A local nonprofit aims to improve mobility in Houston and decrease greenhouse gas emissions through a new program.
Evolve Houston, a nonprofit organization established through the city of Houston's Climate Action Plan, is launching a microgrant initiative to scale electromobility projects in communities around greater Houston. Awards will go toward local "eMobility" projects aimed at addressing mobility needs in underserved areas.
The program is funded by Detroit-based General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) and London-based BP PLC (NYSE: BP), Evolve Houston said. BP North America, which is based in Houston, is one of the city’s 10 largest energy industry employers, according to Houston Business Journal research.
The microgrant initiative is open to individuals, private companies, nonprofits and other community-led groups with projects targeting residents within Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller counties. Awards will go to projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, increase access to and awareness of electric mobility and electric vehicle infrastructure, and boost workforce development opportunities around transport electrification.
"Evolve Houston is committed to supporting a just transition to a more sustainable transportation system so all residents can receive the benefits of eMobility," said Grace Millsap, director of equity and investment at Evolve Houston.
Evolve Houston will accept grant award applications through Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. CT. The microgrant initiative was announced Aug. 19 by Evolve Houston's new president and executive director, Casey Brown.
BP and GM have provided "generous contributions" for the microgrant program, Evolve Houston said, but the nonprofit is continuing to raise funds for more eMobility grants.
Evolve Houston was founded through the city's Climate Action Plan to promote EV adoption and education. Transportation accounts for 48% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the city of Houston, Evolve Houston said.
Houston's Climate Action Plan, which outlines goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, aims to convert all non-emergency, light-duty municipal vehicles to electric by 2030. Earlier this year, the city purchased around 100 new electric vehicles for various city departments, including the Houston Police Department, Houston Airport System, Solid Waste Management Department, and Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
Earlier in August, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration announced awarding nearly $21.6 million to Houston Metro to purchase more electric buses.
