EP-ACT's New Website - Transition Starts January 19

EP-ACT is hibernating for the winter! We are transitioning to a new member platform, and what this means for you is that although our website will still be active through the transition, some of our membership functionality may be limited. This will be the last newsletter to come through here...with a shiny new look for our whole platform for 2021 once the transition is complete. Our website address, emails, phones, physical office address, and surveys will all remain the same. We appreciate your patience and support as we go through this process and can't wait to update you all once we establish ourselves in our new virtual home!

EP-ACT Welcomes New Board Member Tom Bonner!

This month we have the distinct pleasure to share the latest addition to our Board, Tom Bonner, Manager of State and Government Affairs for PECO. Mr. Bonner's primary responsibility at PECO is analyzing the impact of federal, state and local policy challenges on the company and leading internal teams to develop its Advancing Smart Energy policy and business solutions. During his time with PECO, Mr. Bonner has focused on both policies and programs advancing new technologies, including serving as the lead author of PECO's successful $200 million Smart Grid Investment Grant application with the U.S. Department of Energy. Following the grant award, he organized the company's grant compliance assessment and implementation planning project and functioned as Project Manager for PECO’s external Partnership programs. You can find his complete bio on our website. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Bonner in his new role!

Tom Bonner, Vice Manager of State & Government Affairs for PECO.

EP-ACT Annual Fuel Displacement Collection

EP-ACT is tasked to collect vital information for the DOE, proving displacement to help lessen our dependence on imported petroleum, reduce emissions, offer cost savings and help your fleet meet sustainability goals. Did you know:

For every Federal $1.00 the National Clean Cities program receives, we turn it into $9.00 of private investments.
The program’s goal is to displace 2.5 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel annually, within the transportation sector by 2025?
2018 was the 1^st year the coalitions collectively displaced over 1 billion gallons of petroleum.

Please take a few moments to click on the Survey Monkey link to share your fleets alternative fuel usage for 2020.

EPACT Annual Fuel Displacement Information Collection Survey

Mid Atlantic Electric School Bus Experience Project

The Mid-Atlantic Electric School Bus Experience Project (MEEP) awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy is working with school bus manufacturers, Clean Cities coalitions and other partners to provide free electric school buses for 6-8 week demos in selected school fleets in Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey over the next two years. These short-term demonstrations are a fantastic opportunity for your school administrators, mechanics, drivers faculty and students to experience electric school buses firsthand on existing routes, without any cost or long-term commitment. To apply, click here and submit a project idea titled MEEP.

Climate Progress in the Year End Stimulus Package

Congress passed a raft of legislation funding the government for 2021 and nearly a trillion dollars of much-needed COVID-19 fiscal relief for businesses and consumers. As part of this legislative push, Congress also included the first major climate legislation in over a decade and a surprise package of tax credit extenders. The energy package authorizes nearly $40 billion in new research, development and demonstration funding for clean energy. It also overhauls major parts of the Department of Energy’s RD&D programs to focus on a wider array of clean technologies.

Click below for specific detail on Tax Extenders and Renewables in the Stimulus Package.

US DOE Innovative and Advanced Vehicle Tech Funding Announcement

The U.S. Department of Energy announced up to $60 million in new and innovative advanced vehicle technologies research. This opportunity supports research that will lead to more affordable, efficient, and secure transportation energy.

This funding opportunity supports priorities in batteries and electrification, advanced engine and fuel technologies, materials, and new mobility technologies. Concept papers are due Feb. 5, 2021. Contact Tony with project ideas.

For more information on the program click below.

Driving PA Forward Programs Still Open

The DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Grant Program: $1.8 Million Available

The DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Grant Program application submission period will begin upon public notice of availability and will remain open continuously through February 26, 2021. DEP will review and score applications after each submission period end date. Submission period end dates are 4:00 PM on February 26, 2021.

The Electric Cargo Handling Grant Program: $2.5 Million Available

This program will reimburse you a percentage of the total cost of repowering or replacing older diesel- powered forklifts, airport ground support equipment, and port cargo handling equipment with all-electric equipment. Anticipated application deadline: March 5, 2021

Marine and Rail Freight Movers Grant Program: $8.7 Million Available

This program will reimburse you a percentage of the total cost of repowering or replacing eligible pre-Tier 4 freight switchers that operate at least 1,000 hours per year with any new EPA or CARB-certified diesel, alternative fuel, or all-electric engine, including Generator Sets. Anticipated application deadline: March 19, 2021

If you would like support in submitting a Driving PA Forward application, contact Tony.

January 21, 2021

DEPA Coalition Meeting

Drive Electric Pennsylvania

January 21, 2021 from 10:00am - 12:00pm

We will learn about the Clean Cities’ recent electric vehicle education outreach grant from the Department of Energy, discuss electric vehicle fee structures and considerations, hear news and updates from each other, and learn about electricity time-of-use rates, including how PECO’s recent residential time-of-use rate approval may encourage electric vehicle growth in their service area. Everyone will be free to share written or verbal electric vehicle updates during member updates.

February 10, 2021

Energy & Environment Strategies Workshop for Connections 2050 Long Range Plan

DVRPC

February 10, 2021 at 1:00pm

Join us for an interactive workshop to identify strategies for achieving the Vision established for the Connection 2050 Long-Range Plan for Greater Philadelphia. This session will focus on the topic of Energy & Environment and will utilize breakout groups to facilitate discussion amongst participants to identify universal and contingent strategies the region should prioritize.

EP-ACT Tip of the Month: Median Driving Range of All-Electric Vehicles Tops 250 Miles for Model Year 2020

Since 2011, significant improvements in battery technologies and overall EV efficiency have led to an expanding number of EV models and increased driving ranges. The median EPA estimated range for all EV models offered in the 2020 model year exceeded 250 miles. The 2020 model year also marked the first year that an EV achieved an EPA estimated maximum range of more than 400 miles.

Office: 215-990-8200 Address: 1900 Market St. 8th Floor Philadelphia PA 19103

EP-ACT Staff and Board of Directors would like to thank all of our members and stakeholders for supporting our coalition and mission.

To share your fleets alternative fuel successes in our newsletter, please email Caroline.

Follow and engage with us on Social Media