11.15 Good Clean Energy News
Wisconsin’s $445K Boost for Biofuel!
Wisconsin is investing $445,500 to increase biofuel access, with funding going to Connor's Service Station in Burnett County to install new E15 and B20 fuel dispensers. This USDA-backed project aims to pump an additional 223,907 gallons of biofuels each year, helping make clean, affordable fuel available to more Wisconsinites while supporting local jobs and energy independence.
Read more: Wisconsin boosts biofuels with $445K grant for clean energy
PhilaPort Lands $77M to Go Electric!
PhilaPort is receiving over $77 million from the EPA to replace diesel equipment with electric alternatives, like cranes and yard tractors. Part of a $3 billion national push, this grant will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and support PhilaPort’s ambitious 2040 plan to expand jobs and revenue while going green. Cleaner air, cleaner cargo—big wins for Philly!
Bellingham Port Funds $1.5M for Clean Energy!
The Port of Bellingham just received over $1.5 million from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program to drive eco-friendly upgrades. This funding will help create a port-wide energy transition plan focused on resilience and emissions reduction, marking a big step toward a zero-emission future for Whatcom County, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.
Read more: Port of Bellingham receives federal funds to work towards eco-friendly projects
DOE’s New Tools Make Energy Upgrades Easy!
The Department of Energy has launched new tools to help contractors and homeowners qualify for tax credits on energy-saving home upgrades. Resources like the Tax Credit Product Lookup Tool and contractor training aim to make it simple to find eligible appliances, access thousands in incentives, and cut utility costs—putting more energy savings in reach for American households.
Colorado Launches First Wave of Home Energy Rebates
Colorado just kicked off the first phase of its federal Home Energy Rebates program, providing major savings on energy-efficient home upgrades. Through the HEAR initiative, income-qualified residents can access rebates for items like heat pumps, insulation, and electric appliances—cutting energy costs and boosting home comfort. This program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, sets the stage for lower bills and cleaner energy statewide.
PA Schools Go Solar
Starting Nov. 1, Pennsylvania schools can apply for the Solar for Schools grant, designed to cut energy costs with solar projects. The program, backed by bipartisan support, will fund equipment, installation, and energy storage for schools statewide. It’s a win for schools’ budgets, clean energy, and local job creation, with applications open through Jan. 31, 2025.
Read more: Solar power grant program opens Nov. 1
New Hybrid Research Ship Powers Marine Science
The Department of Energy’s first hybrid diesel-electric research vessel, RV Resilience, has launched in Sequim Bay, Washington. Built by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, this vessel supports marine energy research with eco-friendly features like quiet, emissions-free battery mode for sensitive ocean studies. Resilience is set to push forward new technologies and drive cleaner, greener exploration in marine science.
Read more: New Hybrid Diesel-Electric Research Ship to Advance Marine Energy Technology
$150M to Cut Costs at Federal Sites
The United States is investing $150 million in 67 net-zero energy projects at federal facilities, aiming to slash utility bills by $41 million each year. From geothermal heating in Montana to solar microgrids in California, these projects reduce emissions, save water, and support local jobs—marking a major step toward net-zero federal buildings by 2045.
SacRT Launches $97M Fuel Cell Bus Project
Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) is investing $97 million to convert its McClellan Park facility into a hydrogen fueling hub for 29 new fuel cell electric buses, replacing compressed natural gas models. With $76.8 million in DOT funding, the project supports California’s clean transit goals and includes a workforce program to train locals in zero-emission technology. Completion is expected by 2028.
Read more: SacRT to start conversion to fuel cell electric buses with DOT funding
Sources
Jackson, Blake. "Wisconsin Boosts Biofuels with $445K Grant for Clean Energy." Wisconsin Ag Connection, 30 Oct. 2024, https://wisconsinagconnection.com/news/wisconsin-boosts-biofuels-with-445k-grant-for-clean-energy.
Read, Zoë. "PhilaPort to Receive Millions in Federal Dollars to Replace Diesel Equipment with Electric Alternatives." WHYY, 30 Oct. 2024, https://whyy.org/articles/philaport-diesel-equipment-replacement-electric/.
Toscani, Emma. "Port of Bellingham Receives Federal Funds to Work Towards Eco-Friendly Projects." My Bellingham Now, 29 Oct. 2024, https://mybellinghamnow.com/news/297792-port-of-bellingham-receives-federal-funds-to-work-towards-eco-friendly-projects/.
"DOE Announces New Tools Making it Easier for Home Contractors to Install Energy Saving Appliances and Lower Costs." Energy.gov, 30 Oct. 2024, https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-new-tools-making-it-easier-home-contractors-install-energy-saving-appliances.
"Biden-Harris Administration Announces Colorado's Launch of First Phase of Federal Home Energy Rebates Programs to Help Lower Families' Utility Bills." Energy.gov, 30 Oct. 2024, https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-colorados-launch-first-phase-federal-home-energy.
Bolger, Sierra. "Solar Power Grant Program Opens Nov. 1: State Schools May Apply for Funds." Lewistown Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2024, https://www.lewistownsentinel.com/news/local-news/2024/10/solar-power-grant-program-opens-nov-1/.
"New Hybrid Diesel-Electric Research Ship to Advance Marine Energy Technology." Energy.gov, 31 Oct. 2024, https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/articles/new-hybrid-diesel-electric-research-ship-advance-marine-energy-technology.
"Biden-Harris Administration Announces $150 Million to Advance Net-Zero Projects at Federal Facilities, Saving Taxpayers Money." Energy.gov, 29 Oct. 2024, https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-150-million-advance-net-zero-projects-federal.
Anderson, Mark. "SacRT to Start Conversion to Fuel Cell Electric Buses with DOT Funding." Sacramento Business Journal, 3 Nov. 2024, https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/inno/stories/news/2024/11/03/sacrt-fuel-cell-electric-bus-grant.html.
