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Summer Sustainability Scoop – GWRCCC August Edition | |
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A Message from the
CEO & Executive Director
These are very difficult times for organizations like GWRCCC that value alternative fuels, clean energy and transportation, sustainability, and climate solutions. It is during times of uncertainty and instability that leaders and stakeholders must unite and rise to the challenge.
I would like to sincerely thank you for standing with us, donating your time and resources, sponsoring, and showing up at our events.
Thank you to all the members and stakeholders who wrote letters, made phone calls, and sent messages to federal officials in opposition to proposed cuts in funding for the federal Clean Cities Program and other clean energy and transportation initiatives. While we have experienced some setbacks, GWRCCC has been leading these efforts for over 32 years.
With your continued support, we will come through this stronger and more impactful than ever before.
Here are three ways you can
help today:
- Join or renew your GWRCCC membership at www.gwrccc.org/membership
- Make a donation to support our mission at www.gwrccc.org/donations
- Register to attend and/or sponsor the GWRCCC Annual Clean Energy and Transportation Conference on October 23, 2025
Together, we move forward—toward a cleaner environment and a better future.
Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson
CEO & Executive Director
| Upcoming Monthly Clean Energy & Transportation Industry Meeting | |
Join our Monthly Clean Energy Meeting for exciting updates and opportunities
from GWRCCC and local leaders!
Hosted on Zoom
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Help Secure FY26 Clean Cities and Communities Funding
We’re gaining momentum — but now is the time to press the accelerator.
Congress is out on August recess, and we have just three weeks to deliver a powerful, bipartisan business case in support of the House’s recommended $60 million for FY26 Clean Cities and Communities funding.
How You Can Help This Week
Transportation Energy Partners (TEP) website, the advocacy partner for Clean Cities Coalitions across the U.S., now includes a public-facing landing page to which businesses, industry partners, and allies can be directed:
| Please complete by August 22, 2025. | |
Thank you to all our participants, sponsors, donors, Board Members, Staff and Consultants, and volunteers who helped make the Baltimore Jobs Fair last July 24, 2025, a huge success.
Advocacy Update
GWRCCC continues to be at the forefront of advocating for local, state and federal investments in clean and sustainable energy and transportation and environmental funding and policies. Currently, GWRCCC is working to preserve federal funding for the Clean Cities and Communities program. We were able to help preserve some of the federal tax credits from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Thank you to everyone that made calls, sent letters and emails to federal lawmakers. Please be aware that the federal rebates and tax credits for $7500 and $4,000 for purchasing a new or used vehicle now expires on September 30, 2025. GWRCCC strongly encourages our members, stakeholders and community members to take advantage of these opportunities.
Maryland Biofuels Fuels Task Force
GWRCCC launched a Maryland Biofuels taskforce to help push for policies, funding and incentives at the local and state levels to increase the deployment of biofuels in the transportation and building sectors. Biofuels are better for the environment and public health compared to traditional fuel. One of the goals of the task force is to have the state create a Low Carbon Fuel Standard like the State of California.
Events
The International Biodiesel Day Forum will take place on August 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.; the GWRCCC August industry virtual meeting will be held on Thursday, August 14th, at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. GWRCCC and Drive Electric DMV & PGC Happy Hour, Thursday, August 28th, 6pm to 8pm, at 4400 Forbes Boulevard, Lanham, Maryland. Register Today for the GWRCCC Annual Clean Energy & Transportation Conference on October 23, 2025, at https://gwrccc.org/annual-conference. The conference will have over 12 workshops, training, vehicle and fleet showcase, ride and drive, luncheon awards, a reception, a legislative update and much more. Sponsorship and branding opportunities are available.
How You Can Help GWRCCC
Many people have asked how you can help GWRCCC keep going forward as not profit, charitable organizations. First, you can make a tax-deductible donation at www.gwrccc.org/donations. Second, you can become a member or renew your membership (dues are paid each year) at www.gwrccc.org/membership. Third, you or your organization/company can sponsor a GWRCCC event, meeting, conference, program or project. You can also make in-kind contributions (donating the use of a venue or meeting place, supplies, door prizes, vehicles, equipment, etc.). Together, we can continue to move onwards towards a cleaner and better environment.
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GWRCCC Green Leaders On The Move: The Future Of Mobile EV Charging With Pioneering eMobility | Geo Murickan, CEO of Pioneer eMobility, discusses how e-Boost is solving long wait times for EV charging infrastructure with mobile fast-charging solutions. He explains how propane-powered units offer flexibility for fleets, the challenges of grid connection delays, and the role of renewable propane in reducing emissions. Murickan also shares advice for fleet operators electrifying in 2025 and introduces ME2X, a new solution for delivering off-site solar power. |
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Support the GWRCCC Annual Conference – Swag Bag Donations Needed!
We’re excited to host the upcoming Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition Annual Conference and are seeking swag bag donations to share with our attendees! This is a great opportunity to showcase your brand while supporting clean transportation and sustainability efforts in our region. Items like reusable water bottles, pens, notepads, keychains, or other eco-friendly promotional products are welcome.
If you're interested in contributing, please contact us at info@gwrccc.org by 08/20/2025. Thank you for helping make this event memorable!
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Thank You for Attending the
Baltimore Jobs Fair!
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| SAF and RNG Conference in Houston (July 16–18) | Antoine M. Thompson, Executive Director of GWRCCC, spoke at the Capital Markets on SAF and RNG Conference in Houston (July 16–18), highlighting how clean transportation and alternative fuels pave the way for a more sustainable planet and cleaner air for all. | | | |
| Facility and Fleet Tour in Arlington Public Schools |
Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) July 31, 2025 tour and meeting with the Gladis Cruz-Zyoud and the Transportation staff at Arlington County Public Schools and a tour with Jennifer Gillea, principal of Alice West Fleet Elementary School. We had the opportunity to ride one of their electric school buses and tour their net-zero school building.
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Ezra Finkin serves as the senior manager for corporate affairs and development for Chevron/Renewable Energy Group where he works with a number of federal agencies. Prior to his time at REG, Ezra served as the policy director for the Diesel Technology Forum, representing diesel engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers.
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Brooke Smallwood has a 23-year career in energy. She has worked for the three largest utilities in North America: Exelon, Southern Company, and Alta
Gas was a pioneer in designing and implementing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure programs. Feeling that the energy sector was not innovating fast enough, Brooke set out to start her energy firm to fill the gaps.
Having recently read Ernest Cline’s 2011 book “Ready Player One”, Brooke imagined what our world would become if we failed to innovate to solve the critical issues of energy, equity, climate change, and decarbonization. Brooke understood the importance of creating a safe space for energy. A space where innovation reigned supreme, and the world benefited from ingenuity. Like the book, she named this space the OASIS.
Optimization of energy resources
Awareness of equity justice
Saving energy
Ingenuity
Sustainability
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Free Level 2 EV Charging Station
Last Call to claim a Free Level 2 EV charging station in just two simple steps. First, complete this form. Second, fill and return this Host Site Agreement to ajay@gwrccc.org.
Once we receive them, we’ll follow up with you about model selection and to coordinate shipment. Don’t miss this opportunity to power a cleaner, greener future!
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Commercial Fleet Maintenance: Efficiency, Safety, and Compliance
Effective fleet maintenance is crucial for safety, cost control, and efficiency. Every
carrier must systematically inspect and maintain its vehicles in a safe working condition.
Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns and accidents, protecting drivers and cargo.
Reactive repairs (after failures) can cost up to four times more than preventive service. By
fixing issues early, fleets avoid expensive downtime and extend vehicle life. Ultimately,
proactive maintenance pays off with lower repair bills and higher uptime.
Preventive vs. Corrective Maintenance
Preventive maintenance (routine oil changes, inspections, filter replacements)
catches issues early, while corrective maintenance addresses problems after a breakdown. Preventive upkeep following manufacturer schedules keeps vehicles healthier longer, whereas reactive fixes often multiply labor and parts costs. Automated maintenance logs and reminders ensure critical tasks (like brake inspections) happen on time. This disciplined approach prevents failures and keeps vehicles road-ready.
Technology and Diagnostics
Modern fleets use telematics and diagnostics to optimize upkeep. Telematics
devices report mileage, engine hours, and driver behavior in real time. Remote diagnostics can flag engine fault codes (DTCs) before breakdowns occur. Fleet management software then schedules service and tracks parts so repairs happen efficiently. These data-driven tools yield big savings: fleets using telematics data have the potential to cut fuel costs by ~14% and significantly reduce idle time.
Compliance and Efficiency
U.S. regulations require carriers to keep vehicles in safe working order and to record
all inspections. Detailed service logs help demonstrate compliance in audits. A proactive
maintenance program meets these rules and spreads repair costs over time, lowering the
total cost of ownership. Well-maintained fleets run more reliably, boosting availability and
avoiding fines.
Environmental Benefits
Well-tuned engines burn fuel more completely, reducing pollutants. The EPA advises
regular tune-ups and adherence to service schedules to improve fuel economy and cut
emissions. In practice, data-driven fleets see real gains: one study found top fleets saved
about 769 gallons of fuel per truck per year (avoiding roughly 31,000 tons of CO2) by
minimizing idling and catching issues early. Efficient maintenance thus supports
sustainability by shrinking the fleet’s carbon footprint and fuel use.
By Julian Gordon – GWRCCC Intern
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Importance of PM programs
A well-executed Preventive Maintenance (PM) program is critical to fleet safety. When
thresholds like mileage or engine hours are met, tools like Fleetio can automatically generate work orders, issue alerts, and even coordinate with vendors for outsourced repairs, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. With features for parts inventory, order management, and cost tracking, fleets can stay ahead of maintenance needs. Most importantly, by enforcing timely inspections and prioritizing safety-related tasks, PM programs help reduce risks, prevent accidents, and create a culture of safety and accountability across the entire fleet. Read more about a PM program guide here.
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Buy an EV before October
New electric vehicles that meet federal domestic manufacturing requirements qualify for a tax credit of up to $7,500. While credits on foreign-made EVs aren’t offered directly to consumers, automakers do get them and often pass the savings along through leases. Used EVs under $25,000 that are purchased at a dealer are also eligible for up to a $4,000 credit.
All of this goes away on September 30. There will be no credits after that. Ultimately, this will make new electric vehicles more expensive and put the technology further out of reach for low- to moderate-income Americans.
The income caps on the EV credits still apply, limiting the benefit on new EVs to those households earning less than $300,000 and on used vehicles to those earning less than $150,000. There is an MSRP limit of $80,000 for new cars too.
| | | | | International Biodiesel Day Forum | |
Location: Zoom
Date: Tuesday, August 12
Time: 11am - 12pm EDT
Join GWRCCC for a dynamic virtual panel in honor of International Biodiesel Day, where global experts, innovators, and industry leaders come together to explore the benefits and future of biodiesel and renewable energy.
| | | | | Drive Electric DMV - Prince George's Chapter Meetup | |
Location: 4400 Forbes Blvd, Lanham, Maryland
Date: Thursday, August 28
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm EDT
Calling all EV Drivers, Enthusiasts and community members in Prince George's County. Join us for a fun and informative meetup with Drive Electric DMV to learn all about electric vehicles! Register here for free. Corporate vendor tables are available. Contact ajay@gwrccc.org for any queries.
| | | | | Drive Electric DMV - Prince George's Chapter Meetup | |
Location: Westphalia Community Center, 8900 Westphalia Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Date: Thursday, September 30
Time: 10 am - 1 pm EDT
Join the September GWRCCC Job Fair in Upper Marlboro, MD where many employers and training providers will be on site!
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GWRCCC 2025 Annual Clean Energy & Transportation
Conference
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Location: Martin's Crosswinds Green Belt, MD
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The future of clean transportation starts here! Join policymakers, industry experts, and sustainability advocates for insightful discussions, networking, and solutions-driven strategies to accelerate the clean energy transition.
| | | | | Join GWRCCC in promoting clean, alternative transportation fuels for improved air quality and energy security. As a sponsor, your organization can further this mission, connect with like-minded partners, and access valuable resources. Click below for more details! | | | |
Join GWRCCC and gain access to exclusive clean energy and transportation resources, networking, and advocacy opportunities.
Membership Levels:
- Sustaining Member ($5,000 annually) – Includes logo placement, speaking opportunities, event hosting, and Board eligibility.
- Gold Member ($2,500 annually) – Includes logo placement, event participation, and Board eligibility.
- Silver Member ($1,000 annually) – Listed in the directory, logo on the website, and Board eligibility.
- Business Member ($250 annually) – Directory listing, website recognition, and Board eligibility.
- Citizen Advocate ($25 annually) – Access to special events and a monthly newsletter.
- Student ($10 annually) – Invitations to educational workshops and job forums.
- Kids' Club ($5 annually) – Environmental education, fun events, and activities.
If you don't already have an account, you will need to create a new one on MemberPlanet. Click on the "Join Today" button and enter your full name, email address, and other required information.
Don’t forget to renew or start your membership today. For questions, email Kimberly Harden, or Antoine Thompson, or call (202) 671-1580.
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Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i)
Exelon, the country's largest public utility, and the non-profit Exelon Foundation, to identify climate-focused startups for their Climate Change Investment Initiative (2c2i) This fantastic program provides funding and support to startups addressing any aspect of sustainability/climate resilience that could benefit one of Exelon's markets - Chicago, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and Wilmington, DE. Exelon's 2c2i has invested in 35 diverse startups since 2019, and applications for the next round are open now through Sept. 29.
More information on 2c2i is below, and you can read the announcement of recent winners here.
U.S. Department of the Interior, through the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) offers the FY 2025 Energizing Insular Communities Program
The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) requests proposals for its Energizing Ensular Communities (EIC) Program promoting domestically produced energy, reducing reliance on imported fuels, and protecting the United States' security interests by ensuring the reliable and accessible supply of energy in every State and territory of the Nation. There is an allocation $15,250,000 in funding. The deadline for grant proposals is August 15, 2025. For more information, click here.
The U.S. National Science Foundation opens the Design for Environmental Sustainability in Computing (DESC) program
The DESC program goal is to address the substantial environmental impacts that computing has throughout its entire life cycle. These impacts not only go beyond measures of energy consumption at run-time, but also include greenhouse gas emissions, creation of toxic byproducts, and the depletion of scarce resources such as rare Earth elements. The deadline for the grant proposal is September 12, 2025. For more information, click here.
Prince George’s County launches initiative to fund residential energy efficiency measures
Energy Efficiency Measures and Washington Gas are funded the Clean Energy Program Energy Efficiency grant, where the maximum grant award amount is $6,250 (for gas incentives), of which $2,500 can be allocated towards natural gas incentives. Pepco and Washington Gas customers, and Prince George’s County residents who reside in individually metered single-family, townhouse residences, or condominiums. The grant currently accepts applications for Natural Gas incentives on a rolling basis until August 15, 2025. For more information, click here.
New round of EV funding infrastructure in Maryland
The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has released a Request for Proposals for Design‑Build contracts to design, construct, operate, and maintain electric vehicle charging stations—including securing site access on private property—under the Federal Highway Administration’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. Deadline for Request for Proposals is extended and will close on August 27, 2025. For more information, click here.
Charge Up Fairfax is open for enrollment
Are you part of a common interest community in Fairfax County and thinking about installing EV chargers?
You're in luck, the Charge Up Fairfax program is here to help!
This initiative supports common-interest communities in making EV charging more accessible and affordable. Whether you're just exploring the idea or ready to get started, Charge Up Fairfax offers guidance, technical assistance, and funding opportunities to bring EV charging to your neighborhood.
This year, the program has introduced three key changes:
- Applications accepted continuously
- Reimbursement grant amounts increased
- New eligible users include places of worship and other nonprofits
With this expansion, these critical community hubs can now benefit from both technical and financial assistance to install Level 2 EV charging stations, starting at $8,000 in reimbursement grants.
Communities interested in joining this important initiative can choose between a grant-only program, a full-service program, or a combination with Dominion Energy’s Level 2 EV Charging Program, tailored to meet diverse needs.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the green movement in Fairfax County! Let’s charge up, Fairfax, and drive our community towards a cleaner, greener future!
Visit the Charge Up Fairfax webpage for more details and to apply to the program, or contact oeecelectricvehicles@fairfaxcounty.gov
For more funding opportunities, check out CEBN's Funding Database
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Moore signs environmental justice order amid federal government’s anti-DEI push
Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed an executive order entitled VOICE — for Valuing Opportunity, Inclusion and Community Equity. This executive order aims to enforce equity plans and make environmental justice data accessible. Despite the federal roadblock in disseminating information regarding environmental justice in the state since the Trump-Vance administration, Gov. Moore hopes that VOICE will create environmental justice forces, develop strategic plans, and implement training programs for state employees, as well as streamline grant funding.
The Big Beautiful Bill Ends EV Tax Breaks in September 2025
Incentives such as $4000 in federal tax credit for used Electric Vehicles (EVs) and $7500 for new vehicles were designed to make EV purchasing more affordable. However, since the Big, Beautiful, Bill passed in Congress last July 3, 2025, consumers have until September 30, 2025, to qualify for EV tax credits.
The tax credits were intended to make EV purchasing more accessible to lower-middle and middle-income families, and to be an environmental initiative to decarbonize the transportation sector. Ultimately, EVs that fuel up using public and private chargers save almost $7,700 in fuel costs over a 15-year life span compared to gas-fueled vehicles. Of course, fuel savings would vary according to the affordability of electricity in the state. Yale Climate Connections also finds that a clean energy source significantly contributes to the decrease in carbon pollution, where states with cleaner energy sources emit less carbon, while states that generate most of their electricity from coal have higher carbon emissions. Not only is it important to use an EV to reduce carbon emissions in transportation, but the energy source must also be less carbon-intensive.
As the deadline for tax credit eligibility approaches, now is a critical moment for consumers and policymakers alike to act swiftly, not only to take advantage of financial incentives but to align EV adoption with a broader clean energy transition.
By Nika Ambal, GWRCCC Intern
Act Now: Federal EV Tax Credits Expire This Fall!
There’s never been a better time to drive clean! A variety of federal tax credits and rebates are
making it easier for individuals, businesses, and organizations to switch to electric and clean
vehicles.
These incentives were made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—a landmark piece of
legislation passed under the Biden administration to promote clean energy and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
While these incentives offer big savings now, time is running out. With the recent passage of
President Donald Trump’s 2025 tax reform, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), federal
EV tax credits will officially end on September 30, 2025.
Right now, buyers can still claim up to $7,500 for a new EV or $4,000 for a used EV, provided
the vehicle meets eligibility criteria and is purchased and delivered before the deadline. Income
limits and vehicle price caps still apply. Under the new law, the credit ends for all EV
buyers—new, used, or leased—regardless of vehicle brand or manufacturer starting this fall.
If you’ve been considering making the switch, the time to act is now. This is the final window to
take advantage of these federal incentives before they disappear for good.
By Joy Togo, GWRCCC Intern
EV Tax Credit & Rebates
Used Clean Vehicle Credits
Get a credit of up to $4,000 for used vehicles purchased from a dealer for $25,000 or less!
Clean Vehicle Credit
All-electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles purchased new in 2023 or after may be eligible for a federal income tax credit.
Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit
Businesses and tax-exempt organizations may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $40,000 for purchasing qualified commercial clean vehicles. The credit amount varies by vehicle type and weight, ranging from $7,500 for smaller vehicles to $40,000 for larger ones, such as school buses or semi-trucks
MACo Summer Conference
The Maryland Association of Counties is hosting its summer conference, themed “Funding the Future: The Evolving Role of Local Government,” August 13-16 in Ocean City, Maryland. This year’s conference will explore the pressing issues that shape Maryland’s counties and the innovative solutions that can guide their success in the years to come. You can learn more about the event here.
Sustainability Fleet Conference in North Carolina
Learn about the latest and greatest vehicle technologies, alternative fuel, and data solutions at the 2025 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo, hosted by NC Clean Energy Technology Center. For more information, click here.
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Join us in driving sustainable change! Your donation to the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) helps advance clean energy initiatives, support green transportation solutions, and promote environmental justice in our communities. Every contribution fuels our efforts to reduce emissions, expand EV infrastructure, and create a cleaner, healthier future.
Donate today and be part of the movement for a more sustainable tomorrow!
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Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
202-671-1580 | Info@GWRCCC.org
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Baltimore Office
2101 E. Biddle Street
Baltimore, MD 21213
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P. O. Box 1055
Washington, DC 20013
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