Climate Action

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ClimateAction@firstparish.info

The Climate Action Working Group takes local actions supporting global transformation of economies to clean energy sources, while eliminating fossil fuel usage that damages the climate system and has an unjust, disproportionate impact on communities that have never been heavy users of fossil fuels. CAWG promotes efforts in Arlington and nearby communities, Massachusetts legislation and executive action, and leads the effort to shift First Parish facilities to clean energy.

Options and Resources for Getting Greener

The following lists programs, support systems and resources that First Parish Climate Action Working Group (CAWG) has put together to help interested members and friends protect our climate by moving toward net zero greenhouse gas emissions in their homes and transportation.

Community electricity programs are sponsored by towns and cities and provide residents and businesses electricity supply options with more local, renewable energy. In Arlington, the program is called Arlington Community Electricity (ACE), and it has an option to choose 100% local renewable electricity. When more people choose the 100% option, more new renewable power generation gets developed in New England. You can check out the ACE website and sign up online at ace.arlingtonma.gov. Interested people from other towns can check out the Community Electricity website in their local town (in your browser, search “your-town’s-name community electricity”).

To avoid being misled by disreputable companies, stick to the program that is offered by your town or one offered by the Green Energy Consumers Alliance.

Electrify Arlington is a community-wide campaign to transition buildings and transportation toward being all electric, without using any fossil fuels. The campaign is part of Arlington’s commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Electrify Arlington has trained coaches who are available to help residents understand home efficiency and heat pumps. Coaches will provide information on programs, rebates and incentives. Two First Parish members are serving as coaches. Check out the Electrify Arlington website to learn more and to find lots of useful resources.

The following is a list of resources of information and assistance that you may find helpful. If you have any questions, please contact climateaction@firstparish.info.

Massachusetts 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap

https://www.mass.gov/doc/ma-2050-decarbonization-roadmap/download

Princeton University Report: Net-Zero America

https://netzeroamerica.princeton.edu/img/Princeton_NZA_Interim_Report_15_Dec_2020_FINAL.pdf

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

“Everything you need to know” guide for Mass. Residents’ clean energy solutions including advice, testimonials, resources, explanation of Fed., state, MassSave incentives:

https://goclean.masscec.com

Clean energy workforce development – training, education, job opportunities, student programs – and more:

https://www.masscec.com/workforce

MassSave

Offers assessments and incentives to help residents make homes more energy efficient and move to renewable energy

Mass Save free home energy assessment program and how to sign up:

https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/energy-assessments

List of incentives and rebates MassSave offers for choosing clean energy heating/cooling systems, weatherization, and energy efficient appliances:

https://www.Masssave.com/en/saving/residential-rebates/

Mor-EV

State rebates on electric vehicle purchase or lease, personal or business:

https://mor-ev.org/

energyCENTS

One-stop portal for every rebate, incentive, loan, and financing offered by the state. Filterable and searchable:

http://public.dep.state.ma.us/Doer/mesa/#/home

Mass Department of Energy Rebates and Incentives Guides

Energy/utility bill assistance, weatherization, demand/response, more rebates and incentives:

https://www.mass.gov/guides/massachusetts-energy-rebates-incentives#-energy/

https://www.mass.gov/energy-rebates-incentives

Clean Energy Future Committee

Committee charged with guiding Arlington’s implementation of the plan.

The Arlington Net Zero Action Plan is available at this website:

https://www.arlingtonma.gov/town-governance/boards-and-committees/clean-energy-future-committee

Arlington Community Electricity

The program by which the town negotiates for electricity supply for almost all residents and many businesses. There is an option to choose to get 100% local renewable electricity for your home.

https://ace.arlingtonma.gov/

Electrify Arlington

Town’s online resource for the “Electrify Arlington” campaign to transition from fossil-fuels to clean, renewable energy by 2050. There are links with a lot of useful information.

https://www.arlingtonma.gov/i-want-to/go-green/electrify-arlington

Green Energy Consumer Alliance

New England-based non-profit organization offers programs and support for transitioning to efficient clean energy in homes and transportation.

https://greenenergyconsumers.org

The DriveGreen page you can use to get a discount on an electric car

https://www.greenenergyconsumers.org/drivegreen

EnergySage

Website where you can enter information about your home and then solar panel installation companies will send you bids from which you can choose

https://www.energysage.com/