EPA's Webinar for Tribes: Lithium-ion Battery Response Guide

EPA is hosting a free webinar on its On-Scene Coordinator Lithium-Ion Battery Response Guide, published in October 2025.

This two-hour training will highlight key components of the guide and explore how the information can be applied to Tribal emergency response, environmental, and waste management programs.

During the second half of the webinar, participants will have the opportunity to begin developing an outline for a lithium-ion battery response guide tailored to their own community's needs and programs.

Topics will include:

• Lithium-ion battery response considerations and safety practices

• Emergency response planning and preparedness

• Waste management and disposal considerations

• Developing community-specific response procedures

While the webinar is designed for Tribal emergency responders and environmental professionals, all interested participants are welcome to attend.

Register:

https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/Mp0rg0aMRUqrCC98mjxngw#/registration

Read the EPA On-Scene Coordinator Lithium-Ion Battery Response Guide:

https://response.epa.gov/sites/16141/files/EPA OSC Lithium-Ion Battery Response Guide.pdf

EPA Launches Superfund Solutions Initiative

EPA has announced the new Superfund Solutions Initiative, a nationwide effort to accelerate cleanup of contaminated sites and advance environmental and public health protections in communities across the country.

The initiative will focus on the more than 1,340 sites on EPA’s National Priorities List (NPL) and aims to speed up cleanup efforts by:

• Deploying science-based solutions

• Streamlining decision-making processes

• Reducing administrative barriers and delays

• Modernizing cleanup tools and technologies

• Strengthening partnerships among federal, state, Tribal, and local governments

According to EPA, the initiative is intended to help move contaminated sites through the cleanup process more efficiently while maintaining strong environmental and public health protections.

Learn more about the Superfund Solutions Initiative:

https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-solutions-initiative

EPA's Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia, and Nutrients Research Webinar Series: Benthic Toxin-Producing Cyanobacteria in Rivers and Streams of the United States

Benthic Toxin-Producing Cyanobacteria in Rivers and Streams of the United States | June 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT

EPA is hosting a free Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), Hypoxia, and Nutrients Research Webinar Series to share the latest science, tools, and research related to nutrient pollution and its impacts on water quality. The series highlights emerging issues, monitoring and forecasting tools, prevention strategies, and response efforts related to harmful algal blooms and low-oxygen conditions in waterways.

This webinar will explore:

• Emerging harmful cyanobacterial blooms in rivers and streams

• Risks to ecosystems, wildlife, pets, and human health

• EPA research on cyanobacteria distribution and toxin production

• Monitoring methods and public health protection efforts

• Findings from recent EPA field studies and partnerships across the western United States

Harmful algal blooms are increasingly recognized as a significant water quality concern. Excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can fuel algae growth, resulting in harmful blooms that can impact drinking water, recreation, aquatic life, and public health.

Learn more and register:

EPA Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia, and Nutrients Research Webinar Series

This webinar series is particularly relevant for Tribal environmental programs, water quality staff, natural resource managers, and anyone working on watershed protection, aquatic ecosystems, or nutrient management.

EPA-Tribal Environmental Plan (ETEP) Writing Workshop Announcement & Registration

The Tribal Capacity program is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the upcoming EPA–Tribal Environmental Plan (ETEP) Writing Workshop. This virtual, three‑day workshop will be held August 25–27, 2026, and is designed to support Tribal environmental staff in developing, refining, or updating their ETEPs.

This workshop will feature 4‑hour sessions each day, combining instruction, examples, and guided writing time. Participants will also be asked to complete a brief pre‑workshop assignment to help prepare for the hands‑on components of the training. Registration for this workshop is free to participants.

The ETEP Writing Workshop provides an opportunity to strengthen strategic planning, enhance intergovernmental coordination, and support long‑term environmental program development. Please note that an approved ETEP is required for EPA GAP funding.

Participants will learn:

• What an EPA-Tribal Environmental Plan (ETEP) is
• How an ETEP is used
• The three required components of an ETEP:
• Tribal Priorities, EPA Priorities, and Regulated Entities

The workshop goal is for each participant to leave with a draft ETEP ready for Tribal leadership review before submitting to EPA.

Space is limited to 30 participants. Priority will be given to Tribes with an expired ETEP or one expiring by the end of FY2026. Selected registrants will receive follow-up instructions for the pre-workshop assignment.

Pre-Workshop Assignment:

Work with Tribal Leadership and the community to identify 5–10 Tribal Environmental Priorities with brief descriptions.

Examples:

• Tribal Priority: Water Quality – Ensure clean water availability through baseline assessments, education, and outreach.
• Tribal Priority: Waste Management – Develop and implement waste management policies that protect community health and the environment.

Deadline for registration is 5pm AK Time, June 26^th, 2026.

To register, please use the following link: EPA Tribal Environmental Plan Workshop Registration Form.

John's Hopkins Smoke Alarm Project: Free Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Program for Tribal Communities

The Johns Hopkins Smoke Alarm Project is seeking Tribal partners to help improve home safety by providing free smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, training, and educational materials to Tribal communities.

The project is currently working with approximately 150 Tribal communities nationwide and is looking to connect with additional communities interested in reducing fire and carbon monoxide risks for Tribal households.

Participating communities will receive:

• Free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms

• Free training for local partners and installers

• Educational materials for community outreach

• Technical support from the Johns Hopkins Smoke Alarm Project team

Tribes interested in learning more can schedule a brief 30-minute virtual meeting to discuss community needs and project participation.

Schedule a meeting |Learn more

This opportunity may be particularly valuable for communities working to improve housing safety, emergency preparedness, and public health outcomes.

This Week's Webinars, Training, & Technical Assistance (click to see more)

June 16, 2026

Jewelry & Accessories, Motor Vehicle Tires, Cookware & Kitchen Supplies - 12:30-2pm PT

June 17, 2026

Cybersecurity Refresher Training

US Dept. of Energy's Tribal Economies Webinar Series: Expanding Financial Institutions in Indian Country - 10-11am PT

PNW Tribal Climate Change Network Zoom Meeting - 10-11:30am PT

EPA’s e-Manifest Team's e-Manifest Quarterly Webinar - 11am PT

UCLA School of Law: Native Nations Law & Policy Center: 250 Years As "Merciless Indian Savages" - 12-1:15 PT

EPA Tools & Resources Webinar: Practical Tools to Advance Water Reuse - 12-1 PT

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Department of the Treasury Office of Tribal and Native Affairs Tribal Economies Webinar Series: Expanding Financial Institutions in Indian Country - 10-11 PT

June 18, 2026

Tribal Brownfields Knowledge Circle: In a Good Way Chat

June Consultations & Comment Periods

June 26, 2026

"Begin Actual Construction” in the Clean Air Act NSR Program

Modification to Washington State NPDES General Permit for Tribal and Federal Aquaculture Facilities

June 29, 2026

EPA Draft Fungicide Strategy Fungicide Public Comment Opportunity

Re-opening of Comment Period for Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program

Explore all Tribal Consultation Opportunities:

https://tcots.epa.gov/ords/tcotspub/f?p=106:1

Upcoming Webinars, Training, & Technical Assistance (click to see more)

June 22, 2026

Pacific Northwest Drought Early Warning System June Drought & Climate Outlook Webinar - 11am PT

June 23, 2026

ITEP's Indoor Air Quality Results Webinar: The Little Lungs, Big Futures Project - 11am PT

June 24, 2026

Dept. of WA of Ecology Coastal Training Program: Riparian and Wetland Plant Identification in Eastern WA (In-Person: Leavenworth, WA) - 9-4:30 PT

EPA's Water Cybersecurity Assessment Tool Training - 10am PT

EPA's Season Change and Indoor Air: Protecting Respiratory Health - 10am PT

ITEP Caring for Our Healthy Homes Office Hours - 10am PT

EPA's Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia, and Nutrients Research Webinar Series: Benthic Toxin-Producing Cyanobacteria in Rivers and Streams of the United States - 11am PT

EPA's Webinar for Tribes: Lithium-ion Battery Response Guide - 11am PT

The National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM) Members Webinar Series: Exploring the Economic Benefits of Wetland Ecosystems and Management Programs - 12pm PT

WA Dept. of Ecology's Safer Products for Washington Cycle 2 Webinar 3: Architectural Paints, Sealants, Caulks, & Adhesives, & Hard Surface Sealers- 12:30 PT

National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM): Exploring the Economic Benefits of Wetland Ecosystems and Management Programs Webinar - 12-1:30 PT

Bureau of the Fiscal Service - ASAP.gov: How to Make an ASAP.gov Payment Request

June 25, 2026

EPA's Cybersecurity Procurement Checklist Tool Training

June 26, 2026

U.S. Geological Survey Species Management Research Program Webinar Series: Lost & Found: A Rapid Assessment Approach to Finding Undiscovered Populations of an Endangered Bumblebee - 11am PT

Upcoming Funding & Grant Opportunities (click to see more)

June 19, 2026

University of Arizona Indigenous Resilience Center: 2026 RISE Mini Grant Program

June 25, 2026

The North American Wetlands Conservation Fund (NAWCA) Small Grants

June 30, 2026

Washington's Healthy Environment for All Tribal Capacity (HEAL) Grant

Washington's Workplace Safety for Workers Affected by Climate Change Grant

ALPAR Recycling Collection Event Mini-Grants (Alaska)

WA DOH Environmental Justice & Climate Change Grants for Tribes

July 01, 2026

Ocean Guardian School Grants (Open to Clallam & Jefferson Counties)

Environmental Regulatory Enhancement (ERE)

Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance

Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance-Esther Martinez Immersion

July 2, 2026

Alaska Center for Energy & Power (ACEP): Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership

Alaska Center for Energy & Power (ACEP): Community Microgrid Assistance Partnership

July 14, 2026

Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF)

July 15, 2026

RCO Planning for Recreation Access Grant

July 21, 2026

AI3 Action Institute - Artificial Intelligence for American Indians

July 23, 2026

FEMA: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

Funding Application Period: March 25, 2026 - July 23, 2026

Fiscal Year 2024 & 2025 Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (BRIC)

July 24, 2026

DOE: Unleashing Tribal Energy Development

DE-FOA-003548 Unleashing Tribal Energy Development Part 1

DE-FOA-003548 FA Notice of Funding Opportunity Part 2

July 28,2026

DOI Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Drought Response Program

Funding Application Period: March 5, 2026 - July 28, 2026

July 31, 2026

National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, Inc. (NATHPO) 2026 Protecting Native Places (PNP) Grant Program

August 1, 2026

National Center for Native Training & Technical Assistance (the Center)

National Sea Grant Law Center

August 02, 2026

Economic Advancement Grants for Local Empowerment (EAGLE)

August 26, 2026

Bureau of Reclamation: WaterSMART Desalination Construction Projects

September 01, 2026

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) National Household Wasted Food Prevention Project (NHWFPP)

September 8-9, 2026

Bureau of Reclamation: WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects

EPA's Multipurpose, Assessment, RLF, and Cleanup Grant Application Resources: FY 2027 Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grant Competitions

EPA's 2027 Brownfields Job Training Grants

Zender's Healthy Environment Healthy Community Grant Program: Program

Information | Online Application |Application Guidelines | Scoring Matrix

Look for more grants at:

https://www.grants.gov/ & https://simpler.grants.gov/

June Upcoming Events (click to see more)

Indigenous Agroforestry Network Gathering

June 24-26, 2026

Little Creek Casino Resort

Sheldon, WA

The Indigenous Agroforestry project and Indigenous Agroforestry Network support Indigenous-led agroforestry by fostering collaboration between Tribes, practitioners, and allied partners. Rooted in traditional land management practices, the project enhances access to resources and knowledge that bridge Indigenous stewardship with contemporary agroforestry.

Register here to join the 3rd annual Indigenous Agroforestry Network Gathering rooted at the intersection of land stewardship & relationship-building.

Future Consultations & Comment Periods

July 02, 2026

Tentative Determination on Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program for Alaska

July 06, 2026

CAA Review of Tier 4 Criteria Pollutant Standards for Motor Vehicles, Part 1

July 08, 2026

Alaska 2026 Integrated Report and Clean Water Act 303(d) List 

July 14, 2026

CWA Section 312(n) Uniform National Discharge Standards Phase II Batch Three Rulemaking

Explore all Tribal Consultation Opportunities:

https://tcots.epa.gov/ords/tcotspub/f?p=106:1

Get to Know your Region 10 RTOC Representatives:

Ginny Guzman-Ramos

W. OR. & W. WA. NTOC

Lead Code Enforcement Officer

The Tulalip Tribes

What is your current role and organization?

   I work for the Tulalip Tribes of Washington. My primary role is Code Enforcement Manager, I serve in the capacity as a Board of Director for Port Susan Camping Club, TERO (Tribal Employment Rights Office) Commissioner Chair, and the Director of the Indigenous Environmental Justice Team.

What is your role within the RTOC committee?

 I am a rep. on the NTOC (National Tribal Operations Committee for Region 10), I sit on the advisory committee for RTOC.

What motivated you to join the committee?

I was invited to participate in a Town Hall meeting via ZOOM, I was impressed with the sincerity and of this team. Their desire to serve Indian Country and work with EPA sharing the stories of our ancestors and to make a brighter, healthier and safe environment for our people. I knew then that this is a team I want to be a part of.

What are you currently working on or most excited about?

Building a team with Tribe staff and County staff, to agree on an MOU that will adhere to our codes when establishing Environmental, Culturally Sensitive Land, and Protecting our Wetlands.

What impact do you hope the committee will have?

Making changes with other Tribes, Villages and Corporations as a team to hold EPA accountable to uphold the laws and promises as a trustee regarding Indian Country.

What's one accomplishment you're proud of?

Establishing a holistic team “Indigenous Environmental Justice team” that protects our health and safety for generations to come. (7+ years)

What do you do outside of work?

Enjoy my family. Provide Love, Laughter, and Memories that will tell stories for future generations. And above all Sing as if no one can hear me, Dance as if no one can see me, and tease until the tears flow from laughter. 

A short quote: “What does being a part of RTOC mean to you?”

Agreeing to a compromise does not mean you have given up your individuality. It simply means you understand the situation.

Ginny Guzman-Ramos

Lead Code Enforcement Officer

The Tulalip Tribes

6406 Marine Drive NW

Tulalip, WA 98271

Phone: 907-822-5541

e-mail: gramos@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

Training Opportunity:

National Center for Disaster Preparedness Training on AWR-312-W: Navigating Natural Hazards and Extreme Weather Events in Tribal Communities: 1.5 hr course

Job Opportunity:

Alaska Tribal Climate Resilience Intern

Open Until Filled

The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS) is recruiting an Alaska Native undergraduate student majoring in physical sciences, biological/ecological sciences, natural resources, Arctic and Northern studies, or a related field to complete an internship.

The intern will receive an hourly rate between $17-$20 for an average of 15 hours of work per week for 10-16 weeks over the spring or summer semester period. The position is based at the Alaska Climate Adaptation and Science Center’s offices in Fairbanks, but remote work is possible depending on the location of the applicant.

Summer Cohort 2 of the ISN Observer Course: Stewarding our Lands and Waters will take place from June 15 - 28. The online self-paced course includes 24 hours of class work and introduces observers to ISN tools and data management software and their purpose in supporting Tribal data sovereignty and community-driven monitoring.

Find out more by downloading the course flyer or emailing Hannah-Marie Ladd at hladd@aleut.com.

Enroll by emailing Louis Bonner at icbonner@aleut.com.

The BIA has announced that funding is available through the Division of Natural Resources for competitive, one-time project funding for Invasive Species in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). Applications must be submitted to the Alaska Regional Office by July 1st. Find out more in the detailed criteria and application process document. Applications can be emailed to rosalie.debenham@bia.gov and joshua.neuffer@bia.gov.