A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), spearheaded by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, has been signed by directors of environmental agencies of California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island. Recognizing their common decarbonization goals, this MOU establishes a shared target for heat pumps to meet at least 65% of residential-scale heating, air conditioning, and water heating equipment sales by 2030 – and 90% by 2040 – across the participating states. Under this MOU, states will also collaborate to collect market data, track progress, and develop an action plan for widespread residential building electrification.
Buildings are a major hidden source of pollution, which comes from combustion of fossil fuels in furnaces, boilers, and water heaters. According to the signatories, heat pumps are a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems, and because they’re electric, they are able to run on renewables like wind and solar, thus helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
To encourage the widespread adoption of heat pumps, the agreement also emphasizes collaboration with key stakeholders, including heat pump manufacturers and HVAC installers. In a February 6 letter, several manufacturers – including Carrier, Ikea, Trane, Johnson Controls, Siemens and Sierra Nevada – voiced support for the effort.
