November 2024 Edition

Antoine M. Thompson

CEO/Executive Director

GWRCCC

A Message from the

Executive Director

We are excited to announce that GWRCCC won a Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) from

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The DERA project will focus on replacing municipal-owned diesel-powered vehicles in Washington, DC. Emissions from diesel vehicles are a danger to public health and contribute to respiratory-related illnesses and climate change.

GWRCCC was on three winning grant teams with the U.S. Department of Energy Vehicle Technology Office for workforce development, fleet coaching, and the deployment of EV charging stations. These projects will help improve our environment and accelerate the transition to cleaner and alternative fuels in our region.

Thank you to everyone who attended the GWRCCC Annual Conference and Awards Luncheon

on October 16, 2024, at Martin’s Crosswinds, Greenbelt, Maryland. The event was a huge

success. We are asking all our readers to donate to GWRCCC on Giving Tuesday, December 3,

2024 at www.gwrccc.org/donations.

Please call the

Office at 202-671-1580 or email me at antoinethompson@gwrccc.org.

Sincerely,

Antoine M. Thompson

CEO/Executive Director

GWRCCC in the Community

GWRCCC Live On Get Up DC!

Catch Up on the 2024 GWRCCC Annual Conference Highlights on Get Up DC!

Did you miss the 2024 Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) Annual Conference? Don't worry! Our recent live feature on Get Up DC recapped key moments from the conference, featuring insightful discussions on the future of clean energy and sustainable transportation. Watch the full interview on YouTube to get the inside scoop on our initiatives and the progress we're making in the clean energy space! Watch Here

Spotlight: GWRCCC Annual Conference Recap

The 2024 Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) Annual Conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and advocates to explore groundbreaking strategies for a cleaner, greener future. From electric vehicle innovations to advancing grid capacity, the event sparked powerful conversations and actionable insights in the clean energy sector. Watch the WUSA9 feature here! This year, GWRCCC also proudly honored the legacy of Ron Flowers by awarding the Ron Flowers Future Green Leaders Scholarship to recent graduates dedicated to sustainability and environmental studies. Congratulations to the 2024 scholarship recipients: Makiyah Proctor, Helaynah Foster, Jordyn Hall, Tomas Vick, Godwill Tewan, Lauryn Marshall, Sydnei Moore, William Levy, and Ephraim Johnson, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in driving sustainable change—together, we’re making an impact! Congratulations to these future green leaders!

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.

November 2024 EV 101 Baltimore

Nov 12th

7 - 8 PM

Hosted on Zoom

Join us for our Virtual EV 101 Workshop, crafted to empower Baltimore-area residents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about EVs.

November 2024 GWRCCC Job Fair

Nov 13th

10 AM - 1 PM

Suitland Community Center

5600 Regency Lane

Forestville, MD 20747

Looking for a new career opportunity? Join us at the GWRCCC Job Fair! This is your chance to meet with top employers from a variety of industries. Bring your resume and take the next step in your career journey. Employers, are you looking to hire top talent? Register now for the GWRCCC Job Fair to showcase your company to a diverse group of job seekers across various industries.

Registration

November 2024 Clean Energy & Transportation Industry Meeting

Nov 14th

10 - 11 AM

Hosted on Zoom

Join our Monthly Clean Energy Meeting for exciting updates and opportunities

from GWRCCC and local leaders!

Infrastructure/Transportation Summit

Thursday, November 14, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM EST at the Engineers Club of Baltimore (11 West Mount Vernon Place). This event will showcase four major infrastructure projects transforming transportation and development.

Key Highlights:

Presentations on innovative projects
Expert panels with industry leaders
Networking opportunities

MDTA will present on the Key Bridge Rebuild Project, covering status, challenges, and next steps.

Sustainable Maryland Sustainability Action Grants

Sustainable Maryland is excited to announce a new grant funding opportunity for registered and certified municipalities. With $100,000 available, these grants support community-scale sustainability initiatives to enhance livability across Maryland.

Key Grant Information:

Registered Communities: Up to $5,000 (total of $20,000 available)
Certified Communities: Up to $20,000 (total of $80,000 available)

**Applications are due by 11:59 PM on Friday, November 8th, 2024. Online submissions are the only ones that will be considered. For questions, email SMGrants@umd.edu.

Sustainable You - your local, certified solar and sustainability consultancy group dedicated to empowering Washington DC residents. With a mission to connect with the best sustainable programs and incentives, Sustainable You specializes in solar energy installations. Whether you're looking to maximize your solar incentives through purchasing a system or explore enrollment in the free solar program to reduce or eliminate your electric bill, Sustainable You provides expert guidance and competitive quotes. Serving homeowners and businesses across the DMV area, also support non-profits and churches with their Solar Sanctuaries initiative, offering free solar installations in DC. Sustainable You is your trusted partner in all things sustainable, committed to fostering a greener future for our community.

Visit Sustainable You

$521 Million in Grants Awarded to Expand National EV Charging Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced $521 million in grants through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure across 29 states, eight Federally Recognized Tribes, and the District of Columbia. This funding will support the construction of over 9,200 EV charging ports, including $321 million for community projects like Milwaukee's citywide EV charger installations and $3.9 million for chargers on the Sioux Reservation. An additional $200 million will fund fast-charging projects along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.

DOE Awards Over $12 Million for Local Clean Energy Projects

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded $12.62 million to 35 state, local, and Tribal governments under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program to enhance energy efficiency, lower energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these grants will support initiatives such as fleet electrification, solar installations, and energy efficiency upgrades in low-income communities. The EECBG Program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, aiming to advance environmental justice and accelerate the nation’s clean energy transition.

Biden-Harris Administration Unveils $900 Million for Next-Generation Nuclear Technologies.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced the opening of applications for up to $900 million in funding to support the domestic deployment of Generation III+ small modular reactor (SMR) technologies. This initiative, part of the Investing in America agenda, aims to enhance the nuclear sector's capacity to provide clean, reliable electricity while creating high-quality jobs. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized that revitalizing the atomic industry is crucial for adding carbon-free energy to the grid. The funding, divided into two tiers, will address key gaps in the nuclear supply chain and support projects that align with the President’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring benefits flow to disadvantaged communities. Applications are due by January 17, 2025. For more information, visit the Department of Energy's website.

DOE Announces Intent to Fund University Training and Research in Fossil Energy and Carbon Management

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) has released a notice of intent to issue a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for its University Training and Research program. The program aims to educate the next generation of engineers and scientists, enhance early-stage research at U.S. universities, and promote diversity in STEM fields. Expected areas of interest include expanding carbon management education, addressing gaps in the critical mineral supply chain, advancing soil carbon sequestration, and leveraging AI for carbon capture research, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU-MSI). The FOA is anticipated in Q4 2024.

Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a funding opportunity for Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas, aimed at supporting clean energy projects that benefit small communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer. This initiative seeks to lower energy costs, improve energy access, and enhance resilience in areas often burdened by higher energy expenses and fewer resources. Eligible projects may focus on various activities, including energy efficiency upgrades, transmission line improvements, and the development of microgrids. Interested applicants must submit a Concept Paper by 5:00 PM ET on February 27, 2025, to qualify for application consideration.

Maryland Clean Energy Loan Program Surpassing $3 Million Milestone for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

The Maryland Clean Energy Center announced that its Clean Energy Advantage (CEA) Loan Pilot Program has surpassed $3 million in financing, enabling homeowners to access loans up to $50,000 with credit scores as low as 580. With 0% interest for the first 24 months, the program aims to empower residents to invest in energy-efficient upgrades, significantly reducing energy costs and enhancing home comfort. The initiative supports over 300 Maryland homeowners, with funding available until December 31, 2025. CEA is administered in partnership with the Montgomery County Green Bank and aims to promote equitable access to clean energy resources while generating local job opportunities. For more information, visit cealoan.org.

EPA Awards $4.3 Billion for Community-Driven Climate Solutions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $4.3 billion in grants for 25 selected applications under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program. These funds will support state, local, and Tribal entities in 30 states to implement projects that reduce greenhouse gases, improve air quality, and promote environmental justice. The grants will target sectors such as transportation, electric power, buildings, industry, agriculture, and waste management, aiming to achieve significant emission reductions by 2030 and 2050. This initiative is part of the broader effort to accelerate America's clean energy transition.

U.S. Department of Transportation Allocates $800 Million to Boost Sustainable Transit

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced $800 million in funding under the Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program, aimed at promoting the use of low-carbon construction materials in transportation projects. Supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, this initiative empowers state, local, and tribal governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable transit options. By prioritizing cleaner materials like low-carbon steel, concrete, and asphalt, the program aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to reducing the nation’s carbon footprint and advancing climate-friendly infrastructure development.