“Massachusetts Seeks Federal Funding to Expand Energy Efficiency Programs and Combat Climate Change”
The Healey administration in Massachusetts is actively pursuing federal funding to expand the state’s energy efficiency programs in an effort to combat climate change. The state Department of Energy Resources has applied for up to $146 million in home energy rebates and incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, a federal law signed by President Joe Biden in 2022.
Governor Maura Healey emphasized that this federal funding will help Massachusetts enhance its energy efficiency programs, support housing affordability, and contribute to the state’s fight against climate change. The administration is seeking $73 million for the Home Efficiency Rebates program and $72.8 million for Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates.
These funds will benefit residents in municipalities with municipal light plants and will complement existing programs such as MassSave and Affordable Housing Decarbonization Grant programs. The goal is to encourage builders to transition away from fossil fuel heating and lighting in new construction projects to reduce the impact of climate change.
Elizabeth Mahony, the commissioner of DOER, highlighted the importance of efficiency and electrification rebates in meeting climate goals, reducing energy demand, and making the electric grid more resilient. The state has also updated its “stretch” codes to set stricter requirements for electrifying heating and lighting systems in new construction, giving cities and towns the option to adopt more environmentally friendly building codes.
The new rules aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings, which account for a significant portion of the state’s overall emissions. Municipal leaders have advocated for more authority to set clean energy standards for new construction, while developers have expressed concerns about potential cost increases.
Environmental groups are urging the administration to ensure that the federal rebate money benefits low-income households, renters, and minorities who may need it most. Massachusetts has set ambitious goals to reach “net-zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with laws in place to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Overall, the state is taking significant steps to address climate change and promote energy efficiency, with a focus on reducing emissions and supporting sustainable development. The pursuit of federal funding underscores the commitment of the Healey administration to prioritize environmental sustainability and combat the effects of climate change.