19 cities and towns designated as new Green Communities

The Baker-Polito administration and the Department of Energy Resources announced today that 19 more cities and towns have been designated Green Communities and will receive more than $3.1 million for local clean energy and energy efficiency projects.
 
“The Green Communities program demonstrates state and local governments can work together to save energy and taxpayers’ money, while making the Commonwealth a healthier place to live,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “These 19 communities will be able to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy, reducing energy costs and reducing their carbon footprints.”
 
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito added, “These grants reiterate the Commonwealth’s ability to work with municipalities to ensure that Massachusetts continues to be a leader in clean energy and energy efficiency.”
 
The 155 Green Communities are cities and towns of all sizes that range from the Berkshires to Cape Cod and are home to 54 percent of the state’s population.
 
All Green Communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent over five years. This commitment by 155 communities amounts to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of taking almost 39,000 cars off the road and saving enough energy to heat and power nearly 17,000 homes, according to the Department of Energy Resources.
 
“Through the Green Communities program, the DOER is able to work with municipalities to find clean energy solutions that reduce long-term energy costs and strengthen local economies,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The commitment and hard work of these 19 communities to reduce their energy use and undertake clean energy projects will help Massachusetts continue its leadership in energy efficiency, renewable energy and emissions reductions.”
 
DOER awarded the following funding for projects in these newly designated Green Communities:
 
Adams: $166,865
Bernardston: $131,290
Cohasset: $141,460
Egremont: $138,570
Essex: $130,270
Hardwick: $150,510
Holliston: $147,445
Littleton: $140,870
Millis: $151,325
Norwell: $146,520
Pepperell: $152,910
Saugus: $208,335
Stockbridge: $139,625
Stoughton: $209,910
Stow: $144,115
West Springfield: $222,765
Weymouth: $277,635
Whitman: $166,215
Windsor: $137,880
 
In response to the announcement, MMA Executive Director Geoff Beckwith said, “The Green Communities Program is an outstanding example of the great partnership that the Baker-Polito administration and the Legislature have forged with cities and towns. Communities in every region of state will use these grant funds for innovative programs to reduce energy usage and invest in renewable energy projects, and the benefits will flow to taxpayers and the environment.”
 
The new Green Communities will now apply to the DOER’s Green Communities Division for approval to use the funds for projects. Funding for these grants is available through proceeds from carbon allowance auctions under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and Alternative Compliance Payments paid by retail electric suppliers that do not meet their Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance obligations through the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates.
 
A city or town must meet these five criteria to be designated a Green Community:
• Provide as-of-right siting in designated locations for renewable/alternative energy generation, research and development, or manufacturing facilities
 
• Adopt an expedited application and permit process for as-of-right energy facilities
 
• Establish an energy use baseline and develop a plan to reduce energy use by 20 percent within five years
 
• Purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles for municipal use
 
• Require new construction to reduce lifecycle energy costs (i.e., adoption of an energy-saving building “stretch code”)
 
Under the Green Communities Act, the DOER’s Green Communities Designation and Grant Program can provide up to $10 million annually to qualified cities and towns. The goal of the Designation Grant Program is to support communities’ investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the clean energy goals determined by the designated communities.
 
Initial Designation Grants are based on a $125,000 base for each designated Green Community, plus additional amounts tied to per capita income and population, and for municipalities that provide as-of-right siting for renewable energy generation.