Media Monitoring Report: Electric Industry News

The following is an example of a media monitoring report I created during my internship at The Harbinger Group.

For this particular client, I was looking for content related to contracting and electrical funding and programs in Illinois as well as those at a national level. This was done 2-3 times a week using MuckRack media alerts delivered to a Slack communications channel dedicated to that particular client. I went through that channel and selected and summarized relevant content for my report.

Hello everyone! Here is your end-of-week media monitoring update:

$19 Million For Innovative Solar Panel Installation Over Canals From Investing In America Agenda [link]

Key Points:

• The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a $19 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to install solar panels over irrigation canals in California, Oregon, and Utah.

• The goal is to decrease evaporation of critical water supplies while advancing clean energy goals by generating renewable solar power.

• Potential benefits include generating renewable energy, reducing water evaporation losses, increasing solar panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water, saving land, reducing facility maintenance, and lowering carbon emissions.

• The projects are part of an initiative funded by the Inflation Reduction Act to study the water efficiency gains and clean energy production for future larger-scale implementation over water conveyance facilities.

• The $19 million will fund three specific projects:

1. $15 million for the Delta-Mendota Canal Floating Solar Project in California

2. $2.55 million for the Main Canal Floating Photovoltaics Project in Oregon

3. $1.5 million for the Solar Panels Over the Layton Canal Project in Utah

• The investments build on previous funding for a similar project with the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona.

• The projects align with the Biden administration’s goals of enhancing climate resilience, investing in clean energy, and directing federal investments to disadvantaged communities through the Justice40 Initiative.

Harris and Regan Unveil Mammoth $20 Billion Climate Crusade  [link]

Key Points:

1. Vice President Kamala Harris and EPA Administrator Michael Regan unveiled a $20 billion investment package aimed at boosting clean energy access and tackling climate change.

2. The funds are unlocked by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and represent an unprecedented level of funding for environmental pursuits.

3. The bold investment aims to create a national network of clean energy and climate projects across the United States.

4. A major focus is on directing resources to low-income and disadvantaged communities that have historically borne the brunt of pollution and high energy costs, ensuring they are not left behind in the green transition.

5. The initiative will finance tens of thousands of projects, including solar panel installations and energy efficiency upgrades, with the goal of reducing energy bills and carbon footprints.

6. It places heavy emphasis on the intersection of economic relief and environmental justice by targeting communities that have struggled with inequity and high utility costs.

7. The White House describes it as a historic turning point in America’s approach to climate change and energy policy, calling it “the largest effort in American history to combat the climate crisis.”

8. The $20 billion investment package is a cornerstone of President Biden’s climate agenda and represents a blueprint for a cleaner, fairer economy.

State-funded EV stations coming to Peoria area. Here’s what we know [link]

Key Points:

1. The Peoria area in Illinois is getting new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations installed, thanks to state funding backed by State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth.

2. The funding aims to expand EV infrastructure in Illinois to meet the growing needs of travelers as more electric vehicles hit the roads across the state.

3. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an award of over $25 million to bring new Direct Current Fast Charging ports to 141 locations statewide.

4. The funding for these EV charging stations is made possible through the Rebuild Illinois capital plan and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, supported by Gordon-Booth.

5. Specific allocations include $320,000 for OSF Healthcare in Peoria to install two new charging stations, and additional stations in commercial areas of the community.

6. Applications are still being accepted until May 10 for another round of grants to fund more EV charging stations in the state.

7. The investment in EV charging infrastructure is seen as a necessity, not just a convenience, to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles in Illinois.

Southwest Illinois to get $850,000 for Route 66 projects ahead of 100th anniversary [link]

Key Points:

1. The State of Illinois provided $850,000 in grant money to prepare the last 100 miles of Route 66 in southwest Illinois for the iconic highway’s 100th anniversary in 2026.

2. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau in Alton secured the grants from the Illinois Office of Tourism and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for six projects to be completed by the end of summer 2023.

3. The funding aims to spark redevelopment of historic sites, help businesses create roadside attractions, and encourage travelers to stay longer and spend more money along the Illinois stretch of Route 66.

4. Tourism bureaus expect an uptick in international travelers on Route 66, especially for the 2026 centennial, once international travel fully rebounds post-pandemic.

5. Major projects include $450,000 for downtown Granite City to revive neon signs and add amenities, and $300,000 for a new campground/RV park near the Pink Elephant attraction in Livingston.

6. Other initiatives include entry signage, murals, business upgrades, and electric vehicle charging stations at various stops along the Illinois Route 66 trail.

7. Over $4 million in state funding has been provided to local tourism bureaus along Route 66 in the last three years to invest in and promote communities for the 100th anniversary.