June 2026 Edition

Antoine M. Thompson

CEO/Executive Director

GWRCCC

To Our GWRCCC Family,

As we move into the summer months, the momentum for clean energy and sustainable transportation across the Greater Washington region is stronger than ever. We are moving closer to our deployment goals, expanding infrastructure, and building a workforce ready to sustain a green economy. To keep this momentum going, I have two major calls to action for our community this month, along with some practical advice for navigating summer fuel costs.

Register for the GWRCCC Annual Conference

The countdown has officially begun for our premier gathering of clean energy leaders, policymakers, and innovative technology providers. This year’s conference will focus heavily on accelerating low to zero emission vehicle adoption, maximizing local, state and federal funding opportunities, and implementing equitable climate solutions across the DMV.

Whether you are looking to network with industry pioneers or discover the latest alternative fuel technologies, this is an event you cannot afford to miss. Early registration is now open—secure your spot today to help shape the future of our regional transportation landscape.

Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-annual-conference-expo-awards-luncheon-tickets-1990646754028

Employers Wanted: Participate in the GWRCCC Job Fair

Building a cleaner future requires a skilled, diverse workforce. GWRCCC is hosting our upcoming regional Job Fair to bridge the gap between top-tier green talent and organizations leading the clean transition.

We are calling on all corporate partners, government agencies, utilities, and green tech companies to join us as exhibitors. Secure a recruitment table to showcase your open roles, meet qualified candidates, and invest in our local workforce pipelines.

If your organization is hiring or wants to support workforce development, please reach out to our team immediately to secure your exhibitor booth.

Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gwrccc-prince-georges-county-job-fair-tickets-1988322576350

Practical Tips: Smart Fuel Savings for Summer

While our ultimate goal remains transitioning away from fossil fuels, we know that managing current expenditures is a daily priority for both everyday consumers and fleet managers. High summer transit demands can strain budgets, so here are three highly effective, data-driven gasoline savings tips to deploy right now:

For Everyday Consumers

• Lighten the Load & Streamline: Remove unnecessary weight from your trunk or backseat. Every extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by roughly 1%. Additionally, remove roof cargo boxes when not in use; aerodynamic drag at highway speeds can cut fuel efficiency by up to 25%.
• Maintain Proper Tire Inflation: Driving on underinflated tires increases rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. Keeping your tires inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure can improve your gas mileage by up to 3% while extending tire life.
• Adopt Smooth Driving Habits: Aggressive driving—speeding, rapid acceleration, and harsh braking—wastes gas. It can lower your highway fuel economy by 15% to 30%. Practicing gentle acceleration and using cruise control on flat highways keeps your engine running in its most efficient RPM range.

For Fleet Managers

• Optimize Routes with Telematics: Implement or strictly enforce GPS-based routing software to eliminate overlapping territories and reduce empty miles. Cutting down on unnecessary vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is the single most direct way to instantly drop fuel consumption across an entire fleet.
• Enforce Strict Anti-Idling Policies: An idle commercial vehicle can burn a half-gallon to a full gallon of fuel per hour without moving an inch. Utilize telematics tracking to monitor excessive idling times and implement driver training programs to ensure engines are turned off during extended deliveries or drop-offs.
• Prioritize Preventative Maintenance: A poorly tuned engine or a clogged air filter can degrade fuel economy by up to 4%, while a faulty oxygen sensor can drop efficiency by a staggering 40%. Strict adherence to preventive maintenance schedules ensures that every vehicle in your fleet is operating at peak thermal and mechanical efficiency.

Thank you for your continued partnership and shared dedication to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Greater Washington region. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Warm regards,

Antoine M. Thompson 

CEO, GWRCCC

Thank you to all of the more than 55 participants in the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) Green Faith Training held in Largo, Maryland on May 28, 2026. Together we can make a difference and a better environment for generations to come.

You're Invited! 2026 Environmental Justice Summit

Join policymakers, community leaders, and industry experts at Howard University’s Armour J. Blackburn Auditorium for a dynamic Environmental Justice Forum focused on tackling long-standing inequities in transportation, energy, and environmental policy.

This timely event will explore how underserved communities have been disproportionately impacted by infrastructure decisions and how collaborative solutions can create a more just and equitable future.

Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Howard University, Armour J. Blackburn Auditorium (2397 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059)

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.

• When: Thursday, June 11, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT
• Where: Virtual (Eventbrite)
• Cost: Free for members and partners

Level Up Your Career: EVSE Technician Course

he future is electric, and Baton Rouge Community College is helping you lead the charge! We are offering a 4-day intensive Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Technician Course designed to get you job-ready for entry-level roles in the rapidly growing EV sector.

Event Details

• Dates: June 29 – July 2
• Time: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Location: Ardendale Campus
• Cost: $1,550 per student

What You’ll Learn

This "hands-on" course covers four comprehensive modules to give you a foundational edge:

1. Electrical Principles & Safety
2. Understanding Supply Power
3. Roles, Repair Orders & Communication
4. Field Practices & Documentation

Important Requirements

• NFPA 70E Training: Must be completed before the course starts (link provided upon registration).
• What’s Included: All printed course materials (notes + presentations), full lectures, and lab activities.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: June 16

The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) will host a Job Fair on Wednesday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Westphalia Community Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The event will bring together a variety of employers and training providers, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about job openings, workforce training programs, and career pathways. Whether you are seeking new employment or exploring training opportunities, this event is a great way to connect with organizations and resources in the region. Register here

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: Second Baptist Church Southwest

5501 Silver Hill Road, District Heights, MD 20747

Scholarship Alert!

East Coast First: Cary’s Electric Fire Truck Takes the Lead

The Town of Cary, NC has officially made history by deploying the first electric fire truck on the East Coast—and the results are in! To help other municipalities follow suit, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has released a comprehensive suite of new case study resources.

Why It Matters

This isn't just about "going green." Cary’s transition to the Pierce Volterra electric pumper demonstrates that zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles can meet the most demanding public safety requirements.

Key Takeaways from the Field:

• Performance: In its first real-world test at a structure fire, the truck pumped lines for over three hours, returning to the station with 42% battery remaining.
• Firefighter Health: The lack of tailpipe emissions and the whisper-quiet operation create a safer, calmer environment for crews to communicate during high-stakes calls.
• Scalability: Cary’s journey proves that electrification is feasible for mission-critical applications through strategic planning and strong partnerships.

Explore the Resources

Learn how Cary navigated the transition and what strategies your fleet can adopt today:

A deep dive into the real-world lessons and fleet-tested strategies.

Explore this and other case studies on the EDF landing page.

Annual GWRCCC Golf Tournament

You're Invited! GWRCCC Ron Flowers

Annual Golf Tournament

Join us for a day of golfing, networking, and celebration at the Ron Flowers Annual Golf Tournament, proudly hosted by the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC).

This exciting event brings together industry professionals, environmental advocates, and community leaders for a fun-filled day on the greens—all to support clean energy initiatives and environmental sustainability.

Whether you're a golfer, a wine enthusiast, or simply coming for lunch and great company, there’s something for everyone!

Register today on Eventbrite! See you on the green!

2026 Annual Conference, Expo, Awards Luncheon

Celebrating 15 Years: Join Us for our 2026 Annual Conference, Expo & Awards Luncheon!

This year marks a major milestone: 15 years of driving clean transportation forward! Our 2026 Annual Conference is shaping up to be our most impactful yet, and we want you to be part of the celebration.

Save the Date & Get Involved

Eventbrite page and the opportunities to participate below:

• Souvenir Journal: Help us commemorate our 15th anniversary! Secure your spot in our digital and print keepsake journal to highlight your organization’s achievements. Submit your entry here.

• Vehicle Showcase: Do you have a clean vehicle you want to show off? We are currently collecting data for our popular Vehicle Showcase. Sign up to showcase your vehicle here.

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.

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.

Becoming a GWRCCC Member has it’s perks!

For more information, go to the link below.

Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition

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

Click here for membership information.

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