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Antoine M. Thompson
CEO/Executive Director
GWRCCC
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A Message from the
Executive Director
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It is hard to believe that this is the last month of the 2nd quarter of 2024! The good news is that we have 7 more months to get things gone. Let’s make more things happen
In case you missed it, the 2024 ACT Expo recently held in Las Vegas was truly amazing with over 12,000 attendees from the clean transportation industry. I had the opportunity to drive a couple of vehicles, attend a number of workshops, support some of the GWRCCC members like Geo Murickan of Pioneer eMobility and many others.
Congratulations to Prince George’s County Public Schools, DC Public Schools, Baltimore County Public Schools for securing over $25 million dollars in funding from the U. S. EPA Clean School Bus Program. GWRCCC is proud to have supported many of these applications for funding. The last three years our organization has provided technical assistance, coordinated electric school bus ride and drives and hosted more than a dozen workshops, webinars and forums on electric school buses. Additionally, GWRCCC recently was on the winning team for an Equitable Electric School Bus Academy grant with WRI and over 10 other Clean Cities and Communities organizations from across the country from the U.S. Department of Energy.
There are a number of major funding announcements included in this month’s newsletter. Please reach out to GWRCCC for letters of support for your projects and funding applications. For up to the minute industry news, business and funding opportunities, become a dues paying member to receive the weekly Press Review at www.gwrccc.org/membership.
Lastly, Happy Father’s Day and congratulations to all graduates from various schools, colleges and training programs. See you at the GWRCCC's Environmental, Energy and Transportation Summit on June 20th and the GWRCCC Ron Flowers Golf Tournament on June 27th!
Sincerely,
Antoine M Thompson
Antoine M. Thompson
CEO & Executive Director
GWRCCC
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Advanced Clean Transportation Expo
Antoine M. Thompson, CEO/Executive Director of GWRCCC attended the ACT Expo 2024, the premier event for clean transportation in the U.S. Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) and clean cities and communities coalitions were represented from DC to California. Thanks to Pioneer eMobility - e-Boost for taking clean Cities and communities leaders to the 108 floor of The Strat.
#actexpo
#cleancities
#alternativefuels
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Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program
The Inflation Reduction Act invests $1 billion to replace existing non-zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles, support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and to train and develop workers. The opportunity closes July 25th.
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EPA Grants DMV Schools Over $50 Million for Clean School Buses
The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded over $50 million in rebates to school districts in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia through the EPA’s 2023 Clean School Bus Program. This funding will support the purchase of nearly 200 clean school buses, helping to replace older diesel models linked to health issues.
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National Capitol Region Chapter Electric Vehicle Forum & EV Showcase
Antoine Thompson, CEO & Executive Director of GWRCCC, had an exciting time participating in a panel at the Association of Engineers: National Capitol Region Chapter Electric Vehicle Forum & EV Showcase in Fairfax, Virginia, on May 17, 2024. What an inspiring event!
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Listen to the Newest Episode of
Green Leaders: On the Move with Jill Hamilton,
Founder and President of Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc. (SESI)
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Click on the flyer to listen | |
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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.
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Environmental, Energy & Transportation Justice Summit
June 20th
10 AM
Howard University, Armour J. Blackburn Auditorium
2397 6th Street Southwest Washington, DC 20024
This forum will break down historical racial disparities in transportation, energy, and the environment. We will discuss the strategies and best practices to ensure that the transportation sector is used to benefit historically marginalized groups.
Click the flier to learn more
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June 2024 Monthly Clean Energy & Transportation Industry Meeting
June 13th
10 AM
Hosted on Zoom.
The Monthly Clean Energy and Transportation Industry Meeting is an opportunity to hear what’s happening at GWRCCC and receive clean energy, environmental and transportation updates from local industry leaders on funding, business and job opportunities.
Click the flier to learn more
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The Ron Flowers Scholarship Golf Outing
June 27
8:30 AM
Oak Creek Golf Course
600 Bowieville Manor Lane,
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Click the flier to learn more
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Accelerating Access to EV Charging & Biodiesel at Local Fueling Stations
June 11
8:30 AM
Zoom
Click the flier to learn more
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Environmental Justice Coffee & Conversation
June 17
11 AM
Busboys and Poets
2004 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Click the flier to learn more
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Clean Fuels Summit Conference and Expo
June 12-13th
Lake Charles, LA
Industry leaders from across the country will gather in Lake Charles, LA, to share the latest information on emission reduction strategies for public and private fleets, medium and heavy-duty EVs, cybersecurity, renewable and biofuels, hydrogen, fleet case studies, grid resilience, funding assistance, and more.
Online ticket sales end on June 10th. After that, prices increase at the door. Once you register, please RSVP for the offsite Welcome Reception on June 12th, sponsored by Basecamp Renewables.
Click the flier to Register.
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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.
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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.
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.
$316 Million Available to Modernize Ferry Service and Better Connect Rural Communities: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of $316 million to support and modernize passenger ferry service in communities across the country. Across the country, there are approximately three million ferry riders each month, utilizing these transit services to get to work, school, healthcare appointments, and more. In addition to FTA’s long-standing Passenger Ferry Program, the BIL established more federal support for ferry service, including for ferry systems. Applications are due June 17th.
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.
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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.
Maryland Urban & Community Forestry Grants:
The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Committee (MUCFC) Grants program helps community groups fund tree planting and education projects statewide to enhance Maryland’s urban forest.* Community tree projects may be organized via schools, service organizations, homeowner organizations or other volunteer-based groups. The tree planting/educational projects must be located on public lands in parks, metropolitan areas, cities or towns. The maximum grant awarded per project is $1,000. Grant proposals are due to Grants Chair, with forestry board member original signature, by 4:30 p.m. on February and July 15. and reviewed shortly thereafter.
Urban Trees Mini-Grant -Chesapeake Bay Trust Deadline:
$5,000 to fund communities that would like to implement small tree planting projects. Tree planting proposed must occur in urban areas with low median household income levels, high unemployment, and neighborhoods with housing projects or that were historically red-lined at any time. Non-profit organizations, community and homeowner associations, faith-based organizations, and more can apply.
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Denver Enacts Legislation to Enhance Protections for Communities Impacted by Pollution:
Gov. Jared Polis signed new legislation to protect communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. Sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel, Elizabeth Velasco, and Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, this law enhances oversight of petroleum refineries and mandates increased protections.
The new legislation empowers CDPHE’s Environmental Justice Office to study cumulative pollution impacts and socioeconomic factors, funds a refinery expert to assess health protections, requires near real-time emissions monitoring, and establishes a rapid response inspection team for air pollution complaints.
Argonne Scientists Use AI to Revolutionize Energy Grid Maintenance:
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory are using AI to transform energy grid maintenance. As the U.S. moves towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar, maintaining the aging grid infrastructure is crucial. Argonne's AI-enabled software predicts equipment failures by analyzing sensor data, allowing power companies to perform timely repairs and replacements. for more information visit the Argonne National Laboratory website.
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Sponsorship Opportunities! |
GWRCCC is seeking your help and support. Click here to review the Sponsorship Opportunities. | |
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Becoming a GWRCCC Member has it’s perks!
For more information, go to the link below.
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Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
202-671-1580 | Info@GWRCCC.org | GWRCCC.org
Click here for membership information.
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