AMHERST — Easthampton, Amherst and Pelham are in the first cohort of Department of Energy Resources’ Climate Leader Communities, recently announced by the Healey-Driscoll administration

The three Hampshire County communities joined Ashfield in Franklin County and 15 other cities and towns across the state that applied for and met the requirements to become climate leaders, making them eligible to apply for grants of up to $1.15 million for projects that reduce municipal emissions, and for technical support ahead of those projects.

Gov. Maura Healey praised the communities for being part of a program that strengthens communities, local economies and the environment.

“We are working together on all fronts to lower energy costs, and these 19 municipalities have done the hard work to cut their municipal energy costs and lower local air pollution,” Healey said.

To become a climate leader, municipalities must meet certification requirements that include a local committee to advise and help coordinate local energy activities in the municipality; a commitment to transition away from on-site fossil fuel use in municipal buildings and fleets by 2050; a zero-emission-vehicle first policy; and adoption of the specialized energy code.

Certified climate leaders then get access to grant funding to support energy efficiency measures and heating and cooling projects, energy management services and local energy generation on municipally owned property.

The Climate Leader Communities Program builds on the Green Communities Designation and Grant program that has created projects which have delivered $29.7 million in cost savings each year. The higher tier program encourages municipalities to lower municipal emissions, maximize the efficiency of buildings and transportation and slash energy costs.

“These communities will take their work to the next level and create healthier communities and lower costs for residents and businesses,” said Lt. Gov Kim Driscoll.

Climate Leader grant programs will be funded through auction proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and Alternative Compliance Payments.