State legislators and Newton officials are encouraging residents to participate in sustainability programs to reach the commonwealth’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, following recent federal funding cuts to clean energy projects.

On Oct. 2, the Trump administration terminated federal funding for 223 energy projects nationwide, totaling $7.5 billion nationally and approximately $446 million in Massachusetts. In a press release, Gov. Maura Healey said that the cuts target private companies, universities and nonprofits working on research and product development, and undermine efforts to lower energy prices.

“These misguided actions will make it significantly harder to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in Massachusetts,” Sen. Cynthia Creem said in an interview. “We cannot completely fill the gaps from the lost federal funding, but we are not powerless.

The Newton Democrat advised that the best way forward is to continue pursuing climate policies and installing clean energy at the state and local level. She noted the state will continue to offer programs that fund clean energy investments, including Mass Save for energy efficiency and electrification, MOR-EV for electric vehicle incentives, and initiatives supporting solar and battery storage systems.

Creem said she has personally filed bills to ensure that scarce climate resources are used as effectively as possible. These include establishing a process for low-cost transition from gas to clean heat, transforming Mass Save’s energy assessments into decarbonization assessments, and aligning transportation infrastructure with climate obligations.

“Massachusetts law requires us to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and that hasn’t changed. If we’re going to comply with that law, then we don’t have time to despair. We have to get to work,” said Creem.

Ann Berwick, co-director of the Newton Sustainability Department, said that Newton is moving ahead with programs that aren’t federally funded.

One example is the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which targets reducing the carbon footprint of large buildings in Newton, which account for 27% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. Berwick also highlighted Newton Power Choice—which is funded by electricity customers and utility bills—as a resource for residents to increase their investment in clean energy.

Green Newton, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving sustainability and educating residents on their resource use, hosted a Green Expo on Sunday to highlight environmentally friendly products, companies and information.

“We are killing our planet with greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. We have to stop doing that,” said Craig Forman, a member of Green Newton’s board of directors.

Forman said that while federal tax credits are being lost, there are still other easy ways for Newton residents to make a difference locally. Eating less beef and taking public transportation, walking or biking can help lessen greenhouse gas emissions.

“These can have a very big effect, even though it’s not putting equipment in your house or any big change of lifestyle,” said Forman.

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This story is part of a partnership between the Newton Beacon and the Boston University Department of Journalism.