|
Big News!
GWRCCC has been awarded a $689,772 DERA Grant to modernize municipal fleets and reduce harmful emissions. This initiative will help drive cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions in our region. |
|
|
Just For Fleets
Propane has been identified as an alternative fuel since 1992 after the Energy Policy Act. Its availability, low cost, and clean burning qualities made it appealing as a clean energy option. Fleet operators seeking to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions should turn to renewable propane, which has the same qualities as conventional propane, but with a carbon footprint that is four times lower. It is made from renewable feedstocks including vegetable oil, animal fats, and grease. The chemical composition of both fuels is the same, therefore expensive modifications are not necessary which makes the switch to renewables easier. The decreased maintenance and operation of propane vehicles over the course of their lifespan makes it a cost-effective option. Fleet managers have several options to ensure their vehicles are environmentally friendly with renewable propane being an efficient choice. |
|
|
Become an Advocate for Clean Transportation!
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! |
|
| PERSEPHONE Program to Revolutionize Sustainable Energy Production
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) has announced the PERSEPHONE program, a new funding opportunity aimed at developing transformative technologies for bioenergy crop genetic engineering. With a total of $15 million in funding, ARPA-E will award up to 7 projects with awards ranging from $250,000 to $4 million.
This program will support the development of advanced tools for engineering bioenergy crops, creating new genetic engineering technologies, and ensuring adoption through biocontainment strategies.
Application Deadline: March 4, 2025. Eligibility: Open to all entities. For more details and to apply, visit ARPA-E eXCHANGE.
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.
Enhance Grid Reliability with Advanced Energy Technologies
The Department of Energy’s ARPA-E is offering up to $30 million in funding through the GRADIENTS program to improve grid reliability and integrate renewable energy systems. This funding supports technologies in flexible renewable generation, intelligent automatic relays, and real-time control co-design (RT-CCD). Projects aim to enhance grid resilience, reduce blackout risks, and lower renewable energy curtailment. Awards range from $2M to $5M. The deadline for applications is February 14, 2025. Submit proposals via ARPA-E eXCHANGE.
$7.2 Million Awarded to Improve Climate Projections for Extreme Weather
The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded $7.2 million to NOAA and research partners through the Inflation Reduction Act to improve climate projections for extreme weather events. This funding will support 13 projects aimed at advancing long-range climate predictions for tropical storms, heat extremes, precipitation, and other climate phenomena like El Niño. The initiative, Climate Futures, will help communities, businesses, and industries better prepare for future climate impacts by providing more accurate climate projections. The projects will enhance resilience to climate hazards and inform infrastructure planning. |
|
| 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. |
|
|
North America’s Energy Future at Risk: Read the Latest Insights
A recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) warns that more than half of North America faces potential energy shortfalls over the next decade. The combination of surging electricity demand, driven by data centers and increased electrification, along with slowing resource additions, poses a significant threat to grid reliability.
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. |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Becoming a GWRCCC Member has its perks!
For more information, click on the GWRCCC logo.
|
|
| Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
202-671-1580 | Info@GWRCCC.org
899 North Capitol Street NE
P. O. Box 1055
Washington, DC 20013
583 Frederick Road
Suite 5A
Catonsville, MD 21228
GWRCCC.org | DriveElectricDC.org
Click here for membership information. |
|
|
|
|
