NTEC/NTAA

The National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) is a membership organization dedicated to advancing air quality management policies and programs, consistent with the needs, interests, and unique legal status of American Indian tribes and Alaskan Natives.

History

In November 2000, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) passed a resolution giving tribal leadership support for the formation of a national tribal air quality organization. In February 2002, under an EPA grant, NTEC-NTAA's sponsor formed the National Tribal Air Committee (NTAC) Working Group to create the organization's infrastructure. The NTAA held its first national tribal air quality management conference in October 2002. During NCAI's November 2002 annual conference, a resolution was passed establishing a working relationship between NTAA and NCAI. Today, NTAA continues to build partnerships and working relationships with governmental and non-governmental organizations, with the intent of advancing air quality issues in Indian Country.

NTAA Composition

The NTAA membership has three-tiers. The first level is the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is comprised of a primary and an alternate representative from each EPA Region (10 Regions) and a delegate from Alaska. The second tier are the principal members. Principal members are persons who work within the tribal environmental profession and have had a resolution/letter of intent to join the NTAA submitted by their respective tribal leaders. Principal members have full membership, including voting rights. Associate members are the final tier. Associate members do not need a letter or resolution from tribal leaders, but merely an interest to participate. Associate members do not need to be tribal environmental professionals-associate membership is open to all persons interested in tribal air issues. Associate members have full membership with the exception of voting rights.

Membership

NTAA principal membership is open to federally recognized Indian tribes. Associate membership is open to individuals and organizations interested in protecting tribal airsheds. NTAA currently has close to 50 principal members. The Executive Committee is comprised of tribal environmental professionals representing the 10 EPA regions, plus Alaska, oversees NTAA.

Scope

NTAA services include policy analysis, newsletter, and assistance on key tribal air issues. The members of the organization drive the direction of NTAA. NTAA is housed in the National Tribal Environmental Council’s (NTEC) office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. NTEC is the holder of the NTAA federal grant.

Contact

For more information, visit our website at www.ntaatribalair.org or contact Stephen Hartsfield, NTAA Operations Coordinator, at (505) 242-2175 ext. 106.