Nine US states pledge to accelerate heat pump sales

USA: Nine US states have signed an agreement to significantly accelerate residential heat pump sales.

Under the MOU, the states have 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.

The initiative is led by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) and signed by directors of environmental agencies from California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Rhode Island.

The committed states will also collaborate to collect market data, track progress, and develop an action plan within a year to support the widespread electrification of residential buildings.

This MOU builds on a September 2023 commitment from the US Climate Alliance’s member states and territories to quadruple heat pump installations by 2030.

To lead by example, states signing the NESCAUM-led MOU committed to promote installation of zero-emission, grid-interactive technologies in existing state buildings. 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.

A recent letter from business-focused Ceres united 24 businesses, investors and building owners and operators in stating support to accelerate heat pump adoption. Last year, ten of the nation’s largest manufacturers committed to help California achieve its target of six million heat pumps by 2030.