WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly announced today that Northern Arizona University (NAU) will receive a $589,002 grant through the EPA’s American Indian Air Quality Training Program (AIAQTP). This funding will help tribal communities monitor and protect air quality on their sovereign lands.
“Air pollution puts people at higher risks for cancer, heart disease, and premature death. This funding will empower Tribes to monitor air quality and train the next generation of environmental leaders,” said Senator Gallego.
“Tribes across Arizona are working to protect air quality and keep their communities healthy,” said Senator Kelly. “This gives them the tools to track air quality and protect public health—ensuring cleaner air now and for future generations.”
The American Indian Air Quality Training Program under the Environmental Protection Agency provides training, technical support and outreach, with associated activities, to hundreds of American Indians and Indian tribes to support and facilitate their development and implementation of air quality management and protection programs for areas within their jurisdiction as sovereign governments.
The program includes five components: 1) provide workshop training course; 2) provide the tribal air monitoring support center including workshop training and technical support for tribal monitoring; 3) provide professional assistance to tribes; 4) provide outreach to tribes; 5) provide internships to Native American students or students interested in tribal studies and activities to enhance their skills in air quality management.