I have learned that a new regulation is being worked on by the Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection called the “clean heat standard.” As a homeowner, I am asking that all Massachusetts homeowners oppose this regulation because it will increase the price of heating fuel that we all use in our homes.

It also will take away our ability to choose the energy source we want to use by forcing us to spend thousands of dollars to convert to electric heat pumps.

The cost for basic necessities in Massachusetts is already high. The cost for heating our homes with any fuel, including electricity, is also very expensive. If MassDEP is allowed to move ahead with this standard, our fuel costs will go higher and higher every year.

Those who struggle to pay their heating bills every year, low-income people and seniors will be hit hard.

The clean heat standard will force all energy suppliers to convert thousands of homes per year in Massachusetts to electric heat pumps or pay large fines. How can MassDEP be allowed to do this to these companies that have kept this country’s economy and workforce strong?

I hope that all Massachusetts homeowners and businesses will contact MassDEP, our governor, representatives and senators that oppose the clean heat standard. This standard will severely impact everyone.

Rosemary Seifert-Graf

Cummington