Who's Who on the Vermont Climate Change Scene

Are you confused by the many different committees, councils, caucuses and other groups that are advancing climate change policies in Vermont? I have to pause for the right titles for each group that is active and try to remember who they are and what they are doing. Here’s how I describe them.

Vermont Climate Caucus. This is the group of legislators that are working together to implement policies at the state level. 


They have been meeting for a few years and together were able to pass last year’s Global Warming Solutions Act that is now law. This year they are working to make sure every committee in the statehouse is incorporating some measures that will make a difference in greenhouse gas emissions, conservation, more resilient communities, and many other important climate-related measures. They meet every other week on Thursday’s at noon and their sessions are recorded so you can tune in at your convenience. Representative Till is very active in this group, and Representative Squirrel is also a member.

What's new? - Vermont Climate Solutions Caucus (vtclimatecaucus.org)

(1) VT Climate Caucus | Facebook


Vermont Climate Council. This 23 member council was one of the requirements of the Global Warming Solutions Act to make recommendations on how to improve our work towards lower emissions, building more resilient communities, etc. 


They began work in January of this year and have invited presentations from various Agencies of state government so that they can understand what is being done already and the complexities of implementing solutions. Additional working groups will be forming to address different aspects of climate solutions. These meetings are also recorded, and are the topic of the climate blog that Pastor Jen has been circulating. It’s always helpful to have someone else who watches presentations and summarizes content and identifies where you should tune in to learn more. 

Vermont Climate Council | Agency of Administration


Vermont Climate Action Committee. This 21 member group was appointed by Governor Scott in 2017 and this was their charge: “develop a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and combat climate change that addresses these fundamental principles: 

• solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions must spur economic activity, inspire and grow Vermont businesses, and put Vermonters on a path to affordability; 

• the development of solutions must engage all Vermonters, so no individual or group of Vermonters is unduly burdened; and 

• programs developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must collectively provide solutions for all Vermonters to reduce their carbon impact and save money.”

Final-VCAC-Report.pdf (vnrc.org)


The letter sent to the Commission in 2018 from the Governor asked that they continue their work to research some of their recommendations because while they were good suggestions, he wasn't ready to embrace them. The Governor did support funding wood stove change-out, and advancing some of the electric vehicle recommendations. But it didn’t seem to go far enough or make a significant attempt at universal action. 

Climate Action Commission Letter.pdf (vermont.gov)


Non-profit Organizations

I appreciate tuning in to the Vermont non-profit organizations that have skin in the game because they can summarize what’s happening quickly and succinctly and point me in the direction of how to help with letters. They too have interviews and presentations that are recorded and can be accessed online. Here's a few that I like to keep up with.


Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) has Johanna Miller, Energy and Climate Program Director. Clean Energy & Climate Action – Vermont Natural Resources Council (vnrc.org)


Vermont Conservation Voters has Lauren Hierl, Executive Director. Climate Action - Vermont Conservation Voters


Vermont Public Interest Research Group has Ben Edgerly Walsh, Energy and Climate Program Director. Climate & Energy - Vermont Public Interest Research GroupVermont Public Interest Research Group (vpirg.org)


These and other NGO’s act together to respond to legislative proposals and to the Governor’s budget. Here’s what they supported for the Governor’s 2021 budget this year.


  • $20 million for weatherization, prioritizing the homes of low and moderate income Vermonters;

  • $5 million increase in funding for the State Energy Management Program, which funds town efficiency projects;

  • $34.8 million for the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, which would go towards affordable housing initiatives;

  • $4.3 million for electric vehicle programs, including incentives, EV charging infrastructure, dealership incentives, and more;

  • $600,000 for the MileageSmart program, which helps low and moderate income Vermonters purchase fuel efficient vehicles;

  • $13-15 million in funding for other programs aimed at modernizing our transportation sector;

  • $10 million to help make renewable energy projects more accessible to Vermonters of low and moderate incomes;

  • Additional funding for the Office of Racial Equity;

  • and $19.9 million in funding for broadband initiatives, aimed at bringing reliable internet accessibility to all Vermonters.

All good stuff.

 

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