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A Message from the
Executive Director
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Registration is open! The Annual GWRCCC Conference will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Homewood Suites in Largo, Maryland. Highlights for the conference will include the awards luncheon, keynote speakers, alternative fuel vehicle display, exhibitors, souvenir journal, green procurement showcase, over ten impactful panels, and lots of business and networking opportunities.
Register Today! Call me or Kim Harden at the office for information on becoming a sponsor for the conference.
Breaking News! GWRCCC will be expanding to Baltimore City and County, Maryland to provide outreach and education services. The clean transportation and energy in Baltimore require immediate attention, and GWRCCC looks forward to organizing and working with industry and community stakeholders and partnering with Maryland Clean Cities to make a difference and a brighter future for all.
I would like to thank Gina Carvana and Insperity for their generosity and kindness in sponsoring the GWRCCC July Happy Hour at Moxy in Washington, DC.
Thank you to Hon. Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland for appointing me to the Maryland Commission on Transportation Revenue and Infrastructure Needs. I am looking forward to the opportunity to volunteer and serve the residents of Maryland.
Also, we pause to celebrate International Biodiesel Day on August 10. GWRCCC strongly supports the expansion of biodiesel stations and funding to help replace or retrofit the tens of thousands of diesel-powered vehicles in the region and across the country.
Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompsom
Antoine M. Thompson
Executive Director
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Fleet Coaching
GWRCCC is offering 30 minutes of coaching for a limited number of fleets each month.
For more information, contact the office at (202) 671-1580.
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Dar Cars Grand Opening in DC | |
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Congratulations to DARCARS for opening a Polestar showroom in DC! Your electric cars are amazing! July 13, 2023, with John O’Donnell, CEO of WANADA, Jamie Darvish of DARCARS,
and Mayor Muriel Bowser.
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USDOT EV Charging Symposium
Washington, DC, July 12, 2023, at USDOT Headquarters
(l-r) Luis MacDonald and R. Denise Everson,
GWRCCC's Board of Directors
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This month’s happy hour will focus on minority and women owned businesses in the electrification sphere.
Thank you to our Happy Hour sponsor, Insperity!
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August 2023's Monthly Stakeholders' Meeting
Thursday, August 10, 2023
10:00 AM
via Zoom
August 2023’s Stakeholders’ Meeting will focus on clean energy, environmental and transportation updates from local industry leaders.
For more information and to register click here.
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Distribution Events
August 19 from 1 PM - 3 PM
Legends Charter School, 9700 Philadelphia Court, Lanham, MD
Block party for Equity Now Charter School and
the Legends Charter Schools.
August 20 from 1PM - 5 PM
Ritchie Station Market Place, 610 -1859 Ritchie Station Ct, Forestville, MD
NStyle Back to School Block Party in Capitol Heights.
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Tuesday, September 5, 2023
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Hydrogen Forum
@WGL Holdings
1000 Maine Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20024
For more information and to register, click here.
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2023 Annual Conference
Join the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition on October 4, 2023, at the Homewood Suites. Don't miss...
- EV/Alternative Fuels Vehicle Showcase
- Opening Ceremony
- Panel Discussions
- Awards Luncheon
- Exhibitors
- Networking Reception
Hotel Accommodations
For booking at the Homewood Suites using the following unique link:
Homewood Suites
For booking at the Doubletree Hotel using the following unique link:
Doubletree Hotel
Sponsorship | Advertising | Exhibitor Spaces
Sponsorship opportunities are available now. Take advantage of the opportunity to support GWRCCC and to promote your business. Click here for more information.
Place an ad within our Souvenir Journal. For more information, click here.
Exhibitor spaces are available. For more information, click here.
For more information, contact Kimberly Harden at KimberlyHarden@GWRCCC.org for more information.
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Did you know that GWRCCC has a Podcast? | |
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The Maryland Department of Environment recently released an initial analysis of the actions the state can take to cut climate pollution 60% by 2031. And they are asking YOU to share your vision for climate action in the state.
RSVP here for a listening session today
The Center for Global Sustainability and the Maryland Department of Environment will host six listening sessions this July–September to collect public input that will inform Maryland’s final climate plan. We hope you’ll join us at one of the listening sessions around the state!
Below are the dates:
· 8/8 — Hagerstown Community College [6:00 pm]
· 8/19 — Salisbury University [2:00 pm]
· 9/12 — Morgan State University [6:00 pm]
· 9/19 — College of Southern Maryland [6:00 pm]
· 9/26 — Virtual [6:00 pm]
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In the First Quarter of 2023, 21.5% of all Public Electric Vehicle Charge Ports Were for DC Fast Charging
DC fast charging accounted for 21.5% of all electric vehicle (EV) public charging ports in the first quarter of 2023 (Q1). DC fast charging allows for the rapid charging of EVs and refers to chargers that deliver direct current (DC) at power levels of 50 kilowatts or more. The availability of DC fast charging is critical to making long-distance EV travel practical and helps alleviate consumer concern over range and time spent charging when not at home. Level 2 (L2) charging, the most common type of public charging available, refers to charging using a 240-volt circuit like those found in homes for clothes dryers. Although much slower than DC fast charging, L2 chargers are becoming increasingly common at destinations like shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels, where vehicles are parked for extended periods of time. Level 1 (L1) charging is the slowest of all and uses a 120-volt circuit like those for standard household outlets. L1 chargers can be useful for long-term charging scenarios – such as at airports – but they represent less than 1% of all public chargers.
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GWRCCC would like your help as we gather input on our constituent’s level of interest for electric vehicles. We greatly appreciate your time to complete our 30 second survey which will help us better educate and advocate for electric vehicle infrastructure, programs and initiatives in the Greater Washington Region and the nation.
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Building Training and Assessment Centers (BTAC) Program (DE-FOA-0002940)
Amount: $10M ($300,000 per institution of higher education)
Purpose: The BTAC Program will provide grants to higher education institutions to BTACs to educate and train students and building performance professionals to deploy modern building technologies to small businesses and K-12 schools.
Application Deadline: Concept Papers: 06/16/2023 at 5:00 PM EDT / Full Applications: 08/15/2023 at 5:00 PM EDT.
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Biden-Harris Administration Opens Streamlined Application Process for More Than $5.5 Billion in Funding to Help Carry Out Major Infrastructure Projects Across the Country | |
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the Department of Transportation is now taking applications for up to $5.575 billion in funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for projects of regional or national significance. This funding supports three major discretionary grant programs that involve surface transportation projects designed to strengthen supply chains, spur economic development, and improve safety and daily life. Applications for funding are being solicited together under a single opportunity titled the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant program.
Available funding includes:
· $1.8 billion for the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) Program: The Mega program supports large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and are likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. Eligible projects could include highway, bridge, freight, port, passenger rail, and public transportation projects of national or regional significance. Per the law, 50 percent of funds are available for projects above $500 million in total cost, and 50 percent are available for projects between $100 million and $500 million in total cost.
· $3.1 billion for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program: The INFRA program awards competitive grants to multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, accessibility, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas. Eligible projects will improve safety, generate economic benefits, reduce congestion, enhance resiliency, and hold the greatest promise to eliminate supply chain bottlenecks and improve critical freight movements.
· $675 million for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant (Rural) Program: The Rural program supports projects that improve and expand our nation’s surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas in order to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life. Eligible projects for Rural grants include highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that help improve freight, safety, and provide or increase access to agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities that support the economy of a rural area. 90% of rural funding must be awarded in $25 million or greater amounts.
Last year, the Department awarded nearly $1.2 billion from the Mega Program for nine projects across the country that will create good-paying jobs, grow the economy strengthen supply chains, improve mobility for residents, and make our transportation systems safer for all users. The Department also awarded $274 million for 12 projects through the Rural grant program and $1.5 billion for 26 projects through the INFRA program. A full list of awarded projects for each grant program is available here: 2022 Mega, 2022 Rural, 2022 INFRA.
The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm EDT on August 21, 2023.
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Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) Program
The MPDG opportunity contains three grant programs: the National Infrastructure Project Assistance grants program (Mega), the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highways Projects grants program (INFRA), and the Rural Surface Transportation Grant program (Rural). The funding opportunities are awarded on a competitive basis for surface transportation infrastructure projects—including highway and bridge, intercity passenger rail, railway-highway grade crossing or separation, wildlife crossing, public transportation, marine highway, and freight projects, or groups of such projects—with significant national or regional impact, or to improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes available up to $5 billion for the Mega; up to $8 billion to the INFRA program; and up to $2 billion for the Rural program, for a combined total of up to $15 billion for FY 2022 through 2026. The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm EDT on August 21, 2023.
The Mega Program (the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program)
supports large, complex projects that are difficult to fund by other means and likely to generate national or regional economic, mobility, or safety benefits. The Mega grant program funding is available under the MPDG combined Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
INFRA (the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects program) awards competitive grants for multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of freight and people in and across rural and urban areas. The INFRA grant program funding is available under the MPDG combined NOFO.
The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program supports projects that improve and expand the surface transportation infrastructure in rural areas to increase connectivity, improve the safety and reliability of the movement of people and freight, and generate regional economic growth and improve quality of life. Rural Surface Transportation grant program funding will be made available under the MPDG combined NOFO.
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Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) Grant program provides funding to ensure surface transportation resilience to natural hazards including climate change, sea level rise, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters through support of planning activities, resilience improvements, community resilience and evacuation routes, and at-risk coastal infrastructure.
The PROTECT discretionary program offers two types of awards: planning grants and Competitive Resilience Improvement Grants. The deadline for applications is August 18, 2023.
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New Alternative Fuels Tax Credits and Grants
A dozen new tax credits and grants have been released for alternative fuels by the Federal government and are available online at the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center. Tax credits for biofuels, electric vehicles and related infrastructure are included. Grants include port electrification programs under the EPA.
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Recompete Pilot Program Funding Opportunity Released to Bring Focused Investments to Distressed Communities
EDA is now accepting applications for the new $200 million Recompete Pilot Program, which is designed to make focused investments in communities most in need of economic resources and options to ensure that all communities have a path to economic prosperity.
The program is based on the belief that communities know best what they need to address persistent economic distress. EDA will partner with communities and make large, flexible investments based on their priorities.
This program, authorized through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment significantly trails the national average, with the goal to close this gap through bottom-up, long-term strategies that tackle a community’s unique economic challenges.
Resources for Applicants
To support applicants in determining geographic eligibility, EDA – in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory – released the Recompete Eligibility Mapping Tool. Please click here to access the tool, which includes a user-friendly map and instructional materials. Additional resources, including Fact Sheets and FAQs, can be found at eda.gov/Recompete.
Informational Webinars
EDA will host two informational webinars on July 7 and July 11, 2023, about the Recompete Pilot Program. To register, click here: July 7th at 12:00 pm EDT and July 11th at 4:30 pm EDT.
Program Structure
This first Recompete Pilot Program NOFO allows applicants to apply for (1) Strategy Development Grants, (2) approval of a Recompete Plan, or (3) both. EDA anticipates awarding approximately $6 million to $12 million in total for Strategy Development Grants and approving at least 20 Recompete Plans at the conclusion of Phase 1. Applicants with approved Recompete Plans will be invited to submit a Phase 2 application. EDA expects to announce Phase 1 winners and release the Phase 2 NOFO in winter 2023.
In Phase 2, applicants can apply for larger implementation awards. EDA expects to make approximately 4-8 implementation investments, with awarded regions receiving between $20 million and $50 million on average.
The Phase 1 NOFO deadline is October 5, 2023.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is now accepting applications for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program.
USDOT will host an “Interested in Applying?" webinar for prospective applicants on Tuesday, July 11th from 1:30 to 3:30 PM EDT. There is no need to register – simply use the appropriate webinar link at the designated time. The webinar will also be recorded and posted on the RCN website for later viewing.
In Fiscal Year 2023 (that’s now!), the RCN Program will provide up to $3.16 billion for planning activities and capital construction projects that:
· Prioritize disadvantaged communities,
· Aim to improve access to daily destinations such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, and recreation,
· Foster equitable development and restoration, and
· Reconnect communities by removing, retrofitting, mitigating, or replacing highways or other transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity, including to mobility, access, or economic development
Visit the RCN Program website to access the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and learn more about eligibility, funding, the application and submission processes, and evaluation criteria. The website will also be regularly updated with links to future webinars that explore specific RCN topic areas.
The application submission deadline is Thursday, September 28, 2023. The RCN Program welcomes applications from diverse eligible applicants regardless of size, location, and experience administering Federal funding awards.
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Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program
The vision of the PROTECT Discretionary Grant Program is to fund projects that address the climate crisis by improving the resilience of the surface transportation system, including highways, public transportation, ports, and intercity passenger rail. Projects selected under this program should be grounded in the best available scientific understanding of climate change risks, impacts, and vulnerabilities. They should support the continued operation or rapid recovery of crucial local, regional, or national surface transportation facilities.
The deadline for this opportunity is August 18, 2023.
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Purple Line Business Assistance Grant
Has your business been impacted by the Purple Line Construction? You may be eligible for $5,000 – $10,000 in grant assistance sponsored by Prince George’s County and the Maryland Department of Commerce. Qualifying business owners can apply for the Purple Line Business Assistance Grant through FSC First. Use of funds include – working capital to sustain operations (i.e., rent, utilities, insurance, inventory); rehire or retain employees.
Click here for more information.
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Land and Conservation Water Fund Grant
Authorized by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 established a federally funded program to provide 50/50 matching grants to state and local governments for the purpose of acquiring and/or developing public outdoor recreational areas and facilities.
To learn more, click here.
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PURPLE LINE MICROLOAN + GRANT
The Latino Economic Development Center Helping businesses alleviate the negative impacts of COVID and purple line construction.
For more information, click here.
En Espanol
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State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
The state of Maryland has been approved by the U.S. Treasury to administer up to $198 million in federal assistance, including subsequent performance-based funds, through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).
To learn more, click here.
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Racial Equity Capital Fund (RECF)
Exelon has launched a Racial Equity Capital Fund, in partnership with the Exelon Foundation, that will expand access to capital for minority businesses so they can create more jobs, grow their companies, and reinvest in their neighborhoods and communities. The fund builds on Exelon’s longstanding history of supporting the underserved and under-resourced communities and further delivers on our commitment to drive economic equity and opportunity for our customers and communities.
To learn more, click here.
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Thinking about installing workplace charging? Greater Washington Region Clean Cities has joined Clean Cities coalitions across the country in the Equitable Mobility Powering Opportunities for Workplace Electrification Readiness
(EMPOWER) program. It’s the first and only equity-focused, nationwide workplace charging program in the United States.
The Clean Cities coalitions will reach out to around 2,000 workplaces with the goal of bringing 650 workplaces onboard with EMPOWER and installing 3,500 electric vehicle supply (EVSE) ports. In addition to providing a much needed benefit for employees, installing workplace charging will help meet the Washington, DC targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% and reducing oil usage by 95%.
One of EMPOWER’s specific goals aims to ensure that of the EVSEs installed at workplaces, 40% will be installed at workplaces with historically underserved demographics. This includes workplaces owned by women or minorities, workplaces with majority-minority workforces, or with employees who live in areas which are rural, formerly redlined, low-income, or have low air quality.
Contact Dianne Little at DianneLittle@GWRCCC.org to learn more.
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USEPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
More info
MEA Clean Fuels Technical Assistance Program
More info
Montgomery County Green Bank
More info
Montgomery County Energy Efficiency Program
More info
Prince George's County Sustainable Energy grants
More info
Prince George's County Green Energy Loan program
More info
Maryland Urban & Community Forestry Grants
(Maryland DNR)
Deadline: semi-annual
More info
Urban Trees Mini-Grant (Chesapeake Bay Trust)
Deadline: rolling
More info
Charles County Forestry Grant Program (Chesapeake Bay Trust)
Deadline: Rolling
More info
Community Engagement & Restoration Mini-grants (Chesapeake Bay Trust)
Deadline: Rolling
More info
Prince Georges County Rain Check Rebate (Chesapeake Bay Trust)
Deadline: Rolling
More info
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The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) released the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program Annual Report, Plan Year 2022–2023.
The NEVI Formula Program provides nearly $5 billion over 5 years to help states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico create a network of electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs), with emphasis along the Interstate Highway System.
This report summarizes the key activities of the Joint Office in relation to the NEVI Formula Program and provides an individual and collective overview of the first-year deployment plans.
The Joint Office will use the summary of these plans to support states as they implement their EV charging infrastructure—a process that was furthered with the announcement that the first NEVI-funded charging contract was awarded to support electrification in Hawaii.
Learn more and download the report here.
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Consider joining our thriving organization!
For more information, scan or click on the QR Code below.
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Sponsorship Opportunities! | GWRCCC is seeking your help and support. Click here to review the Sponsorship Opportunities. | |
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Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
Click here for membership information.
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