ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) – The HEAR program aims to help low-income New Yorkers do their part in fighting climate change.
On Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Empire State is the first in the country to offer new federal funding to provide energy efficiency upgrades for low-income residents in New York.
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates – or HEAR – program is part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
It gives nearly $40 million in grants to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and cut back on fossil fuel use.
“We have to honor our moral responsibility to heal the earth and to make sure that those who bear the brunt of the climate crisis, who are often the poorest among us, that we can do whatever we can to help lift that burden,” said Hochul.
The announcement is another step in meeting New York’s climate goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050 with an emphasis on disadvantaged communities.