Baker-Polito Administration Presents Green Communities Designation Awards to Western Massachusetts Communities
TOCKBRIDGE/HARDWICK – February 12, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today
awarded Green Communities designation grants totaling $1,087,505 to fund clean
energy projects at two separate events in western Massachusetts. These
municipalities became Green Communities in the ninth round of designations in
December.
«Cities and towns are essential participants as the Commonwealth progresses toward a
clean, affordable and resilient energy future,» said Governor Charlie Baker. «These
new Green Communities will use their grants to reduce energy use, improve their
buildings, save money and help us reduce our carbon footprint.»
«The Commonwealth’s partnerships with cities and towns create many opportunities for
municipalities to meet their economic, educational and safety goals,» said
Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. «The Green Communities Designation and Grant
Program is a highly effective example of these partnerships and the local benefits
of investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.»
Under the Green Communities Act, cities and towns must meet five
criteria
be designated a Green Community and receive funding. The Department of Energy
Resources (DOER) grants provide financial support for energy efficiency and
renewable energy projects that further the designated communities’ clean energy
goals. These two designees are now among 155 Green
Communities
cities and towns of all sizes that range from the Berkshires to Cape Cod and are
home to 54 percent of Massachusetts’ population.
«Clean energy projects in Green Communities reduce energy use and greenhouse gas
emissions,» said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. «They
also create savings that can be used to fund other priorities, like schools and
public safety.»
«DOER collaborates with Massachusetts municipalities on opportunities to save energy
and reduce costs,» said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. «These partnerships
continue to make a difference locally and statewide, with more than half of the
Commonwealth’s population living in designated Green Communities.»
Municipality Grants
Adams $166,865
Bernardston $131,290
Egremont $138,570
Hardwick $150,510
Stockbridge $137,880
West Springfield $222,765
All Green Communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent
over five years. These commitments amount to collective savings of 2,153,992 MMBtu,
energy use equivalent to heating and powering nearly 17,000 homes, and reducing
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 203,538 tons, equivalent to taking almost 39,000
cars off the road.
«The Green Communities Act remains one of the most effective tools at the
Commonwealth’s disposal to combat climate change and promote clean energy,» said
State Senator Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield). «Thanks to the Baker-Polito
administration for coming out to welcome Adams, Egremont, Stockbridge and Windsor to
the group of western Massachusetts communities leading the way toward our energy
future.»
«I would like to congratulate the Town of Hardwick on being designated a Green
Community,» said State Senator Anne Gobi (D- Spencer). «Thank you to Commissioner
Judson and Director Knapik for travelling out here today to make this announcement.
Hardwick becomes the ninth community in my district to meet the standards required
to be a Green Community.»
«The Town of Hardwick has shown their commitment to the environment with their Green
Communities designation,» said State Representative Donnie Berthiaume (R-Spencer).
«This grant funding will help to further Hardwick’s pursuance to reduce their energy
costs and consumption.»
«I am proud that the towns of Stockbridge and Egremont in my district have committed
themselves to helping secure a healthy environment for future generations, and I’m
grateful to have Commissioner Judson and representatives from other
newly-acknowledged green communities with us in Stockbridge today,» said State
Representative William Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox). «Together, we will celebrate the
positive steps that all of these communities have taken, and renew our commitment to
work towards a healthy environment for all of our children.»
Funding for these grants is available through proceeds from carbon allowance
auctions under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Alternative
Compliance Payments (ACP) paid by retail electric suppliers that do not meet their
Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance obligations through the purchase of
Renewable Energy Certificates.