Going green is easier when you have extra green. Earlier today, Town Administrator Mel Kleckner received the green communities grant of $215,000 from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
Brookline was named a Green Community by the Governor in July, following an application process that ended in April. Brookline and 21 others were named this year, for a total of 74 others in Massachusetts.
This designation entitled the town to apply for grant funding from the DOER for projects such as LED street lights, a solar array assessment, and a manager and employee energy efficiency awareness program.
"In my conversations with Brookline residents, I have been impressed by their interest in and dedication to environmental issues," said Rep. Ed Coppinger in a press release. "I want to congratulate the Town of Brookline for being designated a Green Community. This impressive achievement reflects Brookline's attempts to make the town more environmentally friendly and will help spur awareness of the important environmental issues facing us today."
Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia today presented six of the state's newest Green Communities - Ayer, Bedford, Brookline, Carlisle, Tewksbury and Woburn - with over $1 million in awards to finance high-efficiency lighting, energy management systems and other clean energy projects.
"Across the Commonwealth, communities are demonstrating that clean energy investments make sense because they cut long-term energy costs, protect the environment and boost our local clean energy economy. We're proud to help them take these efforts to the next level," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., whose office includes DOER.
The Green Communities Act, which created DOER's Green Communities program, was cited by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as a primary reason for ACEEE's recent ranking of Massachusetts as first in the nation its energy efficiency policies and programs, moving California out of the top spot for the first time since the ranking was first published four years ago.
ACEEE's October report pointed to the effectiveness of the Patrick-Murray Administration's integrated approach to creating jobs, helping clean energy businesses thrive, improving energy security and lowering energy costs, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"This energy conservation grant will help the Town of Ayer save money on energy costs while reducing carbon emissions and protecting our environment. I'm proud to have been a supporter of the Green Communities Act, which has led to smart clean energy investment programs like this one, and am pleased to see Ayer get this funding," said Sen. Jamie Eldridge.
"I am delighted that the Patrick administration has provided communities across the Commonwealth with the opportunity to lower energy costs and consumption," said Sen. Susan Fargo.
"This Green Communities grant, which will allow the city to install energy efficient streetlights and lighting systems in public building, is great for Woburn," said Sen. Patricia Jehlen. "These essential projects, and others like them around the Commonwealth, increasing energy efficiency while saving our municipalities money."
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