The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has announced significant developments in its efforts to support municipal decarbonization and clean energy initiatives. At the inaugural Green Communities Summit, the Healey-Driscoll Administration designated three new Green Communities—Boxborough, Sandwich, and South Hadley—and unveiled $60 million in new funding for Climate Leader Communities through two grant programs. These initiatives aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and advance the state’s clean energy transition.

The Green Communities Program, which began in 2009, now includes 298 of the state’s 351 municipalities. Participating communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20% within five years. With the addition of the latest designees, DOER has awarded over $185 million in grant funding through designation and competitive grants. Boxborough, Sandwich, and South Hadley collectively received more than $479,800 for projects such as weatherization in schools and municipal buildings, the adoption of electric vehicles, and the installation of renewable thermal technologies like heat pumps. These efforts will reduce emissions by 2,465 tons, equivalent to removing 519 gasoline-powered cars from the road.

The newly announced $60 million Climate Leader Grant Programs provide further funding to municipalities demonstrating leadership in decarbonization. The $52.5 million Decarbonization Accelerator Grant Program supports clean energy projects that reduce or eliminate fossil fuel use, including renewable thermal systems, solar PV, energy resilience technologies, and energy storage. Priority funding is available for projects in Environmental Justice Communities or Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities. The $7.5 million Technical Support Grant Program offers resources for Climate Leader Communities to develop comprehensive project proposals aligned with their decarbonization roadmaps.

Both grant programs emphasize aligning projects with local and state clean energy goals. Funding for Green Communities comes from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), while the Climate Leader Grants are supported by Alternative Compliance Payments.

These initiatives reflect Massachusetts’ commitment to empowering municipalities to lead in clean energy adoption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering sustainable, resilient communities. For additional information on the programs, visit the Green Communities Division page on the Mass.gov website.