Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Michael S. Regan, Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of the Administrator, 1101A
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
Re: Support for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Solar for All Application
Dear Administrator Regan,
On behalf of the 351 cities and towns of the Commonwealth, the Massachusetts Municipal Association is writing to express our support for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Solar for All grant application, which is being led by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. We are committed to partner with the MA DOER and MassCEC in their efforts to ensure that low-income and disadvantaged communities equitably benefit from Massachusetts’ ambitious Solar for All program.
As local officials meet the ongoing challenges of climate change while striving toward decarbonization goals and timelines, continued and sizable support for renewable energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth will be essential. Efforts to expand solar energy production have continued rapidly at the local and regional level in Massachusetts. This process is catalyzed by strong state-local partnerships and the availability of state funding and support for critical projects.
Municipal leaders from across the Commonwealth have been adopting clean energy in ways that align with their own unique needs. From rural towns in the Berkshires, gateway cities in central Massachusetts, to coastal communities on Cape Cod — our members understand the value of this important work for residents and ratepayers. However, more federal and statewide support will be necessary to translate big picture goals into actionable items that communities can pursue, especially for populations who already struggle to access existing opportunities.
This is why the MMA is particularly proud of a key element of the proposed Solar for All program in Massachusetts: the Equitable Access and Meaningful Involvement Plan, which would:
• Provide equitable access to the Solar for All program for all eligible low-income households across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through education, outreach, marketing and direct community engagement; and
• Ensure a wide range of diverse communities will be served, while prioritizing low-income and the most disadvantaged households.
The MMA supports communities as they learn best practices, engage in information sharing, and implement creative strategies to assist individuals and families. Through our publications, we communicate regularly with mayors, town managers and administrators, city councilors, select board members, and town finance committee members to bring the most relevant and up-to-date information about federal funding opportunities like Solar for All to local decision makers. Our organization stands ready to ensure that these benefits will reach low-income and disadvantaged households that might not otherwise be able to access solar energy deployment programs.
For decades, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has served as a national leader in our nation’s transition to a clean energy future. The Massachusetts Municipal Association would be proud to play a critical role in supporting the implementation of Massachusetts’ ambitious Solar For All program. We believe MA DOER and MassCEC have demonstrated experience deploying technical assistance and incentive funding for solar technology and collectively will successfully deliver meaningful benefits to underserved communities. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or MMA Legislative Analyst Josie Ahlberg at jahlberg@mma.org at any time.
Sincerely,
Adam Chapdelaine
MMA Executive Director & CEO