The directors of environmental agencies in nine states have signed a joint agreement to accelerate the transition to pollution-free residential buildings by significantly expanding heat pump sales to meet heating, cooling and water heating demand.

Under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) led by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), participants set a shared goal for heat pumps to meet at least 65% of residential-scale heating, air conditioning and water heating shipments by 2030 and 90% by 2040. These states will also collaborate to collect market data, track progress, and develop an action plan to support the widespreadSource: U.S. Department of Energy electrification of residential buildings.

The MOU builds on a September 2023 commitment from the U.S. Climate Alliance’s member states and territories to quadruple heat pump installations by 2030. According to NESCAUM, fossil fueled-powered heating equipment in the signatory states emits over 173 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, 138,000 tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides and 6,000 tons of fine particulate matter annually.

In signing the MOU, California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Rhode Island have committed to promoting the installation of zero-emission, grid-interactive technologies in existing state buildings. These states also seek to direct at least 40% of efficiency and electrification investments to benefit low-income households facing high energy burdens and communities historically burdened with elevated air pollution levels.