Region 10 (EPA) Tribal Operations Committee

 

11 elected tribal representatives & epa administrators Serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington

Learn more about Region 10 RTOC in this short video.

Tribes & Villages

AK Natives & American Indians in Region 10 (2010 Census)

We Have the Power to Impact Our Future Generations, and We're Doing Something About It

Advising on Environmental Policy

The RTOC contracts with an Environmental Lawyer who assists our committee in analyzing and understanding environmental policies, law, federal comments and consultations. The RTOC Policy Advisor takes direction from the RTOC Chairman and committee to draft comments on behalf of our committee, based on input from Tribes in our region. We assist busy tribal leaders by providing template comment letters from which they can alter to their specific Tribal message.

Protecting Our Way of Life

Nobody knows better about how to protect our way of life than those who are actively living within tribal communities. Since our region is spread out over 4 states and thousands of miles, we utilize technology to help us become aware of the needs of those we serve. Each representative holds bi-annual virtual town hall meetings to get input from constituent tribes about the environmental matters closest to them. We encourage all tribal leaders and environmental staff to attend these community building meetings, where they can learn from others and be heard.

Elevating Tribes as Original Guardians

Our committee recognizes Indigenous people as the original guardians of mother earth. Drawing upon thousands of years of Indigenous Knowledge, we work now within both traditional and western systems to continue our guardianship. The RTOC counts on the 271 Tribes in our region to keep us up to date with current environmental issues affecting tribal communities. We have advanced many tribal concerns directly to Region 10 and National EPA Administration. Likewise, the NTOC (National Tribal Operations Committee) relies on all the regional RTOCs to elevate certain issues to the American Indian Environmental Office in Washington, DC, and to the National EPA Administrators.

Engaging with Tribal Leaders

In addition to our meetings and Town Hall outreach to Tribes and Consortia, our representatives each garner topics and issues of importance directly from the tribes in their representative outreach areas to guide our agendas, official comments and direct our committee. Each year we host a Tribal Environmental Leaders Summit (TELS) where Tribal Council members and Environmental staff gather to discuss issues of environmental concern to tribes. 

Happening Now

EPA’s Superfund Remedy Report

EPA’s Superfund Remedy Report provides information and analyses on remedies EPA selected to address contamination at Superfund National Priorities List and Superfund Alternative Approach sites. This report focuses on the analysis of Superfund remedial actions selected in fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023.

EPA’s EnviroAtlas

EnviroAtlas is an interactive, web-based tool from EPA that decision-makers can use to inform policy and planning in the places where people live, learn, work and play. You can explore EPA’s environmental and health data with the EnviroAtlas Interactive Map, which can be a helpful tool for a wide variety of uses, such as brownfield planning. The map offers over 500 layers of environmental, health, and community data and was designed for users without GIS experience.

EPA Announces Actions to Combat PFAS Contamination

In an April 28 news release, EPA outlined upcoming agency action to address Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), including the designation of an agency lead for PFAS, the creation of effluent limitations guidelines for certain PFAS to stop these forever chemicals from entering drinking water systems, and initiatives to engage with Congress and industry to establish a clear liability framework that ensures the polluter pays and passive receivers are protected. Activities fall under three categories: strengthening the science, fulfilling statutory obligations and enhancing communication, and building partnerships.

Arctic Encounters Symposium – Jul 30-Aug 1

The Arctic Encounters Symposium has been rescheduled to July 30-August 1. Policymakers, diplomats, indigenous leaders, industry innovators, diverse stakeholders, national security officials, and leading experts from the science, technology, maritime, research, startup, investment, health, and energy sectors come together to address challenges in the Arctic and collaborate on solutions. The symposium will be held in person in Anchorage, AK.

Caring for Our Relatives: ITEP Website

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) has launched a new website about the  Caring for Our Relatives program. Learn about the program, sign up for technical assistance services, explore funding opportunities, view upcoming events, and review the many resources related to ecological resilience. Keep an eye on the calendar and events page for updates.

Tribal Green Summit: Call for Presenters

In collaboration with the Tribal Solid Waste Advisory Network (TSWAN), the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe is hosting the Tribal Green Summit September 16-18 in Snoqualmie, WA. The gathering is dedicated to environmental stewardship, advancing circular economies, and empowering Tribal communities. This year’s summit will feature three tracks: 1) composting and organics; 2) waste reduction and recycling; and 3) community resiliency and pollution reduction. Speakers, educators, innovators, and community leaders are invited to submit presentation proposals.

Composting 101: ISLR Training Guide

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ISLR) has released Composting 101, a home composting guide that covers the fundamentals of community composting and prepares participants to establish and manage composting projects that both engage and serve their communities.

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

Tribal Resilience Action Database

Tribes across the country are leading the way in resilience—adapting to wildfires, floods, heatwaves, and changes to cultural and natural resources while protecting their communities, lands, and traditions. The Tribal Resilience Action Database is a free tool designed to help Tribal professionals access and share knowledge and solutions. This resource supports Indigenous communities in their efforts to respond to and prepare for climate change.

Alaska Bulk Fuel Study Survey

Funders cannot keep up with the growing costs of bulk fuel infrastructure repair and replacement in rural Alaska. The Denali Commission and the Alaska Energy Authority have developed a survey to answer this question: Can aggregating some or all aspects of bulk fuel facilities improve facility lifespan, limit or prevent spills, and save money that could be reinvested in capital improvement projects, thereby lessening the investment burden by state and federal agencies? Owners, operators, and suppliers of tank farms; industry regulators; funders; fuel spill response teams; and all who support tank farms with planning or maintenance are invited to reply to the survey.

After a Flood: EPA Flyer

April showers can bring May flowers but can also bring unwanted flooding with harmful consequences. Flood water that enters your home can make the air inside unhealthy. Mold can grow on wood, drywall, carpet and furniture if they remain wet for more than 24-48 hours. Breathing in mold may make you sick. Flood water can contain bacteria, chemicals, or other hazards which may negatively affect your health. Be prepared and learn how to stay safe if you experience flooding this spring with this flyer from EPA. Feel free to share it with your community.

AirKnowledge: New EPA Training Materials

EPA has announced new AirKnowledge air quality training materials, including:

  • An updated self-instructional module that explains the key aspects of the National Emissions Inventory
  • A new self-instructional module that explains requirements (statutory and regulatory) related to stationary source emission test methods and monitoring, and
  • A new self-instructional module that describes the role, components, operation, performance parameters, and types of wet scrubbers available and in use to control stationary source particulate emissions.

The updated materials are available to Tribal, state, and local air agencies through the AirKnowledge Learning Management System (LMS). To access the materials, register, log in, and refer to the “What’s New” section on the home page.  The materials are available to all other users (including EPA staff) on the Air Knowledge website.

EPA’s Tools for Schools

Want to learn more about how to improve indoor air quality in schools? Boy, do we have resources for you!

Please consider passing this information along to the schools in your community

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