It’s August, MWBDC! We can’t believe how quickly this summer has flown by.
In case you haven’t heard, two big pieces of news dropped this past month –
After much anticipation, the DOE released guidance and application instructions for states, territories, and tribes to apply for the IRA’s Home Energy Rebates program. There are over 8 billion (yes, with a “b”!) dollars available to fund home energy upgrades more affordable, saving Americans money on their utility bills and making our homes more resilient against extreme heat and cold snaps, wildfire smoke, and air pollution.
Also, we extended the application deadline for our very own funding program! You can now apply for an Empowerment Grant or Participation Stipend through August 15th, 2023.
More details on both programs are in the “announcements’ section of this newsletter.
Continue reading for more details on the four (!!!!) exciting trainings we have coming up in August, as well as a video recording from the Health Working Group’s discussion with Yannai Kashtan, researcher on a newly published study on gas stove’s benzene emissions, member highlights, and lots of news and announcements from our region.
In solidarity,
– Marnese, Jacob, and Maggie
P.S. If you’re an Ohioan, get out and vote next week on August 8th! It’s vital that we stand up for our democracy in this special election. Learn more here.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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This month, we’re highlighting two Coalition members who have been active in multiple working groups – Amy Cortese and Dr. Frederick Forde! We are so grateful to work alongside you both.
Amy Cortese
Throughout her career, Amy Cortese has been involved in sustainable, healthy building design and programs that transform the market for energy efficient products. As Program Director at New Buildings Institute, Amy works to eliminate energy waste and carbon emissions in buildings. She researches technical best practices, investigates how markets function, and informs stakeholders and policy makers on strategic ways that can improve building performance. Her work identifies common barriers and uncovers opportunities to overcome them so that the built environment equitably delivers on community benefits and climate solutions for everyone.
Dr. Frederick O. Forde
Apostle Dr. Frederick O. Forde is the Founder, President, and TV Producer at Point To Christ Kingdom Ministries, Inc. and Forde Financial, LLC.
He has studied at the State University of New York at Farmingdale, Kingdom of Heaven University, and New York Theological Seminary. Dr. Forde is a member of the Poor Peoples Campaign, a board member of ChangeMakers, and participates in the Help not Handcuffs Coalition. Dr. Forde is active in the Equity Working Group, Faith Working Group, and Equity Summit Planning Committee.
COALITION CALENDAR
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To view upcoming working group meetings and other Coalition events online, visit midwestdecarb.org/calendar.
Keep an eye out for each week’s meeting schedule and links to join in your inbox Monday mornings!
August 3: 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.
August 3: Climate Justice 101
11 AM CST / 12 PM EST
We talk a lot about Climate Justice – but how do we really put it into practice? This training will dive into the nuts and bolts of understanding the movement, policy efforts, and practical steps to achieve justice. Join us to learn and reflect on some of the core principles of our movement. Facilitated by Marnese Jackson, Co-Director of the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition. Register now!
August 4: 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.
August 9: Health Working Group
This group meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 12 PM CST / 1 PM EST. To participate, please email Marnese.
August 9: MWBDC Monthly Meeting
The monthly meeting usually takes place the second Wednesday of each month for 90 minutes at 2 PM CST / 3 PM EST. Register here.
August 10: Governance Working Group
The Governance Working Group meets every other Thursday at 9 AM CST / 10 AM EST. To participate, please email Marnese.
August 10: EcoFeminism and EcoWomanism
1 PM CST / 2 PM EST.
Women in energy matter! This webinar will discuss the difference between EcoFeminism and EcoWomanism and how both theories can be applied to our current fight for access to clean energy options. We will also look at the intersectionality framework, and expand on how it is useful in working towards equitable building decarbonization. Facilitated by Marnese Jackson, Co-Director of the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition. Register Now!
August 15: 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.
August 16: 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.
August 17: 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.
August 18: 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.
August 22: New Member Orientation
New member orientation is every fourth Tuesday of the month at 12 PM CST / 1 PM EST. Click here to register.
August 23: Faith Working Group
This group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 12 PM EST / 11AM CST. To participate please email Marnese.
August 23: 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.
August 24: Governance Working Group
The Governance Working Group meets every other Thursday at 9 AM CST / 10 AM EST. To participate, please email Marnese.
August 24: Healing Justice Working Group
This group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 10 AM CST / 11 AM EST for 60 minutes. To participate, please contact Marnese.
August 24: Undoing Implicit Bias in Building Decarbonization
1 PM CST / 2 PM EST. This training will discuss the basics of implicit bias and how it’s related to our work in the building sector. We dive into assumptions, pre-assumptions, and microaggressions. This training will have some pre-work to get you thinking about these topics before the session. Facilitated by Stephanie Bowman. Register Now!
August 28: 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.
August 31: 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.
August 31: White Supremacy Culture in Building Decarbonization
1 PM CST / 2 PM EST. This training will analyze how white supremacy culture characteristics can show up in the building sector, and how we can challenge and work against them. We will come away with tangible steps we can take to manage and undo these characteristics that harm us and our communities. This training will have some pre-work to get you thinking about these topics before the session. Facilitated by Stephanie Bowman. Register Now!
September 1: 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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Home Energy Rebate Program Guidelines are Public!
The Home Energy Rebate Programs include:
- The Home Efficiency Rebates Program will offer $4,300,000,000 in formula grants to state energy offices to reduce the upfront cost of whole-home energy efficiency upgrades in single-family and multi-family homes. The value of an eligible home’s rebate depends on the predicted energy savings attributable to the project.
- The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program will offer $4,275,000,000 in formula grants to state energy offices to reduce the upfront cost of efficient electric technologies in single-family and multi-family homes
In the coming weeks, DOE will provide an array of assistance to States and territories as they determine their next steps in developing rebate programs and submitting applications. DOE’s efforts to support states and territories will include:
- Example responses to applications questions, tailored to specific, optional rebate delivery mechanisms (e.g., weatherization programs, utility programs, other)
- Sample frameworks to guide development of effective rebate processing systems
- Technical assistance regarding use of DOE-centralized rebate initiation and tracking systems
- Analytical support regarding rebate program design impact on reaching specific housing, climate, or economic objectives
- Webinars, small group discussions, and one-on-one meetings on specific topics.
To receive news about this assistance and other announcements from the Home Energy Rebate programs team as these efforts progress, sign up for email updates.
MWBDC’s Federal Policy Working Group will be the hub for Coalition work on the Home Energy Rebate Program. We’re ready to make sure that these funds make it to the folks they’re intended to benefit! You can register here for the working group calls.
Meet BTO’s Newest Projects to Support More Resilient and Efficient Building Codes
Congratulations to the many MWBDC members that received DOE funding to help states, cities, tribes, and partnering organizations implement updated energy codes for buildings!
Learn more about the funding and view the full list of recipients here.
MWBDC Funding Deadline Extended!
The deadline to apply for an Empowerment Grant or Participation Stipend has been extended to August 15th, 2023! You can find the guidelines for the funding program, examples of previously funded projects, expectations for different stipend levels, and more on our website.
Please spread the word! The intention of this funding program is to bring new folks into this movement – especially BIPOC, frontline communities, environmental justice communities, and anyone who is underrepresented in the decarbonization movement. If you have any questions or issues with your application, send an email to [email protected]!
MWBDC Membership
Thinking about applying for a Participation Stipend or Empowerment Grant? Then make sure your MWBDC Membership forms are completed!
Check out the membership page on our website – if you do not see your or your organization’s name, then you need to fill out your membership forms.
- 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.
Upcoming August Trainings
August is fully booked with MWBDC trainings! Find links to all of these on our website calendar page: https://midwestdecarb.org/calendar/
August 3: Climate Justice 101 – register here
We talk a lot about Climate Justice – but how do we really put it into practice? This training will dive into the nuts and bolts of understanding the movement, policy efforts, and practical steps to achieve justice. Join us to learn and reflect on some of the core principles of our movement. Facilitated by Marnese Jackson, Co-Director of the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition.
August 10: EcoFeminism & EcoWomanism – register here
Women in energy matter! This webinar will discuss the difference between EcoFeminism and EcoWomanism and how both theories can be applied to our current fight for access to clean energy options. We will also look at the intersectionality framework, and expand on how it is useful in working towards equitable building decarbonization. Facilitated by Marnese Jackson, Co-Director of the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition.
August 24: Undoing Implicit Bias in Building Decarbonization – register here
This training will discuss the basics of implicit bias and how it’s related to our work in the building sector. We dive into assumptions, pre-assumptions, and microaggressions. This training will have some pre-work to get you thinking about these topics before the session.
August 31: White Supremacy Culture in Building Decarbonization – register here
This training will analyze how white supremacy culture characteristics can show up in the building sector, and how we can challenge and work against them. We will come away with tangible steps we can take to manage and undo these characteristics that harm us and our communities. This training will have some pre-work to get you thinking about these topics before the session.
The August 24 and August 31 trainings will be facilitated by Stephanie Bowman of Mothers Out Front. Before joining Mothers Out Front, Stephanie was a battleground state grasshopper for various gubernatorial, congressional, issue-based, NGO, and presidential campaigns. From age 14, she knew life in Environmental Justice was inevitable from growing/delivering freshly picked vegetables to neighbors’ doors, canvassing with AFSCME, and protesting a predatory utility company. So she received a BA in Political Science from Hampton University, and she began organizing from Virginia, Wisconsin, to Kansas. Six states later she felt disgusted about the transactional treatment by party politics. Her first passion for national work and research led her to Cornell in Marketing Strategy to learn how to test ways to engage folks nationally using digital tactics. Her second passion is facilitating tough conversations around race and class and moving towards measurable change with equity and justice at the core.
Health Working Group hosts researcher Yannai Kashtan!
A Stanford-led analysis finds that a single gas cooktop burner on high or a gas oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit can raise indoor levels of the carcinogen benzene above those in secondhand tobacco smoke. Benzene also drifts throughout a home and lingers for hours in home air, according to the paper, published in Environmental Science & Technology.
Gas Stoves and Benzene Emissions – Yannai Kashtan and MWBDC
Residential Housing Decarbonization and Retrofits – Request for Proposals (Department of Housing)
Opportunity for Chicagoans! This was sent by Steph of City of Chicago – thanks Steph!
“I am thrilled to share the Dept. of Housing’s Residential Housing Decarbonization and Retrofits Request for Proposals (RFP). Building upon the Request for Information (RFI) that DOH released earlier this year, we are so excited to be partnering with the Office of Climate and Environmental Equity in seeking one or more retrofit providers to equitably decarbonize one-to-four-unit residential buildings in Chicago. This program will provide low- and moderate-income homeowners with home upgrades including new insulation and heat pump heating and cooling systems. Retrofits may also include induction stoves, heat pump water heaters, heat pump clothes dryers, air sealing around doors and windows, smart thermostats, and other interventions.
You can download the RFP here and find all key dates below:
- RFP Release: Thursday, July 20, 2023
- Virtual Pre-Bidder’s Conference: 10 a.m. CDT, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023 (Register via Zoom)
- RFP Due Date: Friday, Sept. 1, 2023
Proposals will be evaluated and selected based on each applicant’s organizational capacity and values, program design implementation, budget justification and capacity, and experience. All questions regarding the RFP should be submitted via email to me (steph.o’[email protected]) and will be posted to the RFP webpage for all respondents to view.”
Job Openings
- 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
- Highland Park Coordinator | Soulardarity
- Regional Energy Democracy Coordinator | Soulardarity
- Campaign Manager | Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC)
- Project Manager, Community Programs (Detroit, MI) | Elevate
Do you have announcements for the next Newsletter? Share them with Maggie at [email protected].
RESOURCES
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2023 State Climate Scorecards from RMI
RMI is excited to announce that our 2023 State Climate Scorecards have just been released! These scorecards cover twenty states (including 5 Midwest States): Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
These scorecards outline the progress states are making toward climate goals in various energy sectors based on current policy. RMI also published an article describing major findings from this year’s state scorecards.
Better Buildings for Everyone: Understanding Legal Pathways for Building Performance/Decarbonization
Check out this webinar recording in IMT‘s Better Buildings for Everyone Series. It features Daniel Carpenter-Gold, Jamie Long, and Dani Replogle of the Public Health Law Center speaking about available pathways for jurisdictions to pursue building electrification and decarbonization. The webinar includes a discussion of building codes, building performance standards, curtailing gas distribution networks, fuel standards, and restricting emissions from buildings and appliances.
Rural Energy for America Program – Funding Opportunity and Webinar
Attend a webinar about improved solar opportunities available for farms and rural small businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) with Solar United Neighbors
- This “REAP Solar Grants & Your Business” webinar is taking place on August 23 at 5 pm Pacific / 8 pm Eastern.
- You’ll get an overview of REAP funding opportunities, eligibility, case studies, a step-by-step guide to apply, common challenges and tips, and Q&A.
- Grants and loans from REAP have increased to help save up to 50% of the cost of a solar installation. There are four chances to apply per year (next one is Sep 30). There are more points now awarded to applications from projects in disadvantaged or distressed communities.
Midwest 120-Volt heat pump water heater research study – Slipstream
Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) use heat pump technology to heat your water more efficiently than standard water heaters, including electric resistance and gas- or propane-fired water heaters.
Many existing HPWHs need a 240-Volt connection to work because they draw more power, which may require a costly panel upgrade in your home. A 120-Volt heat pump water heater, however, works with any existing electrical outlet.
On behalf of Consumers Energy, ComEd, and Focus on Energy, Slipstream is conducting a research project to test how well 120-Volt HPWHs work in homes. We are looking for participants to receive a free 120-Volt HPWH so the research team can gather data on its energy use over a one-year period.
This pilot is available to ComEd (Illinois) customers and customers of participating Consumers Energy (Michigan) and Focus on Energy (Wisconsin) utilities. Learn more and sign up to participate at https://slipstreaminc.org/plug-in-hpwh
NATIONAL AND REGIONAL NEWS
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This Summer’s Heatwaves Would Have Been ‘Almost Impossible’ Without Human-Caused Warming, a New Analysis Shows Inside Climate News, July 25, 2023
HUD Affirms Renter Protections and Releases $10 Million Funding Opportunity for Tenant Education and Outreach U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, July 27, 2023
Energy-efficient buildings save lives during extreme weather events: Department of Energy Utility Dive, July 26, 2023
Rural energy program draws scrutiny over Biden equity plan Energy Wire, July 27, 2023
State regulators approve settlement in DTE’s long-term energy plan. Here’s what it means. Planet Detroit July 26, 2023
Michigan nonprofits can benefit from ‘direct pay’ clean energy incentives Bridge Michigan, July 24, 2023
How utilities’ fossil fuel investments are driving up rates for the most vulnerable Energy Health News, July 17, 2023
Ohio Statehouse drama continues as lawmakers attempt to repeal scandal-ridden coal plant subsidies Ohio Capital Journal, July 17, 2023
Minnesota’s future: State’s permitting process hinders clean-energy growth Star Tribune, July 17, 2023
Kalamazoo County welcomes first Climate Sustainability Coordinator to lead county-wide climate action plan WKZO, July 17, 2023
Connecticut mapping tool aims to bring visibility to environmental justice communities Energy News Network, July 18, 2023
How Biden steered climate money to red states Climate Wire, July 19, 2023
BWL plans $750M investment in green energy over 10 years Lansing State Journal, July 19, 2023
Majority expecting ‘significant negative effect’ from climate change: poll The Hill, July 19, 2023
Biden boosted climate action. But U.S. emissions goals still in doubt. Climate Wire, July 20, 2023
Small-town GOP officials are torn over Biden’s clean energy cash Washington Post, July 23, 2023
Ohio awarded $14.2M in grid resilience funding Ironton Tribune, July 24, 2023
Scrub Hub: How can the Inflation Reduction Act help Hoosiers save money this year? IndyStar, July 24, 2023
Hoosiers in debt $46 million to state’s biggest utilities Indiana Capital Chronicle, July 24, 2023
The Solar Industry Gained Jobs Last Year. But Are Those Good Jobs, and Could They Be Better? Inside Climate News, July 20, 2023
Without focus on race, Biden effort on air pollution disparities will fail, report says Washington Post, July 20, 2023
The State of State Climate Action: Updated Scorecards Tracking Progress to 2030 RMI, July 11, 2023
One year in, the Inflation Reduction Act is working — kind of Grist, July 20, 2023
Citing racial disparities and rising gas rates, Illinois groups call for building electrification Energy News Network, July 6, 2023
Illinois school coalition plans buildout of electric ‘microgrids’ with $15 million in grant funding Illinois NPR, July 5, 2023
Minnesota will use $3M IRA grant to expand outreach on climate action plan Energy News Network, July 10, 2023
Iowa’s first master-planned sustainable community is being built in Dubuque RadioIowa, July 7, 2023
Study: Domestic oil and gas production responsible for $77 billion in health impacts yearly Texas Standard, July 7, 2023
Chart: Which states have the most solar and wind power jobs? Canary Media, July 7, 2023
America’s Green Skills Gap Raises Concerns About Energy Transition Wall Street Journal, July 6, 2023
Now Is the Time to Go All In on Heat Pumps RMI, July 6, 2023
Biden: GOP ‘bragging’ about energy investments it fought E&E News, July 7, 2023
Midwest states, often billed as climate havens, suffer summer of smoke, drought, heat Investigate Midwest, July 3, 2023
A Climate Laggard in America’s Industrial Heartland Has a Plan to Change Fast New York Times, July 2, 2023
Ex-Ohio GOP chair, lobbyist Matt Borges shows remorse, gets 5 years for role in $60M bribery scheme Associated Press, June 30, 2023
Who decides where we get electricity and how much we pay? Mostly White, politically connected men Energy News Network, July 5, 2023
Country’s Largest Grid Operator Must Process and Connect Backlogged Clean Energy Projects, a New Report Says Inside Climate News, July 5, 2023
It’s time for buildings to stop using a third of US energy, some states say News From the States, July 3, 2023
This July 4 was hot. Earth’s hottest day on record, in fact The Washington Post, July 5, 2023
‘Green amendments’: advocates push for constitutional guarantees in face of climate crisis The Guardian, July 3, 2023
Guess Who’s Been Paying to Block Green Energy. You Have The New York Times, July 5, 2023
Michigan reps to DTE Energy CEO: Why do you deserve $10M in pay? Bridge Michigan, June 28, 2023