from local governments and other stakeholders in the development of renewable energy resources at the community level.

The decision trees address a gap of expertise that typically lies with solar and wind developers. They provide specific criteria in a step-by-step process, are formatted so users can evaluate either an individual site or sites across a community, and address both privately and publicly owned sites.

EPA is accepting comments on the draft decision trees through February 16, 2012, and seeks city and county volunteers to beta test the decision trees. Please email Karen Irwin at irwin.karen@epa.gov if you would like to volunteer. For more information, visit: http://www.epa.gov/renewableenergyland.

***Cultivating Green Energy on Brownfields: A Nuts and Bolts Primer for Local Governments
The National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals recently released a primer that will help local governments evaluate the potential for developing renewable energy on brownfields and other contaminated sites. The resource, “Cultivating Green Energy on Brownfields: A Nuts and Bolts Primer for Local Governments,” serves as a starting point for local governments considering renewable energy as part of redevelopment strategies for brownfields.

Distributed Wind Site Analysis Tool Now Available

Distributed wind systems are typically installed near the point of electricity use at residences, businesses, and community institutions such as schools and hospitals to help save energy, reduce energy bills, and cut carbon emissions. The Distributed Wind Site Analysis Tool, developed by the Cadmus Group, Inc., allows users to input location and terrain information about a potential wind system site in the United States and predict the energy output and environmental benefits of that site. The tool is designed to help potential wind energy system consumers choose the most effective site for their wind energy project. The standard version of the tool was developed in partnership with the U.S Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Encraft. The standard version is free, and a version with more advanced features is available for an annual subscription fee. The DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy funded development of the tool through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants.

Online tools Available through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Many of NREL's major research programs have analysis functions—from life-cycle to vehicle systems to online RE analysis applications. The following is a list of models and tools that can assist in learning more about our main renewable energy technologies and their uses. Most of these tools can be applied on a global, regional, local, or project basis.

Additionally, NREL offers a wealth of on-line mapping tools to explore renewable energy resources, calculate energy production and costs of various renewable energy technologies, and locate alternative fuel production facilities. Specifically, the Renewable (RE) Atlas now includes tribal lands. A list of available on-line mapping tools is below. All these tools can be found at http://maps.nrel.gov/

RE Atlas
The Renewable Energy Atlas is an interactive mapping tool to allow users to explore base level renewable energy resource datasets. The intention is to provide a broad overview of available data and provide appropriate links to allow users to explore the data in greater detail.

The Solar Power Prospector
The Prospector is a mapping tool developed for the Solar Power industry. This tool is designed to help developers site large-scale solar plants by providing easy access to solar resource datasets and other data relevant to utility-scale solar power projects.

The Geothermal Prospector (beta)
The Geothermal Prospector is a mapping tool developed for the Geothermal Power industry. This tool is designed to help developers site large-scale geothermal plants by providing easy access to geothermal resource datasets and other data relevant to utility-scale geothermal power projects.

PVWatts Viewer
The PVWatts Viewer application is an interactive map-based interface that provides easy and efficient access to the PVWatts™ Calculator. The PVWatts™ Calculator allows users to determine the energy production and cost savings of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems both in the United States and at select international sites.

PVDAQ
PVDAQ is a comprehensive mapping tool to help industry and government planners study solar array efficiency.

TransAtlas
Find alternative fueling stations, discover where alternative fuel vehicles are concentrated, and explore alternative fuel production facilities on an interactive map.

In My Backyard (IMBY)
The In My Backyard (IMBY) tool estimates the electricity you can produce with a solar photovoltaic (PV) array or wind turbine at your home or business.

HyDRA
HyDRA (Hydrogen Demand and Resource Analysis) allows users to view, download, and analyze hydrogen data spatially and dynamically. HyDRA contains hydrogen demand, resource, infrastructure, cost, production, and distribution data.

BioPower Atlas
BioPower is an interactive map for comparing biomass feedstocks and biopower by location. This tool helps users select from and apply biomass data layers to a map as well as query and download biopower and feedstock data. The analysis function offers common conversion factors that allow users to determine the potential biopower production for a selected feedstock in a specific area.

BioFuels Atlas
BioFuels Atlas is an interactive map for comparing biomass feedstocks and biofuels by location. This tool helps users select from and apply biomass data layers to a map as well as query and download biofuels and feedstock data. The state zoom function summarizes state energy use and infrastructure for traditional and bioenergy power, fuels, and resources. The tool also calculates the biofuels potential for a given area.

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.

If you did not receive this e-mail directly but would like to receive future e-mails and the Tribal Energy Program newsletter, join our e-mail list. Please feel free to forward this information. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, unsubscribe. Feel free to forward this information.

This service is provided to you at no charge by DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE). Visit the Web site at http://www.eere.energy.gov.

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EPA Announces Solicitation of Applications for $1 Million in Environmental Justice Grants – Applications Due February 29, 2012

January 30, 2012
The Tribal Energy Program is please to forward information on a possible grant opportunity offered through the Environmental Protection Agency. Please note the dates for the pre-application teleconferences.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the Agency is seeking applicants for $1 million in environmental justice small grants expected to be awarded in 2012. EPA's environmental justice efforts aim to ensure equal environmental and health protections for all Americans, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. The grants enable non-profit organizations to conduct research, provide education, and develop solutions to local health and environmental issues in communities overburdened by harmful pollution.

The 2012 grant solicitation is now open and will close on February 29, 2012. Applicants must be incorporated non-profits or tribal organizations working to educate, empower and enable their communities to understand and address local environmental and public health issues. EPA will host four pre-application teleconference calls on December 15, 2011, January 12, 2012, February 1, 2012 and February 15, 2012 to help applicants understand the requirements.

Environmental justice means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race or income, in the environmental decision-making process. Since 1994, the environmental justice small grants program has provided more than $23 million in funding to community-based nonprofit organizations and local governments working to address environmental justice issues in more than 1,200 communities. The grants represent EPA's commitment to expand the conversation on environmentalism and advance environmental justice in communities across the nation.

More information on the Environmental Justice Small Grants program and a list of grantees: http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html.
Environment Justice Small Grants 2012 Request for Proposals and schedule of pre-application teleconference calls: http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice /resources/publications/grants/ej-smgrants-rfp-2012.pdf

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com.
This service is provided to you at no charge by DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE). Visit the Web site at http://www.eere.energy.gov.

01/25/2012

Register Now for New EPA Tech Forum: Deciding How to Quantify Emissions Reductions from Clean Energy

EPA's State Climate and Energy Technical Forum will hold a webinar on January 30, 2012 from 2:00-3:30pm EST on different approaches to quantifying emissions reductions from energy efficiency and renewable energy, and how to choose the best method for your state’s needs.

Speakers will include Robyn DeYoung from U.S. EPA, Sharon Weber from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Carol Stemrich from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, and David Sumi from the Cadmus Group.

To register, visit: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/584591818

For more information on this topic, and to view presentations as they become available, visit: http://www.epatechforum.org

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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: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/listservs/index.html

01/24/2012

Tribal Healthy Homes Regional Training

February 15-17, 2012

Cherokee, North Carolina

Strengthening the Capacity of All American Indian Communities Through Education and Training
Montana State University Extension National Tribal Healthy Homes Assessment, Training and Technical Assistance Support Center in partnership with EBCI Housing Division & North Carolina Cooperative Extension

REGISTRATION FOR THE FEBRUARY 15-17 TRIBAL HEALTHY HOMES TRAINING IN CHEROKEE, NORTH CAROLINA IS NOW OPEN.

This is the only East Coast training to be done so mailings have gone out to include most of the upper and central Atlantic states
The postcard can also be found on the web at http://www.tribalhealthyhomes.org/training_schedule.htm
You can access the training information and registration form from the main training page - http://www.tribalhealthyhomes.org/training_schedule.htm - or at http://www.tribalhealthyhomes.org/Cherokee.html

Paulette Cox, Interim Director for Tribal Housing
Housing & Community Development
756 Acquoni Road
Cherokee, NC
(828) 554-6904

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Community Environmental Demonstration Project Grants

The ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM provides one year Community Environmental Demonstration Project Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 to local environmental projects that improve health and the environment throughout rural Alaska communities. Funding is made possible through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Alaska Tribal Multi-media Program. ANTHC has awarded over $300,000 since 2009. For FY12 ANTHC and Zender Environmental will be partnering to provide Community Environmental Demonstration Project Grants to rural Alaska communities. For more information, go to http://www.anthc.org/chs/ces/hve/upload/CEDP-rfp-final.docx.

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

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**February 15 (TELECONFERENCE SEMINAR)
COAL'S ASSAULT ON HUMAN HEALTH will be held from 9 to 10am as part of the Alaska Collaborative on Health and the Environment teleconference seminar series. At every stage – from mining, transportation, storage, combustion, and disposal of post-combustion wastes – coal development threatens human health. Pollutants from coal damage all major organ systems in the human body. Coal combustion releases mercury, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and dozens of other substances known to be hazardous to human health.

Guest Presenter ALAN H. LOCKWOOD, MD will discuss the growing body of medical evidence linking coal development to human health risks. Dr. Lockwood is principal author of the Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) report "Coal's Assault on Human Health" which takes a new look at the devastating impacts of coal on the human body.

For more information, or to join this FREE call and receive the dial-up instructions, please RSVP to ACAT at heather@akaction.org or (907) 222-7714.

01/18/2012

American Indian Air Quality Training Program’s
Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center

COURSE NOTICE FOR:

"Air Pollution Technology" (Level 2)
April 2-6, 2012
Las Vegas, Nevada

Pre-Registration Date (for priority consideration): February 7, 2012
Download Course Application Packet here: PreReg-TECH.pdf [8 pgs]

Course Description: This course provides an overview of the science of air pollution and techniques of air quality management. This is an intensive training course with large-group lectures and discussions, laboratory activities and demonstrations, computer and problem-solving exercises, and small-group work. There will be evening homework assignments.

Topics include:

· Emissions inventory
· Basic statistics and data analysis
· Air pollution meteorology
· Ambient air sampling and monitoring
· Basic dispersion modeling
· Air pollution control technology
· Air monitoring data management
· Internet resources

This course is open to tribal air quality personnel who have successfully completed ITEP’s Introduction to Tribal Air Quality and Air Quality Computations courses or who have sufficient academic training in science, mathematics, and/or engineering. Attendance at this course will be contingent upon completion of a pre-course module that will be sent with selection materials.

This course is required for those who need to move on to technical Level 3 training courses; if you have questions about eligibility for courses, please contact Lydia Scheer (928-523-6887).

Pre-Requisites:

· Introduction to Tribal Air Quality (or equivalent training/experience)
· Air Quality Computations (or equivalent training/experience)

How to Apply for the Course: Read all enclosed information carefully. Fill out both sides of the enclosed Application Form and fax it to the TAMS Center by the Pre-Registration date listed for priority consideration. Applications received after the pre-registration period will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The “Personal Data” section is required for first-time applicants or applicants who need to update information. The “Course-Related Information” section is required for all applicants. Information obtained on the application form is used to aid the selection process and prepare instructors for interaction with participants; please be as specific as possible. Incomplete application forms may be omitted from the applicant pool.

Academic Credit: This training course may be taken for academic credit. For additional information about academic credit options, please refer to the enclosed “Receiving Academic Credit for Courses Offered by the American Indian Air Quality Training Program.”

Travel and Hotel Arrangements: Your hotel reservations will be made by ITEP. Detailed information regarding hotel arrangements will be sent to you with notification of your selection for this training course. Lodging costs are free to tribal participants, provided that they attend the entire course. Transportation arrangements to and from the training location are the responsibility of the participant; however, you must obtain a letter of selection for the course prior to making travel arrangements.

· Lodging Costs: ITEP will pay participant lodging expenses (room and tax only). All incidentals will be paid by the participant.
· Meals (per diem): Meals will be reimbursed, at the State of Arizona rate, after successful completion of the course.
· Transportation Costs: ITEP will provide a limited number of scholarships to help tribes pay transportation costs for tribal employees; only one scholarship per tribe will be provided. Applications for a transportation scholarship are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are awarded based on availability of funds.

NEW! Scholarships will be issued after successful completion of the course, and will be used to reimburse eligible expenses including airfare and mileage, up to the amount of $400.00.

Additional Responsibilities: Once you have agreed to attend it is essential that you complete the training course in full in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. If you must cancel after additional travel assistance has been awarded, we will require full reimbursement of that award and any other costs incurred. Excessive cancellations or poor attendance may jeopardize your eligibility for future courses.
* * *
As a cooperative effort between Northern Arizona University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Indian Air Quality Training Program seeks to fulfill the mandate of the 1990 Clean Air Act to offer Native American tribes full partnership in the management of air quality on tribal lands.

---

Lydia Scheer, Program Coordinator
American Indian Air Quality Training Program
Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
Northern Arizona University
Box 15004
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Ph: 928.523.6887
Fx: 928.523.1266

http://www.nau.edu/itep/

01/18/2012

DERA Program Received $30M in FY 2012 Funding

Congress appropriated $30 million to fund the DERA Program this Fiscal Year (FY 2012). The National Funding Assistance Program, which is the competitive portion of the DERA Program, will receive 70 percent of these funds. The FY 2012 request for proposals (RFP) will include a tribal competition, where proposals from eligible tribal agencies or intertribal consortia proposals will compete only among other eligible tribal proposals for grant funding.

We expect to release the RFP in early April. Until then, please note that I am available to try to answer any questions you may have regarding the FY 2012 DERA National Funding Assistance Program Tribal Competition.

I will host two Tribal focused DERA teleconferences, one before the RFP opens and one after the RFP opening date.

First DERA Tribal Competition Teleconference

Event: General DERA Tribal Competition and Grant Overview
Date: Thursday, March 15, 2012
Time: 3:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Call in number: 1.866.299.3188
Call in code: 202.343.9534#

Second DERA Tribal Competition Teleconference

Event: FY 2012 RFP Overview - Post-Open Date Review
Tentative Date: Thursday, April 12, 2012
Time: 3:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Call in number: 1.866.299.3188
Call in code: 202.343.9534#

Please visit the DERA Program webpage for more information: www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.

Rosalva Tapia
Environmental Protection Specialist
Innovative Strategies Group
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
United States Environmental Protection Agency
1310 L Street, Mail Code 6405J
Washington, DC 20005
202.343.9534
tapia.rosalva@epa.gov

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New Online State and Local Resource Available Now: Clean Energy Financing Decision Tool and Guide

New Online State and Local Resource Available Now: Clean Energy Financing Decision Tool and Guide

01/12/2012

Learn about Your State and Local GHG Emissions with EPA's new GHG Map Tool

For the first time, comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) data reported directly from large facilities and suppliers across the country are now easily accessible to the public through EPA’s GHG Reporting Program. The 2010 GHG data released today include public information from facilities in nine industry groups that directly emit large quantities of GHGs, as well as suppliers of certain fossil fuels.

“Thanks to strong collaboration and feedback from industry, states, and other organizations, today we have a transparent, powerful data resource available to the public,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “The GHG Reporting Program data provides a critical tool for businesses and other innovators to find cost- and fuel-saving efficiencies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster technologies to protect public health and the environment.”

EPA’s interactive GHG Map Tool allows users to view and sort GHG data for calendar year 2010 from more than 6,700 facilities in a variety of ways—including by state, county, facility, industrial sector, and the type of GHG emitted. This information can be used by communities to identify nearby sources of GHGs, help businesses compare and track emissions, and provide information to state and local governments.

GHG data for direct emitters show that in 2010:

•Power plants were the largest stationary sources of direct emissions, with 2,324 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mmtCO2e), followed by petroleum refineries with emissions of 183 mmtCO2e.

•CO2 accounted for the largest share of direct GHG emissions, with 95 percent, followed by methane with 4 percent, and nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases accounting for the remaining 1 percent.

•100 facilities each reported emissions over 7 mmtCO2e, including 96 power plants, two iron and steel mills, and two refineries.

Mandated by the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, EPA launched the GHG Reporting Program in October 2009, requiring the reporting of GHG data from large emission sources across a range of industry sectors, as well as suppliers of products that would emit GHGs if released or combusted. Most reporting entities submitted data for calendar year 2010. An additional 12 source categories will begin reporting their 2011 GHG data this year.

Access EPA’s GHG Reporting Program Data and Data Publication Tool: http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgdata/

Information on the GHG Reporting Program: http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html

Information on the U.S. Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Sources and Sinks: http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html

***
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: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/listservs/index.html

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Approximately $34 Million in Federal Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

January 2012 – Approximately $34 Million in Federal Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments
This message announces the availability of nearly $34 million in current or upcoming funding opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNSC), Department of Interior (DOI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities (TFN), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) that can be used to support climate and energy initiatives, including energy efficiency, smart grid initiatives, and sustainability planning. For full eligibility and application details, please visit the links provided below.

*** CNCS AmeriCorps State and National Indian Tribes Planning Grants – TBD
Application Due: January 18, 2012
Eligible Entities: Federally recognized Indian tribes.

The purpose of planning grants is to support the development of AmeriCorps programs that will engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based interventions to solve community problems. The Corporation for National and Community Service will target AmeriCorps funding in six focus areas, one of which is Environmental Stewardship. Environmental Stewardship grants will provide direct services that contribute to increased energy and water efficiency, renewable energy use, or improving at-risk ecosystems, and support increased citizen behavioral change leading to increased efficiency, renewable energy use, and ecosystem improvements, particularly for economically disadvantaged households and economically disadvantaged communities.

For more information, visit: http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/2012_indian_tribes_planning_grants_notice.pdf.

*** DOI WaterSMART: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for FY 2012 – $18 million
Application Due: January 19, 2012
Eligible Entities: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority. Applicants must also be located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands.

The DOI WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program establishes a framework to provide federal leadership and assistance on the efficient use of water, integrating water and energy policies to support the sustainable use of all natural resources, and coordinating the water conservation activities of various DOI bureaus and offices. DOI invites eligible entities to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with the Bureau of Reclamation on projects that seek 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, or carry out other activities to address climate-related impacts on water or prevent any water-related crisis or conflict.

For more information, visit: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=B2MST8nNlTSvgpvpzTfTTKTMkBmvNjxgTNzLKgcxdTfW1cDwwfJr!-1135953825?oppId=130074&mode=VIEW.

*** EPA Urban Waters Small Grants - $1.8 to $3.8 million
Application Due: January 23, 2012
Eligible Entities: States, local governments, territories, Indian tribes, and possessions of the United States; public and private universities and colleges; public or private nonprofit institutions; intertribal consortia; and interstate agencies.

The goal of the Urban Waters Small Grants is to fund research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also support community revitalization and other local priorities. In general, projects should promote a comprehensive understanding of local water quality issues; identify and support activities that address these issues at the local level; engage, educate, and empower communities surrounding the urban water body; and benefit surrounding communities, including those that have been adversely affected by the water pollution issues affecting the urban water body.

For more information, visit: http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding/.

*** DOE Smart Grid Data Access Funding Opportunity – $8 million
Application Due: March 1, 2012
Eligible Entities: State and local governments, federally recognized tribes.

The U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory is seeking applications aimed at empowering consumers to better manage their electricity use by enabling access to electricity consumption data by customers and their authorized third parties, and providing or supporting the use of third-party tools and software products that use the available data to deliver a value-added service to the customer. Projects under this Funding Opportunity Announcement will be composed of two phases. Under Phase I, applicants will need to demonstrate the capability for electricity customers and or designated third parties to access their usage data and the functionality of their proposed tool or software product to provide this access. Phase II involves adoption of the tools and software products demonstrated in Phase I to an entire service territory, region, or community within the jurisdiction of the applicant or the utility partner of the applicant.

For more information, visit: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=130273.

*** TFN’s Local Sustainability Matching Fund – $750,000
Application Due: March 5, 2012
Eligible Entities: Partnerships between sustainability directors and local, place-based foundations. A sustainability director can include any person who leads a multi-department and community-wide urban sustainability initiative from within a local government or an Urban Sustainability Directors Network member from throughout North America.

In partnership with the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), the Funders' Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities (TFN) has announced the Local Sustainability Matching Fund. TFN is a membership organization that helps grant makers across North America advance strategies to create fair, prosperous, and sustainable regions and communities.

The Matching Fund will provide matching investments from national foundations on a competitive basis to build partnerships between local sustainability directors and local place-based foundations to advance discrete sustainability initiatives. Partnership investments will be between $25,000 and $75,000, with a 1:1 match required by one or more local place-based foundations. The pool will support approximately nine to ten partnership projects in the first year for projects to be carried out over a twelve-month period, in most cases.

An information call for interested applicants will be held on January 24, 2012 at 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern. To register for the call, visit: http://www.fundersnetwork.org/events/event-details/local_sustainability_matching_fund_informational_call. For more information about the funding opportunity, visit: http://www.fundersnetwork.org/files/misc/Local_Sustainability_Matching_Fund_RFP_111213.pdf.

*** USDA 2012 Hazardous Fuels Woody Biomass Utilization Grant – $3 million
Application Due: March 31, 2012
Eligible Entities: State and local governments, federally recognized tribes, businesses, companies, corporations, school districts, communities, non-profit organizations, and special purpose districts.

The U.S. Forest Service requests proposals for wood energy projects that require engineering services. These projects will use woody biomass, such as material removed from forest restoration activities, wildfire hazardous fuel treatments, insect and disease mitigation, and/or forest management due to catastrophic weather events. The woody biomass shall be used in a bioenergy facility that uses commercially proven technologies to produce thermal, electrical, or liquid/gaseous bioenergy. The funds from grant program must be used to further the planning of such facilities by funding the engineering services necessary for final design and cost analysis.

For more information, visit: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=1qFvTv4bWP0M1fxLtTbX2QLFvplv1sS7HwHRfp6dXSgvKpyVLxrr!-1890905838?oppId=130235&mode=VIEW.

***
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: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/listservs/index.html

01/10/2012

Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments

January 2012: Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments
This message provides details about six upcoming webcasts being offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and others. All webcasts are offered free of charge, but space may be limited.

EPA Webcasts

· January 18, 1:00-2:15 PM (EST) – Making an Impact on Energy Use in Your Community: EPA’s Green Power Communities and Local Climate and Energy Program
· January 30, 2:00-3:30 PM (EST) – Deciding How to Quantify Emissions Reductions from Clean Energy

ENERGY STAR Webcasts

· January 19, 2:00-3:15 PM (EST) – Financing Energy Efficient Upgrades with ENERGY STAR
· January 24, 2:00-3:15 PM (EST) – Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager for State and Local Governments and EECBG Recipients
· January 25, 1:00-2:30 PM (EST) – Energy Efficiency Program Sponsors: Scoring Energy Performance with EPA’s Portfolio Manager

AMPO (Association of Metropolitan Planning Organization) Webcasts

· January 10, 2:00-3:30 PM (EST) – Climate Change Partners and Collaboration

***EPA Webcasts

January 18, 1:00-2:15 PM (EST) - Making an Impact on Energy Use in Your Community: EPA's Green Power Communities and Local Climate and Energy Program
Green Power Partners will co-host a webinar with EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program to highlight how municipalities from around the country are leveraging EPA programs to reduce the impacts of their communities’ energy use. EPA program managers will discuss the Green Power Community and Climate Showcase Communities programs as well as the tools and resources these programs offer participating communities. Representatives from two EPA Green Power Communities – Washington, DC and Corvallis, Oregon – will present information on their Green Power Community experience; Corvallis will also discuss its Climate Showcase activities.
http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/events/18jan12_webinar.htm

January 30, 2:00-3:30 PM (EST) – Deciding How to Quantify Emissions Reductions from Clean Energy
Sponsored by EPA's State Climate and Energy Technical Forum, this webinar will cover different approaches to quantifying emissions reductions from energy efficiency and renewable energy, and how to choose the best method for your state’s needs. Registration information will be available soon at http://www.epatechforum.org

***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: https://energystar.webex.com.

January 19, 2:00-3:15 PM (EST) – Financing Energy Efficient Upgrades with ENERGY STAR
Sponsored by ENERGY STAR, this webinar will cover how public sector organizations are improving energy efficiency with innovative solutions to financial barriers. Attendees will learn about financing projects in the public and private sectors, the basics of performance contracting, and how EPA’s tools and resources can help you make the decision to improve your facilities now or later. https://energystar.webex.com

January 24, 2:00-3:15 PM (EST) – Benchmarking in Portfolio Manager for State and Local Governments and EECBG Recipients
Sponsored by ENERGY STAR, this webinar will review EPA’s online energy management tool, Portfolio Manager, which enables you to track the progress of energy efficiency efforts and compare the energy use of your buildings with that of peer buildings across the country. Attendees will learn how to measure and track energy use and carbon dioxide emission reductions to establish baseline energy use, prioritize investments, set goals, and track improvements over time. Also covered: best practices for bulk data management, real-life examples of organizations that have successfully benchmarked large portfolios of buildings.
https://energystar.webex.com

January 25, 1:00-2:30 PM (EST) – Energy Efficiency Program Sponsors: Scoring Energy Performance with EPA’s Portfolio Manager
Sponsored by ENERGY STAR, this webinar 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 introduce other ENERGY STAR tools and resources that support program implementation in the C&I market. https://energystar.webex.com

*** AMPO (Association of Metropolitan Planning Organization) Webcasts

January 10, 2:00-3:30 PM (EST) – Climate Change Partners and Collaboration
Sponsored by the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, this webinar will discuss who MPO’s are partnering with on climate change, and where MPOs can go for climate impact forecasts. The webinar will also cover good examples of MPO partnerships, and discuss what MPOs bring to the table in these partnerships.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/963050838

***
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: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate

To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, go to: http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/listservs/index.html

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Seeking Nominations for Members to EPA's National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC)

The National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) is looking for member nominations, including one member from a Tribal government or indigenous group. Nominations are due January 25th through an online template available at http://epa.gov/environmentaljustice/nejac/index.html#membership.

For further questions regarding this notice, please contact the EPA Office of Environmental Justice at (202) 564-2515.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC). The NEJAC is a multi-stakeholder federal advisory committee that provides independent advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator about cross-cutting issues related to environmental justice.

This notice solicits nominations to fill eight (8) new vacancies. To maintain the representation outlined by the charter, nominees will be selected to represent the following stakeholder work force sectors:

· Academia (1 vacancy)

· Business and industry (2 vacancies)

· Grassroots Community-based organizations (1 vacancy)

· Non-governmental/environmental organizations (1 vacancy)

· State and local government agencies (2 vacancies)

· Tribal governments and indigenous groups (1 vacancy)

Within these sectors, EPA is seeking nominees with knowledge in community sustainability, public health and health disparities, land use and sustainable development, green jobs and economic initiatives, energy, and environmental financing. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, the agency encourages nominations of women and men of all racial and ethnic groups. All nominations will be fully considered.

Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to this advisory committee. Individuals may self-nominate. Nominees should possess the following qualifications:

· Demonstrated experience with environmental justice and community sustainability issues at the national, state, or local level;

· Excellent interpersonal and consensus-building skills

· Willingness to commit time to the committee and demonstrated ability to work constructively and effectively on committees

· Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication, and consensus-building skills

· Ability to serve a 3-year appointment and to volunteer approximately 5 to 8 hours per month to support the Council’s activities

How to Submit Nominations: Nominations can be submitted in electronic format (preferred) following the template available at http://epa.gov/environmentaljustice/nejac/index.html#membership. In order to fill anticipated vacancies by May 2012, nominations should be received by January 25, 2012. For additional details regarding the nomination process and to learn more about NEJAC, please visit http://www.epa.gov/environmental justice/NEJAC/index.html.

To be considered, all nomination packages should include:

· Current contact information for the nominee, including the nominee's name, organization (and position within that organization), current business address, e-mail address, and daytime telephone number.

· Brief Statement describing the nominee’s interest in serving on the NEJAC

· Résumé and a short biography (no more than 2 paragraphs) describing the professional and educational qualifications of the nominee, including a list of relevant activities, and any current or previous service on advisory committees

· Letter[s] of recommendation from a third party supporting the nomination. The letter(s) should describe how the nominee’s experience and knowledge would bring value to the work of the NEJAC.

01/04/2012

ITEP-EEOP Summer Internship 2 days to deadline

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals - Environmental Education Outreach Program at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona is seeking air quality and climate change focused offices and programs to host a summer intern for 10 weeks. Tribal environmental offices, regional EPA offices, and other tribal environmental organizations are encouraged to apply.

The interns will be undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental or related careers from different colleges and universities nationwide. ITEP provides each student intern with a $4,000 stipend, and limited housing and travel allowances. The host site provides a work place and supervision for the intern.

PLEASE NOTE that the projects must be focused on addressing air quality and/or climate change issues in tribal communities.

Submit an application online at http://www4.nau.edu/eeop/internships/ssi_host.asp

Deadline: Apply by January 6, 2012.

Interns must apply by February 15, 2012.

For detailed information on the requirements and internship, visit our site at http://www4.nau.edu/eeop/internships/ssi_host.asp.

Please contact Graylynn Hudson at Graylynn.Hudson@nau.edu or 928-523-8864 if you have questions about submitting an application.

Graylynn Hudson
Instructor Specialist, Sr.
ITEP - Environmental Education Outreach Program Northern Arizona University

phone: 928-523-8864
www.nau.edu/eeop

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American Indian Air Quality Training Program

Course Notice for:

“Tribal New Source Review (NSR)”
February 14-17, 2012
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Pre-Registration Date (for priority consideration): January 10, 2012

Download Course Application Packet here: PreReg-NSR.pdf [8 pgs]

Course Description: This course will provide an overview of the Tribal New Source Review (NSR) Rule, including significant portions of the rule, implementation work and possible impacts to individual tribes. There will be lectures and discussions with visual aids, as well as interactive activities.

Topics include:

This course is open to tribal air quality professionals who are interested in learning more about the Tribal New Source Review Rule. It is suggested, but not required, that applicants have completed at least one of the following preparatory courses, or have equivalent training/experience.

Suggested Pre-Requisites:

How to Apply for the Course: Read all enclosed information carefully. Fill out both sides of the enclosed Application Form and fax it to ITEP by the Pre-Registration date listed for priority consideration. Applications received after the pre-registration period will be considered if there is still space available.

The “Personal Data” section is required for first-time applicants or applicants who need to update information. The “Course-Related Information” section is required of all applicants. Information obtained on the application form is used to aid the selection process and prepare instructors for interaction with participants; please be as specific as possible. Incomplete application forms may be omitted from the applicant pool. Selections for the course will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Travel and Hotel Arrangements: Your hotel reservations will be made by ITEP. Detailed information regarding hotel arrangements will be sent to you with notification of your selection for this training course. Lodging costs are FREE to tribal participants, provided that they attend the entire course. Transportation arrangements to and from the training location are the responsibility of the participant; however, you MUST obtain a letter of selection for the course prior to making travel arrangements.

· Lodging Costs: ITEP will pay Participant lodging expenses (room and tax only). All incidentals will be paid by the participant.

· Meals (per diem): Meals will be reimbursed, at the State of Arizona rate, AFTER successful completion of the course.

· Transportation Costs: ITEP will provide a limited number of scholarships to help tribes pay transportation costs for tribal employees; only ONE scholarship per tribe will be provided. Applications for a transportation scholarship are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are awarded based on availability of funds.

NEW! Scholarships will be issued AFTER successful completion of the course, and will be used to reimburse eligible expenses including airfare and mileage, up to the amount of $400.00.

Additional Responsibilities: Once you have agreed to attend it is absolutely essential that you complete the training course in full in order to receive your

Certificate of Completion. If you must cancel after a transportation scholarship has been awarded, we will require full reimbursement of that award and any other costs incurred. Please read the enclosed “Attendee Expectations” & “Cancellation Policy” for more information. Families are not encouraged to travel as full participation by the attendee is required. Excessive cancellations or poor attendance may jeopardize your eligibility for future courses.

* * *

As a cooperative effort between Northern Arizona University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Indian Air Quality Training Program seeks to fulfill the mandate of the 1990 Clean Air Act to offer Native American tribes full partnership in the management of air quality on tribal lands.

* * *

Lydia Scheer, Program Coordinator
American Indian Air Quality Training Program
Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
Northern Arizona University
Box 15004
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Ph: 928.523.6887
Fx: 928.523.1266

http://www.nau.edu/itep/

http://www.facebook.com/ITEPnau

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DOE Tribal Energy Program

Webcast: Overview of the U.S. EPA's Green Power Program
Tuesday, January 25, 2012
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Mountain Time

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, the DOE Tribal Energy Program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Western Area Power Administration are conducting a webinar entitled Overview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Program on January 25, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. MST.
The EPA Green Power Program is a voluntary program that supports commercial and institutional energy users' procurement of green power by offering expert advice, technical support, tools, and resources. Organizations that partner with the EPA in this program can lower the transaction costs of buying green power, reduce their carbon footprint, and communicate their leadership to key stakeholders.

The partnership can provide support and recognition for tribes that are interested in utilizing green power for their own operations. The partnership's expanding roster of more than 1,300 current Green Power Partners may also represent unique opportunities to participate in tribal green power generation projects.

The speakers will discuss the qualifying green power sources and the steps to becoming a Green Power Partner, as well as the program's efforts to help Partners identify compelling project participation opportunities.

This webinar is the third in a series that will continue through September 2012. Webinar series topics include tribal renewable project opportunities, transmission policy, vision of tomorrow's transmission grid, what you need to know about National Energy Regulatory Commission (NERC) compliance, and overview of requesting transmission service. The webinar series description and presentations from past webinars are posted on the Renewable Energy Partnership website and will be updated as needed.

Registration
Register now by clicking the link below:

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/315871304

After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the webinar.

System Requirements

PC-based attendees: Windows(R) 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Macintosh(R)-based attendees: Mac OS(R) X 10.5 or newer

If you did not receive this e-mail directly but would like to receive future e-mails and the Tribal Energy Program newsletter, join our e-mail list. Please feel free to forward this information. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, unsubscribe. Feel free to forward this information.

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The U.S. EPA's Annual International Emissions Inventory Conference will be held in Florida, between the months of June, July and August 2012. We invite you to submit a short abstract proposing a topic you would like to present during the conference.

This year's conference focuses on how emission inventories meet the challenges posed by emerging global, national, regional and local air quality issues. This theme highlights issues such as:

* How inventories can be used to assess the impacts of long-range transport on local NAAQS and other air quality issues;

* How inventories need to be adapted to support emerging climate issues (including multi-pollutant strategies for air quality vs climate benefits issues);

* How the NEI and other emission inventory collection efforts can benefit by looking to special studies and other active on-going research in the areas of focus for this conference;

* Which sectors in the inventory are the most difficult to characterize in a given area facing air quality and climate issues? How can the emissions in these sectors be improved?

Our conference will provide a useful forum for the exchange of ideas and information on the development and uses of emissions data. Participating organizations are expected to include state, local, tribal, regional, international agencies, industry and academia.

Invitation to Submit Abstracts for Papers and Presentation
You are invited to submit a short abstract on a relevant topic that you would like to present by podium (orally) or by poster (visual display), or both. Authors will be notified upon selection of abstracts. A paper submission will be required for podium presentations. Podium presentations are a maximum of 25 minutes in length, including questions and answers.

A paper submission or an extended abstract will be required for posters. Posters may be submitted alone, or to compliment a podium presentation. Abstracts and papers will be included in the conference program and proceedings.

The topic may present studies and projects such as:

** Analysis techniques to identify potentially missing emissions sources or those in need of improved characterization in areas with air quality issues (comparisons with ambient data, recpeptor modeling techniques, source tagging analyses, etc.)

** Use of GIS methods and other innovative tools for inventory development activities

** Improvement of meta-data reporting and review as part of emission inventory submittals

** Efficient approaches for developing, handling, analyzing, and quality assuring emissions data

** Requirements and uses of local and regional emission inventories in global air quality and climate assessment --- including ways to make inventory data available to a variety of end users

** Comprehensive data management or air quality management approaches that integrate multiple pollutants for multiple uses

** Integrations of HAPs/CAPs with GHGs

** Speciation improvements for particulate matter and precursors, volatile organic compounds, and air toxics -- incuding improving characterization at international level

** Analysis of multi-pollutant emissions and controls for a specific source sector in a Non-Attainment area or in an area that faces multi-faceted Air Quality and/ or climate issues.

Your abstract topic may fall into one or more of the subject session areas below. When submitting your abstract, you will be prompted to indicate which of the session areas best suit your abstract topic. If your abstract matches more than one session area, list your choices of other sessions in your preferred order. Based on topics received, sessions may be adjusted.

Session Areas

*** Innovative EI Development Methods

*** Stationary Sources/Area Sources

*** Biomass Burning -- Managed Burning, Wildfires, Agricultural Burning

*** Emission Factors

*** EI Preparation for Modeling

*** Global/International Issues ---including those that may impact US Air Quality

*** Air Toxics

*** Tools - Leveraging Technology for Improved Inventories

*** Mobile Sources

*** EI Validation & Quality Assurance

*** Tribal Inventories and Issues

*** New Technology - GIS, Satellites and other remote sensings tools

*** PM and ammonia emissions from Agriculture

*** Emissions Impacts of Renewable Fuels

*** Emission Projection Schemes--domestically and globally

*** Greenhouse Gases (GHG) including Short-Lived Climate Forcers ("SLCFs": Black Carbon, Ozone, Methane

Invitation to Submit Ideas for Special-Topic Sessions
In addition to the topics and potential sessions listed above, if you have ideas about special topics that could benefit the emissions inventory community, please let us know. For example, we are hopeful to have a "roundtable" discussion on how to improve US biomass burning inventories as part of that session. If you make a suggestion, please be specific about the topic as possible and the intended audience (i.e., whether it may benefit the broader inventory community or be more useful for a narrower audience), and suggest how you think it could be delivered within the technical program. Such special topics might be woven into the technical program as a new session area, panel discussion forums, lunchtime informational seminars, part of the plenary session, or as Internet-Web session. Please email your specific ideas by Friday, December 16th, 2011 to Tesh Rao, at EIC2012@epamail.epa.gov.

Emissions Inventory Software Showcase
During the conference week, we will also highlight ideas and solutions regarding software for emissions inventory applications. This is an opportunity for conference attendees to demonstrate emission inventory related software. If you are interested in demonstrating software for the showcase, complete the pdf document located at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/conference/ei20/showcase_form.pdf and email to EIC2012@epamail.epa.gov.

Submission Procedures
ABSTRACTS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN December 16th, 2011.
Abstracts will be used in the preliminary program. Authors will be notified upon selection of abstracts. Podium presentations will require a paper submission. Poster presentations will require an extended abstract or a paper submission. The due dates for papers and presentations will be announced in the program timeline in the next few weeks.

To submit an abstract not to exceed 250 words complete the pdf document located at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/conference/ei20/abtract_form.pdf and email to EIC2012@epamail.epa.gov. This procedure will be the primary mechanism for submitting abstracts, papers, and presentation materials. You will be asked to provide your contact information for conference planning correspondence. Correspondence will include emails confirming abstract receipt, session assignment, reviews of submissions, and reminders of due dates.

You can find a Style Guide for abstracts, papers, and posters at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/conference/styleguide_12.pdf

EPA Conference Sponsors and Contacts:
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Emissions Inventory and Analysis Group

If you have questions about the abstract submission process, please contact: Tesh Rao - Technical Program Chair at 919-541-1173 or Kim Paylor - Conference Coordinator at 919-541-5474

Announcements 2012

***SAVE THE DATE***

U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs Conventional Energy Forum March 1, 2012 at RES 2012

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada

EPA Releases Document on Energy Efficiency in Local Government Operations

USDA Announces CRP General Sign-up

2012 National Training Conference on TRI & Environmental Conditions in Communities

Department of Energy - Tribal Energy Program

USDA Rural Development Announces 2012 Funding and Stakeholder Meetings for the Rural Energy for America Program February 2, 2012

Pulp and Paper Webinar

January 31, 2012 2:30 PM EST

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Public Webinar on U.S. EPA’s DRAFT Proposed Rule – NSPS for New Residential Wood Heaters February 9 at 2:00 PM ET

EPA Announces Solicitation of Applications for $1 Million in Environmental Justice Grants – Applications Due February 29, 2012

Register Now for New EPA Tech Forum: Deciding How to Quantify Emissions Reductions from Clean Energy

Tribal Healthy Homes Regional Training

February 15-17, 2012

Cherokee, North Carolina

Community Environmental Demonstration Project Grants

New Online State and Local Resource Available Now: Clean Energy Financing Decision Tool and Guide

Learn about Your State and Local GHG Emissions with EPA's new GHG Map Tool

Approximately $34 Million in Federal Funding Available for State, Local, and Tribal Governments

Upcoming Climate and Energy Webcasts for State and Local Governments

Seeking Nominations for Members to EPA's National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC)

ITEP-EEOP Summer Internship 2 days to deadline

American Indian Air Quality Training Program Course Notice for: “Tribal New Source Review (NSR)” February 14-17, 2012 Minneapolis, Minnesota Pre-Registration Date (for priority consideration): January 10, 2012

DOE Tribal Energy Program

Local Navigation

SAVE THE DATE

U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
Conventional Energy Forum
March 1, 2012
at RES 2012

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada

USDA Rural Development Announces 2012 Funding and Stakeholder Meetings for the Rural Energy for America Program
February 2, 2012

Public Webinar on U.S. EPA’s DRAFT Proposed Rule –
NSPS for New Residential Wood Heaters February 9 at 2:00 PM ET

American Indian Air Quality Training Program

Course Notice for:

“Tribal New Source Review (NSR)”
February 14-17, 2012
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Pre-Registration Date (for priority consideration): January 10, 2012