Upcoming Events

Nashville Connector announced that it will host its 2019 Commuter Challenge from April 27-May 3. As part of this challenge, Nashville’s downtown commuting participants can pledge to not drive alone for at least one trip to work during the week. To do this, commuters may carpool, ride a bike or scooter, take public transit, walk to work, or work from home.

TDEC is inviting Tennesseans to submit nominations for the 2019 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards, which honor outstanding accomplishments that support the protection and enhancement of Tennessee’s natural resources. The deadline for nominations is April 30, and winners will be announced in June.

The Transit IDEA Program is part of the Transit Cooperative Research Program and provides start-up funding for new innovations in transit systems. Proposals for the Transit IDEA Program must be submitted by May 1.

U.S. DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) recently announced a funding opportunity for projects in the following transportation areas: advanced batteries and electric drive systems; energy efficient mobility systems; materials for more efficient powertrains; co-optimized advanced engine and fuel technologies; and alternative fuels and new mobility options. Applicants must submit a concept paper to VTO by 5:00 PM ET, May 1.

The TDEC Office of Policy and Sustainable Practices is seeking applicants to participate in its Risk & Resilience Strategic Planning and Community Engagement Sessions. These sessions are designed to support Tennessee communities in performing comprehensive vulnerability and needs evaluations, identifying local priorities, and providing technical assistance and community engagement activities that align with risk-management, resilience planning, environmental stewardship, conservation, smart growth, and sustainability. Applications are due May 3, 2019.

U.S. DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Office recently announced $130 in funding for up to 80 projects that will advance research in solar energy technologies. The funding program will target five research areas: photovoltaics, concentrating solar-thermal power, soft costs reduction, innovations in manufacturing, and solar systems integration. Applicants must submit a mandatory letter of intent to apply by May 7 at 5:00 PM ET as well as a concept paper by May 14 at 5:00 PM ET.

The National Center for Safe Routes to School is organizing National Bike to School Day, which will take place on May 8. This event increases community awareness on the need for safe routes to bike and walk to school, builds a sense of community or school spirit, and inspires families to walk and bike to school.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the opportunity for eligible applicants to apply for up to $85 million in competitive grant funds through its Low or No Emissions (Low-No) Bus Program. FTA’s Low-No Program helps project sponsors purchase or lease zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, and can support the acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities. Applications must be submitted by May 14.

U.S. DOE recently announced up to $70 million to establish a Clean Energy Manufacturing Innovation Institute dedicated to advancing cybersecurity in energy efficient manufacturing. Concept papers are due by May 15 at 5:00 PM ET, and those invited to submit a full application must do so by August 20.

U.S. DOE announced its Individuals Taking Energy Action in Manufacturing (ITEAM) Prize, a competition to identify and celebrate the individual employees whose ideas and practices led to significant, measurable energy savings in U.S. manufacturing facilities. Up to five winners in each category of small, medium, and large manufacturers will be selected to receive a cash prize of $5,000. Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2019.

The 2019 Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Awards recognize outstanding initiatives to improve the efficiency, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of transportation systems in the state, consistent with ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of Tennesseans, provide for a strong economy, and protect and enhance our state’s natural resources. June 14, 2019 is the last day for nominations to be submitted.

TDEC OEP plans to conduct three Energy Education Camps for K-12 Educators in 2019. The Camps are comprised of three-day training sessions and provide energy-related lesson plans and resources designed for use in the K-12 classroom. These lessons promote energy literacy as it relates to STEM subjects and introduce educators to topics including, but not limited to, electricity generation, consumption, and measurement; renewable energy; and energy efficiency and conservation. The first Camp will be held at Cumberland Mountain State Park from June 18-20.

TDEC OEP plans to conduct three Energy Education Camps for K-12 Educators in 2019. The Camps are comprised of three-day training sessions and provide energy-related lesson plans and resources designed for use in the K-12 classroom. These lessons promote energy literacy as it relates to STEM subjects and introduce educators to topics including, but not limited to, electricity generation, consumption, and measurement; renewable energy; and energy efficiency and conservation. The second Camp will be held at Roan Mountain State Park from June 25-27.

The Tennessee Green Fleets (TGF) program offers an opportunity for fleets to receive certification for their transportation efficiency efforts. Organized by Tennessee Clean Fuels, TGF certification is based on an applicant’s vehicle data and fleet fuel use. Applications for 2019 TGF certification are due by June 30.

TDEC OEP plans to conduct three Energy Education Camps for K-12 Educators in 2019. The Camps are comprised of three-day training sessions and provide energy-related lesson plans and resources designed for use in the K-12 classroom. These lessons promote energy literacy as it relates to STEM subjects and introduce educators to topics including, but not limited to, electricity generation, consumption, and measurement; renewable energy; and energy efficiency and conservation. The third Camp will be held at Natchez Trace State Park.