This week nearly thirty business leaders came to Washington to meet with key decision makers on Capitol Hill and in the Administration on the importance of federal clean energy research, development, and deployment programs. We also published an op-ed with one of these businesses on the topic.
Small Businesses Urge Congress, DOE to Support Energy Innovation
Nearly thirty small business leaders from the CEBN visited Washington this week to highlight the work their firms have done in clean energy. All of these companies have developed innovative energy technologies with support from the Department of Energy. This was the second successive year CEBN has organized a fly-in during the federal appropriations cycle, and this year’s event included double the number of participants from last year’s. The group met with over 60 congressional offices along with key administration officials within DOE.
CEBN Op-ed: For energy/climate, don’t forget about innovation
CEBN President Lynn Abramson teamed up with Bill and Sue Easter, co-founders of Florida-based Semplastics, on a recent op-ed published in Real Clear Energy. The piece calls for the federal government to continue to support clean energy research and development programs. Bill and Sue participated in meetings on Capitol Hill and at DOE this week. Their materials and fabrication business has received an SBIR Phase I award from DOE.
Support Federal Energy Programs
The President’s budget request for fiscal year 2021 (FY2021), which begins Oct. 1, proposes an 8% cut to the Department of Energy and deeper cuts to several clean energy initiatives. Nearly thirty CEBN member businesses held meetings this week with Members of Congress and their staff in support of robust clean energy funding. This week during the CEBN fly-in to Washington, we personally delivered a letter signed by dozens of CEBN members to key Members of Congress. As Congress shifts its focus to responding to the Coronavirus, there is still time to have your voice heard and sign onto this letter before key decisions on appropriations are carried out.
Support SBIR/STTR Improvements
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides federal support to encourage small business research, development, and commercialization of promising technologies. The House and Senate Small Business Committees are working on a reauthorization of the program—view CEBN’s recommendations and consider signing onto a letter supporting them with just two clicks!
Senate energy bill stalled by HFC debate
Senate consideration of a massive energy package was stalled Monday due to attempts to include an amendment that aimed to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will now hold a hearing on the HFC proposal. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) remain eager to advance their bipartisan energy package through the full Senate.
COVID-19 emergency response package
Congress and President Trump are close to finalizing agreement on an emergency funding package to provide aid to states and communities impacted by COVID-19. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has provided an outline of anticipated provisions.
SBA resources to help businesses respond to COVID-19
To help small businesses brace for the impacts of COVID-19, the Small Business Administration is providing an Economic Injury Disaster Loan program offering working capital to help small businesses overcome temporary losses of revenue. Businesses are also encouraged to review guidance from the CDC on protecting employees and customers.
CalSEED applications are now open
CalSEED is a $24m grant program created to help early stage California clean energy startups bring concepts and prototypes to market. Startups could receive up to $600,000 in grant funding. Apply & get your clean energy idea funded! Deadline: March 16