August Newsletter—Supercharged by Climate Commitment Act
We’re thrilled to announce that our Kicking Gas Campaign is being supercharged with a new $1.5 million dollar grant from Washington State’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program to provide subsidies to homeowners to decarbonize homes in Island County, WA. Funded by the Climate Commitment Act to accelerate our decarbonization campaign, we anticipate this funding will facilitate an additional 120 electrification retrofits for low to moderate income (LMI) households in rural Island County in 2024 and 2025. This comes on top of our second round of funding from WSU’s Community Energy Efficiency Program, and allows us to expand the reach of subsidies for electric home retrofits of up to $7,500 per household in Island and Snohomish Counties.
Derek Hoshiko, Kicking Gas Campaign Director, stated: “We’re thrilled to be able to use this new funding to help families in Island County access affordable, electric heating and cooling—and cooking. The success of the Kicking Gas campaign reflects the environmental commitment of Whidbey Island residents, and a desire to take more meaningful actions when supported to do so. Together, we’ve taken a significant step towards a resilient, energy-efficient future.”
Kicking Gas is holding information sessions, both in person and online, for homeowners interested in making the switch to electric heat pumps and induction stoves. The next session is Saturday, August 24th, at 10am PST online. Click to sign up for the next info session.
Interested parties can also take a survey at kickgasnow.org to find out their eligibility to receive benefits from the program in the form of subsidies and low interest financing.
Are our Ferries sailing into the Bermuda Triangle?
From our friends at Clean and Prosperous Washington, we have an update on Ferry funding. If you have tried to catch a Washington State ferry recently, you know the experience is “hit and miss” at best. Vessel and staff shortages have left passengers stranded as scheduled sailings have been delayed or canceled. But there may be relief on the horizon: the beleaguered state ferry system has new leadership, new boats, and new funding.
In September, the Wenatchee is due to return to service as the first of five new hybrid-electric boats.
Thanks in large part to funding from the Climate Commitment Act, the ferry system has plans to build 16 new vessels, convert six existing vessels, and electrify 16 terminals, reducing operating costs, improving reliability, and clearing the air. HOWEVER, there is a real risk that the funding for these new ferries may disappear if the Climate Commitment Act is repealed in November. Consider this when you cast your ballot!
All hands on deck. Too many sailings have been delayed or canceled. Will ferry funding be delayed or canceled too? To navigate these treacherous waters and make sure that ferries are fully funded, please share this Clean & Prosperous Institute “Risk of Repeal” Hybrid Electric Vessel Project Report with your network of fellow ferry friends.
Kicking Gas Joint Fundraiser 10/12
Please SAVE THE DATE for Kicking Gas’ first in person fundraiser “Tending the Grassroots” to be held at Freeland Hall on Whidbey Island on Saturday, October 12 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. The evening includes food, drink, entertainment, and a speaker program. Kicking Gas clients and prospective clients will be able to interact with team members and volunteers, and celebrate Freeland Hall’s transition from propane heaters to ductless heat pumps. The joint fundraiser will be centered on honoring community supported organizer, Derek Hoshiko, for his leadership in Rapid and Just Climate Action. Guests will have the opportunity to contribute to his projects which include Kicking Gas, United Student Leaders, and rePurpose Whidbey, among others. Stay tuned for a full invitation and a ticket registration page.
In community,
The Kicking Gas Campaign Team