$73 Million for Clean, Affordable Energy

Maryland Just Power Alliance leaders and allies at a rally in Annapolis on February 26th for clean, affordable energy upgrades.

Thanks to our work, Maryland passed a 2026-27 state budget that includes $73 million for clean, energy efficient heat pumps to help families save on utility bills, improve air quality in their homes, and reduce pollution!

We have been advocating for using the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF) for its intended purpose of clean, efficient energy upgrades that are accessible to Maryland families, including renters. We are excited to see this important step as a result of our work.

Congratulations to our Healthy Homes/Climate Equity team for all their work on this campaign!Over 40 of our members and allies showed up in Annapolis for a rally on February 26th, and our members sent over 100 emails and had multiple meetings with our state legislators supporting this measure.

AIM tenant leader Djamila Bah testified to legislators in Annapolis, “Funding long term solutions like replacing my electric resistance heater with heat pumps could save me nearly $1,500 per year.” Now this funding can make these savings a reality for thousands of residents like Djamila.

Heat pumps are much more efficient and cost-effective than traditional gas or electric furnaces. Not only do they save families money on utility bills, but they also take away the health risks of gas-powered heaters, improve indoor air quality, and reduce climate pollution.

“Clean indoor air and affordable energy aren't luxuries—they're the baseline every working class Marylander deserves. This $73 million is a meaningful step toward that future,” said AIM Lead Organizer Tanushree Dutta Isaacman.

We want to thank our partner organizations, Sierra Club and Interfaith Power & Light, for their support on this campaign. A big shout-out to our AIM tenant leaders who have spearheaded this work through their indoor air quality testing and community organizing in their neighborhoods.

We're not stopping here: next year, we'll be pushing for investments in induction stoves to accelerate the shift away from polluting appliances once and for all.

Congratulations on this important step towards a cleaner and more affordable energy future!