Stoneham Named A Green Community By State

It was announced Friday that the Town of Stoneham has been designated by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) as a “Green Community,” committing to an ambitious renewable energy agenda to reduce energy consumption and emissions. 210 of the Commonwealth’s 351 municipalities have earned their Green Communities designation and 68 percent of residents live in a Green Community. Since the program began in 2010, DOER’s Green Communities division has awarded over $65 million in grant funding to the Commonwealth’s cities and towns through designation and competitive grant rounds.

All Green Communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent each. To help achieve this, DOER has awarded to the Town of Stoneham a grant in the amount of $169,615 to put toward these efforts.

“I’m thrilled that state government can partner with cities and towns through the Green Communities Program to enhance and expand renewable energy usage in the Commonwealth and save money on energy bills,” said Senator Jason Lewis. “These efforts safeguard our environment and preserve taxpayer resources.”

“I am very proud that Stoneham has been selected as a Green Community,” said State Representative Michael Day. “Pursuing and receiving this designation demonstrates our community’s deep commitment to reducing energy consumption and emissions to combat the effects of man-made climate change. I congratulate Erin Wortman and all of our town officials and leaders who came together to work on this grant. We continue to make great strides in Stoneham through teamwork and a shared commitment to moving our community forward.”

Under the Green Communities Act, DOER’s Green Communities Designation and Grant Program can provide up to $20 million annually to qualified cities and towns. The goal of the Designation Grant Program is to support communities’ investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the clean energy goals determined by the designated communities. Initial Designation Grants are based on a $125,000 base for each designated Green Community, plus additional amounts tied to per capita income and population, and for municipalities that provide as-of-right siting for renewable energy generation.

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.