National Tribal Environmental Council

The National Tribal Forum on Air Quality (NTF) was held at the Kalispel Tribe’s Northern Quest Resort near Spokane, Washington, June 14-16, 2011. This year’s NTF was the 5th consecutive year that the National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) and the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) co-sponsored the conference, and the 12th year for the NTF overall (coordinated by ITEP prior to the establishment of the NTAA). The continued partnership between NTAA, ITEP, EPA and most importantly Tribal Governments has ensured that the NTF evolves and is a significant benefit for tribal air quality program professionals throughout the nation. Some of the topics covered at this year’s NTF include:

• Keynote Presentation by Janet McCabe, US EPA Office of Air and Radiation
• Climate change adaptation strategies and case studies
• New Tribal Minor New Source Review rule
• Health impacts of air quality, including a study on children’s health near the Tar Creek Superfund Site in Oklahoma
• AIRNow training session
• Indoor air quality presentations and panel discussions on mold, asthma, weatherization and woodstoves
• Tribal Primary Quality Assurance Organizations

There were a total of 163 attendees representing over 100 different entities, including tribes, intertribal organizations, state and federal government agencies, and others. One striking observation at the 2011 NTF was the number of “first-time” attendees which occurred via a show of hands during the Keynote Presentation provided by Janet McCabe, US EPA Office of Air and Radiation. Networking with and among tribal air quality professionals was one of the many positives noted by participants of the 2011 NTF.

Planning for the 2012 NTF has already begun and the NTAA, ITEP, EPA and Tribes are looking forward to adding new elements to the NTF in response to tribal needs and feedback from the 2011 NTF. A location has not yet been decided upon, but any tribes interested in hosting are encouraged to contact the NTAA or ITEP. The month in which the NTF is held will likely change from June to May in an effort to accommodate the numerous Alaskan Native Villages that wish to participate and will also avoid potential scheduling conflicts. The 2012 NTF Planning Team would love to hear any suggestions or ideas from tribes, tribal organizations and others. NTAA Contact: Ondrea Barber at 505-263-1047, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; ITEP Contact: Lydia Scheer at 928-523-6887, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it