House announces $1B GreenWorks resilient communities investment plan for next 10 years

Plan to help communities across Massachusetts to adopt technologies that cut greenhouse gas emissions, fortify infrastructure and reduce municipal costs

Representative William J. Driscoll, Jr. (D-Milton & Randolph) joined his colleagues last week to announce a new initiative to invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to help communities across Massachusetts adopt technologies – including clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate change resiliency measures – that cut greenhouse gas emissions, fortify infrastructure and reduce municipal costs.

The proposal – known as GreenWorks – builds on a long-standing House approach providing concrete tools directly to communities with an immediate impact.

“This long-term investment will help Massachusetts cities and towns build sustainable and resilient communities,” said Speaker DeLeo, (D – Winthrop). “Not only will cities and towns have the ability to cut greenhouse gases and lower long-term energy and operating costs, but they will adopt Massachusetts-made innovative technologies and put people to work on cleantech infrastructure projects.”

“GreenWorks, led by the House, is an important initiative that will enable municipalities greater flexibility in how they define their resiliency projects,” said Representative Driscoll. “The overarching need to act is clear, and with GreenWorks, each community will be empowered to pursue solutions that fit their specific clean energy goals.”

These competitive grants are for cities and towns to fund projects including, but not limited to energy efficient buildings, solar, microgrids, energy storage, electric vehicle charging stations, or resiliency infrastructure. Under the proposal, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs will administer the grants through its agencies.

Speaker DeLeo unveiled the legislation during a visit to the Greentown Labs Global Center for Cleantech Innovation. Located in Somerville, Greentown Labs is the largest cleantech business incubator in the United States. Since its founding in 2011, it has graduated more than 170 companies with more than 86 percent of them still in operation.

“ELM welcomes Speaker DeLeo’s announcement. The Commonwealth has so much to gain from proactively investing in resiliency and sustainability – and so much to lose from inertia,” said Environmental League of Massachusetts President Elizabeth Henry. “We look forward to working with the Speaker and the Legislature to craft an effective program.”

March Office Hours for State Representative Bill Driscoll, Jr.:

Washington Room, Randolph Town Hall, 41 South Main Street, Randolph – Thursday, March 14th, at 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Starbucks, 552 Adams St, Milton – Thursday, March 14th, at 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Representative Bill Driscoll invites Randolph and Milton residents to meet him at his next office hours. This is an opportunity to meet and discuss issues of local importance with the Representative in a relaxed atmosphere. All constituents are welcome and encouraged to attend.