Climate Justice Newsletter

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Welcome to the Office of Energy Resources' Climate Justice newsletter! If you are receiving this newsletter it is because you shared your email at a Climate Justice Hour or have been have in contact with Chris Gaynor and Greg Ohadoma.


In this newsletter, our mission is to educate and provide resources and opportunities to Rhode Islanders living in disadvantaged and environmental justice communities on how they can take action in creating a sustainable and just future.

CLIMATE JUSTICE OVERVIEW

LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

The Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is a federally required plan that establishes the direction of Rhode Island's multi-modal transportation system over the next 25 years. The plan includes roads, bridges, public transit, bike paths, sidewalks, ports and more.


The LRTP will shape and impact all transportation plans throughout the state. It also provides various agencies and the public with an opportunity to discuss transportation now and in the future.


Public feedback is heavily encouraged throughout the creation of the LRTP. The Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning (RIDSP) will engage the public through workshops, meetings, events, surveys, focus groups, and public hearings. Have a say in what transportation looks like in your state! Visit RIDSP for more information.

Learn More

CER REGIONAL ROADSHOW: REGION 1

Brought to you by the Environmental Justice Division at EPA Region 1, the Community, Equity, and Resiliency (CER) Regional Roadshow gives Region 1 community leaders and possible grant applicants an opportunity to learn about historic funding and technical assistance, network, and brainstorm solutions for the future.


July 26, 2024​ 

9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Providence Public Library

150 Empire Street


A groundbreaking effort, the Regional Roadshow is a component of EPA's Community, Equity and Resiliency initiative. This effort aims to educate communities about investments from the Inflation Reduction Act and President Biden's Investing in America agenda.


The EPA's Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) and Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR) will collaborate to support community-driven partnerships. They will also supply an environment that fosters learning, connecting, and innovative ideas for accessing these new resources, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities.


Take advantage of this unique opportunity. Space is limited so reserve your spot here today!

Register Here

OER PROGRAMS

Erika Niedowski Memorial Electric Bicycle Rebate Program


An electric bicycle, or e-bike, is a bicycle equipped with a motor and a rechargeable battery capable of reaching maximum speeds of 20 mph to 28 mph. E-bikes offer numerous advantages, including reduced fuel costs, greater versatility compared to traditional bicycles, and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.


The Erika Niedowski Memorial Electric Bicycle Rebate Program aims to increase access to zero-emission e-bikes, making them more affordable and attainable for Rhode Islanders. The program offers two types of rebates:


Standard Rebate: Save up to $350, or 30% (whichever is less) off the final purchase price of an e-bike or e-cargo bike. Each household is eligible for up to 2 rebates.


Income-Qualified Rebate: Save up to $750, or 75% (whichever is less) off the total purchase price of an e-bike or e-cargo bike. Each household is eligible for up to 2 rebates.


Funding is limited, and applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and program requirement please visit: www.drive.ri.gov/ebike.

Apply Here

Photography credits to PosiGen

Affordable Solar Access Pathways Program


Want this to be you? If you are looking to go solar then consider the Affordable Solar Access Pathways (ASAP) Program. Through an innovative lease, the ASAP Program provides solar to eligible households in environmental justice areas. Qualifying households participating in ASAP can access affordable rooftop solar and energy efficiency services.


Why consider? There are many benefits for recipients of the ASAP Solar Lease. It guarantees first-year savings and a 25-year maintenance and performance guarantee. It also offers discounted pricing for eligible homeowners. To maximize energy efficiency, a home energy audit and necessary upgrades will be conducted at no extra charge. Lastly, there is no minimum credit score or income requirement to participate in the program.

Schedule A Free Consultation to See if You Qualify

Clean Heat Rhode Island


Feeling the heat this summer? Think about upgrading to a heat pump with Clean Heat RI. Heat pumps move heat indoors to outdoors in cooling mode or outdoors to indoors in heating mode. They can also be installed in home with or without ducts.


Clean Heat RI provides incentives for households, small to mid-sized businesses, and non-profits to install high efficiency heat pumps. Clean Heat RI offers three classifications of incentives. They are the residential incentive, the income eligible incentive, and the commercial/non-profit incentive.


The income eligible incentive covers 100% of the cost for qualifying homeowners. This includes homeowners who heat with oil or propane and whose homes have been weatherized.


To stay up to date on program developments and rebates by subscribing to the Clean Heat mailing list. Visit CleanHeatRI.com to learn more or sign up for a free consultation. Apply today!

Visit Clean Heat RI

OPPORTUNITIES AND FUNDING

Employment & Training Opportunities



Farm Fresh Rhode Island AmeriCorps Direct Service: Several fellowship positions are available at Farm Fresh RI. Benefits include $26,000 living stipend, mileage reimbursement, professional development opportunities and more.


EPA Deputy Assistant Administrator for Program Operations: The EPA is looking for a Deputy Assistant Administrator to lead the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR).


Ørsted Offshore Wind Turbine Technician: Work out of Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, or Maryland as an offshore wind turbine technician at Ørsted.


Ørsted Transmission Specialist: Apply by July 31 to work in Providence, Port Jefferson, and North Kingstown as a transmission specialist at Ørsted.


Ørsted Operations Engineer: Work as an operations engineer out of Providence at Ørsted. Applications are due July 31.


Community Engagement and Inclusion Specialist: The Rhode Island Sea Grant is looking for a Community Engagement and Inclusion Specialist by August 9.


Previously Listed


Global Wind Organization – Basic Safety Training: The Global Wind Organization's Basic Safety Training supports professional development for the future workforce of Rhode Island's growing offshore wind sector.

Grant Funding Opportunities



The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) Program: The EPA has announced $600 million in funding to 11 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmakers through the EJ TCGM Program. Subgrants are expected to be available by Fall 2024.


Climate Resilience Fund (CRF): Due July 26, the CRF provides grants for implementing climate resilient projects across RI. RI DEM is offering about $1 million in funds. To learn more about CRF click here.


Request Community Change Grants Program (CCGP) Technical Assistance: Request technical assistance to help apply for CCGP by August 16. CCGP is intended to help disadvantaged communities through environmental and climate justice projects. Applications for CCGP are open until November 21.



Previously Listed


Healthy Communities Grant Program for New England: The EPA's main grant for New England, the Healthy Communities Grant Program for New England reduces environmental risks and improves health and quality of life through direct collaboration with communities.


Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program: The Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program provides funds to reduce pollution, increase resiliency and strengthen DACs


Air Grants & Funding: Administered by the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), Air Grants and Funding offers grants and rebates to projects surrounding climate change, air quality, transportation and indoor air.

*Employment, training, and grant funding opportunities are subject to change. Always check the website for updated information.

RESOURCES

Creating the Healthiest Nation: Environmental Justice for All: Created by the American Public Health Association, this factsheet analyzes the connection between health and environmental justice.


Clean Heat RI Dashboard: Updated monthly, the Clean Heat RI Dashboard displays the rebate program database of information gathered since its launch.


DRIVE EV Dashboard: This dashboard depicts statistics for the DRIVE EV Rebate Project covering the vehicle type and the rebate used.


National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network: This database consists of health, exposure, and hazard information. It creates maps, tables, and charts covering topics such as chemicals and substances found in the environment, chronic diseases and conditions, and the area where you live.


Guide to Finding Federal Assistance and Resources for Environmental Justice Efforts: From the EPA, this guide provides resources, tools, and training to better help communities address their environmental justice needs. It also serves as a source with tips on searching for funding opportunities.


Environmental Justice Hotline: Publicly accessible during traditional business hours, the EJ Hotline supports communities with information that aids in addressing potential environmental and/or public health issues.


EPA EJScreen 2.3: Newly updated, the EJScreen 2.3 blends environmental and demographic socioeconomic indicators and visualizes them. This update includes a redesigned and enhanced report, a new environmental indicator with accompanying indexes, and renewed data.

CLIMATE & ENERGY RELATED EVENTS

July 26th

9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

CER Regional Roadshow: Region 1

150 Empire Street Providence

July 31st

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

HER Program Public Comment Session

Hybrid

September 4th

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Climate Justice Hour

Boys & Girls Woonsocket Clubhouse

*Events are subject to change. Always check the event website for updated times, dates and location details before you attend.


Would you like to add your funding opportunity or energy-related event to our newsletter? Send the details and event URL to Natalie.Bishop.CTR@energy.ri.gov and Greg.Ohadoma@energy.ri.gov.

Missed the last Climate Justice Newsletter? See it here.

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