GWRCCC Monthly Update In the D.C. Area

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A Message from the Executive Director
Membership, Sponsorship, & Donation
Two months ago, a gentleman called GWRCCC. He told me that he attends many of GWRCCC’s events, and he would like to support some of your efforts. He went on to donate a generous $10,000 to GWRCCC to ensure that we can continue to advocate for clean energy and transportation equity and inclusion in the DMV. The work we undertake is not possible without your support. It requires contributions from our dues paying members, sponsors, and public and private donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Help GWRCCC grow our organization and make the region and the world a cleaner, safer, and more equitable place for generations to come! Make your donation or renew your commitment today by going to www.gwrccc.org/membership or www.gwrccc.org/donations.
Equity and Justice Matters
GWRCCC is heavily engaged in efforts to center equity in our work, projects, programs, and advocacy initiatives. We understand that communities that are overburdened by the socio-economic disparities from energy, transportation and the environment need a partner, advocate, and a voice. From helping with funding opportunities, business development efforts for job seekers and business owners, to fleet manager and community education, GWRCCC is strongly committed to being a leader for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, regionally and nationally.
Congratulations and Thank You!
Congratulations to Mike Carter, outgoing Interim Director of DC Department of Public Works, and Board Member of GWRCCC on his recent retirement after 20 years of public service!
Great job to John O’Donnell, CEO of WANADA, on an amazing turnout at the Washington Auto Show.
Thank you to Clean Fuels Alliance America for inviting me to be on a panel on Environmental Justice at their recent Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida.
Lastly, GWRCCC pauses to celebrate Black History Month. We honor those that have and continue to make a difference in the U.S.
Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson
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A Message from the Executive Director
Happy New Year! May this year bring you and your family prosperity and excellent health. GWRCCC is excited about the prospects of 2023. This is the 30th Anniversary of the Clean Cities Program; GWRCCC will host events throughout the year to celebrate our progress and acknowledge the journey ahead.
This year, we will provide our members and stakeholders with monthly webinars that focus on education and training, business and networking opportunities, access to funding information and cutting-edge technology, resources for vehicles, and infrastructure development and deployment for the public and private sectors in the region. GWRCCC will do this while continuing to provide regional and national leadership centered around energy, environmental and transportation justice, and inclusion.
GWRCCC has a robust agenda for 2023 and a strong membership base. Dedicated, committed sponsors and donors will allow us to reach our programmatic and project goals and priorities.
Membership. It’s time to become a GWRCCC member or renew your membership.
Maintaining your membership commitment helps GWRCCC continue the great work of advancing alternative fuels, clean energy, transportation, and environmental protection and EETJI initiatives. It also helps fund our advocacy efforts regarding governmental legislative and regulatory matters. Visit www.gwrccc.org/membership to get started.
Sponsorship. Help fund the projects, events, and initiatives of GWRCCC by becoming a sponsor at www.gwrccc.org/sponsorship.
If you would like to learn about becoming a member or sponsor of GWRCCC, please email me at AntoineThompson@gwrccc.org or feel free to call me at the office at
202-671-1580. Let’s make it happen in 2023!
Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson
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Message from the Executive Director
There are many paths to a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future for our region. From zero emissions vehicles to greener buildings to increased recycling materials including food wastes, it is strongly encouraged that public and private sector entities develop sustainability goal.
Communities, businesses, and institutions must develop short and long-term policies and practices that will enable them to have a positive impact on improving our land, air, and water for generations to come. There is no silver bullet to transitioning our regional and national economy to one that is more sustainable. Every idea and technology will have pitfalls from scarcity of raw materials to acceptance by communities and workers.
GWRCCC is available to partner with you and your organization on developing ESG and/or sustainability plans or initiatives. Our team includes some of the top leaders across the country and the globe on these topics. Let’s work together to make our region a better place to live, work, own a business and raise a family.
Thank you to everyone that attended the GWRCCC Annual Conference and Awards Luncheon on October 20, 2022, at the National Press Club. The event was a huge success. We are asking all our readers to donate to GWRCCC on Giving Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at https://gwrccc.org/donations/. If you would like to be on our Giving Tuesday Team, please email me at AntoineThompson@gwrccc.org.
Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson
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Message from the Executive Director

The alternative fuel industry received a major boost last month when Congress passed, and President Joseph Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. This legislation is the largest federal investment in history that provides funding for solutions to advance technology and innovations to reduce greenhouse gases and emissions with the goal to protect the planet for generations to come.
The IRA designates federal funding via grants for public and private fleets, commercial and residential property owners, research, and workforce development. There is a tremendous opportunity to upskill or retrain your workers to repair and/or maintain vehicles powered by renewable propane, electric, renewable biodiesel, green hydrogen, and renewable natural gas. Check your email from GWRCCC, and visit websites such as www.grants.gov,
www.doe.gov, www.dot.gov, www.eere.gov, and www.epa.gov for federal grant and funding announcements.
If your company is considering applying for local, state, federal or foundation related funding for clean energy, transportation or environmental project and/or initiatives, GWRCCC can provide letters of support, project management, community engagement and outreach, fleet and fuel analysis, and other services related to technical assistance. Please contact antoinethompson@gwrccc.org or info@gwrccc.org.
On another note, GWRCCC will hold its Annual Awards Luncheon and Conference on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the National Press Club. You will not want to miss this event! You can register today at www.gwrccc.org. Sponsorship opportunities are available!
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month and Drive Electric Week!
Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson

August Images | Free Vectors, Stock Photos & PSD

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Message from the Executive Director

I hope that you are enjoying your summer. The extremely hot temperatures have placed enormous amounts of pressure on the reliability of electric grids in some communities. Demand on these grids will continue to stress electricity infrastructure as more Americans transition to electric-powered vehicles, an issue exacerbated by the negative impacts of Climate Change and Global Warming.
Additionally, Americans have experienced abnormally high gasoline prices this summer, which has generated heightened interest and awareness in alternative fuels and related technologies. The U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Energy and numerous federal, state, and local government and agencies have funding via grants, loans, consulting, and community planning dollars to help reduce pollution, and bring new vehicles and technologies to the marketplace. We have listed some funding opportunities in this newsletter.
I strongly encourage your company or organization to collaborate with GWRCCC on business and funding opportunities (we provide technical support, grant writing, project management, and community engagement services and letters of support).
On another note, GWRCCC will hold our Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the National Press Club. You will not want to miss this event! You can register Today at: https://gwrccc.org/event/gwrccc-conference-luncheon/.
Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson
Executive Director

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Message from our Executive Director

I would like to thank everyone that attended the GWRCCC Virtual Spring Policy Series. We covered topics related to funding for fleets, climate solutions, equity, and the impact of vehicle electrification on the grid in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

GWRCCC hosted a ride and drive and demo of an electric school bus event at DC Public Schools. The U.S. EPA just announced $500 million for its Clean School Bus Program.

In May, Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Executive issued Executive Order No. 6 on Climate Goals. Many of the local, District and state governments and related agencies are advancing climate and sustainability laws, policies and regulations that will impact the public and private sectors.

GWRCCC hosted an EV Village at the DC DOT Open Streets and Anacostia BID.

Need letters of support or technical assistance for grant funding? GWRCCC often provides letters of support and technical assistance for members and stakeholders that apply for public and private sector grants and funding opportunities. We are available to partner on various grants or serve as a subrecipient too! We can help with your community engagement, grant reporting requirements and project management assistance as well.

We are in very challenging times as country. We pause to remember the lives ended- short to some of the mass shootings that happened in my hometown of Buffalo and in Texas. It is in these moments that we must provide caring, thoughtful, and strong leadership for families, businesses, and communities.

Lastly, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Father’s Day and a Happy Juneteenth.

Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson

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Message from the Executive Director


The first half of the year is completed, but we have 6 more months to make an impact locally, regionally, and nationally on the adoption of alternative fuels, climate solutions, clean energy and transportation jobs, and environmental equity and justice.

Over the next few months, we will focus on helping members and stakeholders secure public and private funding for projects and initiatives. We will host the GWRCCC Conference, Annual Meeting and Stakeholder Luncheon at the National Press Club on October 20th. GWRCCC will continue providing visionary leadership by adding our voice to key policy and industry related matters and disseminating educational resources to grow our movement for a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable America.

Lastly, thank you to the Parts Authority, EVHybridNoire, AutoFlex Fleet, and K Neal Truck and Bus Center for the sponsorship of the Annual GWRCCC Golf Tournament Fundraiser which was held in June.

Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson


 

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Message from our Executive Director

      On behalf of our Board, staff, and consultants, I would like to thank everyone that attended our events for
Green Week 2022. GWRCCC hosted a panel on climate solutions, a Green Drinks Happy Hour, a meeting with the Biden-Harris Administration at the White House Eisenhower Office Building and
participated in a community clean up. At GWRCCC, every day is Earth Day!

  In May, GWRCCC will host a series of forums and webinars on local and state issues that impact clean energy and transportation. Additionally, on Thursday, May 5, at 11am we will host our quarterly Community & Industry
Stakeholders Meeting to exchange ideas, increase engagement and advance our various priorities. Additionally, I am giving remarks on a diversity, equity and inclusion panel during the ACT Conference and Expo in Long Beach, California. Join GWRCCC for our Annual Golf Tournament on June 15, we still need golfers and sponsors! On a day that’s dedicated to fabulous mothers, I would like to give a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day! Additionally, I would like to say thank you to those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country this Memorial Day.

Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson

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Message from our Executive Director

At GWRCCC, we believe in green initiatives and going green 365 days year. On April 22, the nation and world will celebrate Earth Day. Our coalition will host events during our inaugural Green Week starting April 19, 2022, which will include a forum, demonstration and ride on an electric school bus, a Green Drinks and Earth Day Happy Hour, and a community clean up. We hope that you will join us! Please follow GWRCCC on social media for more details and check your email.

Beginning in May 2022, GWRCCC will host quarterly meetings with Community & Industry Stakeholders to exchange ideas, increase engagement and advance our various priorities. Additionally in May, GWRCCC will host our Spring Virtual Policy Forum Series, the topics will focus on local and state issues related to clean transportation, energy, and racial equity. Free EV Chargers for public use are available from GWRCCC and the Mid-Atlantic Electrification Project (MAEP). The chargers can be placed on public and private property provided they are easily accessible to the public. For more information, please email GWRCCC at info@gwrccc.org or iradorfman@gwrccc.org.

Lastly, there are several funding opportunities from the federal Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law that was passed into law in November 2021. There is funding for various alternative fuel projects and initiatives, roads, bridges, water and sewer construction, workforce development, community engagement and environmental justice. If your organization, company, or government entity needs help or assistance applying for these opportunities or would like us to become a part of your project team, please feel free to contact the GWRCCC Office at 202-671-1580.

Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson

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Message from our Executive Director

This month GWRCCC pauses to recognize the accomplishments of women leaders in energy, transportation, and the environment, such as Hon. Jennifer Granholm, and Hon. Hazel O’Leary current and former Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Energy; Hon. Elizabeth Dole and the Hon. Elaine Chao, and Hon. Mary Peters former U.S. Secretaries of Transportation; and Hon. Carol Browner and Hon. Lisa Jackson, former Administrators of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In recognition of Women’s History Month, GWRCCC will host a webinar on Tuesday, March 22 at 11am to showcase the work Women Leaders in Alternative Fuels and Green Transportation are pioneering.

GWRCCC would like to thank everyone for attending our Opening Reception at the American Gas Association, especially Daniel Gage, President of NGVAmerica. Please look out for emails announcing GWRCCC events during Green Week, April 19-23, 2022.

I want to encourage our readers to complete our 30 second Electric Vehicle Survey, to become a member and financial supporter of GWRCCC at www.gwrccc.org/membership. You can also donate to GWRCCC and help us continue to do great things that impact communities across the region and country.

Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson

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Message from our Executive Director

GWRCCC understands the importance and urgency of the current moment for combating climate change, and public and private sector investments in alternative fuels and renewable energy. Our Organization will continue to host workshops, provide technical assistance, educate, and train our members and the public, and engage in advocacy efforts that keeps us relevant locally, regionally, and nationally. We will also share with our members and stakeholders’ invaluable information on grant, funding, and business opportunities from the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law.

GWRCCC is co-leading the Mid-Atlantic Electrification Program (MAEP) which focuses on installing over 200 chargers in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Additionally, GWRCCC is a partner on the Mid-Atlantic Electric School Bus Experience Program (MEEP), with a goal of accelerating the region to transition to electric school buses. We are partnering with the District of Columbia’s Department of Water and Sewer on a Diesel Emissions Reduction Action (DERA) Grant to purchase and retrofit vehicles, and address issues related to environmental justice and equity.

Thank you to the Renewable Energy Group (REG) for sponsoring me to attend the National Biodiesel Conference in Las Vegas. I had the opportunity to speak on two panels, learn more about key policy and economic issues effecting the biodiesel industry. Jill Hamilton, Board Chair of GWRCCC and an expert on biodiesel grants and policies, organized an equity panel that included Tim Fitzgerald, Fleet Manager for DC Water and Sewer and me.

GWRCCC would like to thank John O’Donnell, President and CEO of the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association for extending his hospitality and allowing the Coalition to host multiple events at the Washington DC Auto Show. GWRCCC had in an exhibitor booth, and hosted 7 workshops, including a day that focused on Opportunities for Fleets Through the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Bill. Thank you to the GWRCCC Staff and consultants, and Board Member Luis MacDonald for helping to make the events a huge success.

Join us at the GWRCCC Opening Reception on February 9th! Follow GWRCCC on LinkedIn,
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Lastly, don’t forget to become a member of GWRCCC and/or to pay your dues this month.

Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson

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Meet GWRCCC’s Executive Director

Conservation and Co-Chair of the Senate Minority and Woman Business Enterprise Task Force. He authored the NYS MWBE Mentor/Protégé Law. He was a key architect of the Green Jobs/Green New York law. “The executive search for my successor produced some very qualified candidates but none provide the combination of executive, political and subject matter experience of Antoine Thompson. GWRCCC is most fortunate to have Antoine as its new Executive Director” stated Ira Dorfman, former Executive Director and current Senior Advisor to GWRCCC. “With the nation very focused on alternative fuels, green businesses, and green jobs, Antoine’s experience managing organizations, building coalitions, and leadership in government and advocacy is critically important to GWRCCC members and the clients, customers, and communities that they serve,” stated Anne Steckel, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of GWRCCC.

As Executive Director, Antoine will work closely with staff and the GWRCCC board increasing member and community engagement, growing investments in alternative fuels, technologies, and infrastructure for transportation by local, state, and the federal governments. He will also champion GWRCCC’s efforts or racial and gender equity in climate solutions, green businesses, and green jobs.

Sincerely,
Antoine M. Thompson