BRC 44: Building Green Communities in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is already a very green state, but, according to this RenewableEnergyAccess.com post, Gov. Mitt Romney plans to go another step by engaging the state in building more "environmentally-friendly, affordable housing that adheres to smart growth principles."

The Governor joined MassHousing, The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), and The Enterprise Foundation at the announcement. Collectively these organizations will make available $209 million worth of incentives to build 1,000 new environmentally-friendly, "green," homes in Massachusetts.

"Combining affordable housing and environmentally-friendly smart growth isn't just about dollars and cents. It's about promoting common sense," said Romney. "By simultaneously investing in affordable housing and smart growth, Green Communities will help support our economy while maintaining the kind of diversity and healthy environment that makes Massachusetts such a great place to work, live and raise a family."

This project is not expected to require any new taxpayer dollars. MassHousing will provide approximately $125 million in mortgage financing.

Republican governors, particularly in the Northeast (although let's give Ahh-nold his due), are really running with the ball on sustainable development and climate change initiatives. What the hell happens to them when they go to Washington?

Technorati tags: sustainable development, green building, Massachusetts

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