The Climate Pollution Reduction (2025)
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Comprehensive
Climate Action Plan
April 2025
PREPARED FOR:
The Climate Pollution Reduction
Grant Program
State and Local Climate and Energy Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Tribal Partnership
PREPARED BY:
Village of Solomon
Lead organization &
the Nome Based Tribal Partnerships
King Island
Native
Community
Native Village
of Council
Nome Eskimo
Community
Village of
Solomon
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) under assistance agreement 5E-84105501-0. to the Village of Solomon and Nome Based Tribal
Partnerships. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the
EPA, nor does EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in
this document.
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1.
Acknowledgements
2.
Definitions and Acronyms
The Village of Solomon would like to acknowledge ICLEI USA for their development of the GHGI Inventory
Report for the 2023 data set along with the previous set of 2022 data from the Nome Census Area. The
Village of Solomon would like to thank King Island Native Community, Native Village of Council, and
Nome Eskimo Community for their partnership and contribution to the Priority Climate Action Plan
(PCAP) and the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) deliverables. The Village of Solomon would
like to recognize the Climate Action Plan Committee (CAPC) for their dedication and participation in
seeing the Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant through to completion. Quyana to all involved!
Use this space to define any key terms and acronyms used in the CCAP. This may have its own page or
section.
CPRG - Climate Pollution Reduction Grant
CAPC- Climate Action Planning Committee
CCAP- Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
PCAP - Priority Climate Action Plan
KINC - King Island Native Community
NVC - Native Village of Council
NEC - Nome Eskimo Community
VOS - Village of Solomon
MSU - Michigan State University
NJUS - Nome Joint Utility Systems
GHG - Greenhouse Gas
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
MOU - Memorandum of Understanding
ICLEI or ICLEI USA - International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives
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Table 1. Required CCAP elements and guidance locations.
Required CCAP Elements
Location in
Program Guidance
Page 26
CCAP Outline Section
Section 3
Location in
CCAP Outline
Page 32 and 33
GHG reduction targets
GHG emission projections
Quantified GHG reduction measures
Benefits analysis
Review of authority to implement
Intersection with other funding availability
Page 27
Page 27
Page 28
Page 29
Page 29
Page 30
Section 4
Section 5 and Section 6.2
Sections 6.1 and 6.3
Sections 6.3 and/or 7
Section 6.3
Section 6.3
Page 14
Page 35
Page 31
Page 50
Page 47
Page 48
Workforce planning analysis
Page 31
Sections 6.3 and/or 8
Page 51
Greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory
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3.
Table of Contents
Tribes and Territories CCAP Title Page
1
Acknowledgements
2
Definitions and Acronyms
2
Table of Contents
4
List of Figures
4
List of Tables
5
Executive Summary
6
1 - Introduction
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1.1 - CPRG Overview
1.2 - CCAP Purpose and Scope
1.3 - Approach to Developing the CCAP
2 - Tribal or Territorial Organization and Considerations
9
9
17
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2.1 - King Island
2.2 - Native Village of Council
2.3 - Nome Eskimo Community
2.4 - Village of Solomon
2.5 The Tribal or Territorial CCAP Management and Development Team
2.6 - Special Considerations for Tribal or Territorial Entities
2.7 - Collaboration
3 - Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory
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20
21
22
25
26
28
29
3.1 - Inventory Methodology
3.2 - Inventory Results
3.3 - Inventory Trends and Analysis
4 - Near-Term and Long-Term GHG Reduction Targets
30
32
34
35
5 - BAU GHG Emission Projections
35
5.1 - BAU Projections Methodologies
5.2 - BAU Projections Results
6 - GHG Emission Reduction Measures and Implementation Scenario Projections
35
38
39
6.1 - GHG Emission Reduction Measures Summary
6.2 - Implementation of Scenario Projections
6.3 - GHG Emission Reduction Measures
7 - Benefits Analysis
39
44
47
45
8 - Workforce Planning Analysis
52
9 - Appendices
55
4. List of Figures
A CCAP with multiple visual elements may benefit from a List of Figures. Figures can be photographs,
illustrations, charts, etc. List each figure title along with their respective page number(s).
Figure 1 – Emissions at a Glance (pg.30)
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Figure 2- GHG Trends and Analysis (pg. 34)
Figure 3 – Graph graphics to compare BAU projections and implementation scenario emissions for 2030
(pg. 44)
Figure 4 – Graph graphics to compare BAU projections and implementation scenario emissions for 2050
(pg. 45)
Figure 5 -Implementation scenario emissions by sector for 2030 GHG Emissions by Subsector with
Reduction Measures (pg. 46)
Figure 6 – Implementation scenario emissions by sector for 2050 GHG Emissions by Subsector with
Reduction Measures (pg. 47)
5. List of Tables
A CCAP with multiple tables may benefit from a List of Tables. Unlike figures, tables display raw data in
rows and columns. List each table title along with their respective page number(s).
Table 1 – Required CCAP elements and guidance locations (pg. 3)
Table 2 – VOS Priority Action Items to Mitigate GHG’s (pg. 25)
Table 3 – GHG Inventory Results (pg. 32-33)
Table 4 – BAU Projections by Sector (pg. 38)
Table 5 – Measure summary by Sector (pg. 42-43)
Table 6 – Benefits Analysis (pg. 51-52)
Table 7 – Example benefits summary by measure table
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6.
Executive Summary
The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) presents a strategic framework to address the urgent
challenges posed by climate change. Recognizing the profound environmental, economic, and social
impacts of a warming planet, this plan outlines an integrated, community-wide approach to achieve
significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhance resilience, and foster sustainable
development for current and future generations.
There are four Nome Based Tribes to be served within this Comprehensive Climate Action Plan. With
careful planning, collaboration, and partnering, this plan has been developed. As displaced tribes, except
for Nome Eskimo Community, the three other tribal communities reside in Nome year-round and
seasonally within their villages.
To cover the larger section of the GHG emissions inventory, would cover all the tribal citizens residing in
Nome, Alaska. Collectively, this equates to 70% of the population of Nome, Alaska.
VOS had staff capacity when the EPA announced a funding opportunity to plan for mitigating
greenhouse gas emissions and developing prevention strategies in devastating climate change impacts,
especially to a region that is still recovering from the detrimental effects of the September 2022 Typhoon
Merbok. Because VOS’s Environmental Dept. had already focused and prioritized on renewable energy,
energy efficiency measures and partnerships to achieve education, outreach and resources to the VOS
tribal community, and at the time, the local tribal consortia were not planning to apply for the CPRG
program. Given this information, the VOS Environmental Dept. decided to reach out to the three
surrounding Nome based tribes and ask if they would like to partner in a grant application to include and
serve all four Nome based tribes in developing climate action items to target decreasing GHGs in the
shared geographic location of Nome, Alaska. VOS being the lead tribe, other three tribal communities
include King Island Native Community, Native Village of Council and Nome Eskimo Community. It only
made sense to partner and share resources to understand and set a specific goal to decrease the
pollution that we all live with in Nome. As a subarctic climate, all citizens rely heavily on heating
resources, which are 90% heating fuel to heat commercial and residential buildings. VOS’ knowledge is
that it is realistic, feasible and achievable to implement efficiency measures and renewable energy
technologies. This funding opportunity, partnering with surrounding tribes and developing such a
planning and comprehensive document is the path forward to a cleaner living environment for all sectors
of the City and providing resources for future generations to have mitigated devastating climate
tragedies, giving our future leaders the tools to educate and maintain such operating systems, building
envelopes and clean technologies as we begin to implement these actionable items that will be outlined
within this document.
VOS staff worked with various sectors within Nome, along with tribal partners and tribal citizens to
collect data to develop the data set for the 2023 GHG Inventory with comparison to the 2022 inventory.
ICLEI, contracted services, provided the data into an inventory report format that will be utilized within
this document.
Acknowledging that all tribal citizens residing within the City of Nome should be served if given the
opportunity under the umbrella partnership, capacity in developing our comprehensive climate action
plan and educating ourselves in the efficiency of our communities. Upon approval, the CCAP,
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comprehensive climate action plan, will serve each tribal citizen through this document with future
funding endeavors and programming.
Vision:
Our vision is a thriving, resilient, low-carbon community. The primary goals of the CCAP are:
●
Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050, (target minimum of 40%- however aiming for 60% GHG
reduction by 2032).
●
Enhance Climate Resilience by strengthening infrastructure and ecosystems.
●
Advance Environmental Justice by ensuring equitable benefits for all communities, especially
vulnerable populations.
●
Foster Economic Growth through innovation, clean energy, and green jobs.
Key Strategies:
Energy Transformation
●
Transition to renewable energy sources for electricity by 2035.
●
Promote energy efficiency retrofits for buildings.
●
Incentivize local renewable energy generation (solar, wind, geothermal).
Transportation and Mobility
●
Expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
●
Develop pedestrian and bicycle-friendly urban design.
Waste Reduction and Circular Economy
●
Enhance recycling and composting programs.
●
Encourage sustainable consumption and production.
●
Support innovation in waste-to-energy technologies.
Water Resource Management
●
Protect and restore watersheds.
●
Promote water conservation and efficiency.
●
Upgrade stormwater systems to manage extreme weather events.
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Community Engagement and Education
●
Foster inclusive public participation in climate initiatives.
●
Launch educational campaigns on climate literacy.
●
Build partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and academia.
Adaptation and Resilience Building
●
Develop hazard mitigation plans.
●
Strengthen health systems to address climate-related risks.
●
Invest in resilient infrastructure projects.
Implementation Framework:
The success of the CCAP relies on a clear governance structure, cross-sector collaboration, continuous
monitoring, and adaptive management. Key elements include:
●
Establishment of a Residential Weatherization Program to oversee plan implementation.
●
Annual Progress Reporting with public transparency.
●
Dynamic Funding Mechanisms to support priority projects.
●
Policy Integration across local, regional, and national levels.
The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan sets forth an ambitious yet achievable pathway toward a
sustainable, equitable, and resilient future. Through bold leadership, community collaboration, and
innovative solutions, we can effectively combat climate change and safeguard our environment for
generations to come.
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1 Introduction
The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) presents a strategic framework to address the urgent
challenges posed by climate change. Recognizing the profound environmental, economic, and social
impacts of a warming planet, this plan outlines an integrated, community-wide approach to achieve
significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhance resilience, and foster sustainable
development for current and future generations.
1.1 CPRG Overview
What is CPRG?
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) provides grants to states, local governments, tribes, and
territories to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air
pollution and opens the door to new available funding for implementation.
Who is the Nome Based Tribes?
The Nome Based Tribes are King Island Native Community, Native Village of Council, Nome Eskimo
Community, and the Village of Solomon. The Nome based tribes have signed a memorandum of
understanding to develop the climate action plans throughout this funding opportunity, conducting a
greenhouse gas emission inventory for all public facilities, residential and commercial sectors in order to
develop this action plan to address and mitigate pollution as a rural cold climate census area in Nome,
reliant upon fuel for heating all sectors. Basing the priority climate action plan and comprehensive
climate action plan on existing tribal plans, such as the Village of Solomon’s Tribal Resolution adoption
and supporting the Paris Agreement, Renewable Energy Plan, Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan
and all of the tribes’ Local Economic Development Plans will be reviewed and dissected as a framework
for the PCAP and CCAP. Each tribe will have a representative committed to the Climate Action Planning
Committee to develop new policies collaboratively, working directly with the local utility to understand
the demand for energy use, the primary sources of energy demand and how we can mitigate the GHG’s
in providing the demand. The Committee will reach out to their respective communities and facilitate
community gatherings for updates, feedback and input to include on top of meeting with their Tribal
Councils for updates and input. There will be transparency between all the stakeholders, to ensure the
development of both climate action plans is sufficient in addressing each community, each stakeholder
and every community member.
1.2 CCAP Purpose and Scope
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The four federally recognized tribes located within the municipal boundaries of Nome, Alaska, as listed
above, are dedicated to addressing pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions where each tribe is
currently headquartered. The Environmental Protection Agency Climate Pollution Reduction Grant
Program addresses this goal by providing resources, funding and guidance in developing a
Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP).
Each tribal partner will nominate a point of contact to sit on the Climate Action Planning
Committee to ensure appropriate representation for each tribal community moving
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forward in planning, implementing and gathering resources to address the overall climate
change efforts.
This EPA CPRG Planning grant is made available by the Inflation Reduction Act, allocating
$25 million to tribes and tribal consortia.
EPA announced their Implementation Grant, made available by the Inflation
Reduction Act providing $4.6075 billion for grants to implement measures from the
GHG reduction plans developed with the planning grant funding.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Funding through the EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program; each respective party to this
agreement shall have the following responsibilities which include working with Village of Solomon’s
staff, providing an appointee onto the Climate Action Planning Committee who will meet regularly in
developing all climate action plans, brainstorm action items to mitigate climate change, decrease
pollution, pollution prevention and funding opportunities to implement plans. Within the plan;
improving and understanding of current and future Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions so that tribal
governments can prioritize actions that reduce such emissions and harmful air pollution where the
parties reside, work, play, subsist, go to school and to adopt and implement ambitious policies and
programs to reduce GHG emissions and accelerate decarbonization across multiple important sectors.
Village of Solomon’s Responsibilities
Village of Solomon shall serve as the fiscal agent, point of contact and Lead
organization for purposes of the EPA Grant management, reporting, and
facilitating meetings.
●
The Village of Solomon Traditional Council shall appoint one (1) member to
serve on the Climate Action Planning Committee who collaborates directly with
the Council.
●
VOS shall provide staff support for grant writing to explore additional
funding avenues for implementation.
●
King Island’s Responsibilities
King Island shall appoint one (1) member to serve on the Climate Action Planning
Committee, who represents the Council and directly reports to the Council. Should a
representative be unavailable to sit on the CAPC, VOS Staff will/can attend King Island meetings
for input, feedback, questions and reporting interim a Council representative becomes
available.
●
Council’s Responsibilities
Council shall appoint at least one (1) council member or staff member to serve on the
Climate Action Planning Committee. Should a representative be unavailable to sit on the CAPC,
VOS Staff will/can attend Council meetings for input, feedback, questions and reporting interim
a Council representative becomes available.
●
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Nome Eskimo’s Responsibilities
Nome Eskimo shall appoint at least one (1) council member or staff member to serve on the
Climate Action Planning Committee. Should a representative be unavailable to sit on the CAPC,
VOS Staff will/can attend NEC meetings for input, feedback, questions and reporting interim, an
NEC representative becomes available.
●
Mutual Responsibilities
In order to thoughtfully plan and coordinate for the development of a Climate Action Plan, the parties
agree to form a Climate Action Planning Committee. This committee shall provide guidance on steps
needed to ensure each tribal partner is well represented in the developed plans. The goal of this
committee is to promote collaboration among all the tribes of Nome in developing a successful Climate
Action Plan that will serve the tribally diverse community of Nome.
The Climate Action Planning Committee (“CAPC”) shall be composed of representatives from each party
to this MOU, with discretion to add additional members from other organizations upon a majority vote
of approval from the existing CAPC members. Each party shall have at least one seat at the CAPC, with
the ability to request additional staff or council members be allowed to join upon approval from the
existing CAPC members. If a party is designating more than one initial CAPC member, it is noted in the
respective party responsibilities above.
The CAPC shall meet at least quarterly, with additional meetings being called at the discretion of the
CAPC and EPA Deadlines, or by VOS staff facilitators. Members of the CAPC shall be tasked with working
with EPA and identifying and implementing the steps needed to establish both climate plans.
Tackle damaging climate pollution while supporting the creation of good jobs and lowering
energy costs for families
●
Accelerate work to address environmental injustice and empower
community-driven solutions in the Nome area, directly affecting all parties
●
Deliver cleaner air by reducing harmful air pollution, such as offsetting
diesel fuel for heating their homes, work, public facilities, schools, etc.
● Identifying funding sources
●
●
Complying with any grant reporting
●
Creating timelines
Doing community outreach and education to their respective
communities’ Additional duties may be taken on by the CAPC at their
discretion.
●
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AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION
The parties may amend this agreement upon mutual consent and in writing. This understanding will be
in effect once signed by all parties and shall remain in effect indefinitely unless the parties agree to
modify or dissolve parts of or all this agreement. Parties wishing to terminate their involvement in this
agreement should provide one (1) month’s notice to all other parties with the intent to withdraw.
ASSIGNMENT
The parties may not assign, transfer, or pledge this agreement without prior written consent of all
parties.
SIGNATORIES
The following individuals are authorized by their respective tribal councils to sign onto this agreement
and hereby agree to the terms as set forth above.
KING ISLAND NATIVE COMMUNITY
NATIVE VILLAGE OF COUNCIL
_________________________
__________________________
NOME ESKIMO COMMUNITY
VILLAGE OF SOLOMON
_______________________
______________________
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SCOPE
●
●
●
●
●
Address Climate Change
○
Identify and mitigate the local impacts of climate change.
○
Focus on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
○
Increase resilience against climate hazards such as floods, wildfires, droughts, and
extreme weather.
Guide Sustainable Development
○
Integrate climate goals into local planning, transportation, energy, and infrastructure
sectors.
○
Encourage sustainable economic growth that supports environmental stewardship.
Meet Regulatory Requirements
○
Comply with state, national, and international climate mandates (e.g., Paris Agreement
targets, state GHG reduction laws).
○
Prepare for future regulations by setting initiative-taking goals.
Foster Community Engagement
○
Empower local communities to participate in climate solutions.
○
Increase public awareness about the importance of sustainability and resilience.
○
Address environmental justice by prioritizing vulnerable and underserved communities.
Enhance Funding and Investment Opportunities
○
●
●
The position of the authority or organization to access grants, incentives, and publicprivate partnerships related to clean energy, resilience, and environmental restoration.
Track and Report Progress
○
Set up metrics, benchmarks, and monitoring systems to measure success.
○
Maintain transparency and accountability to stakeholders.
○
Conduct a baseline inventory of current GHG emissions across sectors:
Emissions Inventory
■
Transportation
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■
Energy use (residential, commercial, industrial)
■
Waste management
■
Land use and agriculture
■
Water systems
GHG Reduction Targets
Collectively, all 4 Nome based tribes have decided to target at minimum 40%- aiming for 60% GHG
reduction by 2032.
The biggest benefit of having such a targeted GHG reduction, is understanding that lowering the cost of
heating in cold climates for comfortability, air quality and healthy homes is also contributing the
mitigating the GHG atmosphere and pollution that our community members are breathing in, relying on
our land/environments for eating, surviving and culturally thriving.
With the CPRG grant funding for planning, the funds have been utilized to budget an annual ICLEI
membership, with access to ClearPath in measuring the 2022 year of GHG inventory vs. another year
after implementation actions in various sectors to re-measure the difference.
All 4 tribes have the authority, as their own self-governing bodies, to implement all listed GHG reduction
measures and climate action priority activities.
Using ICLEI, their member support staff have made it clear that they will be there for assistance,
feedback, suggestions and support in acquiring further inventories.
Mitigation Strategies
Propose actions to reduce emissions, such as:
■
Transition to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.).
■
Promote public transportation, biking, walking, and electric vehicles.
■
Increase energy efficiency standards for buildings.
■
Enhance green infrastructure and urban forests.
Adaptation and Resilience
○
Develop strategies to prepare for unavoidable climate impacts:
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■
Disaster preparedness and emergency response plans.
■
Coastal and flood defenses.
■
Water conservation measures.
■
Agricultural adaptations.
Policy and Governance Framework
○
Define the roles of local government, agencies, businesses, and community groups.
○
Integrate climate action into zoning codes, building codes, and long-term planning.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Village of Solomon’s Responsibilities
○
○
○
Village of Solomon shall serve as the fiscal agent, point of contact and Lead Organization
for purposes of the purposes of the EPA Grant Management, reporting, and facilitation
meetings.
The Village of Solomon traditional Council shall appoint one (1) member to serve on the
Climate Action Planning Committee who collaborates directly with the Council.
VOS shall provide staff support for grant writing to explore additional funding avenues
for implementation.
King Island’s Responsibilities
○
King Island shall appoint one (1) member to serve on the Climate Action Planning
Committee, who represents the Council and directly reports to the Council. Should a
representative be unavailable to sit on the CAPC, VOS staff will attend King Island
meetings for input, feedback, questions and reporting interim a Council representative
becomes available.
Council’s Responsibilities
○
Council shall appoint at least one (1) council member or staff member to serve on the
Climate Action Planning Committee. Should a representative be unavailable to sit on the
CAPC, VOS will/can attend Council meetings for input, feedback, questions and reporting
interim a Council representative becomes available.
Nome Eskimo’s Responsibilities
○
Nome Eskimo shall appoint one (1) council member or staff member to serve on the
Climate Action Planning Committee. Should a representative be unavailable to sit on the
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CAPC, VOS will/can attend Council meetings for input, feedback, questions and reporting
interim a Council representative becomes available.
Mutual Responsibilities
To thoughtfully plan and coordinate for the development of a Climate Action Plan, the
parties agree to form a Climate Action Planning Committee. This committee shall
provide guidance on steps needed to ensure each tribal partner is well represented in the
developed plans. The goal of this committee is to promote collaboration among all the
tribes of Nome in developing a successful Climate Action Plan that will serve the tribally
diverse community of Nome.
The Climate Action Planning Committee (“CAPC”) shall be composed of representatives
from each party to this MOW, with discretion to add additional members from other
organizations upon a majority vote of approval from the existing CAPC members. Each
party should have at least one seat at the CAPC, with the ability to request additional
staff, or council members be allowed to join upon approval from existing CAPC members.
If a party is designating more than one initial CAPC member, it is noted the respective
party responsibilities above.
The CAPC shall meet at least quarterly, with additional meetings being called at the
discretion of the CAPC and EPA Deadlines, or by VOS staff facilitators. Members of the
CAPC shall be tasked with working with EPA and identifying and implementing the steps
needed to establish both climate plans.
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
Tackle damaging climate pollution while supporting the creation of good jobs and
lowering energy costs for families.
Accelerate work to address environmental injustice and empower community-driven
solutions in the Nome area, directly affecting all parties.
Deliver cleaner air by reducing harmful air pollution, such as offsetting diesel fuel for
heating their homes, work, public facilities, schools, etc.
Identifying funding sources
Complying with any grant reporting
Creating timelines
Doing community outreach and education to their respective communities
Additional duties may be taken on by the CAPC at their discretion.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Improvement
GHG inventory monitoring is conducted by third party contractors, ICLEI, Nome Joint Utility System
(NJUS) and MSU. All reports will be at the Village of Solomon.
○
Energy efficiency retrofits, renewable energy, increase value-added economic activities,
electric generation efficiency, reductions in home heating cost and energy burden,
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improve indoor air quality, increase high quality jobs, develop training, and clean energy;
high quality heat pumps ventilation and insulation retrofits
○
During these projects, any revisions will be circulated to everyone on the distribution list,
as well as any additional staff supporting the projects.
1.3 Approach to Developing the CCAP
This section describes the grantees’ high-level approach to developing the CCAP, which may include, but
is not limited to the following:
●
●
●
●
Timeline and brief description of work to current date, including upcoming meeting dates:
o Climate Action Planning Committee (CAPC) Meeting Dates: 4/15/2024; 8/14/2024;
9/18/2024; 11/13/2024; 1/22/2025; 4/16/2025; 6/13/2025; 10/15/2025
ICLEI provided two GHG inventory data sets to include analysis with predictions which included
some of the PCAP goals identified previously by the Climate Action Planning Committee
The CAPC has discussed strategy in understanding how to mitigate their current levels of GHG
emissions in Nome, Alaska. The committee has reviewed the GHG inventories and has identified
common themes for efficiency measures they’d like to see implemented. The Lead organization
had also facilitated two workshops open to the tribal citizens of each Tribal partner in Nome
which included the Michigan State University energy assessment team who provided additional
education and information on home energy assessments. There was a brief overview of the
project and partnerships, home energy audit signups and informational leaflets that were
handed out. The attendees enrolled with any of the tribal partners were given a survey to collect
additional data specific to the development of CCAP.
The Village of Solomon will coordinate with King Island. Nome Eskimo Community and
Native Village of Council to complete more detailed emissions reduction estimates for each
project included in this application. Based on these project-level estimates, Tribes will
verify the effectiveness of measures in energy use and emissions reduction once projects
have been completed, and documentation of this reduction will be disclosed within the
reporting structure. To quantify and disclose reduction in criteria and hazardous air
pollutants, the Tribes will employ factor-based emissions measurements and CAP remote
sensing tools being deployed as part of the PCAP. Annual tribal gatherings to keep all
communities up to date on the progress of each GHG measure action implemented,
development of each program and education/outreach will be provided annually during
such gatherings. Annual surveys to hear from each participating household will also be a
means for engagement and opportunity to be trained in the maintenance and upkeep of
renewable energy generation will be provided and offered to all community members. One
objective is to ensure that each tribal community has ownership of the priority actions to
mitigate GHG’s as one of the best ways to ensure community engagement is achieved and
sustained. Partnering with the NJUS local utility on knowledge sharing and their
implementation plans will also be a priority in community engagement as we continue to
partner and collaborate on GHG reduction measures.
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●
Utilizing the climate action team with representatives from each tribal entity, to ensure
that they are notifying and updating each tribal community and stakeholders on
updates and are the point of contact for the tribal community. Ensuring that there is
transparency during annual community gatherings for appropriate communication is
necessary to ensure the community engagement is parallel to the activities being
implemented through the programs.
●
Developing an outreach and engagement strategy; promoting the use of a wide
variety of techniques to create early, frequent, and continuing opportunities for
community engagement.
●
Creating a transparent planning process that also provides opportunity for early risk
mitigation.
●
Holding community consultations or public input meetings.
●
Providing a publicly accessible list of all upcoming community engagement
opportunities (e.g., listening sessions, outreach, questions and answers sessions,
door-to-door visits, and community meetings).
●
Creating a community work group or advisory board made up of community members.
●
Having a community-elected member(s) on the planning and project team for the
climate action planning committee
●
Getting community feedback on local benefits and prioritizing what they value most.
●
Meaningful engagement will be conducted each year, throughout the year with all
participating tribes, working directly with their tribal governments and/or their
tribal representative for timeframes on gathering spaces, timeframes and means of
consistent outreach for optimal participation.
2 Tribal or Territorial Organization and Considerations
2.1 King Island
King Island is in the Bering Straits, approximately 40 miles due south of Cape Prince of Whales and the
village of Whales. The village site on King Island, which is located on the south side facing Russia, is
called Ukivok (OO-Q-Vok).
King Island was located and named by Captain James Cook in 1778, although no mention is made in a
history of the regions of any inhabitants on the island at that time. Photography of King Island in the late
Nineteenth Century indicated a settlement of walrus-skin dwelling lashed to the face of King Islands
cliffs.
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By the early Twentieth century, King Island was reported as the winter home of 200 Eskimos, proving a
good base for walrus and seal hunting. Each summer the entire population voyaged by kayak, and umiak
to the Alaskan mainland for a couple of months of fishing and, later, to sell traditional handicrafts. After
Nome was founded, they summered near the town, where they sold intricate ivory carvings and seal
skin sewing to tourists and locals.
In 1937 there were 190 residents, 45 houses, a Catholic church, and a school in the village. In the early
1960s, social and economic pressures and opportunities persuaded island residents to relocate to
Nome. In Nome, King Islanders have maintained a distinct community identity. Former residents visited
King Island in the spring and summer months to hunt walrus, pursue other subsistence activities, and
maintain dwellings.
Although vacant most of the year, King Island is recognized as a distinct village corporation under Alaska
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), has an operative IRA Council, and conducts itself as a community
organization based in Nome, Alaska. The King Island Native Corporation has 206 shareholders and owns
several businesses.
“King Island's biggest concern is the rising cost of heating fuel and utilities/ electricity. If there’s a way to
decrease that, whether working with NJUS on subsidizing costs or collaborating with individual
homeowners on different projects (solar, geo-thermal, and. or other). Energy goals= overarching is
making Nome a more manageable place to live (we’ve consistently heard the fuel surcharge on utility
bills are a backbreaker)” - Chief Heather Payenna
Demographics:
King Island has a community office building and tribal hall located in Nome, as a displaced tribal
community, many of their members reside in Nome yet much like the other tribes in this partnership,
their community members are scattered with headquarters in Nome.
KINC has also been working with the Village of Solomon on affordable housing development, on
underdeveloped land on the east side of Nome. With this collaborative work, both tribes have been able
to successfully secure funds to expand the utility to reach their plots of land, hire a project management
company, Construction gravel pads for all 10 lots and prioritize the building envelope and design of the
future homes to include all efficiency measure, renewable energy aspects and support VOS in their
advocacy to develop and distribute renewable energy as backup power to the line of homes on E. 6th
generated through their mini microgrid, constructed on their largest plot at the end of the road.
King Island also recognizes the affordability of a home, not the upfront construction cost, whereas the
affordability of being a homeowner, is the operation and functionality of the home that also brings
comfort and meets the needs of the occupancy.
KINC Priority Action Items to mitigate GHG’s.
●
●
Energy efficiency and renewable energy education
Widespread energy assessments on all residential and commercial buildings
20
●
●
●
●
Upgraded and efficient appliances for all species i.e., hot water boilers, ductless heat
pumps/HRV’s, energy star rated refrigerators, freezers, washer/dryers, dishwashers and heating
systems with programmable thermostats.
Weatherization recommendations to implement efficient buildings envelopes, including but is
not limited to’ meeting high R-value insulation standards, efficient exterior doors, efficient
windows and sealing leaking gaps.
Installation of solar panels, battery storage and to serve the future KINC residential homes,
including the King Island Tribal Hall
Smart Metering installation on residential homes in Nome
2.2 Native Village of Council
Council is found at the terminus of the Nome/Council Road, 60 miles northeast of Nome. It lies on the
left bank of the Niukluk River.
Historically, this was a fish camp for the Fish River Tribe, who originally lived 12 miles downstream,
Council’s history is synonymous with the gold rush period. Gold was first discovered in the area by
Daniel B. Libby and party in 1897. By 1898 there were 50 log houses. The gold found at Ophir Creek was
the second richest claim in the world. During the summers of 1897-99, the population of “Council City”
was estimated at 15,000. It had a hotel, wooden boardwalks, a 20-bed hospital, a post office, and bars.
The discovery of more gold in Nome in 1900 caused many of the boomers to leave Council. However,
the population in 1910 was 686. The depletion of remained with the flu epidemic of 1918, only nine
people stayed. The post office closed in 1953. Today, the community is not occupied year-round. The
community is primarily a summer fish camo site for Nome residents.
Council is a seasonal fish camp. Several Nome residents have homes in Council, used for summer
subsistence food-gathering activities. Council is connected by road to Nome. There is a state-owned
3,000 long by 60’ wide gravel airstrip, but it is not kept in the winter. Air charter services are available
from Nome. Dogsleds and snowmachines are the main means of transportation during the winter.
Source: State of Alaska DCRA
Energy Concerns:
Cost of Electricity, heating fuel expenses all within the geographical location of a subarctic climate
Decreasing pollution and including recycling, reducing and reusing approaches to the community.
Reducing waste within the community. Reducing waste within the community.
Energy actions Items:
●
●
●
Development and adoption of energy efficient buildings standard recommendations for all
future construction of residential and commercial buildings
Efficient bathroom appliances: toilets, showerheads, bathtubs, sinks to reduce the water flow
and water consumption.
Widespread Energy efficiency and alternative/renewable energy education
21
●
●
●
●
●
Energy Audit Weatherization audit recommendations
Upgrade energy star rated appliances included but not limited to; washer/dryer appliances,
freezer, refrigerator, ductless heat pump systems, hot water heaters/boilers, eskimo vents.
Installation of solar panels, battery storage and scaled inverters to meet the loads after
evaluating the energy audit.
Conducting feasibility studies on alternative and renewable energy resources to serve the Native
Village of Council’s geographic boundaries to serve all citizens and community building
Hiring staff with ability in facilitating, managing and monitoring the efficiency and energy
program for Native Village of Council
2.3 Nome Eskimo Community
Who are we?
As an organization, Nome Eskimo Community’s origins date back to 1939 when it was formed under the
Indian Reorganization Function as a federally recognized tribe. NEC’s members, however, have roots in
the region that extends back over millennia.
Initially, NEC operated in a political manner, functioning as the tribal governing body for the area. As we
have grown, our focus has expanded to provide social services and programs to improve the quality of
life for our tribal members, Alaska Natives and Native Americans who reside in Nome.
NEC now offers a multitude of services organized under the following service programs: Family Services,
Tribal Services, Youth Services, Tribal Resources, and Housing Program. Learn more about these
programs and their specific offerings.
One Organization, Many Communities
As NEC grows, so does our role in the community. While maintaining and expanding our services to
tribal members, NEC is also branching out through partnerships with OTHER organizations. These
collaborative efforts benefit both our membership and the community.
NEC’s partnership with organizations such as Nome Recreation Center, Nome Community Center, Nome
Public Schools, Kawerak inc., Nome Youth Facility, and Norton Sound Health Corporation have
broadened our reach into the community and provided positive activities for our youth. With our
partners, we have organized basketball camps, culture outings, summer camps, and after-school study
programs for those attending grades K-12. NEC is also collaborating with the local school district to
establish a program to provide culturally based education.
NEC’s Tribal Transportation Program serves the community, helping to safeguard the resources on
which we all depend.
As NEC looks to the future, we will strive to continue to improve the community's well-being while
honoring and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the area’s Native peoples.
22
Facts At a Glance
ESTABLISHED: 1939
ENROLLMENT: 2,900+ members
WHAT WE REPRESENT: The political, social, and cultural interests of Native Peoples in the community of
Nome and the Bering Strait region
SERVICE PROGRAMS: Family Services, Tribal Services, Tribal Youth, Tribal Resources, (Environmental
Activities), and the Housing Program
MISSION STATEMENT: Nome Eskimo Community is a federally recognized tribal government improving
the quality of life of those we serve.
VISION STATEMENT: Nome Eskimo Community will be proud, active, functional, and leading tribal
government that provides a broad spectrum of services that benefit our tribal members and community.
http://www.necalaska.org/about/
NEC Priority Action Items to mitigate GHG’s.
➔ Energy efficiency and renewable energy education
➔ Widespread energy audits on all residential and commercial buildings
➔ Upgraded and efficient appliances for all species i.e., hot water boilers, ductless heat
pumps/HRV’s, energy star rated refrigerators, freezers, washer/dryers, dishwashers and heating
systems with programmable thermostats.
➔ Weather recommendations to implement efficient buildings envelopes include but not limited
to’ meeting high R-value insulation standards, appropriate efficient exterior doors, efficient
windows and sealing leaking gaps.
➔ Installation of solar panels, tesla battery storage and scaled inverters to meet the loads after
evaluating the energy audit, estimated at 15 existing residential homes, 10 future residential
homes and 2 community buildings, which include 2 apartment rentals,
➔ Smart Metering installation on residential homes in Nome
2.4 Village of Solomon
The Village of Solomon was originally settled by Eskimos of the Fish River Tribe and was noted on the
map as “EROK” in 1900. The original site was at the mouth of the Solomon River Delta, where it became
a miner’s camp and later moved to the present location on Jerusalem Hill. The gold rush of 1899-1900
brought thousands of people to the Village of Solomon area. By 1904 Solomon had seven Saloons, a Post
Office, a ferry dock, and between 3 and 7 big land dredges along the Solomon River. It was also the
terminus of the Council City and Solomon River Railroad that serviced miners from Solomon to Council.
In 1913 the Railroad was washed out by storms and in 1918 the flu epidemic struck. In 1940 the Bureau
of Indian Affairs (BIA) built a school, but it was shut down in 1956 in a cost saving effort. The Post Office
shut down in 1958. Families relocated to Nome or Anchorage so their children could continue their
education. Peter Curran operated the Roadhouse until the 1970s and it served as a checkpoint for the
Iditarod sled dog race, during its first few years.
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The Village of Solomon (VOS) is a federally recognized tribe under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1993.
The Solomon Traditional Council is the governing body of the Village of Solomon. The primary purpose
of the Village of Solomon is to design and implement programs to increase the quality of life and wellbeing of its tribal membership while protecting their environment.
Solomon is located on the west bank of the Solomon River, one mile north of the Norton Sound, 34
miles east of Nome on the Nome-Council Highway. It lies at 64.560830 North Latitude and -164.43917
West Longitude. Solomon is in the Cape of Nome Recording District. The climate is both continental and
maritime. Summers are short, wet and mild. Winters are cold and windy; the temperatures range from 30 to 56 degrees.
In 2010 the Village of Solomon tribal membership and Solomon Native Corporation together completed
their Local Economic Development Plan (LEDP) with the help of Kawerak, INC. With this plan, the
Solomon Traditional Council creates a list of village priorities and meets as a community every 5 years
for strategic gatherings to update the list and plan. The first LEDP was written in 1998 and had not been
updated till 2010.
The VOS’ Environmental Dept. has been building capacity through an Environmental Protection Agency
Indian General Assistance Program since 2012 and has been able to develop an Integrated Solid Waste
Management Plan, Water Quality Assurance Project Plan, Tribal Environmental Plan, Renewable Energy
Plan and worked with the council and tribe on supporting and adopting the Pairs Agreement Climate
Accord in a 2019-02 Tribal Resolution. While all these plans have been developed through the VOS
Environmental DEPT., it has taken the work from partners, collaborations, support and grant writing to
implement projects within these plans.
Examples include.
●
●
●
●
●
The erection of a meteorological tower in Solomon to collect solar and wind data,
A Community audit,
Solomon’s Energy Efficiency Standards (SEES)
Distribution of custom weatherization kits to households
Installation of a 7kW rooftop solar panel system at the Community Center in Solomon
Demographics
The Village of Solomon has about 197 tribal citizens, scattered throughout Alaska, a handful of whom
reside in contiguous 48 states 40% residing in Nome. As a seasonal village, many of the citizens travel
out to Solomon through the entire summer. Additionally, each August the Council applies for various
grants to provide airfare for those outside of Nome to attend the annual Youth & Elders Camp at the
Community center. During the summer season however, the Community center is a source of income
for the tribe as a Bed and Breakfast. Aside from the Community center, there are 3 dwellings, families
camp in without running water or electricity. The Community center has a solar panel system, battery
storage and a generator should any Solomon citizens want to utilize the kitchen space, shared areas or
restrooms, if the building is open, they are welcome to use the building.
24
VOS would like to construct all new buildings, homes, and facilities green utilizing the highest efficiency
building envelopes using Building Standards and Codes, renewable energy technologies and backup
heating systems.
VOS would also like to see home and building energy audits, with a table of prioritizing
recommendations in energy efficiency progressing towards installing and replacing inefficient
appliances/ heating systems and installing renewable energy to offset GHGs in all buildings. VOS has
been a longtime supporter of utilizing renewable energy and has been eager to implement renewable
energy technologies within all sectors of the community.
In 2010, the VOS community decided in their 2009 Strategic Planning gatherings, that prioritizing
renewable energy was how they envisioned moving forward in their community goals, therefore,
Alternative and renewable energy (backup power) has sat on their village priority lists in their 5 year
Local Economic Development Plans since 2010.
VOS Priority Action Items to mitigate GHG’s.
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Continued energy efficiency and renewable energy education.
Widespread energy audits on all residential and commercial buildings
Upgrade and efficient appliances for all spaces i.e., hot water boilers. ductless heat
pumps/HRV’s. energy star rated refrigerators, freezers, washer/dryers. dishwashers and heating
systems with programmable thermostats.
Weatherization recommends implementing efficient buildings envelopes including, but not
limited to, meeting high R-value insulation standards, appropriate efficient exterior doors,
efficient windows and sealing leaking gaps.
Installation of solar panels, tesla battery storage and scaled inverters to meet the loads after
evaluating the energy audit, estimated at 15 existing residential homes, 10 future residential
homes and 2 community buildings, which include 2 apartment rentals.
Implementing the SEEs document, Solomon Energy Efficiency Standards which was developed
under a DOE Technical assistance request, contracted with Cold Climate Housing Research
Center. Please see the table for referenced screenshot of the table in the SEES document on the
following page.
Smart Metering installation on residential homes in Nome
Utilizing the NREL overview of the new construction of Affordable Housing Development on the
property lots at E. 6th avenue in Nome for renewable and efficient energy for the vertical
construction. Screenshot is also on the following page.
25
Table 2. VOS Priority Action Items to Mitigate GHG’s
SEES
AK BEES
Air leakage rate
Not exceeding two air changes
per hour at 50 pascals
Not exceeding for air changes
per hour at 50 pascals
Windows placement are to be
south/north facing egress
U-factor 0.18
0.042
Exterior walls
R-value 59
R-30
Floors
R-value 60
R-38
Attic/ ceiling
R-value 60
R-59
Arctic Entry
Required, oriented away from
the east/ west winds
Not addressed
Building orientation
Roof slope south facing
Not addressed
Backup heat source
Buildings must have alternative
off-grid backup heat sources.
Efficient wood stover is
preferred
Not addressed
2.5 The Tribal or Territorial CCAP Management and Development Team
This section may describe the organizations involved with drafting the CCAP, which may include but are
not limited to the following:
●
Native Village of Council
Chairwoman: Barbara Gray
IGAP Coordinator: Rhonda Sparks
Tribal Coordinator: Rhonda West
●
Nome Eskimo Community
Deputy Director: Rena Greene
Executive Director: Emma Pate
●
King Island Native Community
Chief: Heather Payenna
Tribal Coordinator: Janice Knowlton
Tribal Council Vice Chief: Dale Ellanna
●
Village of Solomon
President: Kirsten Timbers
Tribal Resources Director: Deilah Johnson
Environmental Coordinator: Ashley Payenna
26
Environmental Assistant: Lily Huntsman
●
Subcontractor, ICLEI
Eli Yewdall
Jadon Basilevac
2.6 Special Considerations for Tribal or Territorial Entities
GHG REDUCTION MEASURES SUMMARIZED
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Energy Efficiency Education
Renewable Energy Education
Energy Audits
Weatherization guidebook development
Household weatherization
HRV/Ductless Heat Pump installation
Upgraded efficient boilers for all households.
Weather stripping for all doors
Insulation on all homes and buildings
SMART Meter installations
Solar panels scale on buildings and homes.
Battery storage for all buildings and homes
Summarizing Narrative Action Items
● Establish programs to finance and support energy efficiency retrofits for residential
commercial and public buildings.
● Support and incentivize energy efficiency, renewable energy, decarbonization, and
beneficial electrification across all sectors.
● Sustainably increase value-added economic activities (e.g., fisheries, transportation,
agriculture, mariculture and marine biotechnology, and petrochemicals) that leverage clean
energy and maximize in-place opportunity for residents.
● Improve electric generation efficiency in rural Alaska through optimized power generation.
● maintenance, improved renewable integration strategies, and reduced line loss. Benefits
flowing to disadvantaged communities will be realized via:
● a decrease in energy burden and utility costs with community dependent reductions in
home heating of up to 75%
● increase in access to low-cost capital through both energy savings and financial assistance
programs.
● decrease in environmental exposure due to less use and storage of diesel or heating fuel and
improvements in indoor air quality.
● increase in high-quality jobs through disadvantaged and local hire and workforce.
● development training, and equipment operations and maintenance in each community
● increased access to clean energy and home retrofit technologies such as high-quality heat
pumps, ventilation, insulation
27
Weatherization, energy efficiency measures, and beneficial electrification of Alaska’s public, nonresidential facilities like schools, universities, and state and city/tribal office buildings has immense
potential to provide emissions reduction and broader community benefits through money saved on
energy expenses. Importantly, these measures are among the brief list of efforts that can be
undertaken with experience and expertise by resource-limited governmental entities. In Alaska, the
government is one of the largest economic sectors. This is reelected in many small communities
where public facilities, such as schools, are critical to human infrastructure, serving a changing role
as lodging for out-of-town guests, emergency shelter, and community gathering space. AHFC’s 2014
Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings, among other evidence, points clearly to the economic and
environmental benefits.
These facilities are also a major driver of costs for governments that are already fiscally distressed
or lack access to sufficient revenue to meet growing costs, especially when the buildings are not
energy efficient and use expensive heating oil, which in some communities is priced as high as
$13/gallon.
The proposed actions support programs by public entities that promote greater energy efficiency
through weatherization, energy efficiency measures, and beneficial electrification in public facilities
across Alaska. Other public assets, like vehicle and equipment fleets, may be considered as part of
this measure as well. They would be implemented by the University of Alaska, Department of
Transportation, Public Facilities, Department of Education and Early Development, municipal
school districts, and other public entities like municipal and tribal governments.
Reduced fuel consumption can mean big differences for rural communities in Alaska. First of all,
revenue for municipal governments in rural Alaska can be quite limited as communities can have a
very restricted tax base; by reducing a reliably costly expense like heating oil, these essential
governments may have a greater fiscal resilience to economic shock and they may have more
flexibility to invest in other needed areas. Reduced fuel use also may mean that fuel deliveries do
not need to happen regularly, resulting in greater resilience to freight disruptions by weather and
disaster that might delay fuel shipments. Over the long-term reduced residential dependence on
diesel may mean that bulk fuel systems in some rural Alaska communities will not need to maintain
as much capacity. This reduced reliance on importation of fossil fuels can make an enormous
difference for the most remote communities in Alaska.
Upgrades are anticipated to significantly reduce line losses, improving energy efficiency and
environmental impact. Reduced reliance on diesel generators will lead to lower emissions, better
air quality, and lower costs at the local and only utility serving the Nome based tribes.
A distinguishing feature of this initiative is its unwavering commitment to directly benefit lowincome and disadvantaged households. With no financial burden imposed on participants, the
program becomes readily accessible to such low-income and disadvantaged households, granting
access to the transformative potential of renewable energy to those who might otherwise never
have the opportunity. For an average participating household, the program is projected to yield
approximately a 40% reduction in their annual electricity bill, making it a compelling proposition
for those seeking economic relief from rising energy costs.
Beyond the immediate cost of savings, installing Community Solar PV and Battery projects will play
a pivotal role in bolstering the reliability and resilience of again and isolated microgrids scattered
throughout the Nome census area. The risk of damage to associated community infrastructure for
28
microgrid-communities face significantly increased when blackouts occur, especially during the
harsh winter months when rapid freeze-ups can damage the fragile above-ground water and sewer
systems. Integration of Solar PV and battery into the existing diesel grid will be a momentous
change, significantly diminishing the frequency, duration and impacts of these disruptive events. In
essence, this program serves as a lifeline for communities in dire need of enhanced energy stability.
Furthermore, the Residential solar program is set to cultivate a local Alaska-grown solar workforce.
This endeavor is provided for by substantial investments in workforce development programs and
a surge in demand for solar installations. This dual approach not only promises to expand and
augment the expertise and capacity of the domestic Alaskan Solar industry but also paves the way
for future solar development opportunities that extend beyond the scope of the program. It is an
endeavor that not only promises immediate benefits but also lays the foundation for future
sustainable growth and innovation in Alaska’s energy sector.
EMISSIONS FORECAST
Community emissions were projected using the following variables for business-as-usual (BAU):
● Projected Population Growth: Population was projected based on historical population data
from the US Census. The 2010 population for Nome was reported as 3,598 and the 2020
population was reported as 3,699, for a 2.8% growth in one decade. Projecting a 2.8%
growth per decade forward results in a 2030 population of 3,803, and a 2050 population of
4,019.
● Electricity emissions intensity projections: For business as usual, it was assumed that the
NJUS generation mix of 92% diesel generator and 8% wind would remain constant,
resulting in a constant emissions intensity)lbs. CO2e/kWh) for electricity.
● On-Road Transportation Fuel Efficiency Standards (CAFE Standards): Fuel efficiency
standards are used to project the reduction of emissions intensity of each mile driven by
gasoline on-road vehicles. Fuel efficiency standards decrease emissions due to federally
mandated improvements in vehicle fuel economy. ICLE developed variables from fuel
efficiency projections provided by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)
Nome’s 2023 emissions were estimated at 86,748 Metric Tons Carbon Dioxide Equivalents (million
MT CO2e).
2.7
Collaboration
*Subject to change at the discretion of VOS staff, Tribal Councils and or CAPC members to adhere to
member/council/staff turnover and/or due to EPA reporting requirements.
●
●
●
●
●
●
Deilah Johnson, Ashley Payenna, Dale Ellanna, Janice Knowlton, Rena Greene, Emma Pate,
Barbra Gray, Rhonda West
Village of Solomon, King Island Native Community, Nome Eskimo Community, and Native Village
of Council
Local, state government, and federal government
ICLEI, Michigan State University (MSU)
Nome Joint Utility System (NJUS)
Trade associations
29
3 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory
The Nome Based Tribal Partners recognize that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from humans.
activity is catalyzing profound climate change, the consequences of which pose substantial risks to
the future health, wellbeing, and prosperity of our community.
After the Environmental Protection Agency announced an opportunity to address Greenhouse gas
emissions with a planning grant specific to tribal communities, the 4 Nome based tribes decided to
form a partnership to understand what GHG levels were within their shared geographic location,
Nome census area. With this, they have been planning for, developing, facilitating, discussing and
strategizing ways to decrease GHG’s, and with this effort, they must first collect sector GHG data.
based on solicited collection from varying agencies serving and operating within Nome. The tribal
partners have completed a priority climate action plan, applied for and have been awarded the
CPRG Implementation grant award to implement the priority action plan and develop a
comprehensive climate action plan. With all these efforts, mitigating devastating natural disasters is.
where all tribes agree in identifying the highest levels of GHG’s within each sector and ways to
address action items furthering the decreased GHG levels within their larger hub community.
All four tribes have consistently met in quarterly intervals to strategize, update, report on and
educate themselves on all areas of efficiency, GHG’s, energy alternatives, technologies and
inventories.
Figure 1 shows community-wide emissions by sector. The largest contributor is Transportation with
49% of emissions. The next largest contributors are Commercial Energy (29%) and Residential
Energy (16%). Actions to reduce emissions in all these sectors will be a key part of the climate.
action plan. Solid Waste, Upstream Impacts of Activities, and Water & Wastewater were responsible.
for the remaining (6%) emissions.
The Inventory Results section of this report provides a detailed profile of emissions sources among
Nome Based Tribal Partners; information that is key to guiding local reduction efforts. These data
will also provide a baseline against which the city will be able to compare future performance and
demonstrate progress in reducing emissions. Full 2023 GHG Inventory in Appendix.
30
Figure 1. Emissions at a Glance
3.1
Inventory Methodology
The first step toward achieving tangible greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions requires identifying
baseline emissions levels and sources and activities generating emissions in the community. This report
presents emissions from the Nome Based Tribal Partners community. The government operations
inventory is mostly a subset of the community inventory. For example, data on commercial energy use by
the community includes energy consumed by municipal buildings, and community vehicle-miles-travel
estimates include miles driven by municipal fleet vehicles. As local governments continue to join the
climate protection movement, the need for a standardized approach to quantify GHG emissions has
proven essential. This inventory uses the approach and methods provided by the U.S. Community
Protocol for Accounting and Reporting Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Community Protocol).
Inventory Methodology Understanding a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
Three greenhouse gases are included in this inventory: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and
31
nitrous oxide (N2O). Majority of the charts in this report represent emissions in “carbon dioxide.
equivalent” (CO2e) values, calculated using the Global Warming Potentials (GWP) for methane and
nitrous oxide from the IPCC 6th Assessment Report.
Quantification Methods
GHG emissions can be quantified in two ways:
Measurement-based methodologies refer to the direct measurement of GHG emissions (from a
monitoring system) emitted from a flu of a power plant, wastewater treatment plant, landfill,
or industrial facility.
Calculation-based methodologies calculate emissions using activity data and emission factors.
To calculate emissions accordingly, the basic equation below is used:
Activity Data x Emission Factor = Emissions
Most emissions sources in this inventory are quantified using calculation-based methodologies.
Activity data refers to the relevant measurement of energy use or other GHG-generating processes.
such as fuel consumption by fuel type, metered annual electricity consumption, and annual vehicle.
miles traveled. Please see the appendices for a detailed listing of the activity data used in
composing this inventory.
Known emission factors are used to convert energy usage or other activity data into associated.
quantities of emissions. Emissions factors are usually expressed in terms of emissions per unit of
activity data (e.g., lbs. CO2/kWh of electricity). For this inventory, calculations were made using.
ICLEI’s ClearPath Climate Planner tool.
32
3.2
Inventory Results
Table 3. GHG Inventory Results
33
34
3.3
Inventory Trends and Analysis
Figure 2. GHG Trends and Analysis
35
4 Near-Term and Long-Term GHG Reduction Targets
GHG Reduction Target
● Near Term Target: The Nome Based Tribes intend to target 50% reduction below 2022 levels by
2030.
● Long Term Target: The Nome Based Tribes intend to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
Plan Enhancement
● The Nome Based Tribes will evaluate opportunities to incorporate sector-based targets,
especially for high priority sectors (e.g., residential and commercial heating, public and private
air, land and water transportation, energy, waste, etc.).
Base Year
●
The Nome Based Tribal Partners community GHG emissions inventory utilizes 2022 as its
baseline year to compare emissions in 2023 and future years in which GHG Inventories are
completed.
The United States has committed to reduce GHG emissions 50-52% relative to 2005 levels by 2030 and to
reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. 1 Grantees are not required to adopt targets identical to the US
commitments and may develop consistent, independent targets that account for climate science,
technical and economic feasibility, mitigation priorities, and other factors. Tribes and Territories with
existing GHG reduction targets may use their existing targets, but are encouraged to update, modify, or
expand those targets as appropriate.
5 BAU GHG Emission Projections
5.1
BAU Projections Methodologies
Tools and Processes for BAU Emission Projections
Sector-by-Sector Approach Projections are often built individually for each sector (e.g., energy,
transportation, buildings, waste, industry, agriculture). Methods vary by sector but often involve:
1
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/22/fact-sheet-president-biden-sets2030-greenhouse-gas-pollution-reduction-target-aimed-at-creating-good-paying-union-jobs-and-securing-u-sleadership-on-clean-energy-technologies/
36
●
Energy Sector: Use of utility Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs), energy demand forecasts, and
emissions factors from the EPA or EIA.
●
Transportation: Travel demand models, vehicle miles travel (VMT) forecasts, fleet turnover
rates, and fuel efficiency trends.
●
Buildings: Forecasts of building stock growth, appliance standards, and average energy
intensity.
●
Waste: Trends in population, waste generation rates, and landfill gas capture practices.
●
Industry & Agriculture: Production forecasts, emission intensities, and known technological
trajectories.
Tool Used
●
ICLEI ClearPath or similar local government GHG inventory tools
Limitations and Uncertainties
General Limitations
●
Lack of Local Data: Often necessitate proxying from regional or national datasets.
●
Behavioral Assumptions: Forecasts assume static behavior or extrapolate trends that may not
hold.
●
Technological Change: Uncertainty around the adoption rate and impact of emerging
technologies (e.g., hydrogen, advanced storage).
●
Economic Volatility: BAU scenarios often do not anticipate major economic disruptions or
booms.
Technical Uncertainties
●
Modeling choices (e.g., linear extrapolation vs. logistic growth).
●
Emission factors may evolve (e.g., changes in electricity grid intensity).
●
Incomplete capture of land use change dynamics or feedback loops.
37
Global Warming Potential (GWP) Selection
Standard Practice
●
100-year GWP values from the IPCC 5th Assessment Report (AR5) are most used.
●
Includes:
○
CO₂ = 1
○
CH₄ = 28
○
N₂O = 265
Some tools allow flexibility in switching to AR6 or 20-year values for sensitivity analysis, but AR5 (100year) is considered the consistent standard for most regulatory and funding programs.
Data Sources and Proxying/Scaling
Primary Data Sources
●
U.S. EPA: Emissions factors, State Inventory Tool.
●
EIA: Fuel use, power sector projections.
●
FHWA/NHTS: Transportation behavior and trends.
●
USDA/NASS: Agriculture production data.
●
Census Bureau: Demographics, household growth.
●
Local utilities: Energy use, grid mix data.
Proxying and Scaling Techniques
●
Use of state or regional averages scaled to local population or energy consumption.
●
For small areas: emissions from a nearby similar community may be scaled based on population,
housing units, or energy consumption patterns.
●
Back-calculation from fuel sales or utility data to estimate activity levels when direct measures
(like industrial output) are unavailable.
38
Key Assumptions in BAU Scenario
BAU scenarios assume no additional policy interventions beyond those already adopted and funded.
Typical assumptions include:
Technology Adoption: Continuation of current trends (e.g., slow EV adoption, stable building codes).
Market Trends: Fuel prices, vehicle turnover, and consumer behavior continue along historical lines.
Regulations: Only current laws (e.g., federal fuel efficiency standards, renewable energy mandates) are
enforced.
Infrastructure: No major new investments (e.g., new transit systems or industrial retrofits) unless already
budgeted.
5.2
BAU Projections Results
Table 4. BAU projections by sector
Residential Energy 13,570
Most Recent
Inventory Year
Emissions
(MT CO2e)
13,774
Short-Term BAU
Projection Year
(e.g., 2030)
(MT CO2e)
14,263
Long-Term BAU
Projection Year
(e.g., 2050)
(MT CO2e)
15,760
Commercial Energy 25,206
25,584
26,493
29,272
Transportation & 41,607
Mobile Sources
Solid Waste 3,215
42,231
45,277
55,247
3,263
3,332
3,538
Water & Wastewater 707
718
728
758
Upstream Impacts of 1,161
Activities
Total Emissions 85,466
1,178
1,220
1,348
86,748
91,313
105,923
Base Year
Sector Emissions (MT
CO2e)
39
6 GHG Emission Reduction Measures and Implementation Scenario
Projections
6.1
GHG Emission Reduction Measures Summary
This summary outlines a strategic set of measures designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
across key sectors of the community, aligned with Nome Tribal Partners’ inventory and future
projections. The approach balances scientific ambition with technical and economic feasibility,
prioritizing locally relevant solutions and equity outcomes.
Residential and Commercial Buildings
Measure 1.1: Energy Efficiency Retrofits
●
Description: Weatherization, LED lighting, and HVAC upgrades for existing homes and public
buildings.
●
Estimated Impact: 15–25% reduction in building energy use.
●
Co-Benefits: Lower utility bills, improved indoor air quality.
Measure 1.2: Electrification of Heating
●
Description: Replace fuel oil-based systems with electric heat pumps.
●
Estimated Impact: 30–50% emissions reduction per household.
●
Dependencies: Clean electricity supply; workforce training.
Electricity Generation
Measure 2.1: Expand Local Renewable Energy (e.g., Solar PV, Wind)
●
Description: Deploy community-scale and residential renewable projects.
●
Estimated Impact: Up to 40% reduction in grid-related emissions.
●
Co-Benefits: Energy sovereignty, long-term cost savings.
Measure 2.2: Battery Storage and Grid Efficiency
●
Description: Integrate storage to balance intermittent renewables and reduce diesel use.
40
●
Estimated Impact: 5–10% efficiency gain in the electricity system.
●
Challenges: Capital cost; technical integration.
Transportation and Mobile Sources
Measure 3.1: Transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs)
●
Description: Deploy EVs for public fleets and incentivize community adoption.
●
Estimated Impact: 50–70% reduction per vehicle.
●
Dependence: EV charging infrastructure, clean electricity.
Measure 3.2: Reduce VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled)
●
Description: Promote walking, biking, ride sharing, and smart growth development.
●
Estimated Impact: Up to 15% emissions reduction in urban areas.
●
Co-Benefits: Health, congestion reduction.
Waste and Materials Management
Measure 4.1: Organics Diversion and Composting
●
Description: Divert food and yard waste from landfill; expand composting.
●
Estimated Impact: 50–75% reduction in landfill methane from organic waste.
●
Co-Benefits: Soil health, waste reduction.
Measure 4.2: Increase Recycling and Material Recovery
●
Description: Expand access and education for recycling programs.
●
Estimated Impact: Moderate; depends on participation rates.
●
Challenges: Logistics and funding in remote areas.
Water and Wastewater Systems
Measure 5.1: Energy Efficiency Upgrades in Water Treatment
41
●
Description: Upgrade pumps, motors, and control systems.
●
Estimated Impact: 10–20% energy savings.
●
Co-Benefits: Operational cost savings.
Measure 5.2: Methane Capture from Wastewater
●
Description: Explore feasibility of anaerobic digestion or N₂O reduction practices.
●
Estimated Impact: Modest; site-specific feasibility needed.
Cross-Cutting Measures
Measure 6.1: Community Engagement and Education
●
Description: Conduct workshops and campaigns to promote climate action.
●
Effect: Increases adoption and effectiveness of all other measures.
Measure 6.2: Green Jobs and Workforce Development
●
Description: Invest in training for energy efficiency, electrification, and renewables.
●
Co-Benefits: Local employment, equity, and capacity building.
42
Figure 5. Measure summary by sector.
Measure
Outputs
Outcomes
Performance Measures
1: Residential
Weatherizati
on Program
60+ Household
energy audits
Residential households are tribally
enrolled, already disadvantaged
community.
60 households to learn energy efficiency
in their own homes in Nome, Alaska
60+ home
improvements
based on energy
audit
recommendations
.
Creates one new
position,
Weatherization
Coordinator to
work with the
development of
the program and
to maintain the
program,
collaborating
directly with each
household
Education on efficiency and home
comfort, maintenance and technology on
energy efficiency reduction will be
accomplished through this program, as a
requirement to participate as well as be
enrolled with a participating tribe.
Decreased electricity bills and loss of
heat for households
At least one annual Tribal gathering for
outreach and education to all
participating tribes
43
2: Tribally
owned public
buildings
9 selected tribally
owned public
facilities will
receive an energy
audit.
9 of those will
receive a solar
panel installation
system.
9 of those will also
receive upgraded
efficiency
measures
Tribal partners will learn how to maintain
the renewable energy system which will
encourage the leaders to have ownership
through their education which creates
confidence in acquiring additional
renewable energy efforts for their
community.
For each installation, their respective
communities will offer their in-house
training for installation of renewable
energy basics.
Each energy audit will provide efficiency
measure reduction education to utilize
outside of these projects in creating
sustainability.
At least 2 tribally owned public facilities
selected for each tribe will receive a solar
panel system with battery storage and
inverter.
At least 4 new direct in-house hires to
maintain each installation will be
acquired for each installation.
At least 10 trainees from across the
Bering Strait Region will have an
opportunity to fly into Nome to attend the
training for 1 installation from start to
finish.
Decreased greenhouse gas emissions for
tribal buildings
The measures presented above are examples for illustrative purposes and do not indicate a required number or
type of measure.
44
6.2
Implementation of Scenario Projections
Figure 3. Graph graphics to compare BAU projections and implementation scenario emissions for 2030.
45
Figure 4. Graph graphics compare BAU projections and implementation scenario emissions for 2050.
46
Figure 5. Implementation scenario emissions by sector for 2030 GHG Emissions by Subsector with Reduction Measures
47
Figure 6. Implementation scenario emissions by sector for 2050 GHG Emissions by Subsector with Reduction Measures
6.3
GHG Emission Reduction Measures
The following suite of emission reduction measures has been developed to support the achievement of
Nome Tribal Partners’ economy-wide reduction targets by 2030 and 2050. These measures are based on
emissions data from the 2023 community-wide inventory and are organized by sector. Each measure
includes a specific action, the responsible party, and a quantifiable impact aligned with modelled
reduction trajectories.
6.3.1 Commercial and Residential Buildings
Measure 1.1 – Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Retrofits
The Nome Tribal Housing Authority and local building contractors will implement a multi-year
weatherization program to insulate homes, seal leaks, and install efficient appliances in at least 30% of
residential buildings by 2030. Commercial buildings will also undergo lighting and HVAC upgrades. This
measure is expected to reduce emissions from the residential and commercial energy sector by at least
20% by 2030, contributing to the projected reduction from ~39,358 MT CO₂e to ~31,226 MT CO₂e.
48
Measure 1.2 – Residential Heating Electrification Initiative
Crowley Fuels, Bonanza Fuel LLC, and the Sitnasuak Native Corporation will coordinate with Nome Joint
Utility Systems to provide incentives and installation support for replacing oil-based furnaces with
electric heat pumps in 25% of homes by 2030. This measure supports the transition away from highemissions distillate fuels and contributes to long-term decarbonization in the residential sector.
6.3.2 Electricity Generation and Use
Measure 2.1 – Community Solar Deployment
Nome Joint Utility Systems will commission at least 1.5 MW of community solar arrays on municipal and
tribal lands by 2030, supplying clean power to offset grid electricity currently derived from diesel. This
measure targets a 20% reduction in emissions from electricity use in buildings and water infrastructure,
helping reduce over 4,000 MT CO₂e by 2030.
Measure 2.2 – Grid Loss Minimization
Engineering upgrades to the Nome distribution system will reduce grid transmission and distribution
losses by 15% by 2030. This measure will improve energy delivery efficiency and reduce upstream
emissions currently estimated at 1,178 MT CO₂e, as seen in 2023 figures.
6.3.3 Transportation and Mobile Sources
Measure 3.1 – Tribal Fleet Electrification and EV Incentives
The Village of Solomon, in partnership with Constellation Navigator, will convert 50% of the municipal
vehicle fleet to electric by 2030 and establish EV purchase incentives for households. This measure
targets a 25% reduction in the transportation sector, which emitted 42,231 MT CO₂e in 2023, aiming to
lower emissions to ~33,958 MT CO₂e by 2030.
Measure 3.2 – Active and Shared Transportation Expansion
Infrastructure investments in sidewalks, bike lanes, and a tribal ride-sharing program will reduce
reliance on personal vehicles. The City of Nome will work with regional planners to achieve a 5% modal
shift by 2030.
6.3.4 Waste and Materials Management
Measure 4.1 – Organics Diversion and Composting Program
The Village of Solomon will implement a curbside and centralized composting program to divert 50% of
organic waste from landfills by 2030. This program is projected to reduce methane emissions from solid
waste by approximately 980 MT CO₂e.
Measure 4.2 – Regional Recycling Partnership
A new agreement with Norton Sound regional partners will re-establish bulk recycling collection and
export, aiming to recover 30% of materials currently landfilled. This program targets a reduction of
embodied emissions from solid waste and materials management.
49
6.3.5 Water and Wastewater Systems
Measure 5.1 – Water System Energy Optimization
Nome Joint Utility Systems will upgrade pumping equipment and install smart meters to optimize energy
usage at potable water and wastewater treatment facilities. These upgrades will result in at least a 15%
reduction in the 2023 water system emissions of 718 MT CO₂e.
Measure 5.2 – Process Nitrous Oxide Mitigation Pilot
The wastewater facility will conduct a pilot project to reduce process N₂O emissions through improved
treatment controls and effluent management. If successful, this can reduce total process emissions by
30–50%.
6.3.6 Natural and Working Lands
Measure 6.1 – Forest and Tundra Preservation Zones
Tribal lands will be enrolled in conservation easements and carbon offset initiatives to protect highcarbon-density areas from future development. Though emissions in this sector are low, land
conservation supports long-term carbon sequestration goals.
Measure 6.2 – Soil Health and Subsistence Agriculture Program
Pilot farms will implement regenerative practices such as compost-amended soils and no-till techniques
to enhance soil carbon storage. This measure provides modest emissions reductions while strengthening
food sovereignty.
6.3.7 Sectors with Limited Activity
Industry and Agriculture (Commercial Scale)
The Nome region does not currently host significant large-scale industrial or commercial agricultural
operations. No sector-specific measures are proposed at this time; however, any future industrial
development will be required to comply with local GHG review protocols.
50
7 Benefits Analysis
This section summarizes the quantified and qualitative benefits associated with the suite of greenhouse
gas (GHG) reduction measures identified in this Climate Action Plan. In alignment with CPRG guidance,
the benefits analysis addresses co-pollutant reductions, the methodologies used and discusses any
potential disbenefits.
•
7.1 Quantified Co-Pollutant Reductions
The proposed suite of GHG reduction measures will result in significant reductions of harmful copollutants, including:
•
Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
•
Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ)
•
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
•
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
•
Air Toxics / Hazardous Air Pollutants
Wherever possible, Tribal-specific emissions inventories and projections were utilized. In cases where
local data was unavailable, emissions estimates were sourced from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency’s National Emissions Inventory (NEI), using data for the counties overlapping with Tribal
jurisdictional boundaries. This establishes a consistent baseline for comparison and quantification.
Base year estimates and projected reductions for each co-pollutant are provided in the technical
appendix [reference your appendix name/number here]. These estimates reflect the cumulative effect of
implementing the plan’s GHG mitigation measures.
•
7.2 Methods and Tools
The following methods and analytical tools were used to complete the benefits analysis:
•
EPA’s AVERT tool to quantify emission reductions from shifts in electricity generation sources.
•
GLIMPSE and/or other scenario planning tools to forecast emissions reductions over time.
•
COBRA to estimate the health impacts of reductions in air pollutants.
•
BenMAP for evaluating monetized health benefits of improved air quality.
•
ICLEI for generating GHG Inventory, baseline data/report.
These tools were applied following recommended practices outlined on the CPRG Tools and Technical
Assistance page on Benefits Analysis.
•
7.3 Summary of Benefits
51
The quantified benefits demonstrate meaningful reductions in public health risks associated with air
pollution, improvements in local air quality, and contributions to environmental justice goals. Key
highlights include:
•
Reduced exposure of vulnerable communities to harmful air pollutants.
•
Improved respiratory and cardiovascular health outcomes.
•
Ancillary benefits such as energy savings and reduced operational costs for end users.
Measure-level results are summarized in Section 6. The plan-level benefits reflect the aggregated effects
of all proposed measures.
•
7.4 Potential Disbenefits
While the CCAP anticipates significant co-benefits, some potential disbenefits have been identified and
are discussed below:
•
Short-term emissions associated with construction activities (e.g., dust and vehicle emissions).
•
Potential for increased upstream emissions related to material sourcing and manufacturing of
clean energy technologies.
•
Possible increases in vehicle miles traveled in rural areas, depending on transportation sector
interventions.
Table 6. Benefits Analysis
Benefit
Category
Jobs and
Workforce
Development
Public and
Community
Health
Benefits and Disbenefits
●
●
●
●
Educational and training
opportunities
Employment opportunities and access
to jobs
Example Metrics
●
●
●
Exposure to environmental hazards
and/or pollution
Access to amenities that affect
physical and mental health
●
●
Number of people participating in clean
energy job training programs or
apprenticeship programs
Number of jobs created or lost.
Average wage of new jobs created
Expected reductions of GHGs, criteria air
pollutants and toxic air pollutants.
Area of green space created for urban heat
island mitigation
Energy Cost
Burden and
Security
●
Increased or decreased energy burden
●
●
Change in annual energy costs.
Change in annual energy consumption per
square foot
Climate
Resilience
●
●
Improved grid resilience
Improved community infrastructure
●
●
Number of power outages
Number of utilities shut offs
52
Housing
Availability
and Quality
●
●
Transportation
Access and
Costs
●
Community
Engagement
and
Awareness
●
●
●
Housing burden, particularly for
renters
Displacement caused by new projects,
and/or increased property values.
●
●
Reliability and accessibility of transit
options
Lowered transportation burden
Increased access to electrified transit
●
●
Estimated change in transit costs.
Reductions in travel time for non-vehicular
mobility alternatives
Participation in solution and project
design
●
Number of stakeholder events and/or dollars
spent to engage with organizations and
residents.
Number of Tribal priorities addressed by new
projects
●
●
●
Average housing cost
Number of open units for rent or purchase, or
affordable housing units
Average rate of annual price increase per unit
Number of units with annual rate or price
over the rate of inflation
Table 7: Example benefits summary by measure table.
Measure
Measure 1
Measure 2
Measure 3
Improved
public
health
outcomes
X
X
X
Job
creation
X
X
X
Improved
climate
resilience
X
Improved
access to
services
Decreased
energy
costs
X
X
X
Note: Example measures with potential direct benefits are denoted in blue; measures with potential
indirect benefits are denoted in green. This summary table is just a visual representation of benefits, to
be expanded upon within surrounding text. Grantees should alter headings as needed.
8 Workforce Planning Analysis
•
Overview of Workforce Development Needs
To successfully implement the measures outlined in this CCAP, the Village of Solomon recognizes the
critical role of workforce development in fostering economic resilience, creating pathways to highquality employment, and addressing both existing and emerging labor needs. Workforce development
activities will focus on:
•
Addressing skilled labor shortages, particularly in energy efficiency retrofits, clean energy
deployment, and air quality monitoring.
•
Supporting existing workers and industries through retraining and upskilling to align with the
transition to cleaner energy and environmental practices.
53
•
Expanding economic opportunities in disadvantaged communities, including the creation of
career pathways for underserved populations, with an emphasis on alignment with the U.S.
Department of Labor’s Good Jobs Principles.
•
Leveraging supplementary resources, including potential support from the American Indian Air
Quality Training Program, to build sustainable, culturally relevant workforce pipelines.
•
Priority Occupations and Roles
A preliminary workforce analysis identified the following priority occupations critical to the success of
CCAP measures:
Occupation
Primary Roles
Current
Employment
(Est.)
Wage Comparison
Historical/Projected
(Local vs. National
Growth
Avg.)
Insulation
Workers
Install insulation in
building retrofits for
energy efficiency
Low
Below national
avg.
Expected growth as
retrofits scale
HVAC
Technicians
Upgrade heating and
cooling systems for
energy efficiency
Moderate
Comparable to
national avg.
Steady growth, with
spikes during
implementation
Energy
Auditors
Assess buildings and
recommend efficiency
improvements
Very low
Below national
avg.
High growth potential
Air Quality
Technicians
Monitor and maintain
air quality measurement Very low
equipment
Below national
avg.
High growth expected
with CCAP
Construction
Laborers
Assist with solar,
weatherization, and
retrofit projects
Below national
avg.
Expected growth,
especially in retrofit
market
Moderate
We estimate that the regional concentration of skilled energy workers is below the national average,
and existing local workforce training programs do not yet meet the projected demand. Based on
industry data, most of these sectors have been historically underrepresented in the region and are
expected to grow in response to CCAP implementation.
•
Industry Trends and Growth Projections
•
Building Energy Efficiency: With planned measures like weatherization and HVAC upgrades, we
anticipate significant demand growth over the next 5-10 years.
•
Renewable Energy: As solar and other clean energy technologies expand, local construction and
electrical trades will see increased demand.
54
•
Environmental Monitoring: Air quality monitoring and compliance roles will grow in response to
expanded environmental protections.
•
Addressing Workforce Shortages
Identified gaps include:
•
Limited local training programs for energy auditors, HVAC retrofits, and renewable energy
installers.
•
Lack of certified trainers and training equipment for emerging clean energy technologies.
•
Insufficient outreach to disadvantaged communities, which limits their participation in these
career pathways.
Proposed solutions include:
•
Partnering with local community colleges, vocational programs, and regional workforce boards
to create accelerated training pathways.
•
Leveraging partnerships with the American Indian Air Quality Training Program to support air
quality technician training.
•
Seeking collaboration with unions, tribal colleges, apprenticeship programs, and nonprofit
partners to build career pathways.
•
Pursuing state and federal grants to expand training facilities and scholarship programs for
underserved workers.
•
Summary of Workforce Needs by Measure
CCAP Measure
Key Occupations
Identified Needs
Weatherization and
retrofits
Insulation Workers, HVAC
Technicians, Energy Auditors
Job training, additional staffing
Renewable energy
deployment
Electricians, Construction Laborers
Specialty certifications, increased
workforce
Air quality monitoring
Air Quality Technicians
Specialty equipment training, job
creation in tribal communities
Community engagement
and education
Community Outreach Specialists
Cultural competency training, staffing
•
Alignment with the Good Jobs Principles
Workforce development activities will prioritize the creation of high-quality jobs characterized by:
•
Safe, healthy, and accessible workplaces.
•
Family-sustaining wages and benefits.
55
•
Inclusive career pathways for historically underserved communities.
•
Worker voice and empowerment opportunities.
•
Leveraging Supplementary Funding
The Village of Solomon intends to explore supplementary support through the American Indian Air
Quality Training Program, among other federal and state workforce initiatives, to bolster training for air
quality monitoring and environmental management roles.
9 Appendices
Grantees may use this section to document detailed information required by the CCAP that was omitted
within the primary text. Appendices may include:
●
Appendix A: ICLEI Report (pg. 56)
56
APPENDIX A: ICLEI REPORT - Report begins on the following page, pg. 57
57
NOME BASED
TRIBAL PARTNERS
2023 Inventory of
Community-Wide
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Prepared For:
Produced By:
Nome Based Tribal
Partners
ICLEI – Local Governments
for Sustainability USA
April 2025
58
Table of Contents
03
04
05
06
07
08
10
11
12
12
13
13
13
14
14
15
18
19
20
20
21
22
22
22
22
23
Tables and Figures
Credits & Acknowledgements
Abstract
Key Findings
Introduction to Climate Change
According to the Fifth National Climate Assessment
Greenhouse Gas Inventory as a Step Toward Carbon Neutrality
ICLEI GreenClimateCities Framework
Inventory Methodology
Understanding a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
Community Emissions Protocol
Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Sources and Activities
Base Year
Quantification Methods
Community Emissions Inventory Results
Next Steps
Conclusion
Appendix: Methodology Details
Energy
Transportation
Wastewater
Potable Water
Solid Waste
Upstream Impacts of Activities
Inventory Calculations
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA
This template was updated by ICLEI USA in 2024.
Nome Tribal Partners 2023 Inventory of Community-Wide GHG Emissions
02
59
Tables and Figures
List of Tables
12
13
15
20
21
21
21
22
22
22
22
Table 1: Global Warming Potential Values (IPCC, 2021)
Table 2: Source vs. Activity for Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Table 3: Community-Wide Emissions Inventory
Table 4: Energy Data Sources
Table 5: Emissions Factors for Electricity Consumption
Table 6: Transportation Data Sources
Table 7: MPG and Emissions Factors by Vehicle Type
Table 8: Wastewater Data Sources
Table 9: Potable Water Data Sources
Table 10: Solid Waste Data Sources
Table 11: Upstream Impacts Data Sources
List of Figures
06
10
11
12
17
Figure 1: Community-Wide Emissions by Sector
Figure 2: Co-Benefits and ICLEI Pathways to Accelerated Climate Action
Figure 3: ICLEI GreenClimateCities Framework
Figure 4: Relationship of Community and Government Operations Inventories
Figure 5: Community-Wide Emissions by Sector
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. It
may not be used for any commercial purpose. Any non-commercial use of this material must provide attribution to ICLEI
Local Governments for Sustainability USA.
Nome Tribal Partners 2023 Inventory of Community-Wide GHG Emissions
03
60
Credits and
Acknowledgments
Deilah Johnson, Tribal Resources Director Village of Solomon - Administrator of EPA CPRG Planning
Grant
Ashley Payenna, Environmental Coordinator Village of Solomon - Administrator of EPA CPRG
Planning Grant
Kirsten Timbers, President Village of Solomon
Barb Gray, Chairwoman Native Village of Council
Rhonda Sparks, Environmental Coordinator Native Village of Council
Emma Pate, Executive Director Nome Eskimo Community
Rena Greene, Deputy Director Nome Eskimo Community
Janice Knowlton, Tribal Coordinator King Island Native Community
Heather Payenna, Chief King Island Native Community
Nome Joint Utility Systems
Bonanza Fuel, Sitnasauk Native Corporation
Crowley Fuels
City of Nome
Constellation Navigator
Nome Public Schools
Alaska Department of Transportation
Nome Airport, Bering Air
Alaska Marine Lines
Environmental Protection Agency
Nome Tribal Partners 2023 Inventory of Community-Wide GHG Emissions
04
61
Abstract
The Nome Based Tribal Partners recognize that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human
activity are catalyzing profound climate change, the consequences of which pose substantial risks to
the future health, wellbeing, and prosperity of our community.
After the Environmental Protection Agency announced an opportunity to address Greenhouse gas
emissions with a planning grant specific to tribal communities, the 4 Nome based tribes decided to
form a partnership to understand what GHG levels were within their shared geographic location,
Nome census area. With this, they have been planning for, developing, facilitating, discussing and
strategizing ways to decrease GHG’s, and with this effort, they must first collect sector GHG data
based on solicited collection from varying agencies serving and operating within Nome. The tribal
partners have completed a priority climate action plan, applied for and have been awarded the
CPRG Implementation grant award to implement the priority action plan and develop a
comprehensive climate action plan. With all of these efforts, mitigating devasting natural disasters is
where all tribes agree in identifying the highest levels of GHG’s within each sector and ways to
address action items furthering the decreased ghg levels within their larger hub community.
All four tribes have consistently met in quarterly intervals to strategize, update, report on and
educate themselves on all areas of efficiency, GHG’s, energy alternatives, technologies and
inventories.
This report is the second Greenhouse Gas emissions inventory as they continue to understand the
sectors and levels as they continue to work toward planning and implementation going forward and
seeing the results of their efforts in the near future with their goals.
This report provides estimates of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from activities in the Nome
Census area as a whole in 2023.
Nome Tribal Partners 2023 Inventory of Community-Wide GHG Emissions
05
62
Key Findings
Figure 1 shows community-wide emissions by sector. The largest contributor is Transportation with
49% of emissions. The next largest contributors are Commercial Energy (29%) and Residential
Energy (16%). Actions to reduce emissions in all of these sectors will be a key part of a climate
action plan. Solid Waste, Upstream Impacts of Activities, and Water & Wastewater were responsible
for the remaining (6%) emissions.
The Inventory Results section of this report provides a detailed profile of emissions sources among
Nome Based Tribal Partners; information that is key to guiding local reduction efforts. These data
will also provide a baseline against which the city will be able to compare future performance and
demonstrate progress in reducing emissions.
EMISSIONS
AT A GLANCE
1
2
3
Transportation
49%
Commercial
Energy
29%
Residential
Energy
16%
Transportation & Mobile Sources (49%)
Commercial Energy (29%)
Residential Energy (16%)
Solid Waste (4%)
Upstream Impacts of Activities (1%)
Water & Wastewater (1%)
Figure 1: Community-Wide Emissions by Sector
Nome Tribal Partners 2023 Inventory of Community-Wide GHG Emissions
06
63
Introduction to
Climate Change
Naturally occurring gases dispersed in the atmosphere determine the Earth’s climate by
trapping solar radiation. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect. Overwhelming
evidence shows that human activities are increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases and
changing the global climate. The most significant contributor is burning fossil fuels for
transportation, electricity generation and other purposes, which introduces large amounts of
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Collectively, these gases intensify the natural greenhouse effect, causing global average surface
and lower atmospheric temperatures to rise, threatening the safety, quality of life, and
economic prosperity of global communities. Although the natural greenhouse effect is needed
to keep the earth warm, a human-enhanced greenhouse effect with the rapid accumulation of
greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere leads to too much heat and radiation being
trapped. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report
confirms that human activities have unequivocally caused an increase in carbon emissions [1].
Many regions are already experiencing the consequences of global climate change, and the
Nome Based Tribal Partners are no exception.
[1] IPCC, 2021: Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [MassonDelmotte, V., P. Zhai, A. Pirani, S. L. Connors, C. Péan, S. Berger, N.
Caud, Y. Chen, L. Goldfarb, M. I. Gomis, M. Huang, K. Leitzell, E. Lonnoy, J. B. R. Matthews, T. K. Maycock, T. Waterfield, O. Yelekçi, R. Yu and B. Zhou
(eds.)]. Cambridge University Press. In Press.
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According to the Fifth National Climate
Assessment
Alaska is warming two to three times faster than the global average.1,2 The physical and ecological
effects of warming are evident around the state (Figures 29.1, 29.11). Glaciers are shrinking,
permafrost is thawing, and sea ice is diminishing. The growing season is longer, and fish, mammals,
birds, and insects have increased in numbers in some areas and dropped sharply in others. This
combination of environmental effects has far-reaching consequences for people statewide.
Following a brief description of distinctive characteristics of Alaska and an overview of recent
climatology in this Introduction, the chapter emphasizes the societal implications of climate change
for Alaska to a greater degree than in the corresponding chapters of previous National Climate
Assessments (NCAs), with illustrative examples and recurring themes, such as salmon, governance,
and adaptation.
Climate-driven extreme events continue throughout Alaska.
Figure 29.1. Climate-driven extremes and notable events have recently affected different regions of
Alaska. These events have redefined expectations of regional extremes and challenged
preparedness (Focus on Compound Events). March sea ice extent in 2018 was far below recent low
averages (Figure A4.6).3 High concentrations of harmful algal bloom cysts were discovered in the
Chukchi Sea (KM 29.1).4 A record wet summer occurred in northwest Alaska in 2021, and 2019
brought uncharacteristic precipitation and flooding on the North Slope. The effects of the 2014–
2016 North Pacific marine heatwave (the “Blob”)5 have become clear (Figures 29.11, A4.11; Box
10.1). Ongoing ocean acidification in Arctic Alaska has contributed to fundamental changes in
marine water quality (KM 3.4).6 In summer 2019, a record and persistent heatwave occurred in
southern Alaska. A multiyear drought (2017–2019)7,8 in Southeast Alaska’s rainforest was followed
by intense rain and destructive landslides.9 Figure credit: USGS, NOAA Fisheries, and Ocean
Conservancy [2].
[2] U.S. Global Change Research Program. 2023. National Climate Assessment – Ch 29: Alaska. Retrieved from
https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/chapter/29/
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Many communities in the United States have started to take responsibility for addressing climate
change at the local level. Reducing fossil fuel use in the community can have many benefits in
addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. More efficient use of energy decreases utility and
transportation costs for residents and businesses. Retrofitting homes and businesses to be more
efficient creates local jobs. In addition, when residents save on energy costs, they are more likely to
spend at local businesses and add to the local economy. Reducing fossil fuel use improves air
quality, and increasing opportunities for walking and bicycling improves residents’ health.
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Greenhouse Gas Inventory as a Step
Toward Carbon Neutrality
Facing the climate crisis requires the concerted efforts of local governments and their partners,
those that are close to the communities directly dealing with the impacts of climate change.
Cities, towns and counties are well placed to define coherent and inclusive plans that address
integrated climate action — climate change adaptation, resilience and mitigation. Existing targets
and plans need to be reviewed to bring in the necessary level of ambition and outline how to
achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. Creating a roadmap for climate neutrality requires
Nome Based Tribal Partners to identify priority sectors for action, while considering climate justice,
inclusiveness, local job creation and other benefits of sustainable development.
To complete this inventory, Nome Based Tribal Partners utilized tools and guidelines from ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), which provides authoritative direction for greenhouse
gas emissions accounting and defines climate neutrality as follows:
The targeted reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and GHG
avoidance in government operations and across the community in all
sectors to an absolute net-zero emission level at the latest by 2050. In
parallel to this, it is critical to adapt to climate change and enhance
climate resilience across all sectors, in all systems and processes.
To achieve ambitious emissions reduction, and move toward climate neutrality, Nome Based Tribal
Partners will need to set a clear goal and act rapidly following a holistic and integrated approach.
Climate action is an opportunity for our community to experience a wide range of co-benefits, such
as creating socio-economic opportunities, reducing poverty and inequality, and improving the
health of people and nature.
Figure 2: Co-Benefits and ICLEI Pathways to Accelerated Climate Action
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ICLEI GreenClimateCities Framework
For this inventory, the Nome Based Tribal Partners’ process is informed by ICLEI’s
GreenClimateCities Framework for integrated climate action. The tribes follow the stepwise
approach shown below in Figure 3, which involves collecting and analyzing climate data, action,
implementation, leadership, and collaboration—always with an equity lens.
The Framework is organized into Analyze, Act, and Accelerate phases for communities pursuing
integrated climate action. The Framework incorporates greenhouse gas emissions reductions,
climate adaptation actions, and equitable, inclusive decision-making. Nome Based Tribal Partners’
inventory does not have Science-Based Targets [3] and falls under Step C- Analyze and set a
baseline.
Over 600 U.S. communities have followed this basic Framework, previously known as ICLEI’s Five
Milestones for Emissions Management, and today, it is represented through the streamlined
Analyze-Act-Accelerate model shown below.
Figure 3: ICLEI GreenClimateCities Framework
[3] Science-Based Targets are calculated climate goals, in line with the latest climate science, that represent your community’s fair share of the
ambition necessary to meet the Paris Agreement commitment of keeping warming below 1.5°C. To achieve this goal, the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) states that we must reduce global emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Equitably reducing global
emissions by 50% requires that high-emitting, wealthy nations reduce their emissions by more than 50%.
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Inventory
Methodology
Understanding a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
The first step toward achieving tangible greenhouse gas
(GHG) emission reductions requires identifying baseline
emissions levels and sources and activities generating
emissions in the community. This report presents
emissions from the Nome Based Tribal Partners
community as a whole. The government operations
inventory is mostly a subset of the community
inventory, as shown in Figure 3. For example, data on
commercial energy use by the community include
energy consumed by municipal buildings, and
community vehicle-miles-traveled estimates include
miles driven by municipal fleet vehicles.
As local governments continue to join the climate
protection movement, the need for a standardized
approach to quantify GHG emissions has proven
essential. This inventory uses the approach and
methods provided by the U.S. Community Protocol for
Accounting and Reporting Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Community Protocol).
COMMUNITY
EMISSIONS
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
EMISSIONS
Figure 4: Relationship of Community and
Government Operations Inventories
Three greenhouse gases are included in this inventory: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and
nitrous oxide (N2O). Many of the charts in this report represent emissions in “carbon dioxide
equivalent” (CO2e) values, calculated using the Global Warming Potentials (GWP) for methane and
nitrous oxide from the IPCC 6th Assessment Report.
Table 1: Global Warming Potential Values (IPCC, 2021)
Greenhouse Gas
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Global Warming Potential
1
Methane (CH4) (Fossil Origin)
29.8
Methane (CH4) (Non-Fossil Origin)
27.2
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
273
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Community Emissions Protocol
Version 1.2 of the U.S. Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting GHG Emissions [4] was
released by ICLEI in 2019, and represents a national standard in guidance to help U.S. local
governments develop effective community GHG emissions inventories. It establishes reporting
requirements for all community GHG emissions inventories, provides detailed accounting guidance
for quantifying GHG emissions associated with a range of emission sources and community
activities, and provides a number of optional reporting frameworks to help local governments
customize their community GHG emissions inventory reports based on their local goals and
capacities.
The community inventory in this report includes emissions from the five Basic Emissions Generating
Activities required by the Community Protocol. These activities are:
Use of electricity by the community
Use of fuel in residential and commercial stationary combustion equipment
On-road passenger and freight motor vehicle travel
Use of energy in potable water and wastewater treatment and distribution
Generation of solid waste by the community
The community inventory also includes the following activities:
Aviation travel
Wastewater treatment processes
Electric power transmission and distribution losses
Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Sou rc es an d Ac t ivit ies
Communities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions in many ways. Two central categorizations of
emissions are used in the community inventory: 1) GHG emissions that are produced by “sources”
located within the community boundary, and 2) GHG emissions produced as a consequence of
community “activities.”
Table 2: Source vs. Activity for Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG)
Source
Activity
Any physical process inside the
jurisdictional boundary that releases
GHG emissions into the atmosphere.
The use of energy, materials, and/or
services by members of the
community that result in the
creation of GHG emissions.
[4] ICLEI. 2012. US Community Protocol for Accounting and Reporting Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Retrieved from http://www.icleiusa.org/tools/ghgprotocol/community-protocol
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By reporting on both GHG emissions sources and activities, local governments can develop and
promote a deeper understanding of GHG emissions associated with their communities. A purely
source‐based emissions inventory could be summed to estimate total emissions released within the
community’s jurisdictional boundary. In contrast, a purely activity‐based emissions inventory could
provide perspective on the efficiency of the community, even when the associated emissions occur
outside the jurisdictional boundary. The division of emissions into sources and activities replaces the
scopes framework that is used in government operations inventories, but that does not have a clear
definition for application to community inventories.
B as e Year
The inventory process requires the selection of a base year with which to compare current
emissions. Nome Based Tribal Partners community GHG emissions inventory utilizes 2022 as its
baseline year in order to compare emissions in 2023.
Q u an t ific at ion Met h od s
GHG emissions can be quantified in two ways:
Measurement-based methodologies refer to the direct measurement of GHG emissions (from a
monitoring system) emitted from a flue of a power plant, wastewater treatment plant, landfill,
or industrial facility.
Calculation-based methodologies calculate emissions using activity data and emission factors.
To calculate emissions accordingly, the basic equation below is used:
Activity Data x Emission Factor = Emissions
Most emissions sources in this inventory are quantified using calculation-based methodologies.
Activity data refers to the relevant measurement of energy use or other GHG-generating processes
such as fuel consumption by fuel type, metered annual electricity consumption, and annual vehicle
miles traveled. Please see the appendices for a detailed listing of the activity data used in
composing this inventory.
Known emission factors are used to convert energy usage or other activity data into associated
quantities of emissions. Emissions factors are usually expressed in terms of emissions per unit of
activity data (e.g. lbs CO2/kWh of electricity). For this inventory, calculations were made using
ICLEI’s ClearPath Climate Planner tool.
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Community Emissions
Inventory Results
The total community-wide emissions for the 2023 inventory are shown in Table 3 and Figure 5.
Table 3: Community-Wide Emissions Inventory
Sector
Residential Energy
Fuel or Source
2023 Usage
Usage Unit
Electricity Residential - Nome
Joint Utility Systems
8,636,082
kWh
4,900
ULSD1/HF1 Residential - Crowley
Fuels
2,000
Gallons
20
Distillate Fuel Oil No.
2 - Residential Sitnasuak Native
Corporation /
Bonanza Fuel LLC
861,716
Gallons
8,854
Residential Energy Total
Electricity Commercial - Nome
Joint Utility Systems
Commercial Energy
kWh
4,767
ULSD1/HF1 Commercial - Crowley 550,000
Fuels
Gallons
5,621
ULSD2 - Commercial 12,600
Crowley Fuels
Gallons
129
Distillate Fuel Oil No.
2 - Commercial Sitnasuak Native
Corporation /
Bonanza Fuel LLC
838,284
Gallons
8,613
Electricity Institutional - Nome
Joint Utility Systems
11,374,835
kWh
6,454
Jet Kerosene - Nome
Airport (Bering Air)
2
13,774
8,401,239
Commercial Energy Total
Transportation &
Mobile Sources
2023 Emissions
(MT CO2e)
25,584
1,640,897
Gallons
16,053
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Table 3: Community-Wide Emissions Inventory (continued)
Sector
Transportation &
Mobile Sources
Fuel or Source
2023 Usage
Usage Unit
Aviation Gasoline Nome Airport (Bering 64,377
Air)
Gallons
537
Gasoline - On Road
Transportation Constellation
Navigator
VMT
25,641
63,913,858
Transportation & Mobile Sources Total
Solid Waste
Landfilled Waste Village of Solomon
(Nome)
42,231
3,710
Population
Solid Waste Total
Water & Wastewater
3,263
3,263
Electricity - Supply of
Potable Water Nome Joint Utility
Systems
573,581
kWh
325
Electricity Wastewater
Treatment - Nome
Joint Utility Systems
620,362
kWh
352
Process N2O from
Wastewater
Treatment - Nome
Joint Utility Systems
3,524
Population Served
4
Process N2O From
Effluent Discharge Nome Joint Utility
Systems
3,524
Population Served
37
718
Water & Wastewater Total
Upstream Impacts of
Activities
2023 Emissions
(MT CO2e)
All Sectors Transmission and
Distribution Losses Nome Joint Utility
Systems
0.0701
Grid Loss Factor
1,178
Upstream Impacts of Activities Total
1,178
Total Gross Emissions
86,748
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Figure 5 shows the distribution of community-wide emissions by sector. Transportation is the largest
contributor, followed by Residential & Commercial Energy.
Transportation & Mobile Sources (49%)
Commercial Energy (29%)
Residential Energy (16%)
Solid Waste (4%)
Upstream Impacts of Activities (1%)
Water & Wastewater (1%)
Figure 5: Community-Wide Emissions by Sector
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Next Steps
The inventory should be used to focus and prioritize actions to reduce emissions. Based on the
inventory results, the following areas have the greatest potential for emissions reduction:
Transportation & Mobile Sources
Electric Vehicle Adoption - Transition of passenger and freight vehicles from fossil fuels to
electricity.
VMT Reduction - General reduction due to collective VMT action, such as increased transit
use, better pedestrian and bike infrastructure, increased carpooling, and more.
Stationary Energy
Electrification - Switch from stationary fuel combustion to electricity in residential and
commercial buildings
Efficiency Retrofits - Improvements to appliances and infrastructure of new and existing
buildings to enhance energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Completion of another GHG inventory in two to five years is recommended to assess progress
resulting from any actions implemented. The detailed methodology section of this report, as well as
notes and attached data files in the ClearPath Climate Planner tool and a master data Excel file
provided to the Nome Based Tribal Partners, will be helpful to complete a future inventory
consistent with this one.
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Conclusion
This inventory marks the completion of Milestone One of the Five ICLEI Climate Mitigation
Milestones. The next steps are to forecast emissions, set an emissions-reduction target, and build
upon the existing Nome Tribal Partners initiatives with a more robust climate action plan that
identifies specific quantified strategies that can cumulatively meet that target.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that to meet the Paris Agreement
commitment of keeping warming below 1.5°C we must reduce global emissions by 50% by 2030 and
reach climate neutrality by 2050. Equitably reducing global emissions by 50% requires that highemitting, wealthy nations reduce their emissions by more than 50%. More than ever, it is imperative
that countries, regions, and local governments set targets that are ambitious enough to slash
carbon emissions between now and mid-century.
Science-Based Targets are calculated climate goals, in line with the latest climate science, that
represent a community’s fair share of the global ambition necessary to meet the Paris Agreement
commitment. Community education, involvement, and partnerships will be instrumental to achieve
a science-based target. ICLEI recommends the Nome Based Tribal Partners set a 2050 emission
reduction target, as well as an interim 2030 target.
Science-Based Targets are climate goals in line with the latest climate science. They represent the
city’s fair share of the ambition necessary to meet the Paris Agreement commitment to keep
warming below 1.5°C [5].
In addition, the Nome Based Tribal Partners will continue to
track key energy use and emissions indicators on an on-going
basis. It is recommended that communities update their
inventories on a regular basis, especially as plans are
implemented to ensure measurement and verification of
impacts. Regular inventories also allow for “rolling averages” to
provide insight into sustained changes and can help reduce the
change of an anomalous year being incorrectly interpreted.
This inventory shows that residential and commercial energy as
well as community-wide transportation patterns will be
particularly important to focus on. Through these efforts and
others, the Nome Based Tribal Partners can achieve
environmental, economic, and social benefits beyond reducing
emissions.
[5] “Science Based Climate Targets: A Guide for Cities.” Science Based Targets Network, November 4, 2021. https://sciencebasedtargetsnetwork.org/.
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Appendix:
Methodology Details
Energy
Table 4: Energy Data Sources
Activity
Data Source
Data Gaps/Assumptions
Nome Joint Utility
Systems
N/A
Residential ULSD1/HF1
Crowley Fuels
No ClearPath input exists for
ULSD1/HF1 - these fuels are
similar to kerosene, so kerosene
is used as the fuel type
Residential Distillate Fuel Oil No. 2
Sitnasuak Native
Corporation / Bonanza
Fuel LLC
Total fuel use for all customers
was provided - ratio of
residential and commercial
electricity consumption used to
allocate fuel to each sector
Commercial Electricity
Nome Joint Utility
Systems
N/A
Crowley Fuels
No ClearPath input exists for
USLD1/HF1 - these fuels are
similar to kerosene, so kerosene
is used as the fuel type
Commercial ULSD2
Crowley Fuels
No ClearPath input exists for
ULSD2 - these fuels are similar to
distillate fuel oil no. 2, so
distillate fuel oil no. 2 is used as
the fuel type
Commercial Distillate Fuel Oil No. 2
Sitnasuak Native
Corporation / Bonanza
Fuel LLC
Total fuel use for all customers
was provided - ratio of
residential and commercial
electricity consumption used to
allocate fuel to each sector
Residential Electricity
Commercial ULSD1/HF1
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Table 5: Nome Joint Utility Systems (2022) Emissions Factors for Electricity Consumption
Emissions
Factor/ Year
Nome Joint
Utility Systems
2022 (Proxy for
2023)
CO2 (lbs./MWh)
1250.857296
CH4 (lbs./GWh)
0
N2O (lbs./GWh)
Data Gaps and
Assumptions
Did not receive 2023
emission factors from
Nome Joint Utility
Systems data request 2022 used as a proxy
for 2023
0
Transportation
Table 6: Transportation Data Sources
Activity
Data Source
Data Gaps/Assumptions
On Road Transportation
Constellation Navigator;
Alaska Department of
Transportation
Constellation did not provide 2023 data - 2022
data was scaled using AADT factor calculated
from Alaska Department of Transportation's
Traffic Analysis and Data Application platform
Aviation Travel
Nome Airport (Bering Air);
Federal Aviation
Administration
Nome Airport/Bering Air did not provide data
for 2023 - data scaled from 2022 using Alaska
operations per Federal Aviation Administration
Operations Network
4
2
For vehicle transportation, it is necessary to apply average miles per gallon and emissions factors for
CH4 and N2O to each vehicle type. The factors used are shown in Table 8.
Table 7: MPG and Emissions Factors by Vehicle Type
Fuel
Vehicle Type
MPG
N2O
(g/mile)
CH4 (g/mile)
Gasoline
Passenger car
24.8
0.0078
0.0061
Gasoline
Light truck
18.1
0.011
0.0073
Gasoline
Heavy truck
7.3
0.032
0.0041
Gasoline
Motorcycle
44
0.0672
0.0069
Diesel
Passenger car
24.8
0.0302
0.0192
Diesel
Light truck
18.1
0.029
0.0214
Diesel
Heavy truck
7.3
0.0095
0.0431
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Wastewater
Table 8: Wastewater Data Sources
Activity
Data Source
Data Gaps/Assumptions
Wastewater Treatment Electricity
Nome Joint Utility
Systems
Subtracted from Commercial
Energy electricity use to avoid
double counting
Process N2O from Wastewater Treatment
Nome Joint Utility
Systems
N/A
Process N2O from Effluent Discharge
Nome Joint Utility
Systems
N/A
Potable Water
Table 9: Potable Water Data Sources
Activity
Potable Water Supply Electricity
Data Source
Nome Joint Utility
Systems
Data Gaps/Assumptions
Subtracted from Commercial
Energy electricity use to avoid
double counting
Solid Waste
Table 10: Solid Waste Data Sources
Activity
Landfilled Waste
Data Source
Data Gaps/Assumptions
Nome Community
Inventory - entered by
ICLEI in 2024 (2022)
Follows the same methodology
as the 2022 inventory, as solid
waste is not weighed in Nome
Upstream Impacts of Activities
Table 11: Upstream Impacts Data Sources
Activity
Transmission & Distribution Losses
Data Source
eGrid
Data Gaps/Assumptions
Included as grid loss is not
accounted for in emission
factors per Nome Joint Utility
Systems
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Inventory Calculations
The 2023 inventory was calculated following the US Community Protocol and ICLEI’s ClearPath
Climate Planner Climate Planner software. As discussed in Inventory Methodology, the IPCC 6th
Assessment was used for global warming potential (GWP) values to convert methane and nitrous
oxide to CO2 equivalent units. ClearPath Climate Planner’s inventory calculators allow for input of
the sector activity (i.e. kWh or VMT) and emission factor to calculate the final carbon dioxide
equivalent (CO2e) emissions.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. It
may not be used for any commercial purpose. Any non-commercial use of this material must provide attribution to ICLEI
Local Governments for Sustainability USA.
Nome Tribal Partners 2023 Inventory of Community-Wide GHG Emissions
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This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.