Department of Environmental Protection: Driving PA Forward Initiative: Pennsylvania Freight Innovations in Transportation (PA-FIT) Grant Program

Who May Apply: Businesses, non-profits, state, local or tribal government agencies, air quality or transportation organizations, metropolitan or rural/regional planning organizations, or federal government agencies.

Use: To replace or retrofit fleet diesel-powered highway and non-road vehicles, engines and equipment.
Funds: $23 million in federal funding is available.

Application Deadline: November 14, 2025

More information: DEP Website

Department of Environmental Protection: Small Business Advantage Grant Program

Who May Apply: Pennsylvania-based small businesses

Use: Adopt processes or acquire equipment which results in energy efficiency, pollution prevention, and natural resource protection.
Funds: Funding can range from 50% or $7,500 (whichever is less) up to 80% or $12,000 (whichever is less) and will vary depending on environmental impact and project location. A total of $1 million is available in this round of funding.

Application Deadline: March 13, 2026, or whenever funds are exhausted.

More information: DEP website

We’re excited to accept A. Stevens Krug to the SEI board as our Immediate Past Chair. Steve Krug has been a critical asset and partner with the CCEDC and its SEI initiative, having participated in 157 events and volunteering at least 240 hours to our Smart Energy Initiative.

Krug’s history with SEI runs deep – he’s served on the SEI board since 2015 and was chair from 2021-2025. His additional duties include serving as Programming Chair and as a member of various Working Groups and on the Training Committee. Steve has contributed to the Power Task Force and was a driving force in increasing SEI’s social media presence. We’re looking forward to the ways Steve Krug will continue to highlight and develop SEI through his new position.

SEI is excited to have Kevin (Kai) Wong as the new Chair of SEI! Kevin had previously served as SEI Program Committee Chair and later, Vice Chair of SEI. He is also among nine new members who were elected to the CCEDC Board of Directors. Congratulations, Kevin!

The SEI Board also congratulations Michael R. Cromer, P.G., DBIA, ENV SP Vice-Chair, and Tijo Mathew Joseph Program Chair.

In welcoming the new board members, Mike Grigalonis, President & COO, Chester County Economic Development Council, said their experience “will bring exactly the expertise needed to accelerate economic growth in Chester County. Their diverse backgrounds will help us deliver even more value to our business community; while driving the kind of bold innovation our region needs to stay competitive in the global marketplace.”

Pictured from left to right are: Denny Howell Sr., President, Howell Engineering; CJ Witherspoon, Founder, 3 Spoons; Brian Stocker; Vice President, Human Resources, West Pharmaceuticals; Lauren Ranalli, President & CEO, First Resource Bank; Jim Danna, Senior Vice President, WSFS; and Kevin Wong SEI Board Chair and General Manager, Emergent Solutions. Not Pictured: Kevin Traynor, President & COO, JGM; Susan Springsteen, CEO, H2O Connected; and Kevin Whitlow, Chester County Workforce Development Board Chair and Laborers’ Local 413 Organizer for Laborer’s District Council of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and Vicinity.

Shapiro Administration and Public Utility Commission Announce 2 Gigawatts of Installed Solar Energy in Pennsylvania – Enough to Power 350,000 homes! Learn more at this link Shapiro Administration and Public Utility Commission Announce 2 Gigawatts of Installed Solar Energy in Pennsylvania– Enough to Power 350,000 Homes | Department of Environmental Protection | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The SEI Board of Directors will meet on August 28, 2025 at CCEDC in Exton, 4:00 p.m. We are seeking energy professionals who may be interested in joining our board. Email Jim Lauckner jlauckner@ccedcpa.com.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Smart Energy Initiative (SEI) is an Industry Partnership (IP) founded in 2007 to support the region’s smart energy industry by providing comprehensive workforce and business development services to partnering energy organizations.

Our Mission
Our mission is to promote the growth of the “smart” energy industry by providing comprehensive workforce and economic development services to partnering companies.

Why Participate in the Smart Energy Initiative?

• Financial assistance for training current employees
• Single point of contact for access to financing programs, industry news, project updates, information on legislation
• Working groups to address shared, industry-specific issues and opportunities while advising SEI staff on how to best help your business
• Access to high-quality technical expertise (provided by industry leaders)
• Network with similar companies and form new business relationships
• Participate in SEI initiatives that will shape future energy markets