Source: CEBN, July 23, 2020
| This week, Senate Republicans plan to release details of their COVID-19 aid package, CRES Forum hosts an event (today) addressing climate change plans among conservatives, and a coalition of mayors from cities across the world releases a COVID-19 recovery blueprint. MEMBER CONNECTIONS XChanger system offers 30% HVAC improvement The XChanger is a forced heating and cooling air management system that brings its greatest benefits to facilities with high ceilings. XChanger enhances the efficiency of existing HVAC systems that use forced air to condition the space. Up to 30% improvement in air conditioning and heating have been demonstrated, with the potential for “no-brainer” ROIs. FEATURED CONTENT Next Week: CEBN webinar on clean energy powered recoveryProduced in partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts and National Governors Association, the third installment of the Powering Forward series will examine the state and local response to COVID-19. Panelists will explore how state governments are responding to the pandemic, identify energy resilience solutions critical for communities in the wake of this crisis, and discuss federal infrastructure legislation currently pending in Congress. Register here. CEBN is seeking a new Program Associate Our staff member, Aleah Jaeger, is off to the London School of Economics for a masters in environmental policy and regulation. Are you an early career professional (or career changer) seeking meaningful work helping clean energy businesses thrive? Apply here. Major corporations launch Transform to Net Zero initiative Nine companies including Unilever, Microsoft, Starbucks, and Nike launched an initiative to accelerate the transition to a net zero global economy by 2050. The initiative will develop guidance and implementable steps, paving the road for other businesses to follow. NCEW 2020: “Clean Energy Solutions for a Stronger America” National Clean Energy Week has announced that this year’s virtual event will focus on the role of the clean energy sector in building a stronger, more resilient America. CEBN is proud to be a member of the NCEW steering committee. Find more information and register here. FEDERAL POLICY UPDATE Senate Republicans to unveil COVID-19 relief package details The $1T package will include funding for schools, more forgivable PPP loans, direct payment to families, and incentives for companies to hire. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is expected to release more details today, before the House and Senate move toward negotiations. The House passed the HEROES Act in May but it has not been picked up by the Senate. Clean energy industry calls for inclusion in next relief bill Pressure is mounting for lawmakers to include the clean energy sector in the next COVID-19 relief package. Industry groups, major corporations, and state and local governments have released a letter to Senate leaders calling for $20B to support clean energy in the next bill. INTERNATIONAL POLICY UPDATE EU leaders agree on COVID-19 recovery packageThe deal devotes nearly 550 billion euros (30% of the EU budget for 2020-2021) to green projects over seven years. Critics are concerned about a lack of precise spending guidelines. Coalition of world mayors releases pandemic recovery blueprint C40 Cities, a task force of mayors from 96 major cities across the world, was founded in 2005 to facilitate cooperation and collaboration in climate action. The network’s plan calls for investments in clean energy and a commitment to an equitable and inclusive pandemic recovery. Since March, C40 has coordinated relief efforts and provided aid between cities. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY Chamath Palihapitiya, Founder and CEO, Social Capital Chamath Palihapitiya has requested proposals for creative, unique frameworks or strategies to advance decarbonization efforts over the coming decades. Proposals are due August 1st. TAKE ACTION Last chance: Comments due 7/30 on ESG investment rule On 6/30 the Dept. of Labor proposed a new rule in the Federal Register to limit environment, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in corporate pension and 401(k) plans. The rule’s intent is to clarify existing laws requiring employers to act solely in the interest of the plan’s participants. Critics maintain that ESG investment practices hedge against risk and bolster the plan’s performance. You can read the rule here and submit comments by July 30. VIRTUAL EVENTS TODAY at 12: How conservatives plan to tackle climate change Join CRES Forum to hear from senior policymakers and thought leaders for a discussion of immediate opportunities and actionable policies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Other Events and Activities Rescue, Rebuild, Reinvest: How to Save Clean Energy Startups, TODAY at 12:15 ETBloomberg Green Summit, July 29How Green Building Can Move the Economy Forward, August 4-5REFF-Wall Street, September 9-10 ENERGY NEWS AZ: State regulatory staff proposes 100% clean energy by 2050 Utility Dive CA: 36% renewables in 2019 exceeds RPS goals California Energy Commission CA: Apple to be 100% carbon neutral for supply chain by 2030 Apple Newsroom FL: Electric vehicle plans move forward despite pandemic AP News LA: Tulane researchers develop hybrid solar energy converter Science Daily NJ: Bill would create equitable clean energy projects statewide Daily Energy Insider PA: C-PACE deal yields $1.5M in energy efficiency investments Pennsylvania Business Report |