| Don’t forget to register for Episode 2 of our webinar series with BCSE, Powering Forward, on May 20th. We also continue to update our COVID-19 Small Business Resource Center. This week, Democrats plan to unveil their next COVID relief bill, Trump issues an executive order on the electricity supply chain, and CEBN reflects on the past three years. FEATURED CONTENT Webinar – The Clean Energy Economy: A Decade of Growth, a First Quarter in Crisis Don’t miss the second installment of BCSE & CEBN’s webinar series, Clean Energy Economy: Decade of Growth, First Quarter in Crisis. Learn about the long-term trends that have taken place across the energy sector along with the latest insights on how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted clean energy in the first quarter of 2020. Hear from industry analysts at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, BW Research, and E2. Register here. CEBN turns three, celebrates impact since 2017 Friday marked the CEBN’s third birthday, three years as the small business voice for the clean energy economy, and three years of partnership with the Business Council for Sustainable Energy. CEBN has grown to a record high of 3,700 business leaders nationwide—more than 500 of whom joined our community within the past year alone. As our ranks continue to grow, so too does our collective influence in the policy, public, and business spheres. |
FEDERAL POLICY UPDATE
Democrats plan to unveil next COVID relief bill this week
Minority Leader Schumer described the package as “Rooseveltian” and said it would be revealed shortly. The package is expected to be an expansion of the CARES package that provided funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. Speaker Pelosi alluded to a carve out of funding for businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Additional funding for state and local governments may also be included. Infrastructure and clean energy relief are not expected.
Trump signs executive order on bulk power system equipment
The order aims to reduce vulnerability in the US utility sector supply chain by declaring a national emergency. The order names dependency on foreign bulk power system (BPS) electrical equipment a national security threat. It prohibits the acquisition, transfer, and installation of BPS equipment tied to “foreign adversaries,” but the order does not identify any nations. A federal task force will carry out creation of and implementation of related rules.
McConnell, Senate GOP pause steps toward next relief bill
The Senate returned to the Capitol on Monday, after five weeks away. The Majority Leader signaled that the Senate will not move forward with another relief bill right away, citing the importance of evaluating the efficacy of measures Congress has already taken. House Democrats plan to vote on their own relief bill as early as next week.
Senate GOP blocks bill for small business aid
Sen. Marco Rubio, SBEC Chair, blocked a Democratic bill that would require the Trump administration to share new details about the distribution of COVID aid for small businesses.
| FUNDING OPPORTUNITY Greentech Alliance launches, now accepting applicants The Alliance supports green technology businesses with advice on funding, impact, visibility and strategy with the help of top VCs, journalists, advisors and entrepreneurs. |
VIRTUAL EVENTS
Pitch Practice Workshop: Pitching in a Virtual Environment
On My 14, join Potential Energy DC for their “Pitch Night Practice & Peer Feedback Workshop in a Virtual Environment.” Cleantech and sustainability entrepreneurs will practice, receive peer feedback, and re-run pitches with a focus on engaging potential investors in a virtual forum. PEDC will hold its Summer Pitch Night on June 4 with a panel of judges evaluating participants.
Other Events and Activities:
- COVID-19 Impact on Solar, May 7
- LEAD on CLIMATE 2020, May 13
- All Energy and Dcarbonise Webinar Series, May 13-14
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