Some Tax Breaks for Energy Upgrades Expire Soon

Time is running out for some tax breaks on energy upgrades. Most federal tax incentives – for things like rooftop solar panels, electric vehicles and heat pumps – are being phased out this year under the federal tax bill that recently was signed into law, though many New York State incentives will continue.

Expiring soon …

• Efficiency upgrades: This includes upgrading insulation, doors and windows, which can result in significant cost savings for homeowners. If your heating or cooling system needs to be replaced anyway, it’s smart to consider switching to heat pumps. To claim a federal tax credit worth up to 30% of the costs for various upgrades (up to $2,00 for heat pumps, or $1,200 for windows/doors/insulation), you’ll need to get the work done by Dec. 31, 2025.

What still will be available next year …

• HEAR, HOMES: The Home Electrification and Appliances Rebate (HEAR) and Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) programs will continue to provide rebates to homeowners for heat pumps, water heaters, insulation, and electric load service upgrades until New York’s pool of funds is used up.

• EmPower+: Income-eligible New Yorkers still can access whole-house energy upgrades through the EmPower+ Program.

•  EVs: To claim a federal tax credit worth up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles or $4,000 for used ones, you’ll need to buy or lease by Sept. 30. The deadline to upgrade electrical panels in your home to handle higher demand is Dec. 31. To claim a federal tax credit worth 30% of the cost of installing a home charger, you’ll need to do so by June 30, 2026. Also, NYSERDA’s Drive Clean rebate and Central Hudson’s purchase incentives still will provide some EV purchase rebates.

• Solar: To claim a federal tax credit worth up 30% of the price of a rooftop solar system (averaging around $19,000 in New York), installation must be complete by Dec. 31, 2026. The deadline if leasing a rooftop solar system is Dec. 31, 2027. Also, homeowners continue to be eligible for a 25% New York State tax credit for solar panels on a private residence.

  
  

Additional resources … “How Can I Get Clean Energy Tax Breaks?” from The New York Times: tinyurl.com/NYT-TaxCredits “Go Electric,” from Rewiring America: tinyurl.com/Rewire-GoElectric “Paying for Solar,” from NYSERDA: tinyurl.com/NYSERDA-HomeSolar

Climate Smart Task Force Grant News and September Events

First - A Big Shout Out and Exciting News!

Thank you to everyone for helping the CSTF qualify the Town of Hurley for $25,000 in grant funds from NYSERDA and there's another $10,000 pending. With community members reporting new EV and Heat Pump purchases plus community solar subscriptions, the Town of Hurley is claiming these grants to offset sustainable upgrades in the town. This money will help pay for the new EV charger at Town Hall, and can be used to fund energy efficient upgrades to the old library building. 

Sustainable Hudson Valley is hosting the 4th annual Hudson Valley Climate Solutions Week + from September 13 -  September 29, 2024.

Local businesses and organizations throughout the Hudson Valley hold in-person and online events that address actionable climate solutions in our region. This year the lineup includes virtual and in-person events: a climate carnival in Columbia County, workshops on resilient design, postcard writing, mobile yard sale and a talk by renowned climate strategist Bill McKibben  Here’s a sampling:

• Thursday, 9/12 8:30 am: The Hudson River Watershed Alliance is hosting a virtual talk on how to build strong partner networks to protect drinking water resources.

• Also on 9/12 at 6 pm: Meet the author and take home a copy of his book, At Work in the Ruins: Finding Our Place in the Time of Climate Crisis and Other Emergencies in Kingston at the Good Work Institute (GWI) Greenhouse.

• Friday, 9/14: Calling on all Architects, Contractors, Developers, Property Managers and Designers to sign up with the GWI  in Kingston for a one-day workshop to learn more about creating affordable, healthy and resilient spaces in the Hudson Valley.  Virtual attendance is possible.

• Saturday 9/14: The Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center is hosting two events: One in the morning, an intriguing conservation to share with and learn from others how global warming affects our lives and how to discuss it; In the afternoon a kid’s activity, The Incredible Carbon Journey starts at 2 pm.

• Tuesday 9/17 at 12 noon: Hear Bill McKibbon in person in nearby Rhinebeck at Upstate Films. He will speak about Why This Election is the Most Important of This Geological Era.

  
  

Get more info and browse all the events at www.hvclimatesolutionsweek.org

Hurley Heritage Day

Here in Hurley, visit the Climate Smart Task Force booth at Hurley Heritage Day on September 21, 2024. Pop over to learn more about how we’re helping the community become more resilient and prepared for a changing climate. We’ll have a display from Citizens for Climate Action, fun hands-on activity for kids. Learn more about what's really recyclable from the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) and score a reusable shopping bag. We hope to see you there enjoying Main Street’s stone houses, guided walking tours, live music, food trucks, and more!

Want to learn more about making clean energy upgrades in your home? 

It’s easy to sign up to talk to an energy coach for free to help you decide what options are right for you: nyforcleanpower.org/cleanenergycoaching or midhudsonenergychoices.org/energy-advising . Discover financial incentives at RewiringAmerica.com, special interest rate funding for all residents, and grants for lower income earners from NYSERDA. If a homeowner qualifies for HEAP, then their home qualifies for energy upgrade grants.

What's in Your Air?

Easy, Affordable Air Quality Monitoring Now Available

At the Climate Smart Task Force meeting in July, Air Quality Monitoring was the topic of discussion with a presentation from Sophia Roberts. She let us know that individual monitoring of local air quality is not only important but is also easy and affordable to do.

“Air quality monitoring involves observing the concentration of gas and particle pollutants in the air. One such type of pollutant that is often measured is fine particulate matter, with diameters of less than 2.5 micrometers (pm2.5). This type of particulate often comes from human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, wildfire emissions or from seasonal allergens.” The monitors do not distinguish the type of particulate.

Ms. Roberts also emphasized that, “Particulate Matter is very concerning because of its hazardous effects on human health. This includes • irritation of the lungs, nose, throat, and eyes • aggravation of pre-existing respiratory conditions • increased risk of heart attacks and irregular heartbeat • declined cognitive function and • neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias). For these reasons, it is important to have a large network of evenly distributed air quality monitors available for comprehensive assessment of air quality patterns.”

Installing a sensor on your own property can help you monitor the air quality most local to you. Various low-cost monitor options are now on the market allowing individuals to purchase and monitor their own local air quality. According to studies conducted by the Westervelt Aerosol Group, the accuracy of all of these monitors is comparable under the air quality conditions found in most of the Hudson Valley, especially when compared or validated against "gold standard" NYSDEC or USEPA monitors.

Here's a chart of low-cost monitors now available. By purchasing one of these monitors, you can be a part of citizen science by observing and collecting available air quality data of air you breathe every day*. Most of these units use an electrical outlet and a wireless Internet connection. Some have a solar power option.

*If you choose to have your sensor online it is automatically added to a page with all the other sensors and anyone can access the PM concentration data. Only the location and data is shared and should not be a privacy or security concern. Check out PurpleAir's real time data map!

Here's the map for air quality data from the afternoon of July 19, 2024 around Hurley, NY.