Federal Grant Award Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 awarded $100,000 to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe - White Earth Band under the Training, Investigations, and Special Purpose Activities of Federally-Recognized Indian Tribes Consistent With the Clean Air Act (CFDA 66.038) program. The award, effective April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2028, supports the White Earth Band's efforts to become "smoke ready" by installing air sensors throughout the White Earth Reservation and developing comprehensive air quality assessment and response capabilities. This initiative directly addresses documented environmental impacts affecting the tribal community, including increased wildfires and flooding-related mold exposure that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations such as elderly members, children, and asthmatic individuals.

The primary deliverables include daily air quality assessments using deployed air sensors, establishment of a local smoke response team, community outreach activities addressing indoor and outdoor air quality, and targeted social media communications. Additionally, the White Earth Band will research Clean Air Act authorities in support of a potential application for Treatment as a State status under the Tribal Authority Rule. Expected outcomes include an enhanced web page promoting healthy lifestyles and addressing air pollution, a draft wildland fire public health response plan, quality-assured air sensor data for community education purposes, and social media content to inform the tribal community on air quality conditions. No subawards are included in this assistance agreement.