The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded an $8,804,000 grant under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) and its network of partner air agencies. This funding aims to support emissions testing and other activities designed to reduce air pollution from wood heaters.
"Addressing air pollution is a top priority for EPA – science-based initiatives and strong collaboration with our local, state, and Tribal partners make that possible. We know that wood stoves and heaters can be a good option for people, but inefficient ones can lead to bad indoor and outdoor pollution," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This grant, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, will inform the selection of replacement devices eligible for funding for woodstove change-out programs, helping control air pollution and protecting our communities. Congratulations to NESCAUM – Keep up the good work!"
NESCAUM will conduct emissions testing on wood stoves to gather data independent of existing certification tests. The collected data will assist in developing a ranked appliance performance list based on project emissions data. By providing reliable data on wood heater emissions, this project aims to improve air quality in affected communities, facilitating the purchase of wood heating devices with lower emissions.
"Wood is an important resource for home heating in New England, but smoke from wood heaters can have serious health impacts in local communities, including increased risk of premature death," said NESCAUM Executive Director Paul Miller. "This grant will provide a stronger basis for the public and states in making decisions on home heating options that are more efficient and cleaner—a win for consumers and public health."
The data will help EPA determine Clean Air Act emissions limits in future wood heater standards, potentially lowering emissions nationwide. Cleaner-burning wood stoves are expected to reduce harmful emissions, benefiting public health and the environment, particularly in vulnerable and rural communities.
During winter months, many New Englanders use wood as a fuel source to avoid high heating costs. However, many wood heaters are inefficient and emit more pollutants than oil-, natural gas-, or electricity-based heating systems. In 2020, approximately 11 million U.S. homes used woodstoves as a heat source; however, these can emit harmful gases causing various health problems such as eye irritation, runny nose, bronchitis, and exacerbation of chronic heart and lung diseases.
Residential wood heating significantly contributes to air pollution—especially in rural areas—and affects disadvantaged communities already burdened by legacy emissions and other environmental issues. Smoke from wood stoves is a major factor causing some rural areas to fail federal air quality standards for particulate matter (PM2.5), posing serious public health risks.
Section 60105(d) of the Inflation Reduction Act provides funding "for testing and other agency activities to address emissions from wood heaters." NESCAUM has been active in addressing these issues through collaborations with state, local agencies, and Tribal nations across the country.
More information:
- Air Grants and Funding
- Burnwise
- Indoor Air Quality and Wood Burning
