Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Certifies Inaugural Group of Climate Leader Communities

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration is announcing the Department of Energy Resources (DOER)’s certification of the first group of Climate Leader Communities (CLCs). Acton, Amherst, Arlington, Ashfield, Cambridge, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Easthampton, Lexington, Melrose, Natick, Pelham, Salem, Somerville, Stow, Swampscott, Truro, Watertown and Wellesley applied for and met the requirements to become CLCs. The 19 cities and towns are now eligible to apply for grants of up to $1,150,000 each for projects that reduce municipal emissions and for technical support ahead of those projects.

“Congratulations to Massachusetts’ first-ever group of Climate Leader Communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are working together on all fronts to lower energy costs, and these 19 municipalities have done the hard work to cut their municipal energy costs and lower local air pollution. This new program is a triple win that strengthens communities, local economies and our environment, and we are excited to watch it grow.”

“I know firsthand how the Green Communities program helps cities and towns complete local projects to lower their energy use, and we are proud to certify the first cohort of Climate Leader Communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These communities will take their work to the next level and create healthier communities and lower costs for residents and businesses.”

The Climate Leader Communities Program builds on the highly successful Green Communities Designation and Grant program. The vast majority of Massachusetts municipalities are designated Green Communities, partnering with DOER on hundreds of projects to deliver $29.7 million in cost savings each year. DOER created the CLC Program in response to high demand from designated Green Communities for a higher tier of the program. The CLC encourages municipalities to lower municipal emissions, maximize the efficiency of buildings and transportation, and slash energy costs.

“We are excited to welcome the first 19 Climate Leader Communities, and to further our partnerships with these cities and towns as they work to meet municipal energy goals,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The local projects these communities take on will build stronger, energy-smart communities and collectively help Massachusetts achieve energy independence.”

“Following decades of success in reducing energy use and costs, these 19 Climate Leader Communities inspire us with their dedication to build healthy, sustainable communities,” said DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “These cities and towns will build high performance buildings, generate local, clean energy, electrify their fleets, and increase community engagement and education. Congratulations to the 19 communities on your commitment to protecting your residents and our climate.”

Certified CLCs have access to grant funding to support energy efficiency measures and heating and cooling projects, energy management services, and local energy generation on municipally owned property. To become a CLC, municipalities must meet certification requirements that include a local committee to advise and help coordinate local energy activities in the municipality; a commitment to transition away from on-site fossil fuel use in municipal buildings and fleets by 2050; a zero-emission-vehicle first policy; and adoption of the Specialized Energy Code.

“I’m so proud to see my hometown of Acton recognized as a Climate Leader Community. I’m excited to see this program help the town in their efforts to reduce emissions and build energy efficiency,” said State Representative Danillo Sena (D-Acton). “I’m thankful that our community is taking a leading role in fighting climate change, and I am thankful for Governor Maura Healey and the Department of Environmental Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony’s commitment to improving our environment.”

“I am thrilled that Arlington and Cambridge have been recognized for their leadership on climate change,” said State Representative David Rogers (D-Cambridge). “This is an important step toward a greener tomorrow for these communities.”

More information on DOER’s Climate Leader Communities program can be found on its website. Climate Leader Grant Programs will be funded through auction proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and Alternative Compliance Payments.

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