May Newsletter: New Meeting Dates, Member Spotlight, Resources, Advocacy, and more!

Happy May, Midwest BDC!

We’re welcoming in May (and hopefully warmer weather soon!) with open arms. Mother’s Day is coming up on May 14^th and is a time to celebrate and honor the mothers and mother figures in our lives. It is also an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with Mother Earth, who has given us everything we need to survive and thrive.

Caring for Mother Earth requires us to nurture and protect the natural resources that sustain us. As we face the increasingly urgent threat of climate change, it is more important than ever that we take action to reduce our impact on the environment and preserve the planet for future generations. As Mother’s Day approaches, let’s take a moment to not only appreciate the mothers and strong women in our lives, but also reflect on the ways we can extend that nurturing spirit to the Earth we call home. Whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint, supporting renewable energy, or advocating for environmental justice policies, we all have a role to play in protecting our planet and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Keep reading this month’s MWBDC newsletter for updates on everything coming our way in May. There are some important date changes for working group meetings while our staff is attending the Getting to Zero forum May 10 – 12, a new page on our website showcasing MWBDC members, and lots more!

In solidarity,

– Marnese, Jacob, and Maggie

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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This month, we are highlighting two MWBDC members who have recently taken on new leadership roles as co-leads of the Education and Training Subcommittee and the Governance Working Group.

Eslun Tucker

Eslun has a BA in Organizational Leadership from Rockhurst University and over 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the information technology and communications field. Eslun is active in her community and serves on several local boards including the Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund, Sister Cities Association of KC, and Grandview School District’s Superintendent’s Community Advisory Board. Since joining MWBDC, Eslun has risen to the task of becoming a co-leader of the Education and Training subcommittee of the Equity working group, where she has been vital in establishing the subcomittee’s vision statement. Thank you for all you do, Eslun – we can’t wait to continue working with you!

Kareem Scales

Kareem is a Civil Rights activist, community advocate, and grassroots organizer. He focuses on creating transformational change in BIPOC communities centering residents in the urban core that have historically been disproportionately impacted by systemic and unjust practices. (Check out this interview with Kareem about how he got into environmental justice work and what it means to him!) Kareem has stepped up as one of the co-leaders of the Governance working group – we are thankful for his contribution and leadership with MWBDC!

COALITION CALENDAR

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To view upcoming working group meetings and other Coalition events online, visit midwestdecarb.org/calendar.

May 4: Governance Working Group
The Governance Working Group meets every other Thursday at 9 AM CST / 10 AM EST. To participate, please email Marnese.

May 4: AWHI Steering Committee

This group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 10 AM CST / 11 AM EST. To participate, email Jacob.

May 10-12: Getting to Zero Forum

The MWBDC staff will be attending the Getting to Zero forum in Minneapolis! We may be a bit slow to respond to emails.

May 16: Affordable Housing / QAP Working Group

This group meets every third Tuesday of the month at 3:30 PM CST/ 4:30 PM EST. To participate please email Marnese. 

DATE CHANGE! May 17: MWBDC Monthly Meeting
The monthly meeting usually takes place the second Wednesday of each month (but will be on the third Wednesday due to the GTZ forum) for 90 minutes at 2 PM CST / 3 PM EST. Register here.

May 18: Governance Working Group
The Governance Working Group meets every other Thursday at 9 AM CST / 10 AM EST. To participate, please email Marnese.

May 22: Local Codes and Standards Working Group
This group meets every month on the fourth Wednesday at 10 AM CST / 11 AM EST. To participate, contact Jacob.

May 23: New Member Orientation
New member orientation is every fourth Tuesday of the month at 12 PM CST / 1 PM EST. Click here to register.

May 24: Faith Working Group

This group meets the third Wednesday of every month at 12 PM EST / 11AM CST. To participate please email Marnese. 

DATE CHANGE! May 24: Equity Working Group

The Equity Working Group meets every third Wednesday of the month for 90 minutes at 1 PM EST / 12 PM CST. To participate please email Marnese. 

May 24: New Member Orientation (evening)
New member evening orientation is every fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:30 PM CST / 6:30 PM EST. Click here to register.

May 25: Healing Justice Working Group

This group meets at 10 AM CST / 11 AM EST for 60 minutes. To participate, please contact Marnese.

May 25: Federal Policy Working Group
The Federal Policy Working Group meets every other Thursday for 90 minutes at 11 AM CST / 12 PM EST. To participate, please email Marnese.

May 25: Building Decarbonization 101

Thursday, May 25, 2:00 PM EST / 1:00 PM CST

Why does MWBDC’s work focus on decarbonizing buildings in the Midwest? How is decarbonization different from efficiency? What’s all this about electrification? How can we work towards a clean energy transition that values equity?

Join our Co-Director Jacob Serfling, Manager of Building Policy and Technology, for this overview of Building Decarbonization, and why it’s so critical to do well and to do equitably. Register Now!

May 26: MWBDC Office Hours

This time is for people to meet with MWBDC staff about any questions they might have. Feel free to email us before the meeting time so that we can be prepared with the information you need! 12 PM CST / 1 PM EST. Register here.

For full details about all Coalition working groups, keep reading.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Meeting date changes this month

Due to MWBDC staff attending the Getting to Zero Forum on May 10 – 12, the Monthly Meeting has been pushed back a week to May 17 at 3 PM EST / 2 PM CST, and the Equity Working Group meeting has been pushed back a week to May 24 at 1 PM EST / 12 PM CST.

MWBDC Members page on our website!

The MWBDC website has a new page showcasing everyone who has submitted their official membership documents. Check it out here!

Want your organization’s logo featured on the website page? Email it to Maggie ([email protected]) and she will add it.
Not seeing you or your organization’s name? Make sure you have completed your membership forms. The names on the website are pulled directly from the form responses! If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Maggie.

EPA Listening Sessions on the Green House Gas Reduction Fund

The EPA is hosting online listening sessions over the next few days to hear feedback on the greenhouse gas reduction fund implementation. You can register on Zoom here, and check out MWBDC’s comments and suggestions on the GHGRF if you want to prepare talking points before the meetings.

May 2, 3:00pm EST: National Clean Investment Fund

May 3, 3:00pm EST: Clean Communities Investment Accelerator

May 4, 3:00pm EST: Solar for All

Federal Policy Working Group submits comments to the EPA

Check out this new blog post that details the process our Federal Policy working group took to engage with the EPA’s request for comments on their new Environmental and Climate Justice granting program.

Upcoming Training

Join Jacob Serfling for Building Decarbonization 101 on Thursday, May 25 at 2 PM EST / 1 PM CST!

Join our Co-Director Jacob Serfling, Manager of Building Policy and Technology, for this overview of Building Decarbonization, and why it’s so critical to do well and to do equitably. Register Now!

MWBDC Workshop at Getting to Zero Forum

From May 9 – 12, MWBDC staff will be in Minneapolis for the 2023 Getting to Zero Forum!

This three-day, in-person event brings together leaders in the building technology and policy space who are working towards a carbon-free feature. We will be attending sessions, networking, and growing our collective power. We will also be hosting a workshop on why equity is so central to our movement and how MWBDC approaches this work.

We know that many of our members are attending the forum, and we can’t wait to connect with you in-person!

May 18: Midwest AWHI Meeting (with a special guest!)

MW AWHI is hosting Geoff Wickes from NEEA to discuss the Oregon water heater specialty plumber’s license which provides a certification for water heater installation and can be obtained after three months of training. This license could be a crucial pathway to low barrier to entry jobs in heat pump water heater installations where qualified contractors are badly needed. Geoff will discuss how the license came into effect and the coalitions that were necessary to bring it to the finish line. He’ll also talk about the implications of the license on heat pump water heater installations in Oregon.

A meeting time and a registration link will be coming soon – keep an eye out on the listserv for more information!

Announcing Grow Geo Chicagoland: Get the details on CUB’s new geothermal heat pump group-buy

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient system to heat and cool buildings and water. But how do they work? Will they work for my home? How much money will it save me? Should I make the investment? And just what is a group-buy?

When I was asked to research a few questions about geothermal heat pumps for a consumer, I had no idea it would lead me down a path to talking to consumers and experts across our state, visiting networked geothermal buildings, and helping to develop a group-buy to reduce barriers for consumers. Keep reading to learn about these incredibly efficient systems and if our group buy might be a good fit for you.”

Job Openings

Sustainability Program Coordinator | City of Minneapolis
Communications and Development Director | Climate and Energy Project
Senior Project Manager | National Housing Trust
Director of the Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office | Department of Energy
Director of the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office | Department of Energy
Strategic Campaigns Manager | Michigan Environmental Council
Membership Coordinator | Empower Michigan

Do you have announcements for the next Newsletter? Share them with Maggie at [email protected].

RESOURCES

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Save money with this website from the DOE

Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America plan, it’s easier than ever to take control of your energy costs, make your home safer and more comfortable, and help save the planet. No matter who you are or where you live, clean energy and energy-efficient consumer choices are available now, and the Department of Energy is working to make them more affordable and accessible. Check out this website from the Department of Energy to learn about all the ways you can save on energy costs!

Building Modernization Legislative Toolkit – Regulatory Assistance Project

“New technologies are rapidly changing the way we use energy in our homes and businesses. But in many U.S. states, the legal and regulatory status quo includes barriers to adopting these technologies. This toolkit is a free resource for legislators and policymakers who want to address these barriers and clear the way for building modernization in their states. Clicking on each of the seven topic areas below, you’ll find policy background, resources and, most importantly, detailed exploration of legislative options your state could pursue, drawing on examples from across the country. Proactive policy action can ensure that buildings are modernized in a way that produces health, environmental and economic benefits for everyone.”

Banking on Climate Chaos – Fossil Fuel Finance Report

“Fossil fuel financing from the world’s 60 largest banks has reached USD $5.5 trillion in the seven years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, with $673 billion in fossil fuel financing in 2022 alone. This report examines commercial and investment bank financing for the fossil fuel industry, aggregating their leading roles in lending and underwriting debt and equity issuances. Fossil fuel financing plateaued in 2020, rebounded in 2021, and leveled out again in 2022 owing to unusual geopolitical and economic conditions, not shifts in bank policy.”

Climate Wins Here interactive map – Climate Action Campaign

“The Climate Wins Here map depicts the investments made in communities nationwide through President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This resourceful map is based on announced and awarded federal dollars and categorizes the investments as clean energy and power, clean transportation, environmental resilience and remediation, and infrastructure.”

Green Bank Resources from Lauren Reeg
MWBDC’s Federal Policy working group was recently chatting about green banks, a concept that has been popping up in various news articles recently. Lauren compiled these resources so that we could get a better understanding on what green banks are all about and how they work – thanks, Lauren!!

What is a green bank?
- Green banks use financing, not grants or rebates, to fund mission-driven projects. Missions generally focus on providing accessible, equitable investments in clean energy and efficiency projects in local communities. Unlike grants, financing is expected to be paid back.
- 101 Level Resource
- EPA Resource on Green Banks
What green banks currently exist?
- There are 23 green banks. Midwest green banks include Michigan Saves, Growth Opps (Cuyahoga County, Ohio), and Missouri Green Bank. Multiple MW states are exploring/launching green banks including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.
What data exists around green banks?
- Deep dive report on the green bank industry.
- Deep dive on different green bank models (public vs. private, etc.).
- Coalition for Green Capital’s green bank resource library.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much data available on green bank borrower demographics. Linked are a few MW-specific resources with some quick numbers.
- Growth Opps (Ohio): https://www.growthopps.org/impact/#by-numbers-main
- Michigan Saves: https://annualreport.michigansaves.org/#numbers

Attitudes on Natural Gas Bans Aren’t Changing Much — but Support Is Rising for Strengthened Energy Efficiency Standards – Morning Consult Report

“While public backing for natural gas bans has not changed much from the beginning of this year, support is higher for stricter energy efficiency standards and has grown among Republicans, according to a Morning Consult survey. View the results and more statistics on public opinion.”

All Electric Homes – Health Professional’s Guide

“Intended for health professionals, advocates, and anyone interested in the climate-health nexus. Learn more about the health impacts of fossil fuel combustion in buildings and the benefits of electrifying buildings. The RMI Health team released the updated version of “All-Electric Homes: A Health Professional’s Guide” — a toolkit for health professionals to learn about the health impacts of fossil fuel combustion and the benefits of electrifying buildings.”

Geothermal in the Midwest – Geothermal energy and its potential contribution to clean energy for developing communities in Illinois and the U.S. Midwest

“To achieve the proposed zero-carbon emission goals set forth by U.S. Midwest governments to move beyond economies reliant on fossil fuels, we propose geothermal (geo-exchange) energy as a solution that is renewable, low carbon, relatively inexpensive, reliable, and safe. Here we present a comprehensive review of geothermal applications for different economic sectors. Over time, the efficiency of geothermal systems has been improved and enhanced, making them stronger competitors in the renewable energy marketplace. Within a policy framework that would incentivize the deployment of geothermal energy technologies that meet the proposed targets, the transition to a decarbonized economy would be faster. The wider deployment of geothermal energy systems would have positive impacts on the U.S. Midwest, including in terms of environmental awareness, economic development, energy efficiency, additional basic and applied research support, and the repurposing of available skills from the oil and gas industry.”

The Climate Burnout Report – Climate Critical Earth

“We are witnesses to the toxic toll on bright minds burning out, and in several cases dying, rather than staying in a movement that needs us all. And we are witnesses to the multigenerational loss that represents, especially for people of color. Climate Critical partnered with Third Plateau to begin to test the assumptions in these trends. We conducted what we hope will be a useful examination of burnout that considers the triggers, conditions, and solutions. This exploratory study is focused on burnout in the climate and environmental change workforce in the words of folk experiencing it, now. We took care and intention to ask participants about the experience, causes, and coping mechanisms that they used to prevent or recover from burnout. And we asked our community what the barriers are to accessing prevention or recovery support. The report outlines major themes from that research.”

Funding Opportunities

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Buildings UP Prize

Upgrading existing buildings to efficiently run on clean energy will help address climate change. Building upgrades may include transitioning to efficient electric equipment, including heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, and improving building efficiency through measures such as insulation and air sealing. Together, efforts will help reduce carbon emissions and energy costs, while improving indoor air quality and occupant comfort.

Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Office (BTO), Buildings UP aims to build capacity to rapidly and equitably transform U.S. buildings. Teams will submit innovative concepts to leverage the billions of dollars available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), utility rebate programs, and many other funding sources capitalizing on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to equitably transform a wide variety of buildings across diverse geographies. As teams progress through the prize, they will receive cash prizes and technical assistance to help bring their ideas to life.

Check out the details and the schedule of upcoming informational webinars here. Applications will be accepted through May 2023 – there is still a chance to get yours in!

Rural Energy For America Program (REAP)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that they are accepting applications starting on April 1 for $1 billion in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements. USDA is making the $1 billion in grants available under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), with funding from President Biden’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis. Learn more and submit an application here.