From the clean heat report to decarbonization, Ted helps in this Making Sense of Climate episode #22 (audio)

FM #929 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 929 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, January 24, 2023.  

In this episode we covered the following topics: 

• End of year reports, status recap

• The MA roadmap

• Commission on Clean Heat issued report on Nov 30, 2022

• The Boston Foundation Climate Report Card

• story of three chairs

• Myths about appliances…  trust science! Or ?

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as he helps me ‘make sense of climate’ Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-929-making-sense-of-climate-23-01-24-23

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Links to articles referenced:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1arTnyvQxTrOeV-Kdkxu7XldIWV3TLcqu/view?usp=share_link 

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-commission-on-clean-heat-final-report-november-30-2022/download

Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) 2022-23 Winter Heating Season Begins November 1, 2022

LIHEAP is a free, statewide resource that helps eligible households by paying a portion of their winter heating bill from November 1 through April 30. The Massachusetts home energy assistance program (LIHEAP), which pays a portion of heating cost for eligible households, is now accepting applications. LIHEAP is a free, statewide resource that helps eligible households by paying a portion of their winter heating bill from November 1 through April 30. The LIHEAP program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development in partnership with a network of 20 agencies across the state. No matter what type of heating source you have, LIHEAP may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance.

Eligible Massachusetts households, can apply online at www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP

or find their local agency at hedfuel.azurewebsites.net (enter Franklin)

Note: when I followed both links, they agreed in determining that Self Help, Inc is the service provider for Franklin. You can apply online directly at -> https://www.toapply.org/SHI

Thanks for connecting with Self-Help, Inc

Boston Globe: "A better future for heating your home"

"As we prepare for colder weather, the choice has already been made for many residents that they will be burning euphemistically named “natural gas,” or methane. This fuel, which is no more natural than any other fossil fuel, is not only responsible for massive property damage and loss of life following explosions, as we saw in the Merrimack Valley disaster three years ago — it is also a potent fossil fuel, responsible for 27 percent of climate-altering emissions statewide, second only to transportation and significantly greater than even the energy generation sector.

If the state does not move away from our reliance on gas, we probably won’t hit our statutory emissions reduction goals set by the Global Warming Solutions Act and the recent 2050 net-zero roadmap legislation. Working in opposition to those goals, gas utilities are planning decades of new pipelines, projected to cost Massachusetts gas customers $20 billion — a Big Dig-sized project — according to a recent report commissioned by Gas Leaks Allies."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/11/23/opinion/better-future-heating-your-home/

Olivia Cerf and Ben Butterworth stand near the heat pumps they installed at their Melrose home.ERIN CLARK/GLOBE STAFF

How to save money heating your home this winter

How to save money heating your home this winter by Colleen Tressler Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC The days are getting cooler — in fact, some parts of the U.S. have already seen snow. Experts report it's going to be an expensive winter to heat your home, but there are things you can do now to cut your energy costs. Read more ->  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/11/how-save-money-heating-your-home-winter?utm_source=govdelivery

How to save money heating your home this winter

Frequently Asked Questions - how to deal with rising heating and utility costs

The MA Attorney General's Office has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions page on how to deal with rising heating and utility costs this winter.

"Many residents are struggling to pay their bills, including their monthly utility bills. Electricity and Gas are essential services—that’s why it is important that customers know their rights and where they can go for help if they need it."

Visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-electric-and-gas-utilities-during-covid-19

• English version PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/17QqpZ0o9fkNhv3WBLVJ2jq-KJZYmaqvG/view?usp=sharing
• Spanish version PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/17TQgZmfwrFKlTpi-8APKeA7sFLunvUge/view?usp=sharing

Frequently Asked Questions - how to deal with rising heating and utility costs

Tip of the hat to Tyngsborough for the info links ->

https://twitter.com/TyngsboroughMA/status/1456248576418500608

MassCEC launches pilot program for whole-home heat pumps

A total of $500,000 has been allocated by MassCEC to provide rebates for the installation of whole-home air-source heat pump systems

Announcing the Whole-Home Air-Source Heat Pump Pilot Program The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center ("MassCEC") is excited to announce the launch of our Whole-Home Air-Source Heat Pump Pilot. MassCEC has allocated $500,000 to provide rebates for the installation of whole-home air-source heat pump ("ASHP") systems at residential properties – specifically at existing homes with natural gas and new construction projects designed to operate without fossil fuels. This pilot is meant to support ASHP systems that function as the sole source of heating in a home without the need for supplementary or back-up heat. The Pilot will accept applications until December 31, 2019 or until all allocated funding has been awarded.  HVAC contractors interested in becoming a participating installer should review the requirements in the Pilot Program Manual and reach out to ashp@masscec.com with any questions. Through the pilot program, MassCEC will promote projects at the leading edge of Massachusetts' strategic electrification efforts. A major goal of the pilot is collecting learnings and information on whole-home ASHP systems, so we look forward to sharing preliminary results, lessons learned, and case studies through the pilot program. Read our blog post to learn more about the goals of the pilot, and please reach out to us if you have any questions or ideas. Further program information can be found at www.masscec.com/clean-heating-and-cooling/air-source-heat-pumps. Warmly, The MassCEC Air-Source Heat Pump Team Massachusetts Clean Energy Center The MassCEC Air-Source Heat Pump Team Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 63 Franklin St, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02110 617-315-9300 | ASHP@masscec.com Massachusetts Clean Energy Center   Grow the state's clean energy industry while helping to meet the Commonwealth's clean energy and climate goals. Copyright © 2019 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved 63 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02110 Phone: 617-315-9300 Fax: 617-315-9356

In the News: home heating assistance sought; "the multi-pronged process that is social emotional leaning"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Human service activists and lawmakers rallied Wednesday outside the Statehouse, calling for the state to help offset a cut in federal funding by allocating $30 million to help low-income families afford winter home heating bills. 

Most of the 48,000 households in Massachusetts that heat with oil have used up their benefits or will do so by the end of January, according to the Massachusetts Association for Community Action, which said 160,000 households in Massachusetts are served under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. 

Funding for the federal program was reduced by $11 million this year, and has over several years been cut from $200 million a year to $136 million per year, MASSCAP said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190109/advocacy-group-seeks-30m-for-heating-bills

Keep Warm in Massachusetts: Need help paying your heating bills?

"For Beverly Hugo, teaching works best when educators focus on a student’s overall well-being, the key element to what academics call social-emotional learning. 

“We are trying to put child development back into the curriculum and less emphasis on testing - especially in K-12” Hugo said. “We use positive behavioral intervention and support.” 

Hugo, president of Massachusetts Association of School Committees, was one four panelists invited to speak Tuesday night at Senate President Karen Spilka’s forum on social-emotional learning, sponsored by Framingham State University. 

“We agree that we need to teach and support the whole child,” Spilka said in her opening remarks. “Tonight, we are focusing on successful implementation strategies for SEL (social- emotional learning) in our schools and our communities.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190109/at-ashland-confab-parents-teachers-talk-about-nurturing-well-rounded-students

Social and emotional learning (SEL)

MassCEC's HeatSmart Mass Program Overview - via webinar Aug 1

Access webinar recording and slides

HeatSmart Mass Technology and Program Overview Webinar MassCEC is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, August 1st 3:30 - 5:00 PM, to provide an overview of the HeatSmart-eligible heating technologies and the HeatSmart Mass program, as well as to answer questions about the recent HeatSmart RFP. HeatSmart Mass is a community-based outreach and education program that encourages the adoption of clean heating and cooling technologies, including air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, modern wood heat, and solar hot water. Webinar Details: When: August 1, 2018, 3:30 - 5:00 PM Presenters: Josh Kessler, Lisa Dobbs, and Jonah Ury from MassCEC All inquiries related to HeatSmart Mass should be submitted by email to HeatSmartMass@masscec.com. Best, The HeatSmart Mass Team  Click here to register for the webinar https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4302753329880930050?mc_cid=648460a536&mc_eid=952cc7b7a1 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center   Grow the state's clean energy industry while helping to meet the Commonwealth's clean energy and climate goals. Copyright © 2018 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 63 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02110 Phone: 617-315-9300 Fax: 617-315-9356

In the News: Franklin family tries to recover; Cultural Council looking for artists; new attempt to eliminate home heating assistance

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"When Franklin resident Joseph Cooper took a break from watching TV to grab a late-night snack on Saturday, Feb. 3, he returned to the basement of his home on Warwick Road to hear a popping sound coming from the connected garage. 

“It’s happened before where a squirrel would get into the garage and knock everything over,” he said. “But when I opened the door there was already a good fire going inside.” 

He said the smoke detectors were going off in the garage, but because the door was steel and the alarms weren’t connected to the rest of the house, he couldn’t hear them. 

“I tried to fight it a little bit, screaming to my daughters to get shoes and coats and get out,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180219/franklin-family-tries-to-recover-after-house-fire

"The Franklin Cultural Council has announced a call for artists for their Art in Motion Juried Exhibition and Live Art Event slated for 2-4 p.m. April 28 at Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St. 

The juried exhibition will showcase paintings and drawings of figures in motion.
The prospectus for the exhibition can be found at http://bit.ly/ArtinMotion_prospectus. 

Online applications are due by March 1, and can be found at http://bit.ly/artist_entry. There is no fee to enter the ArtWeek exhibition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180219/strongfranklin-cultural-council-announces-call-for-artistsstrong

Additional info on the call for artists and performers for ArtWeek
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/call-for-figurative-artists-for-art-in.html

Art in Motion Juried Exhibition and Live Art Event

"The Trump administration is once again calling for the complete elimination of a heating assistance program that helps to keep the homes of low-income families warm. And once again, program supporters are vowing to fight it. 

The administration is using the same arguments from a year ago when it tried to abolish the program, saying it’s rife with fraud and that no one would be left freezing if the program goes away. 

“These arguments are very misleading and wrong,” said Mark Wolfe, director of the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association in Washington, D.C. 

The program, known as LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — helps families pay their heating bills primarily in the form of a grant that’s sent directly to utility companies or heating fuel vendors."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180218/trump-again-will-try-to-cut-energy-assistance-to-poor

In the News: home heating assistance; 12 days of donating

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Despite threats that funding would be eliminated in President Donald Trump’s preliminary budget, the state’s home heating program will continue to keep low-income families warm this year, just as temperatures are beginning to drop. 

“People can opt out of air conditioning in the New England area, but they can’t opt out of heating,” said Sue Crossley, executive director of Natick-based Family Promise Metrowest. 

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides critical help for people who are trying to become self-sufficient after being homeless and helps others avoid becoming homeless, according to Crossley, whose organization assists homeless people."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171126/after-uncertainty-state-gets-heating-assistance-funds

"The food pantry’s Food Elves are kicking off their 12th annual “12 days of donating” holiday drive, but have switched over to a fund-only model due to a lack of space. 

Scores of elementary, middle, and high school students will be making their neighborhood rounds, passing out flyers and collecting donations during December. 

With dozens of food and fund drives underway, the pantry is out of space to store inventory. Monetary donations that are collected will be used to buy chicken, beef and other meats, dairy products, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits. 

“In addition, monetary gifts allow us to buy what we need when we need it,” said executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry, Erin Lynch. “They give us the flexibility we need to provide for the more than 1,000 individuals who count on us. We are also able to purchase food through the Greater Boston Food Bank for much less money than people pay in the grocery store.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171126/franklin-food-elves-launch-holiday-drive

Julia Buccella and Natalie Dextradeur are the Co-Lead Food Elves for the
2017 Campaign (Photo courtesy of Patti Dextradeur.)

Will area residents be left out in the cold this winter?

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Will area residents be left out in the cold this winter?

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Jeff Malachowski/Daily News staff on 12/8/12

With the impending "fiscal cliff" and recent state budget cuts, local fuel assistance programs that rely on federal and state dollars are worried residents who need help might be left out in the cold this winter.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

How to Cut Home Energy Bills: a Home Energy Efficiency Workshop

When: Monday, October 6, 7 p.m.

Where: Franklin Public Library

What: Heating your home this winter is going to cost you far more than it did last year. This program will show you a variety of things you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your house and lower your energy costs. Most of the things covered will cost little or nothing and you can go home with a helpful resource handout and how-to guidance.

This presentation is free and will take place in the community room, lower level of the Franklin Public Library located at 118 Main Street at 7 p.m.