A coalition of 25 state governors unveiled an ambitious plan to achieve a goal of 20 million deployed heat pumps by 2030, according to an announcement made in New York City on Thursday. This target represents a quadrupling of the 4.8 million heat pumps that were installed in the United States in 2020, as analyzed by RMI, an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit clean energy think tank.
Heat pumps are energy efficient alternatives to fossil fuel powered furnaces and air conditioners. They use electricity to transfer heat, rather than generate heat, making them a sustainable option. Heat pumps can both heat buildings when it’s cold outside and cool buildings when it’s hot outside.
According to the International Energy Agency, heat pumps can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% when operating on emissions-intensive electricity and up to 80% when running on cleaner electricity. Given that buildings contribute to 30% of global energy consumption and 26% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative holds great significance, as stated by the IEA.
Not only do heat pumps provide environmental benefits, but they also offer cost savings for consumers. The IEA estimates that heat pumps can save Americans around $300 per year, while in regions like Europe, where gas prices are higher, customers can save up to $900 annually.
This commitment to reach 20 million heat pumps by 2030 has been made by a bipartisan group of governors who comprise the U.S. Climate Alliance, representing 60% of the U.S. economy and 55% of the U.S. population. The U.S. Climate Alliance was originally formed in 2017 by the governors of Washington, New York, and California.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee, a Democrat, expressed the importance of this goal, linking it to Americans’ right to warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer. Inslee highlighted the heat pump as a groundbreaking invention that can perform both functions effectively, emphasizing the need for cooling solutions as summers become hotter.
The urgency of cooling was underscored by the unprecedented heat wave that hit Seattle in June 2021, resulting in the tragic deaths of 100 people. It’s worth mentioning that around 10% of U.S. households lack air conditioning, with disadvantaged communities being particularly affected, according to a report from the Brookings Institution. Therefore, 40% of the benefits from the governors’ announcement will be directed toward these communities.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul reaffirmed the immediacy of climate change effects and emphasized the need to address them promptly. Governor Inslee equated putting a gas furnace in a new dwelling to building a stable for a horse instead of a garage for a car, stressing that gas is an outdated and polluting energy source. He also called for an end to gas hookups in homes and offices to combat climate change effectively.
The White House National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, pointed out that heat pumps are a proven technology that can significantly reduce energy costs, which account for about half of a household’s energy expenses. The U.S. Climate Alliance states will finance these heat pump installations through a combination of financial incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Additionally, individual states within the coalition will implement their own policy efforts.
Maine has set an example of success in heat pump installations through its effective legislative action.
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