Shannon Van Hoesen, shannon.vanhoesen@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC - Today, the Biden administration announced New York as the first state to receive funding through the Department of Energy’s Home Energy Rebates Programs, created by the historic Inflation Reduction Act. This new program gives low-and middle- income New Yorkers access to efficiency and clean energy improvements that will make their homes safer and more comfortable, while also lowering energy bills.
New York is the first state in the nation to launch a program after the DOE approved its application and awarded the state an initial $158 million. More states will be launching programs in coming months as a total of $8.8 billion in federal funding is available for states, territories, and Tribes to help households afford efficiency and safety upgrades like heat pumps, electrical panels, and insulation. DOE estimates these energy saving measures will save consumers up to $1 billion annually in energy costs nationwide.
In reaction, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous issued the following statement:
“New York is helping lead the way for more equitable access to home improvements that increase comfort and lower energy bills for families. As we approach the summer season and families face the threat of increased deadly heat waves, having access to affordable cooling from an energy efficient heat pump has even proven to be life-saving.
“These measures benefit individual homes, but also play a big role in ensuring the grid is more reliable during times of high energy demand. These benefits will also create jobs and put positive pressure on the market for energy efficient appliances. We are excited to see this program come to life in New York and look forward to seeing how other states roll out similar programs of their own.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.