Year In Review
It’s been an exciting year at Climate United. We started 2024 eagerly awaiting a decision from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about our National Clean Investment Fund application. In late 2023, we submitted a proposal to EPA for funding as a coalition of experienced organizations: Calvert Impact, Community Preservation Corporation, and Self-Help. Our vision was clear: a green economy that benefits every American.
In April, EPA announced exciting news: the Climate United coalition was awarded $6.97B to invest in projects that cut emissions, reduce energy bills for families and small businesses, and create a stronger, more resilient economy.
Our coalition quickly got to work. We engaged with the EPA for several months to finalize our work plan and ultimately execute our award agreement. On August 16th, all grant funds from the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund program were fully obligated.
On October 1st, we announced our first investment: a $31.8 million pre-development loan for a groundbreaking solar project in Arkansas. Scenic Hill Solar, an Arkansas-based solar developer, is now beginning pre-construction on 18 project sites across the state. When complete, the project will deliver 66MW of clean, affordable energy to the University of Arkansas System, saving over $120 million in energy costs over the next 25 years and directly benefiting over 70,000 students and 17,000 employees across multiple campuses. The project will also provide over $120 million in direct economic benefits in every region of Arkansas and employ hundreds of electricians, civil contractors, and construction workers.
On October 29th, Climate United announced a $250M electric truck financing program to provide affordable, accessible leasing options to small trucking businesses, beginning at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach with the intent to expand nationally. Climate United issued an RFP for the manufacture of up to 500 battery electric trucks - the largest single order in U.S. history. Generating demand for heavy-duty electric vehicles will reduce manufacturing costs over time while creating good jobs for American workers. This program will also save money for small fleets while reducing pollution that disproportionately harms port communities.
In November, we launched Climate United NEXT – a pre-development grant program to help underserved and low-income communities deploy the next generation of clean energy projects. Climate United will provide up to $30M in grant funding for planning community-led projects that increase energy independence, reduce pollution, and save money. Grants of up to $300k will be awarded across multiple rounds, with the first round dedicated to supporting clean energy projects in Native communities.
Our coalition partners Self-Help Climate Capital and CPC Climate Capital have been laying the groundwork for their consumer and multifamily strategies, respectively. Self-Help released two initial RFPs for lending products supporting green housing and passenger electric vehicles, marking the beginning of a national program to reduce pollution and save money for hard-working American families. CPC Climate Capital has been actively underwriting a pipeline for a national multi-family housing decarbonization strategy, with several exciting announcements on the horizon in the new year.
As I reflect on 2024, I am grateful: grateful for our growing team, our community of partners, and for the opportunity to embark on this historic and unprecedented journey. The support and dedication of so many have made it all possible.
Looking to 2025, I am eager to hit the ground running with new investments, exciting opportunities, and sustained growth. Climate United will continue to drive historic amounts of public and private capital to communities across the country, with a commitment to delivering 60% of our investments to disadvantaged communities.
Our vision is to build a future where no community is left behind in the transition to an advanced energy economy. But we can’t do it alone. We look forward to your continued support in the new year as we together strive for a more equitable economy and a more sustainable future.
Wishing you peace, hope, and well-deserved rest this holiday season,
Beth
In the News
- LA Times: Woman-Led Climate United Launches $250 Million Zero-Emission Truck Program at L.A. Ports
- Tribal Business News: Climate United launches $30M grant program for tribal clean energy development
- Red Lake Nation News: Climate United Launches $30 Million Program for Clean Energy Projects in Underserved and Low-Income Communities
Job Opportunities
Come work with us! Climate United Fund, CPC Climate Capital, and Self-Help Climate Capital are looking for passionate, dedicated staff to join our teams.
Request for Proposals
Self-Help Climate Capital RFP for Electric Vehicle Loan Sales
Ongoing Solicitation
Self-Help Climate Capital RFP for Origination Quality Control Services
Proposals Due January 9
Climate United Fund RFP for Visual Identity and Web Design Services
Proposals Due on January 8 at 5 PM ET
Climate United Fund RFP for Audit Services
Proposals Due on January 17 at 5 PM ET
Interested in Partnering With Climate United?
Climate United provides financing for distributed solar, green buildings, and electric transportation. If you are actively working in one of these areas and are interested in working with Climate United, please fill out our partnership form.
Learn more about our approach or check out our FAQ here.
Climate United is building a green economy that works for everyone. Learn more.
