January 2025 Edition

Antoine M. Thompson

CEO/Executive Director

GWRCCC

A Message from the

Executive Director

Message from the CEO & Executive Director

Happy New Year to you and your family! We are proud to reflect on GWRCCC’s accomplishments in 2024.

The deployment of low- to zero-emission vehicles dramatically increased in our region across both the public and private sectors. Rideshare companies, rental car services, and public and private fleets added electric, biodiesel, biofuel, RNG, propane, and hydrogen-powered vehicles to their operations.

Congratulations to DC and Prince George’s County for leading the way by putting more biodiesel vehicles on the road.

Electric school and transit buses are also on the rise in the region. Fairfax County Public Schools stand out as a model for deploying electric school buses, while Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Arlington Counties are making significant strides in electrifying their transit bus fleets.

Member and stakeholder engagement with GWRCCC was truly remarkable. Over 5,000 people participated in our webinars, conferences, receptions, and events. Our partners volunteered at various initiatives, advocating on Capitol Hill and at the state, county, and local government levels to support policies and initiatives advancing clean energy and transportation.

Together, we increased funding in key areas, supported the passage of impactful legislation, and prevented measures that could have negatively affected our communities.

In 2024, GWRCCC expanded its services to Baltimore, Maryland, and relocated our DC office to 899 North Capitol Street, NE. We doubled down on community and fleet engagement efforts and received a record number of grant awards for various projects.

In 2025, GWRCCC is committed to advancing our core mission. Together, we will continue investing in clean transportation solutions that improve the environment, reduce greenhouse gases and emissions, create jobs, and decrease America’s reliance on foreign oil, minerals, and parts.

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 visit the White House: White House Holiday Tour Recap

This holiday season, GWRCCC had the privilege of visiting the White House to celebrate clean energy progress. The visit underscored our commitment to sustainability and a greener future.

We’re excited to continue working with leaders driving environmental change and innovation.

Here’s to a successful and sustainable 2025!

Spotlight: Community Coffee & Conversations: Driving Environmental Justice

Local advocates and community members gathered for an inspiring discussion on environmental justice over coffee at PJ's Coffee. Attendees shared ideas and explored collaborative solutions to address sustainability and equity challenges in our region. The event fostered meaningful connections and emphasized the collective power of working together to create a cleaner, greener future.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Supports Environmental Justice with a Generous Donation

The Psi Epsilon Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship and justice by donating $500 to the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC).

GWRCCC Fleet Coaching

Do you need to train your workforce on emission-reducing practices or transition to a clean energy fleet? We can help you! GWRCCC is offering 30 minutes of coaching for a limited number of fleets each month.

For more information, contact the GWRCCC office at (202) 671-1580.

The Clean Energy & Transportation Industry Meeting

Jan 9th

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Hosted on Zoom

Join our Monthly Clean Energy Meeting for exciting updates and opportunities

from GWRCCC and local leaders!

Funding Webinar

Jan 16th

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Hosted on Zoom

Join us to explore grant and funding opportunities that will set you up for success !

DC Auto Show

Jan 30th

1:30 PM

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

801 Allen Y. Lew Place, Room 101, Washington, DC 20001

Join MWCOG and GWRCCC on January 30, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for expert panels, networking, and insights on EV adoption and clean transportation. Register now to drive sustainable mobility!

TEP 2025 Summit

Feb 10-13th

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The Washington Plaza Hotel

10 Thomas Cir NW,

Washington, DC 20005

Join us at the Washington Plaza Hotel for the Energy Independence Summit 2025! This 19th annual event will bring together Clean Cities Coalitions, industry leaders, and policymakers to advance clean fuels and vehicles. Learn about upcoming federal investments in clean transportation. Engage with key program leaders and network with experts in the field. Meet with Congress to advocate for continued support of clean transportation initiatives.

Opening Reception

Feb 26th

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

899 North Capitol St NE

Washington, DC 20002

Join Us for GWRCCC's Opening Reception! Enjoy an evening of networking, membership intake, and inspiring insights from our board members and a special guest speaker as we drive the future of clean energy together.

ACT EXPO

April 28th - May 1st

Anaheim Convention Center

Join us at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo

Check Out Our New Membership Portal – MemberPlanet!

If you don't already have an account, you will need to create a new one as this is a new portal. Click on the "Sign Up" 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 Blake Showes, Kimberly Harden, or Antoine Thompson, or call (202) 671-1580.

Join

$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.