A Message from the Executive Director | | |
Antoine M. Thompson
CEO/Executive Director
GWRCCC
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To Our GWRCCC Family,
As we celebrate Earth Day this April 22nd, the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) invites our members and partners to reflect on our collective impact. While Earth Day is a global movement, its most meaningful successes happen right here in our streets, neighborhoods, and regional transit corridors.
Why Transportation Matters
Transportation remains the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States, accounting for roughly 28% of total output. In our densely populated region, the shift toward sustainable mobility isn't just an environmental goal—it’s a public health necessity.
Reducing these emissions means more than just hitting climate targets; it means:
- Cleaner Air: Reducing tailpipe pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and particulate matter.
- Energy Security: Diversifying our fuel sources and reducing dependence on petroleum.
- Economic Vitality: Lowering long-term fuel and maintenance costs for fleets and residents alike.
Our Path Forward
GWRCCC is committed to helping our region transition to a low-carbon future. This Earth Day, we highlight three critical pillars of change:
- Accelerating Electrification: From passenger vehicles to heavy-duty transit buses, the transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) is the most direct route to decarbonization.
- Alternative Fuel Adoption: For sectors where electrification is still evolving, fuels like Biodiesel, Propane, Hydrogen, and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) provide immediate pathways to lower carbon intensity.
- Smart Infrastructure: Building a robust, equitable charging and fueling network ensures that no community is left behind in the green transition.
Take Action Today
Sustainability isn't a destination; it's a practice. Whether you are a fleet manager exploring the Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic (AFLEET) tool or an individual considering your next vehicle purchase, every mile driven on clean energy counts.
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." — Proverb
Let’s use this Earth Day to reaffirm our commitment to a low to zero-emission future. Together, we can ensure the Greater Washington region remains a leader in the green revolution. Register Today to walk, exhibit, showcase a vehicle or to donate to the 2nd Annual GWRCCC Earth Day Walk and Green Expo and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Showcase, on Saturday, April 18th, at 10am to 1pm, on the National Mall, Washington, DC. For more information visit https://gwrccc.org/earth-day/ or call the office at 202-671-1580.
Happy Earth Day!
Antoine M. Thompson
CEO, GWRCCC
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The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) hosted a Job Fair on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Westphalia Community Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, connecting job seekers with employers across EV/clean energy, hospitality, customer service, technical trades, government, and waste management.
The event featured on-site training including resume critiques, mock interviews, and career guidance, leaving attendees with strong job leads, valuable skills, and increased confidence in pursuing new opportunities.
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The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) provides weekly policy updates on public policy decisions made by the General Assembly during the legislative session. Below are some notable developments in active legislation relating to clean energy, transportation, and environmental justice:
- SB0275/HB0869 – Vehicle Laws - Electric Vehicle Dealer Licenses - City of Bowie
Increasing from four to five the number of dealer licenses available for certain manufacturers or distributors that deal only in electric or nonfossil-fuel burning vehicles; and providing that one of the licenses may be issued only for the operation of a dealership in the City of Bowie.
- HB1019 – School Bus Transition – Propane-Powered School Buses – Grant Program, Fund, and Purchase
Altering certain provisions of law relating to funding and grants to transition to zero-emission vehicle school buses to include propane-powered school buses; and authorizing a county board of education, beginning in fiscal year 2030, to enter into a new contract for the purchase of school buses that are propane-powered.
- SB0023/HB0695 – Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program and Fund – Establishment
Establishing the Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits Loan Program in the Maryland Clean Energy Center to provide financial assistance in the form of no-interest loans to nonprofit organizations for the planning, purchase, and installation of qualifying energy systems and for actions that improve energy efficiency; establishing the Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits Loan Fund; authorizing the Governor to include $5,000,000 in the fiscal year 2028 budget for the Fund; etc.
- HB1416 – State Procurement and Recipients of State Funding – Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment – Minority Business Enterprise Participation
Requiring a unit of State government to set an expected degree of minority business participation specifically for certain provisions related to the procurement of electric vehicle charging equipment and installation in certain contracts under certain circumstances; requiring that recipients of $100,000 or more of state funding for the purchase and installation of electrical vehicle charging equipment comply with the State’s minority business participation program; etc.
For the full list of policy updates from the MCEC, click HERE. Stay up to date by RSVP’ing to the MCEC’s weekly virtual policy update meetings and subscribing to their weekly email series at the same link as the policy updates.
| | Save the Date: Tapping into Québec-Maryland Potential | | | | |
Stay at the forefront of the green transition by joining us for our April Industry Meeting. This monthly gathering is a vital hub for local leaders to share the latest updates on clean energy, environmental policy, and transportation innovation. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into new funding opportunities, business developments, and emerging career pathways within the region.
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When: Thursday, April 9, 2026
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Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT
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Where: Virtual (Eventbrite)
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Cost: Free for members and partners
| | GWRCCC 2nd Annual Earth Day Walk | | |
This Earth Day, the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) is taking our mission to the heart of the nation. On Saturday, April 18, we invite you to join us on the National Mall for an inspiring day dedicated to "Our Power, Our Planet."
This isn't just a walk—it’s a showcase of the future of clean energy. Participants will enjoy:
- The 2nd Annual Earth Day Walk: A scenic route starting behind the U.S. Capitol.
- Alternative Fuel Vehicle Display: Get up close with the latest in EV technology, biofuels, and hydrogen-powered transit.
- Green Expo: Meet industry leaders, government officials, and non-profits working toward a sustainable, zero-emission region.
- Family Fun: Live music, interactive learning, and free T-shirts for registered walkers (while supplies last!).
Whether you’re a clean-energy professional or a local resident looking to make a difference, your presence helps us advocate for cleaner air and a more sustainable future.
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: Check-in at 8:00 AM | Walk at 10:00 AM | Expo until 1:00 PM
Location: 3rd St SW & Madison Dr NW, Washington, D.C.
For more information, click here.
| | DC Climate Week panel: Energy Innovators in Action: How Climate Entrepreneurs and Legacy Businesses Are Building the Next Generation of Green Jobs Hosted by Dai Techcorp | | |
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2026 ACT Expo for 2026
May 4-7, 2026
Lock in your savings for the ACT Expo before prices go up after Friday, April 3. Register now to secure current rates and use our exclusive member code 26AE-GWRCCC to receive an additional $100 off. Don’t miss your chance to save—secure your spot today!
For more information, click here.
If you haven't registered yet, please reach out to GWRCCC for an opportunity to get a complimentary registration.
| | Smart & Sustainable Mobility Showcase | | Québec Délégation Générale New York will host its Smart & Sustainable Mobility Showcase with MDOT, the City of Baltimore, and Morgan State University on May 18, 2026. Be sure to register! Click here to register. | | |
The 6th Session of ICWS Hybrid Workshop, COMING SOON!
U.S. Clean Mobility Future
An Exclusive DMV Leaders Discussion
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Join us on April 30, 2026, for a high-level workshop on the practical implementation of sustainable transportation. Hosted by PEPCO at the Edison Place Gallery in Washington, D.C., the event brings together industry leaders to discuss investment strategies and real-world results in fleet electrification and grid innovation.
Join this discussion series.
- In-Person (DMV Region): We invite our network across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas to join us on-site for face-to-face collaboration.
- Lunch Roundtables (In-Person Only): On-site attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to join our midday roundtables—a focused forum for candid peer-to-peer discussion and networking.
For more information, click here.
| | The Beth Calabotta Sustainability Education Grant | | |
Established in 2018, the Beth Calabotta Sustainability Education Grant provides a $3,000 award to one deserving full-time student whose academic or research work supports initiatives in the clean fuels industry. The award also allows the recipient to attend and participate in Clean Fuels Alliance America’s Sustainability Workshop, scheduled for April 27–29, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, and any remaining funds may be applied toward academic expenses.
For more information, click here.
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Mid-Atlantic Advanced Transportation Summit & Expo
July 21-23, 2026
Join us for a first-of-its-kind Advanced Transportation Summit in the Shenandoah Valley! Taking place at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic Advanced Transportation Summit & Expo (MAATSE) will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore cutting-edge technologies and strategies shaping mobility across the region.
Register here.
Sign up here for our monthly newsletter or other lists to learn more about clean transportation developments throughout the Commonwealth
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The Coalition (formerly CNHED), in partnership with the George Washington University School of Business, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for ELEVATE Cohort VI. Over previous ELEVATE cohorts, we consistently heard from ineligible District early-stage entrepreneurs about their strong interest in participating in the program. In response, we have intentionally designed Cohort VI to serve early-stage entrepreneurs, reflecting the needs and feedback of the community.
We are reaching out to our small business ecosystem partners—including ELEVATE alumni, small business support organizations, District agencies, capital providers, and other stakeholders—to help us spread the word about this opportunity. We kindly ask for your support in identifying, recommending, and referring prospective entrepreneurs and businesses to apply. Marketing materials and digital assets are included below for easy sharing.
To further support outreach, we will host a virtual information session for interested businesses on Thursday, February 5, at 11:00 a.m. Businesses can RSVP using the link below. Please note that applications will close on Tuesday, March 10.
Additional details about Cohort VI are included below.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
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Department of Energy & Environment
Grants and Opportunities
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Use the link provided below to view DOEE's “open” grants, funding opportunities, and requests for applications and proposals (RFAs & RFPs) to fund various environmental projects. They appear with the most recent announced RFAs at the top. To view the list, click here.
For those items that are closed, please see the archives page.
| | Maryland Clean Energy Grants and Loans | | The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) manages grants, loans, rebates, and tax incentives designed to help attain Maryland's goals in energy use reduction, renewable energy promotion, climate action, and the creation of green jobs. Through the programs below, the agency helps Maryland residents, businesses, non-profits, and local governments implement energy efficiency upgrades and install renewable energy systems. View an alphabetical list of all of our programs here. | | | | |
State of MD RFP Opportunity for the
MPA Dundalk Marine Terminal EV project (BPM053597)
Lot : 1 / Round : 13
RFP to install one (1) ChargePoint Dual-Port, Level 2 charging stations and related electrical infrastructure. Conduits should be laid as shown in the provided manual, and the charger must be pedestal mounted.
For more information, click here.
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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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