Energy Legislation & The MASS Save Program

Over the past few weeks two major pieces of legislation have been signed that have dramatically advanced the United States response to climate change, one in MA and one on the federal level.

On August 11, 2022, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a significant new climate bill, “An Act driving clean energy and offshore wind” into law. This new law enacts several new climate change measures, including those aimed at renewable energy and transportation sector greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Notably, the bill also allows municipalities to ban fossil fuel connections in new construction.

On August 16, 2022 President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act. The sweeping bill allocates more than $300 billion to be invested in energy and climate reform. It’s the largest federal clean energy investment in U.S. history. “This bill is the biggest step forward on climate ever and is going to allow us to boldly take additional steps toward meeting my climate goals,” President Biden said. It includes $60 billion for boosting renewable energy infrastructure in manufacturing, like solar panels and wind turbines, and includes tax credits for electric vehicles and measures to make homes
more energy efficient.

These bills should offer better incentives for insulating your home, installing solar panels, purchasing electric heating and cooling systems and electric vehicles.

A good place to research what programs and rebates are currently available from MA. is MASS Save.

The Mass Save program provides a series of rebates, discounts, and loans for energy-efficient products in Massachusetts homes. Mass Save is a collaboration between the state of Massachusetts and local energy providers, such as Berkshire Gas and Columbia Gas of Massachusetts.

Go to www.masssave.com for more details.

If there is sufficient interest The Climate Action Group would consider sponsoring a meeting to provide more information on the MASS Save Program. If you are interested contact Jerry Sharfstein.