December 2024 Edition

Antoine M. Thompson

CEO/Executive Director

GWRCCC

A Message from the

Executive Director

Message from the CEO & Executive Director

As the holiday season brings cooler weather to our region, I want to take a moment to thank you for being a loyal reader of the GWRCCC Reporter. Each month, we strive to bring you the latest updates on our organization, industry trends, and funding opportunities. We look forward to having you with us in the coming year and beyond.

New DC Office

We’re excited to announce our new office location at 899 North Capitol Street, SE, Suite 5106, Washington, DC 20002. Conveniently located near Union Station and just a 10-minute walk from Capitol Hill, this space will host many upcoming events—stay tuned for details!

Grant News

We’re thrilled to share that GWRCCC has been awarded a new grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to provide targeted fleet coaching services. This exciting project will launch in 2025, helping us further support sustainable transportation initiatives.

Giving Tuesday & End-of-Year Gifts

As a regional and national leader in promoting alternative fuels, clean energy, transportation, and environmental equity, GWRCCC thrives on community support. During this season of giving, we invite you to consider making a gift to support our mission. Together, we can continue driving positive change.

Thank you for being part of the GWRCCC community!

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

19th Annual Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc College Fair!

GWRCCC was proud to be a sponsor the 19th Annual College Fair hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Epsilon Lambda Chapter! Held at the Southern Regional Technology Center in Oxon Hill, MD, this event brought together over 2,000 attendees and more than 75 colleges and universities. A special thank you to Prince George’s County Public Schools for showcasing the Electric School Buses. Together, we're paving the way for Future Green Leaders!

Spotlight: Prince George’s County Job Fair Recap

Last month, GWRCCC hosted a highly successful Job Fair at the Suitland Community Center, bringing together local job seekers and various employers. The event drew over 200 attendees and provided opportunities to connect with companies across multiple industries.

Participants engaged in networking sessions and career workshops designed to equip them with valuable skills and insights. Employers expressed their excitement at the quality of talent present, while attendees appreciated the direct access to hiring managers and the wealth of career resources available.

We’re grateful to all our partners, sponsors, and participants for making this event a tremendous success. Together, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable workforce for Prince George’s County! Stay tuned for future opportunities and events.

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.

Giving Tuesday

Dec 3rd

2 - 3 PM

Hosted on Zoom

Join us for our Giving Tuesday Campaign! Support a sustainable future by donating today!

Donate

Listening Session

Dec 4th

11 AM

Hosted on Zoom

Join us for an engaging Listening Session that dives deep into the workforce challenges faced by EV charging companies.

Registration

Fleet Lunch & Learn

Dec 5th

11:30 AM - 1 PM

Kirk Bus Depot

2301 Kirk Ave

Baltimore, MD

21218

Discover how the Maryland Mass Transit Administration (MTA), the nation’s 11th-largest transit system, is revolutionizing public transportation.

Coffee & Conversaation

Dec 11th

11 AM - 12 PM

PJ's Coffee

4501 Telfair Blvd

Building 100

Camp Springs, MD

20746

Join us for an engaging discussion on environmental justice issues while enjoying a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop.

The Clean Energy & Transportation Industry Meeting

Dec 12th

10 - 11 AM

Hosted on Zoom

Join our Monthly Clean Energy Meeting for exciting updates and opportunities

from GWRCCC and local leaders!

Congratulations to all who completed the American Lung Association’s Biobased Training! Your dedication to reducing emissions and promoting cleaner air is inspiring. Special recognition goes to Kenya Langford, Allison A. Bennett, Raymond Cooper, Olanrewaju (Olan) Williams, LaChelle Bynum, Veny DeOliveira, Nichalos Gardner, Jill Hamilton, Bradley Henry, Burl Haigwood, Andrew Facey, Troy Richardson, Aishaah Avis Russell, Cordelia Evans, and Vanessa Cacho for their commitment and achievement!

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Blending and Logistics

NREL researchers, in collaboration with aviation industry stakeholders, have released a report offering updated recommendations for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) quality standards, transportation methods, and blending techniques. A key finding highlights that SAF can be blended with petroleum jet fuel at existing terminals and transported to airports using current pipelines and trucks. This approach enhances efficiencies for fuel production facilities, suppliers, and airports, streamlining the adoption of SAF in the aviation sector.

$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.