Climate Change Solutions - April 26, 2022 | Newsletter

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Hello and welcome to a special beneficial electrification-themed Climate Change Solutions!

Beneficial electrification involves adopting electric upgrades that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money. A win-win for the climate and consumers!

This week, EESI is unveiling the Beneficial Electrification Toolkit, designed to help utilities and stakeholders develop innovative, inclusive programs to help their customers adopt cost-effective electric heat pumps, water heaters, and vehicles. This issue's featured article explains how utilities and a wide range of stakeholders, including the public, can use the Toolkit today for a decarbonized, clean energy future tomorrow.

Want to learn more about electrification and rural electric cooperatives? This issue includes articles on cooperatives investing in electric vehicle charging stations and battery storage to drive down emissions and bolster climate resilience. The latest episode of The Climate Conversation podcast explores the benefits of school bus electrification.

Tomorrow, EESI is having a briefing on green hydrogen. It will be the first briefing in a new series called Scaling Up Innovation to Drive Down Emissions.

Join team EESI! We are hiring a Policy Associate, read more and apply here by April 8.

Have a climate solution? Send tips to Savannah Bertrand!

Headlines

Presenting the Beneficial Electrification Toolkit!
Designed for Utilities, Empowering for All
[4 min. read]

EESI is pleased to announce the release of the Beneficial Electrification Toolkit, a free online resource. While the Toolkit is primarily designed to be used by utilities, it is a one-stop shop for useful information that is available to all, including policymakers, the public, funders, and nonprofits. Check out how you can use it. [click for more]

Rural Electric Cooperatives Take the Lead on Boosting Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
[5 min. read]

Many rural families do not live near public fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. Rural electric cooperatives can be at the forefront of the push to fill this charging gap. Two cooperatives, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative in Virginia and San Isabel Electric Association in Colorado, can serve as models for this work. [click for more]

Turning On Batteries for Resilient Homes and a Cleaner Grid
[5 min. read]

Utilities across the country are looking to deploy battery storage, which is increasingly cost-competitive, as a backup energy resource. Holy Cross Energy, a rural electric cooperative based in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is betting on battery storage to help them become more resilient to the climate crisis and reach their clean energy goals. [click for more]

Seven EESI Briefing Panelists Leading on Climate Policy and Practice
[6 min. read]

To celebrate Earth Day, this article brings together some of the innovative tools, recommendations, and ideas brought forward by recent EESI briefing panelists, emphasizing opportunities to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. [click for more]

On the Hill

From April 11 to April 22, there was a lull in Congressional activity as Congress was out of session.

See EESI's full environment and energy legislative trackers for April 11-15 and April 18-22.

EESI News and Briefings

EESI Announces First Recipient of Future Climate Leaders Scholarship

EESI congratulates Antoinette “Toni” Lorfils as the first recipient of EESI's Future Climate Leaders Scholarship. Each year, EESI is awarding up to $5,000 to an undergraduate student pursuing studies relevant to environmental, clean energy, and climate policy at a historically Black college or university in the mid-Atlantic or southern region. [click for more]

Briefing: Living with Climate Change: The Polar Vortex

During this briefing, panelists discussed the science behind the polar vortex and how the energy grid and other critical infrastructure can be made resilient to this threat. If you missed the briefing, you can watch it here. Written highlights will be published soon!

Podcast: Green Light for Colorado's Electric School Bus
[30 min. listen]

Durango, Colorado, has the first electric school bus with vehicle-to-grid capabilities in the state. This bus not only takes students to school, it stores excess clean power, balances electricity on the grid, and more. Learn how the Durango School District worked with their local rural cooperative, La Plata Electric Association, to start up the electric school bus program. [click for more]

Upcoming Events

Briefing Series: Scaling Up Innovation to Drive Down Emissions
Green Hydrogen
Wednesday, April 27
1:00pm - 2:30pm

Green hydrogen—hydrogen produced using renewable energy—will likely be necessary for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like steel production and providing a low- and no-emissions alternative to the existing carbon-intensive hydrogen industry. The problem? Green hydrogen currently makes up less than one percent of U.S. hydrogen production and is far more expensive than fossil fuel-based hydrogen. Panelists will discuss opportunities and considerations for ramping up green hydrogen, including the role of federal policy. RSVP here.

This briefing will kick off EESI's Scaling Up Innovation to Drive Down Emissions briefing series, also covering direct air capture, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and offshore wind energy. RSVP for the entire series here.

Briefing Series: Living With Climate Change
Sea Level Rise
Wednesday, May 18
1:00pm - 2:30pm

Sea level rise is a unique challenge for coastal communities and policymakers. How will impacts from sea level rise compound impacts from extreme storm events? What infrastructure and communities will be impacted over different time horizons? What are the strengths and limitations of nature-based solutions for coastal resilience to sea level rise? Panelists will discuss these questions and highlight policy ideas and solutions that could start to shape a more robust U.S. response to sea level rise. RSVP here.

This briefing is part of EESI's Living With Climate Change briefing series, also covering the polar vortex, wildfires, and extreme heat. RSVP for the entire series here.

Briefing Series: Scaling Up Innovation to Drive Down Emissions
Direct Air Capture
Wednesday, May 25
3:30pm - 5:00pm

Direct air capture is the process in which carbon dioxide is chemically removed from the atmosphere. The captured carbon can be permanently stored underground or used in industrial processes. While climate change mitigation efforts are the priority, carbon dioxide removal will be necessary to help meet climate goals. Panelists will explain what Congress needs to know about direct air capture, including the considerations, challenges, and opportunities involved in responsibly scaling it up. RSVP here.

Electrification 2022: Building a Net-Zero Future—For All
June 28-30
Charlotte, NC

EESI is proud to be a supporting organization for the Electric Power Research Institute’s (EPRI’s) Electrification 2022 International Conference & Exposition on June 28-30 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

You’ll see old friends in the industry and make new ones, as EPRI resumes in-person collaboration—seeking efficient, equitable solutions for a net-zero economy for all. Follow #ElectricTogether on Twitter (@EPRINews) and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on the latest agenda announcements and read EPRI’s inspiring stories of leaders in the electrification industry.

We’re energized about supporting Electrification 2022. Register today before rates increase May 1! #ElectricTogether

EESI Around Town

EESI's article on the barriers to rural EV adoption was cited in an article in Vox.

Thank You to EESI Team Members for Their Contributions to Climate Change Solutions:

Emma Johnson and Alison Davis - Layout, Design, and Content Editors

Amaury Laporte - Communications Director

As well as all EESI Staff, Interns, and Fellows who write and review content!

Environmental and Energy Study Institute

Daniel Bresette, Executive Director

EESI is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 by a bipartisan Congressional caucus to provide timely information and develop innovative policy solutions that set us on a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy path.

www.eesi.org

CFC #10627

Climate Change Solutions - April 26, 2022

Featuring content on beneficial electrification, EV charging, and electric school buses

Table Of Contents

Thank You to EESI Team Members for Their Contributions to Climate Change Solutions: