Massachusetts awarded $23 million in clean energy grants across nine public colleges and state facilities under the Leading by Example Decarbonization Implementation Program. The state said projects will cover up to 45% of eligible costs tied to geothermal connections and energy-efficiency upgrades. University projects include geothermal and heat-pump investments at the University of Massachusetts campuses (Dartmouth, Boston, and Amherst) and upgrades at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and Development Services. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said the combined projects are expected to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 21,000 metric tons and lower long-term costs for taxpayers, aligned to a program directive to cut on-site fossil fuel emissions by 35% by 2030. The awards emphasize campus energy retrofits as a near-term tool for compliance with state decarbonization goals, with several projects focused on replacing central heating systems and expanding geothermal connectivity.