EPA Public Discussions: Drones & Pesticide Applications

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) is hosting public discussions with EPA regions, states, Tribes, and territories to discuss how EPA is currently addressing the use of drones for pesticide applications.

Representatives from EPA's Environmental Fate and Effects Division and Registration Division will engage with attendees during these virtual sessions.

Upcoming Sessions:



• November 12, 2026 | 12:00–12:30 PM Alaska / 1:00–1:30 PM Pacific

Join the November 12 Discussion

• November 16, 2026 | 12:00–12:30 PM Alaska / 1:00–1:30 PM Pacific

Join the November 16 Discussion

Participation: Open to interested Tribal representatives and other stakeholders.

USDA Announces $472.5 Million in Food Purchases to Support Producers & Nutrition Programs

USDA Announcement | October 29, 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced plans to purchase up to $472.5 million in domestically produced agricultural commodities to support American farmers, ranchers, and fishing industries while strengthening food assistance programs nationwide.

Through USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), these purchases will help stabilize agricultural markets and supply food to charitable food networks and federal nutrition assistance programs.

Planned purchases include dairy products, poultry, pork, rice, lentils, chickpeas, hazelnuts, and seafood, among other commodities.

Pacific Northwest Connection

The announcement identifies Pacific Northwest pulse growers and the West Coast Pacific whiting fishing industry among the agricultural sectors expected to benefit. Planned purchases include:

• $29 million in lentils
• $37 million in split peas
• $22 million in hazelnuts
• $12 million in Pacific whiting

These investments may support regional agricultural and seafood supply chains while contributing to food assistance programs serving communities nationwide.

Learn More: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service

USDA Announces More Than $77 Million in Additional School Nutrition Funding, Including Region 10 Awards

USDA Announcement | October 30, 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced more than $77 million in additional funding to strengthen school nutrition programs, support local agricultural producers, and improve school meal infrastructure nationwide.

The investments include more than $27 million in additional Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants and $50 million in National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grants. Total 2026 Farm to School funding now exceeds $47 million across 149 projects nationwide.

Region 10 Funding Highlights:

Several organizations across Alaska, Oregon, and Washington are among the latest Farm to School grant recipients, including:

• Alaska Food Policy Council (AK): $229,993
• Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District (AK): $111,801
• Oregon Farm to School Network (OR): $478,454
• Living Well Kent Collaborative (WA): $499,376
• Federal Way School District #210 (WA): $401,451

Earlier 2026 awards also supported two Alaska projects with particular relevance to rural and Tribal communities:

• Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Inc. — $158,289: Supporting access to Alaska-grown meats, dairy products, and produce for child nutrition programs in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands.
• Yupiit School District — $219,107: Addressing fresh produce access and food security challenges in remote Alaska communities.

These investments highlight opportunities to strengthen local food systems, expand agricultural education, and support food security efforts throughout Region 10.

Learn More:

• USDA Funding Announcement
• 2026 Farm to School Grant Recipients
• USDA Harvest to Hallways Initiative

New EPA Public Comment Opportunity: Proposed Air Quality Rule: National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) & PM2.5

Public Comment Deadline: November 5, 2026

Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2024-0078

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an opportunity for Tribal governments, environmental professionals, and the public to provide input on proposed area designations under the 2024 revised National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

EPA has notified 67 Tribes, along with all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories, of its intended approach to determining whether areas meet federal air quality standards.

These designations are important for Tribal communities because they can influence air quality planning, pollution control requirements, and environmental protection efforts. Wildfire smoke, monitoring data, and local air quality conditions may also be relevant considerations.

Tribal governments and environmental departments are encouraged to review EPA's proposed designations, including information specific to their geographic areas, and consider submitting comments or additional technical information.

Review EPA's Proposed Designations | Submit Public Comments

EPA Continues Scientific Review of Glyphosate

Public Comment Deadline: November 23, 2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is continuing its scientific review of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide found in products such as Roundup.

EPA is reassessing available scientific evidence concerning potential human health effects, ecological risks, and protections for endangered species. As part of this process, EPA opened an opportunity for public feedback to identify additional peer-reviewed scientific studies for consideration in its updated human health assessment.

Tribal environmental professionals and pesticide program staff may be interested in following this review and its potential implications for pesticide management and environmental protection.

EPA Glyphosate Information | Read EPA's Announcement | View Docket & Submit Comments

Comments may be submitted through Regulations.gov under Docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0361.

EPA Announces Plans to End 2005 Agricultural Air Compliance Agreement

EPA Announcement | October 30, 2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will discontinue development of air emissions estimation methodologies under the 2005 Animal Feeding Operations Air Compliance Agreement.

The agreement was established to study air emissions from livestock and poultry operations and develop methods for estimating emissions of pollutants such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds.

Following a review of data collected through the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study (NAEMS), EPA determined that the information was too outdated and limited to support reliable emissions estimation methods reflecting current agricultural practices and technologies.

EPA plans to notify approximately 2,600 participating animal feeding operations, representing nearly 14,000 farms, and work toward terminating obligations under the agreement.

The announcement does not change existing Clean Air Act requirements. EPA indicated it will continue collaborating with agricultural producers, universities, and federal partners on approaches to understanding and reducing agricultural air emissions.

Learn More: EPA National Air Emissions Monitoring Study

Employment Opportunity:

Environmental Program Air Quality Coordinator

Kootenai Tribe of Idaho | Bonners Ferry, ID

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is seeking a full-time Environmental Program Air Quality Coordinator to support the Tribe's air quality monitoring, environmental programs, grant management, and regulatory compliance efforts.

The position works under the direction of Tribal Council to help protect the environmental health of the Kootenai Indian Reservation, aboriginal territory, and surrounding community.

Position Details:

• Location: Bonners Ferry, Idaho
• Compensation: $35–$45/hour, depending on experience
• Benefits: Available after successful completion of a three-month probationary period

Interested in applying?

Applications are available at the Kootenai Tribal Headquarters, 100 Circle Drive, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, or by emailing cralph@kootenai.org.

Qualified Indian applicants receive preference in accordance with the Kootenai Law and Order Code.

Climate Ready Tribes Grant — 2026–2027

Application Deadline: November 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM AK

Four awards anticipated

Agency: National Indian Health Board (NIHB), with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Funding Available: Up to $20,000 per award

Eligible Applicants: Tribes, Tribal health departments, and Tribal health care facilities with capacity and leadership roles in emergency preparedness, health surveillance, and public health outreach, subject to application requirements.

The Climate Ready Tribes Initiative supports Tribal communities in developing and implementing climate-informed health and environmental strategies that strengthen preparedness and resilience.

Projects may include climate and health action plans, integration of climate considerations into Tribal health and environmental services, and training staff to use climate and health monitoring tools such as CDC's Heat & Health Tracker, the NWS/CDC HeatRisk tool, and air quality monitors.

Tribal Relevance: This opportunity can help Tribal governments and health programs strengthen their capacity to address climate-related health threats, improve environmental health monitoring, and develop community-driven adaptation strategies that reflect Tribal priorities.

Important: The anticipated project period is December 1, 2026, through July 23, 2027. Applicants should review the full Request for Applications for eligibility, allowable activities, and submission requirements.

Questions: environmentalhealth@nihb.org | Download the Application

Oregon DEQ: CERTA Food Waste Processing Infrastructure Grants

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is accepting applications for its CERTA Food Waste Processing Infrastructure Grant Program, supporting projects that expand food waste processing, composting, and community food scrap collection throughout Oregon.

Funding Opportunities:

• Large-Scale Projects: Up to $2 million per award for eligible food waste processing infrastructure.
• Small-Scale Projects: $50,000–$249,999 for community composting, food waste collection, and local food production initiatives.

Tribal governments are eligible for the small-scale funding opportunity, and eligible Tribal composting facilities may qualify for large-scale funding.

Applications must be submitted through Oregon DEQ's WebGrants system.

View Grant Details & Eligibility Requirements | Apply Through WebGrants

Deadline: November 30, 2026, 5:00 PM PT.

Tribal Energy Capacity Expansion Prize — $6 Million Funding Opportunity

Application Deadline: December 4, 2026 (Phase 1 Submissions)

Agency: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Funding Available: $6 million across a three-phase prize competition.

Eligible Applicants: Federally recognized Tribal entities and eligible multi-Tribe collaborative teams, including qualifying Alaska Native villages and regional and village corporations, subject to official competition rules.

The Tribal Energy Capacity Expansion Prize supports Tribal Nations in strengthening their capacity to participate in energy-related decision-making, planning, and project development.

The competition focuses on expanding Tribal expertise and organizational capabilities in areas such as energy permitting, workforce development, environmental compliance, and other activities that support Tribal energy priorities.

Tribal Relevance: Tribal governments, Tribal consortia, and eligible Alaska Native entities may benefit from opportunities to strengthen energy program capacity, build technical expertise, and increase Tribal participation in energy development and regulatory processes.

Important: This is a three-phase prize competition rather than a traditional grant program. Applicants should review the official competition rules, Phase 1 submission requirements, and award structure before applying.

View Prize Details & Apply

EPA Virtual Water Quality Standard (WQS) Academy - December 2026

Dates: December 7–11 & 14, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM–1:30 PM Pacific | 7:30 AM–12:30 PM Alaska

Format: Virtual | Six-Day Training

Host: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Cost: Free

The EPA is offering its Virtual Water Quality Standards (WQS) Academy, a structured and interactive training designed for federal, state, Tribal, and local agency professionals, as well as private-sector participants involved in water quality management.

The Academy provides current information and practical guidance on developing and implementing water quality standards programs consistent with the Clean Water Act. Participants will explore the regulatory framework and approaches used to establish and protect designated water uses and water quality objectives.

Registration Deadline: November 24, 2026, or earlier if capacity is reached.

Special Accommodations Deadline: November 18, 2026

Registration: Free and open to the public.

Register for the Virtual WQS Academy

For registration assistance or accommodation requests, contact Rachel Buzzeo at rachel.buzzeo@tetratech.com or 703-385-1474.

SAVE THE DATE!

EPA's Combatting Lead (Pb) in Tribal Communities: Exposure Pathways and Solutions

December 9, 2026 - December 10, 2026

Location: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center | Albuquerque, NM

Registration: FREE

The National Tribal Toxics Council, Zender Environmental Health, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are collaborating on a two-day workshop focused on lead (Pb) exposure in Tribal communities, its potential health effects, and practical strategies for prevention and remediation.

The workshop will explore unique Tribal exposure pathways, federal lead regulations, Tribal Treatment as a State (TAS) programs, lead remediation, and risk communication. Participants will also have opportunities to learn from Tribal case studies and lead testing demonstrations.

Hotel Information: Towneplace by Marriott Albuquerque Old Town, Holiday Inn and Suites Albuquerque Old Town.

Reservations must be made by November 10, 2026, to receive the conference rate.

Registration is free! Tribal environmental professionals and community partners interested in addressing lead exposure are encouraged to attend.

Combatting Lead (Pb) in Tribal Communities: Exposure Pathways & Solutions Workshop | National Tribal Toxics Council (NTTC), Zender Environmental, & EPA

ALPAR Awards — 2027 Nominations Now Open!

Nomination Deadline: January 10, 2027

Organization: Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling (ALPAR)

Awards: Four $500 grants available through the Community Awards.

ALPAR is accepting nominations to recognize individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and Tribal entities making a difference through recycling, litter prevention, environmental education, and community service across Alaska.

Community Award Categories:

• Outstanding Education or Outreach
• New or Enhanced Recycling Program
• Litter Prevention Program
• Volunteerism or Service

Each of the four Community Award winners will receive a $500 grant for the nonprofit associated with their efforts.

ALPAR also recognizes businesses and leaders through its Board of Directors Awards for Outstanding Leadership and ALPAR Supporter of the Year.

Tribal Relevance: Tribal environmental programs, community organizations, and individuals involved in recycling, waste reduction, litter prevention, and environmental outreach are encouraged to nominate deserving community members and programs.

Questions: director@alparalaska.com | Submit an ALPAR Award Nomination

Region 10 RTOC Policy Corner:

Advocating for Tribal Voices & Environmental Protections

The Region 10 Tribal Operations Committee (RTOC) continues to advocate for Tribal interests through formal comments on federal environmental policies and initiatives.

With the support of RTOC Policy Advisor Rick Eichstaedt, the Tribal Caucus has recently provided comments addressing two important issues affecting Tribal governments and environmental programs.

Region 10 RTOC's Continuing Our Commitment

These efforts reflect RTOC's ongoing commitment to ensuring that Tribal perspectives are represented in federal environmental policy discussions.

We appreciate the work of our Policy Advisor, Rick Eichstaedt, and the leadership of the Tribal Caucus in advancing these important issues.

The complete letters are attached to this newsletter for Tribal representatives, environmental professionals, and interested readers to review.

Past comments can be found on our website under "Tools for Tribes".

Nine Region 10 Tribal Entities Receive $11.5 Million in EPA Recycling Grants

Nine Tribal entities across Alaska, Idaho, and Washington were selected to receive a combined $11,563,595 through EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Program.

The funding supports improvements to Tribal waste management systems, including household hazardous waste collection, composting infrastructure, recycling operations, workforce development, and technical assistance.

Award recipients include:

• Alaska: Kenaitze Indian Tribe, Kodiak Area Native Association, Kokhanok Village, Native Village of Nightmute, Newtok Village, and Tyonek Native Corporation.
• Idaho: Nez Perce Tribe.
• Washington: Makah Indian Tribe and Tribal Solid Waste Advisory Network.

These projects demonstrate continued Tribal leadership in strengthening environmental infrastructure, protecting natural resources, and developing sustainable waste management systems across Region 10.

Learn More: EPA Region 10 SWIFR Grant Awards

Region 10 Tribal Health Organization Receive Federal Epidemiology Funding

The Indian Health Service (IHS) announced $166.65 million over five years to strengthen Tribal Epidemiology Centers nationwide, supporting public health research, disease surveillance, prevention, and improved health data systems.

Three organizations serving Region 10 communities are among the recipients, with the following annual funding amounts:

• Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (AK): $3.1 million
• Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (OR): $3.5 million
• Seattle Indian Health Board (WA): $3.95 million

These investments support Tribal and urban Indian public health capacity, helping communities collect and analyze health information, identify emerging concerns, and develop community-informed public health strategies.

Learn More: IHS October 2026 Tribal Updates