Source: Clean Energy Business Network, June 11, 2020
This week, clean energy groups prioritize justice and diversity, PPP flexibility tweaks will be enacted swiftly, and the member spotlight is on a law firm covering all things clean energy.
FEATURED CONTENT
PPP flexibility tweaks to be enacted promptly
Following the enactment of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, the SBA is expected to release guidelines, a modified borrower application form, and a modified loan forgiveness application. Details about all changes to the PPP are accessible here. The final day a PPP application can be approved is June 30.
Clean energy industry addresses its own racial inequity
Over the past week, clean energy organizations from coast to coast expressed grief and solidarity with the nation’s fight for racial justice and an equitable society. Across the country, industry leaders, including CEBN and BCSE, released statements committing to the advancement of diversity, inclusion, and equity in the cleantech sector and beyond.
Wind power sets new global energy supply records
In 2019, 33 suppliers installed 22,893 wind turbines globally, providing 63 GW of new wind energy capacity – a new record.
FEDERAL POLICY UPDATE
Bipartisan Senators introduce climate-smart agriculture bill
The Growing Climate Solutions Act creates a USDA certification program that breaks down barriers for farmers and landowners interested in carbon credit markets. The program will assist landowners with implementing protocols and monetizing their sustainable practices.
Trump signs executive order expediting infrastructure projects
The order directs the Department of Transportation to follow emergency guidelines for expediting large infrastructure projects. The directive also urges the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, and Defense as well as the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite projects through permitting reviews including NEPA consideration.
National Offshore Wind Consortium awards $10M in R&D funds
The 12 projects selected to receive the awards cover a range of research areas including U.S. supply chain analyses, analysis of the impacts of offshore wind on the electric grid system, and exploring innovative anchoring structures.
DOT awards $130M to Low- or No-Emission Grant program
The “Low-No” program funds the deployment of zero- and low-emission transit buses and supporting facilities. Projects include the purchase or lease of battery-electric or fuel cell buses and charging infrastructure. Forty-one projects across the country will receive funding.
| FUNDING OPPORTUNITY |
Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) – Innovators Program
Innovators Program is a core LACI accelerator program serving early-stage cleantech startups in Southern California. Funded by the California Energy Commission’s Regional Energy Innovation Cluster (REIC), the program aims to support early stage entrepreneurs in launching their venture in California’s growing cleantech innovation ecosystem.
CO — Blueprint: A Virtual Event Series, beginning June 10th
Presented by the US Chamber of Commerce and CHASE for Business, this 6-part virtual event series occurs at 2pm ET every other Wednesday and combines expert advice with practical strategies for small business owners rebuilding and recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.
FERC: Impacts of COVID-19 on the Energy Sector, July 8-9
The Commissioner-led technical conference, open to the public, will address potential longer-term effects of the pandemic on the US energy industry.
Other Events and Activities:
- Investor Speaking Series: Fundraising Insights and Startup Leadership, June 12
- Climate Justice Insights and Inspiration from 12 Thought Leaders, June 15
- Renewable Energy: Opportunities for the Next Decade, June 18
- Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator Cohort 1 Finale, June 23
- Cleantech Innovation Showcase, June 24
| ENERGY NEWS |
U.S.: Study says 90% CO2-free grid by ’35 would not raise bills
Utility Dive
AR: Rooftop solar gets a lifeline
Inside Climate News
FL: Governor signs EV charging infrastructure bill into law
Capitolist
NY: Approval for construction of state’s biggest wind farm
Bloomberg
OR: PacWave aims to jumpstart US marine energy market
Greentech Media