July 2024 Edition

Antoine M. Thompson

CEO/Executive Director

GWRCCC

A Message from the

Executive Director

I would like to start by saying Thank You to the GWRCCC staff, consultants, interns, Board Members,

members, volunteers, sponsors, Committee (Pedro Leyton (Parts Authority), Jill Hamilton (SESI), Luis

MacDonald (Auto FlexFleet), Kim Harden, Dianne Little, and Ron Flowers) for their help with GWRCCC

Ron Flowers Scholarship Golf Tournament, held on Thursday, June 27 th at Oak Creek Golf Course in

Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Part of the proceeds will be used for college scholarships for area students.

Mr. Flowers served as the first Executive Director of GWRCCC and dedicated many years of his life to

alternative fuels and clean energy and transportation.


Our Team proudly participated in the Annual DC Touch Truck event held on June 1 st at RFK Stadium,

more than 8,000 people attended. GWRCCC engaged with community members and promoted many of our programs like our DERA vehicle project with DC Water. We also hosted a very successful

Environmental Justice Summit at Howard University, with local, regional and national speakers and

stakeholders.


Please do not forget to save the date for the GWRCCC Annual Clean Energy & Transportation Conference and Expo, October 15-16, 2024. There will be over 50 speakers, exhibitors, vehicles on display, top industry leaders, government officials and much more. Register at www.gwrccc.org/events


Finally, there are lots of funding opportunities available from the public and private sectors. GWRCCC is here to help you secure funding. If you need letters of support, technical assistance, project

management support, or deployment guidance, please call or email me at 202-671-1580 or

antoinethompson@gwrccc.org.

Thinking about how you can help GWRCCC continue doing the great work to reduce greenhouse gases

and emissions, create jobs and make an impact local, regional and nationally? Then become a member or make a tax-deductible donation Today at www.gwrccc.org/membership or

www.gwrccc.org/donations.


Sincerely,


Antoine M Thompson

Antoine M. Thompson

CEO/Executive Director

GWRCCC

GWRCCC in the Community

Howard University Environmental Justice Summit

If you missed the Environmental, Energy & Transportation Justice Summit at Howard University. The event, held at the Armour J. Blackburn Auditorium, brought together community leaders, policymakers, and advocates to address historical racial disparities in transportation, energy, and the environment. Our involvement underscores our commitment to promoting equity and sustainability in all aspects of our community engagement efforts.

The Ron Flowers Golf Tournament

GWRCCC held The Ron Flowers Scholarship Golf Tournament on June 27th, bringing together supporters and community members for a day of fun and philanthropy. The event not only celebrated the spirit of community but also raised essential funds for scholarships, helping deserving students achieve their educational goals. We are proud to honor Ron Flowers' legacy by investing in the future leaders of our community. Thank you to all the Oak Creek Staff for helping our tournament run smoothly.

Environmental Justice Coffee & Conversation

GWRCCC recently hosted an Environmental Justice Coffee & Conversation event, fostering dialogue on critical issues affecting our communities. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions on environmental justice, shared experiences, and explored collaborative solutions. This gathering highlighted our ongoing commitment to creating inclusive spaces for addressing environmental challenges and promoting social equity.


Click on the flyer to listen

Want to do business with the EPA?

Join our exclusive webinar on "Doing Business with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency" and discover the keys to successful collaboration. Learn about business opportunities, best practices, and connect with industry experts!

Date: July 18, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)


Click the Flier to register

GWRCCC Fleet Coaching


GWRCCC is offering 30 minutes of coaching for a limited number of fleets each month. Do you need to train your workforce on emission reducing practices or transitioning to a clean energy fleet? We can help you!


For more information, contact the GWRCCC office at (202) 671-1580.

2024 Annual Conference, Expo, Awards Luncheon & Virtual Pre-Con

October 15-16th

Pre-Con Hosted on Zoom.

Conference Hosted at Martin's Crosswinds

The 2024 Annual Conference features cutting-edge industry sessions, an expo, the Awards Luncheon, and a Ride and Drive Alternative Vehicle Showcase. Join us for the virtual Pre-Con on October 15, 2024, with sessions on alternative fuels and emission reduction technologies. Don't miss this opportunity to network and explore sponsorship opportunities.


Click the flier to learn more

Zero Emission Bus Conference

Aug. 27 - 29


Philadelphia, PA

ZEB Con is the premier event for professionals leading the charge to electrification. From initial community advocacy to electrifying a full depot and managing ongoing ZEB operations, conference content spans the entire journey to zero-emission.


Click the flier to learn more

July 2024 Monthly Clean Energy & Transportation Industry Meeting

July 11th

10 AM

Hosted on Zoom.


Join our Monthly Clean Energy Meeting for exciting updates and opportunities from GWRCCC and local leaders!


Click the flier to learn more

GWRCCC's Jobs Fair Baltimore City

July 30th

10:30 AM

2000 14th Street Northwest

Washington, DC 20009


Join GWRCCC to explore job opportunities in our region and learn from local experts.


Click the flier to learn more

Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo 2024


August 13-15

Durham Convention Center

Durham, NC

Join us for the Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo 2024, where industry leaders will showcase the latest in sustainable fleet management technologies and strategies. Network with experts and discover innovative solutions to enhance fleet efficiency and sustainability.


Click the flier to learn more


Thinking About Installing Workplace Charging?

Sign the EMPOWER Pledge and Receive $250!


By signing the EMPOWER Program pledge, your business or organization pledges to try to provide resources and guidance to ensure EV charging is accessible to all communities in the DC, Maryland, Virginia region. Join us in promoting sustainability for employees in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region.


We don’t need project specifics, just a commitment; by signing, you will try to install at least one EV charging station in the future. Once you sign the pledge, we will give you $250 and access to resources to help you through the workplace charging installation process.


Contact Durrell Jones at DurrellJones@gwrccc.org, Darryl Barnes at DarrylBarnes@gwrccc.org or call the office at (202) 671-1580 with questions.

Sign the Pledge

DOT Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Partnership:

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments ("COG") is seeking proposals from qualified local entities to partner with COG to apply for federal funding for deployment of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, including acquisition, construction, installation, operation and maintenance. The proposal deadline is July 25, 2024. Learn about the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program here.


EPA Announces Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program:

The EPA has launched the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program, offering up to $932 million in funding to replace non-zero-emission vehicles with zero-emission alternatives. Applications are open until July 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM (ET). The program also funds refueling infrastructure, workforce development, and project implementation costs. For more information, visit EPA funding website.

Eligible applicants include states, municipalities, Indian Tribes, and nonprofit school transportation associations.

DOE Announces $7 Million for Clean Domestic Manufacturing

The DOE has announced over $7.3 million in funding to support 37 small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions. This initiative, part of the Investing in America agenda, is expected to abate around 17,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) Implementation Grants program will provide up to $300,000 per manufacturer, with the deadline for the current round of applications set for July 1, 2024. The funding aims to bolster domestic manufacturing, create jobs, and advance energy and environmental justice. Learn more about the program here.


Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program: Applications are open for round two in the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. CFI provides two funding categories of grants: (1) Community Charging and Alternative Fueling Grants (Community Program); and (2) Charging and Alternative Fuel Corridor Grants (Corridor Program). CFI Program investments will make modern and sustainable infrastructure accessible to all drivers of electric, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas vehicles. The CFI Program offers up to $1.3 billion under this notice of funding opportunity.


DOE Announces $16 Million to Convert Carbon Emissions into Valuable Products

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to $16 million in funding to develop technologies that transform carbon dioxide emissions into valuable products. This initiative, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aims to support the decarbonization of the U.S. fuel and chemical industries. The funding will focus on large-scale conversion technologies and feasibility studies for retrofitting facilities. The projects will help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and provide sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived products. Applications are due by August 27, 2024, with an emphasis on community benefits and environmental justice.


Prize to Recycle Critical Materials from Electronic Scrap:

Electronic scrap, or e-scrap, represents the fastest growing waste stream globally. However, this waste stream is full of critical materials that can be recycled to make clean energy technologies. That’s why EERE’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office just launched the Electronics Scrap Recycling Advancement Prize (E-SCRAP), which will award up to $4 million to competitors to substantially increase the production and use of critical materials recovered from e-scrap. Don’t forget to apply by Sept. 4!


Prince George's County Green Energy Loan Program:

The Program was created to advance public and private investment in clean energy and other innovative green technologies in Prince George’s County. This fund is a Pepco/Exelon sponsored program that supports an emerging industry in the County with loans up to $250,000 for commercial building energy efficiency improvements, energy conservation & renewable energy measures.

Industrial Assessment Center (IACs):

DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) announced it is making up to $16 million in funding available for hiring technical assistance field managers across the Industrial Assessment Center (IACs) network and for building a clearinghouse to support IACs and assist small- and medium-manufacturers. Applications are due on July 1, 2024, by 3:00 p.m. ET.  


Climate Catalytic Capital (C3) Fund:

The Climate Catalytic Capital (C3) Fund, created with passage of the Climate Solutions Now Act (CSNA) of 2022, exists to increase implementation of clean energy measures and technologies intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change. An allocation of $15M over three fiscal years is committed to the C3 Fund beginning in FY24. The next funding cycle begins in June.


Prince George's County Community Gardens Mini-Grants:

The Chesapeake Bay Trust is proud to partner with Prince George’s County on the Prince George’s Community Gardens Mini Grant Program. This mini-grant supports the creation and need for community gardens that provide resources to the Prince George’s County community while supporting the Prince George’s County Climate Action Plan. This funding opportunity is for up to $9,500.


Montgomery County Green Bank Technical Assistance Program Application Form:

In response to the market need, the Green Bank launched a Technical Assistance (TA) program that supports studies for commercial sector owners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generates jobs for contractors, and encourages compliance with County requirements. The studies inform and accelerate investment decisions in energy efficiency and renewable energy (e.g., solar PV) projects that improve building energy performance. In addition, our prequalified service providers help property owners benchmark their buildings, integrate the County’s evolving Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) requirements into multi-year building improvement plans, and understand the potential for electrification.


Montgomery County Energy Efficiency Program:

The Montgomery County Homeowner Energy Efficiency Program (MCEEP) is a FREE program through the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs, administered by Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland aimed at reducing home energy usage for qualified Washington Gas customers.


Prince George's County Sustainable Energy Grants:

Check out the Energy Efficiency (Natural Gas Incentives Now Available), Solar PV, & Solar Water Heater Grants, Sustainable Energy - Energy Star Certification & Green Leasing Grant, Sustainable Energy Workforce Development Program (SEWDP), Energizing Student Potential (Energy Literacy) and the Green Energy Loan Fund from Prince George’s County.


Prince George's County Green Energy Loan Program:

The Program was created to advance public and private investment in clean energy and other innovative green technologies in Prince George’s County. This fund is a Pepco/Exelon sponsored program that supports an emerging industry in the County with loans up to $250,000 for commercial building energy efficiency improvements, energy conservation & renewable energy measures.



U.S. Transportation Secretary Announces $1.8 Billion in Infrastructure Grants


The U.S. Transportation Secretary announced $1.8 billion in awards from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program for 148 projects nationwide. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these projects aim to improve infrastructure, enhance safety, and boost local economies. Examples include $12 million for improvements to Holloway Street in Durham, NC, $25 million for bridge replacements in rural Iowa, and $21 million for dock and rail upgrades in Menominee, MI. These community-driven projects are part of broader efforts to strengthen supply chains, reduce costs, and create good-paying jobs.


Presidential Federal Sustainability Awards Announced


The Biden-Harris Administration honored federal agencies and employees with the Presidential Federal Sustainability Awards for advancing sustainability and climate resilience. Selected from over 140 nominations, the winners exemplify efforts to cut energy costs, reduce emissions, and support the economy. Key projects include:

  • U.S. Postal Service: Committing to 66,000 electric delivery trucks and extensive EV charging infrastructure.
  • Department of Defense: Launching large-scale solar and battery storage projects at Edwards Air Force Base.
  • Department of Energy: Transforming former nuclear sites into clean energy generation areas.
  • Department of State: Procuring 100% carbon-free electricity for U.S. diplomatic missions in Japan.
  • General Services Administration: Procuring 24/7 clean electricity and electrifying D.C.’s largest building.

These initiatives contribute to the federal government's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and showcase significant progress towards a more sustainable future.

Sponsorship Opportunities!

GWRCCC is seeking your help and support. Click here to review the Sponsorship Opportunities.

Becoming a GWRCCC Member has it’s perks!

For more information, go to the link below.

Become a GWRCCC Member

Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

202-671-1580 | Info@GWRCCC.org | GWRCCC.org

Click here for membership information.

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