Clean Energy Business Network Weekly Bulletin- June 25

Source: Clean Energy Business Network, June 25, 2020

This week, CEBN summarizes the new House infrastructure bill in our latest blog post, CRES releases results from a survey of Republican voters, and a new partnership sets its sights on modernizing the US energy transmission network.  

FEATURED CONTENT

House Democrats’ Infrastructure Bill: A clean energy primer

House Democrats have unveiled their $1.5T infrastructure package, the Moving Forward Act, which includes funding for highway and transit, broadband, low-income schools, public housing, and hospitals. It also targets the clean energy sector through $70B in funding for clean energy projects, extending the investment and production tax credits through the end of 2025 and expanding these to new technologies. Read CEBN’s summary blog post here.

Survey of Republican voters reveals support for clean energy 

Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions administered a survey to 1,000+ Republican voters nationwide in June and released their findings this morning. One clear result: Republican voters believe that investment in clean energy can help boost our economy and create jobs.

Weaver: Extension of Safe Harbor for Renewables Tax Credits
In a recent blog post, Weaver provides a deep dive into IRS’ extension of safe harbors for renewables ITC and PTC. The post details who qualifies and what changes have been made. 

Ford Motors pledges to reach carbon neutrality by 2050
The company plans to begin with production emissions, switching entirely to renewable energy by 2035, before addressing vehicle emissions. The firm is investing over $11.5B in EVs, with a goal of offering climate-friendly versions of its most popular models. 

MEMBER CONNECTIONS

S Deatherage Law: TX firm with clean energy experience
One of Texas’ leading environmental lawyers, Scott Deatherage represents renewable and distributed energy project developers, energy storage project developers, and private equity companies. He has worked on wind, solar, anaerobic digestion, biomass, waste to energy, and natural gas projects, for a total of over $5 billion of energy projects.

FEDERAL POLICY UPDATE

New initiative to boost renewables transportation in the US
ACORE and ACEG have launched the Macro Grid Initiative, aimed at modernizing the US energy transmission network. The project will promote investment in cutting edge transmission infrastructure and support expanding and upgrading the US transmission network to more efficiently transport renewable energy capacity across the country. 

NASEO, NARUC team up to address solar cybersecurity risks
The partnership, funded by DOE, aims to design distributed solar cybersecurity now to avoid future threats. Its main focus is the two-way communication increasingly utilized by remote administrators which, if compromised, could have a significant effect on the grid.   

INTERNATIONAL POLICY UPDATE

New resource tracks governments’ COVID “Green Recovery”
Carbon Brief is tracking measures for green economic stimulus plans, both proposed and implemented by global economies, in an interactive grid.   

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

R&D 100 Awards – Deadline to Apply is Tomorrow, 6/26
These awards recognize and celebrate the top 100 revolutionary technologies of the year. Submit your product or process to be considered by their panel of expert judges – it could earn a place among a group of finalists and winners dating back to 1963. Apply here.

EVENTS

Puerto Rico Energy Capital Access Program: Presentation Day

Join Fundación Borincana live today as they celebrate the culmination of the first session of their program. The cohort will present their projects, and with them, the potential for energy infrastructure development and financing in Puerto Rico. Learn more about PRECAP and how your team, company and community can join as a participant, sponsor, or mentor.

Other Events and Activities

ENERGY NEWS

West Coast: Call for EV freight charging system, SD to Canada 
San Diego Union Tribune

CA: Advanced Clean Truck rule to generate $7-10B in savings
Green Car Congress

MN: Geothermal startup uses system with heat from aquifers
Energy News

TN: 1000+ ewes to graze under 53MW solar farm
Renewable Energy World

NV: State adopts California’s strict car pollution rules
Los Angeles Times

WA: Utility to pilot 1st Energy Efficiency-as-a-Service program
Renewable Energy World