Baker-Polito Administration Presents Green Communities Designation Awards to Southeast Communities

Baker-Polito Administration Presents Green Communities Designation Awards to Southeast Communities

Cohasset, Norwell, Stoughton, Weymouth and Whitman receive $941,740 for Clean Energy Projects

WEYMOUTH – January 28, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded Green Communities designation grants totaling $941,740 to Cohasset, Norwell, Stoughton, Weymouth and Whitman to fund clean energy projects. The southeastern Massachusetts municipalities became Green Communities in the ninth round of designations in December.

“Massachusetts cities and towns continue to lead the way toward a clean, affordable and resilient energy future for the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These communities will use their grants to reduce energy use, improve their buildings, save money and help us meet our ambitious greenhouse emission reduction targets.”

“These Green Communities designation grants are another great example of the Commonwealth’s partnership with cities and towns,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Municipalities have been leaders in clean energy adoption, providing examples of effective implementation and the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy.”

Under the Green Communities Act, cities and towns must meet five criteria to be designated a Green Community and receive funding. The grants provide financial support for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the designated communities’ clean energy goals. These five 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.

“The commitment of these 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,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “In addition, municipalities can use the money they save by reducing energy use for other important items, like public safety, education and municipal buildings.”

“Through our Green Communities program, DOER is proud to work with every city and town across Massachusetts,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “More than half of the Commonwealth’s population is committed to reducing their energy use, emissions, and helping their local economy through this program.”

DOER awarded funding for projects in these newly designated Green Communities in the southeast region:

Municipality                        Grant

Cohasset                               $141,460

Norwell                                $146,520

Stoughton                            $209,910

Weymouth                           $277,635

Whitman                              $166,215

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.

“I commend the town of Weymouth on their efforts to become a Green Community and am pleased that we are able to provide this grant funding from the state in order to assist them with their ongoing efforts in seeking efficiency and modernization,” said House Majority Leader Ron Mariano (D-Quincy).

“This funding will help Weymouth with the reduction of Greenhouse gasses” said State Representative James Murphy (D-Weymouth). “We are the generation that needs to take the initiative to ensure a cleaner future. Renewable energy has economic advantages and grants like this go a long way to meet specific needs that communities identify. I am glad that this partnership will help Weymouth achieve its goal of cleaner energy while saving our constituents money.” 

“I want to thank Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito for their commitment and investment in promoting clean energy efforts across the Commonwealth, particularly in Weymouth,” said Weymouth Mayor Robert L. Hedlund. “It is an honor for Weymouth to become a Green Community.  I want to congratulate and applaud the efforts and dedication of all those employees and volunteers who helped Weymouth meet the criteria necessary to achieve this important distinction.”

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.