What New Climate Laws Could Mean for Massachusetts

With the recent passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), we have a historic opportunity to speed up the just transition to clean energy, create millions of good jobs, and build healthy, thriving communities across the US.

For the great state of Massachusetts, that means investments that slash emissions, empower communities, fight climate and environmental injustices, and put thousands to work.

These new laws help lower Americans’ energy costs by assuring more (clean!) energy is produced in the US and rewards them for investing in home energy efficiency.

With billions available, residents of Massachusetts can lead the charge toward the net-zero future we need to assure the worst impacts of the climate crisis never come to pass.

A Cleaner Energy Future

The IRA offers numerous rebates, tax credits, and grant opportunities to electrify our lives and improve our homes.

The law includes rebate opportunities to install new electric appliances and more, covering 50% all the way to 100% of the cost of super-efficient heat pumps, water heaters, clothes dryers, and electric stoves and ovens.

There are also tax credits to cover as much as 30% of the costs to install solar panels and battery storage systems in homes just like yours. Similarly, community solar projects will see as much as a 30% credit.

The IRA is also here to help Bay Staters who are ready to make the switch to electric vehicles. With upfront discounts up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs, the legislation helps make these newer, cleaner technologies available to more people than ever – all the while saving even more money on gas and other expenses down the line.

Much-Needed Repairs

Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Massachusetts will receive $5.4 billion over five years in federal funding for highways and bridges. That’s great news, because according to the White House, “In Massachusetts, there are 472 bridges and over 1,194 miles of highway in poor condition.”

What’s traveling on these improved roads and bridges should also expect an upgrade. The state should receive $2.8 billion over five years under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve public transportation options.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

The over 113,409 individuals working in the state’s clean energy sector should ready themselves for an influx of new colleagues thanks to the IRA. The state is due to receive an estimated $11.4 billion of investment in large-scale clean power generation and storage between now and 2030.

That means jobs. Lots of them.

“[The IRA] provides a historic set of tax credits that will create jobs across solar, wind, storage, and other clean energy industries,” the White House writes. “These credits include bonuses for businesses that pay a prevailing wage, so that Massachusetts workers earn a good paycheck as we build the clean energy future in America.”

Ready to Learn More

What’s discussed above is just the tip of the iceberg with these two new climate laws. Taken together, the IRA and IIJA represent a sea change in what’s possible for residents of Massachusetts.

At the same time, we know that federal laws can be difficult to understand – even for those with years of experience making the system work for the little guy. That’s why we’re hosting a training to demystify the process of applying for grants and other funding under the IRA and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Not sure where to start? Join us this April for Power Up: From Acts to Action, a free online training that will take the guesswork out of how people just like you can access these investments to help yourself and your communities.

Ready to find out what the IRA and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can do for you and yours? Register today.