April 22, 2025 – EARTH DAY Activities and events in our area

Earth Day April 22, 2025 https://www.earthday.org/

Phoenixville EARTH DAY 2025 event on April 26 | 12-4 p.m. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/phoenixville-earth-day-2025-tickets-1287807349449

Celebrate Earth Day 2025 and “Grow with the Flow” in Phoenixville with a vibrant fusion of art, science, and community! This year’s theme explores vital connections between water and life by bringing together interactive experiences, live performances, and hands-on activities that inspire curiosity and action.Enjoy performances by the Mighty Manatees, Canadian Tuxedo, The Heartwood Players, and Feet First Dance. Find rhythm in a Drum Circle, achieve balance with qigong, or unleash your creativity with an improv workshop. Forage wild edibles; take home your own log of edible mushrooms; craft your own self-sustaining freshwater ecosphere and meet a live owl up close. Journey into the past and walk the same paths once traveled by the Lenape. Swap seeds or clothing, savor delicious food, and discover even more ways to connect with nature and your community!

Powered by Kimberton Whole Foods, St. Peter’s Eco-Justice Group, Jolie Chylack Studio, Phoenixville Transition and the Phoenixville Green Team.

See all of the celebrations across the Delaware Valley (brought to you by Radio 95.7 Ben FM Philadelphia)  https://957benfm.com/listicle/10-places-to-celebrate-earth-day-in-the-delaware-valley/

ChesCo Planning Commission’s Sustainability Summit and Expo – May 17, 2025, 10a.m.-2p.m.

Mark Your Calendars for the 2025
Chester County Sustainability Summit and Expo!

May 17 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in West Chester, PA

  • Hear from experts on how to implement sustainable energy and landscaping projects at your home or business.
  • Chat with neighbors who have experience with things like geothermal heating, going solar, ecological landscaping, composting, electric vehicles, and more.
  • Meet local contractors who can help you with these projects.
  • Learn about ways to get involved in your community.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The 2025 Sustainability Summit and Expo will be the premier sustainability event in Chester County providing educational opportunities for the general public to receive practical, clear and trustworthy information on topics like going solar, maintaining more sustainable landscapes, and reducing waste. Sponsorship opportunities for the Sustainability Summit and Expo are available and are a great way to align your organization with local sustainability efforts.

Sponsorship Levels

  • Gold — $2500
  • Silver — $1000
  • Bronze — $500

Get more details on sponsorship levels and benefits.

Sponsor the Sustainability Summit and Expo!

Exhibitors at the Sustainability Expo

We are currently recruiting businesses and organizations to host tables at the Sustainability Expo to share information with attendees. For-profit businesses can reserve a 6′ table for $100. There is no charge for exhibitors that are non-profits, community organizations, schools, etc. We are particularly interested in recruiting:

  • Solar installers
  • HVAC companies with experience installing cold climate heat pumps and geothermal heat pumps
  • Energy efficiency programs
  • Landscape design and maintenance companies with expertise in green stormwater infrastructure, naturalistic landscaping and native plants
  • Native plant nurseries
  • Composting companies
  • Companies that offer waste reduction services
  • Environmental organizations that have programs/opportunities geared toward homeowners and business owners, and volunteer opportunities
  • Universities with sustainability programs
  • High school and middle school environmental clubs
  • Municipal Environmental Advisory Councils

Apply to be an Exhibitor

Questions? Contact the Chester County Planning Commission at sustainability@chesco.org or 610-344-6285.

February 11, 2025 – 13th Annual SEI Energy Briefing – 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. in Exton

REGISTER

Join us for this critical conversation on the future of electric energy, alternative energy sources and the growing electric demand. Gain valuable insights, network with key industry leaders, and be a part of shaping a sustainable and powerful smart energy future.

Electric energy is transforming our world, powering everything from homes to AI data centers. This surge in demand presents unique challenges and opportunities for power providers and energy coordination.

Experts will discuss balancing these competing demands, ensuring transparency in energy production and distribution, and navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Presenters:

Keynote speaker: David M. Velazquez, President and Chief Executive Officer – PECO

Asim Z. Haque, Sr. Vice President of State Government Services – PJM Interconnection

>>REGISTER

 

February 11, 2025 – 13th Annual Energy Briefing presenter BIOS

13th Annual SEI Energy Briefing – 2025

Presenter Bios

David M. Velazquez, President and Chief Executive Officer – PECO

Profile

Dave Velazquez is the leader of Pennsylvania’s largest electric and natural gas delivery company, responsible for PECO’s overall performance associated with operations, safety, service reliability, customer satisfaction, and financial management.  Velazquez oversees the company’s 2,900 employees who are dedicated to the safe and reliable delivery of electricity and natural gas as well as enhanced energy management conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance.  Headquartered in Philadelphia, PECO delivers energy to nearly 1.7 million electric customers and more than 548,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Professional History

Velazquez previously served as executive vice president of Utility Operations & Technology for Exelon, where he was responsible for cross-utility operations for Exelon’s six local electric and natural gas companies. Prior to his role at Exelon, Velazquez was president and chief executive officer of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (PHI), which includes Atlantic City Electric, serving New Jersey, Delmarva Power, serving Delaware and Maryland, and Pepco, serving the District of Columbia and Maryland. In this role, he was responsible for the leadership and overall operations, regulatory and financial performance of the business.

Throughout his 40 years of utility and energy industry experience, Velazquez also held roles such as executive vice president of the power delivery business for PHI, vice president of strategic planning and chief risk officer of PHI, and president and CEO of Conectiv Energy.

Education

Velazquez holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Widener University.

Civic Engagement

Velazquez has served on the boards of several educational and community organizations, such as the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education, Trust for the National Mall, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Advisory Board, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Federal City Council, D.C. Policy Center of the Federal City Council, Emeritus Advisory Board of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, and United Way of the National Capital Area. He has also served as a board member of Southeastern Electric Exchange, Association of Edison Illuminating Companies, and is a member of the Edison Foundation Institute for Electric Innovation Management Committee, Business Executives for National Security, and The Economic Club of Washington, DC.

———————————————————————————————————-

Asim Z. Haque, Senior Vice President of State Government Services – PJM Interconnection

Asim Z. Haque oversees Governmental Services, State Policy Solutions and Member Services, which includes Stakeholder Affairs, Client Management, Membership Process & Services, and State & Member Training. He leads PJM’s policy development and interaction with state and federal government, which include state commissions, governor’s offices, state legislatures, state security agencies, and congressional representatives. Haque also oversees PJM’s member interactions, which include the PJM stakeholder process.

Prior to joining PJM, Haque was the chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). As the state’s chief regulator, he guided Ohio through some of the most relevant energy policy issues facing the nation, including Clean Power Plan compliance, cases related to the future of baseload power plants in competitive markets and distribution grid modernization.

Haque, an attorney, began his career at a large general practice firm and went on to work as in-house counsel at a global auto manufacturer prior to his appointment to the PUCO. He also serves on the board of the Philadelphia Education Fund, which works to create equitable opportunities for all students to succeed in college and career.

Haque holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and political science from Case Western Reserve University and a Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

January 24, 2025 – RISE PA Q&A Webinar – 11am-12pm

If you want to lower your energy costs and thereby lower your Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, the PA RISE program may be able to help fund your project. Go here for information  https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/energy-programs-office/rise-pa.html

By registering for this event you can also submit your questions before the webinar. If you need an energy consultant to help answer your questions, let me know and we can introduce you to one of our SEI – Smart Energy Initiative’s  participating firms.

Thanks,

Jim Lauckner

RISE PA is a $396 million statewide industrial decarbonization grant program funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

REGISTER>> Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

January 13, 2025 – Federal Highway Administration Provides $635M in EV Grants (news distributed by Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions)

The following content was distributed by Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  –  January 13, 2025

Federal Highway Administration Provides $635M in EV Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced $635 million in grants to continue building out electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative fueling infrastructure.

The grants fund 49 projects that will deploy over 11,500 EV charging ports and hydrogen and natural gas fueling infrastructure along corridors and in communities across 27 states, four Federally Recognized Tribes and the District of Columbia.

The grants are funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s signature zero-emission refueling infrastructure programs. President Joe Biden set a goal of building out 500,000 publicly available EV chargers by 2030, and the program is on track to achieve that goal early.

….

  • The Port Authority of Houston will receive nearly $24.8 million to construct and operate a hydrogen fueling station for heavy-duty trucks in Bayport, Texas.
  • The Maryland Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the West Virginia Department of Transportation, will receive $18.6 million to deploy alternative fueling infrastructure along the I-81 and I-78 corridors in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The project includes installation of six fast charging stations in locations that will serve local fleet needs and build out connections to a regional network of freight truck charging infrastructure.

November 7, 2024 – Net Zero Strategies: Heat Pump Technologies & Incentives 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Register>> https://Net_Zero_Strategies_Heat_Pump_Incentives.eventbrite.com

Learn about significant advancements in heat pump technology and examine incentives, rebates and savings.

Who should attend:

Architects, builders, facility managers, business owners, energy professionals, project mangers, property developers, and municipal developers.

Program description:

Let’s explore the heat pump boom – why have heat pumps become so popular and what’s driving the trend?

Heat pumps have revolutionized the way we heat and cool our commercial and residential buildings. The presentation will delve into the world of heat pumps, exploring different types such as air source, water source, and geothermal. We will discuss the significant advancements in efficiency over the past 70 years, making today’s heat pumps a highly sustainable and cost-effective option. Additionally, we’ll examine the available incentives, rebates, and potential cost savings that can make using heat pumps a smart investment.

Topics include:

  • Air source, water source and geothermal heat pumps.
  • How have heat pumps improved over the years.
  • What is the technology and the components.
  • Financials to consider for your project.
  • What business justifications can be used.
  • Creative Incentives including carbon credits presented by PA-Geo

Agenda:

Event Co sponsors:

Chester County Environmental and Energy Advisory Board

PA-Geo

November 7, 2024 – Presenter Bio – Chris Delp, Sales Engineer – Energy Transfer Solutions

Chris Delp is a Sales Engineer with Energy Transfer Solutions, a leading provider of specialty commercial and industrial HVAC equipment and services. Chris and the team work closely with building owners, architects, consulting engineers, general contractors and mechanical contractors through every facet of HVAC projects. They provide unparalleled technical products and services by representing manufacturers who share in the desire to exceed customer expectations. Having been with the company for 15 years and a partner for eight, Chris’s specialty in this field is holistic system design and thinking outside the box to help building owners and engineers achieve their energy and financial goals.

Chris began his career in the mechanical engineering field in 2009 after working as a chef and freelance musician for seven years in Los Angeles, CA.

Throughout high school, Chris had a strong interest in math and science while singing in the high school choir and playing cello with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra where he was fortunate enough to travel the world on tours. This led him to study Mechanical Engineering and Music at Lehigh University where the dual interest continued.  After graduating from Lehigh University, he matriculated to the University of Southern California to pursue a master’s degree in music composition.