Ben Hellerstein
Former State Director, Environment Massachusetts
Statement: Massachusetts advocates celebrate energy efficiency investments with Vice President Harris
Media Contacts
Johanna Neumann
Senior Director, Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy, Environment America
Janet Domenitz
Executive Director, MASSPIRG
BOSTON – Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver remarks at a union hall Wednesday announcing federal investments in energy efficiency and other clean energy technologies.
These investments are funded in part through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed by President Joe Biden this summer. The IRA includes nearly $370 billion in climate spending, designed to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 while saving money for consumers.
Vice President Harris’ announcement includes $9 billion in funding from the IRA for state-administered energy efficiency programs. The funding will support weatherization and heat pump installation in hundreds of thousands of homes, helping families reduce their use of fossil fuels and cut their energy bills. The Biden-Harris administration is also taking steps to increase the domestic manufacture of heat pumps and partnering with major companies to educate customers about switching to clean, all-electric heating and appliances.
The vice president’s visit comes as state officials work to implement a climate law that the Massachusetts Legislature passed in August. The result of years of advocacy by environmental groups and allies, Massachusetts’ new law aims to make the Bay State a national leader in offshore wind, electric transportation and buildings and other clean energy technologies.
Ben Hellerstein, state director of Environment Massachusetts, issued the following statement:
“National investments in technologies like heat pumps will turbocharge Massachusetts’ transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. With a new climate law on the books, we’re poised to take full advantage of this influx of federal dollars. In the coming years, thanks to this funding, our homes will use energy more efficiently and we’ll heat our buildings with clean electricity rather than fossil fuels. With support from leaders at all levels of government, a cleaner, healthier future is within reach.”
Janet Domenitz, executive director of MASSPIRG, issued the following statement:
“What we used to call ‘alternative energy’ — like using the sun, wind, and efficiency measures – has entered the mainstream. In part, this is happening because of the investments the Biden administration is making in our energy future. Bay Staters want and need a clean energy future. Thanks to the funding Vice President Harris is outlining here today, we are getting closer to it.”
Johanna Neumann, senior director of the campaign for 100% renewable energy for Environment America, issued the following statement:
“Investing in energy efficiency is the first step to building a clean energy home. With every bead of caulk that seals air leaks and with every inefficient gas furnace that’s replaced by an efficient electric heat pump, we better position America to be powered by renewable energy that never runs out. The cleanest energy is the energy we never use in the first place. Using energy wisely and eliminating waste is the sensible first step to addressing our energy needs at all levels. The investments in energy efficiency in the Inflation Reduction Act will reduce pollution and help millions of Americans live in clean energy homes.”
More resources from Environment America, U.S. PIRG and their research and education partners:
