Vermont reaps $683,645 in carbon auction

January 2, 2009

Combating climate change will put more money in Vermont's pocket this month.

The state will take home $683,645 from the December auction of carbon dioxide emissions allowances by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a consortium of 10 Northeastern states.RGGI's September auction -- the first in the United States -- earned Vermont $620,000, for a total that topped $1.3 million for 2008.

What's less clear is exactly how, and when, Vermont will spend the RGGI windfall to help Vermonters take energy-efficiency steps and reduce their fossil fuel use.

Vermont led the way in pledging to devote its RGGI earnings entirely to energy efficiency, but now lawmakers and the Douglas administration are at odds over the details of that program.

The administration sought bids that focused on helping low-income residents weatherize their homes. Legislators say the law they passed required a much broader effort that would help a range of homeowners and businesses reduce their energy use.

Vermont Public Interest Research Group asked the Public Service Board to intervene. The board held a meeting Wednesday to hear the disputants.

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Fight brews over new energy program

November 27, 2008

MONTPELIER -- A protracted battle over new energy-efficiency efforts ended in agreement in March between the Legislature and the Douglas administration: They would spend $3.68 million to help Vermonters button up their homes and businesses.

Eight months later, some of the architects of the plan don't think the product looks anything like it was supposed to.

"I'm a little astounded," Senate President Pro Tempore Peter Shumlin said. "The current course of the department is to defy the law," Shumlin said.

James Moore, clean-energy advocate for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, went a step further. He asked the Public Service Board to intervene and require the state to put out a new request for proposals."You don't get to rewrite the law," Moore said. "The law says you've got to do this, and you're doing something different."

Steve Wark, who was consumer affairs director at the Public Service Department until he took over as Gov. Jim Douglas' spokesman this week, defended the description of the program. After consulting with various advocacy groups at two meetings, he said, it was clear that...

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State's green ideas go nowhere

November 23, 2008

MONTPELIER — One year ago, Gov. Jim Douglas unveiled the recommendations of his Climate Change Commission and laid out ambitious plans to cut Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions while building a “green economy.”

Three ideas stood at the center of those plans: appointment of a Vermont Climate Collaborative to guide research and action; creation of a “Vermont Green Standard” to regulate the multimillion-dollar carbon trading market and create a new business sector for the state; and sale of carbon credits from open land and state forests.

Twelve months later, the Green Standard idea has been abandoned.

Sale of carbon credits from standing forests remains a remote, perhaps receding, hope.

The Vermont Climate Collaborative will not hold its first meeting until next month.

The Douglas administration has taken smaller steps on other fronts since November 2007, including the harvest of more firewood from state forests and support of alternative energy research and testing projects.

But there is no evidence the state has made substantial progress toward — or will reach — the short-term goal set by the governor: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.

“We need to stop studying the things we might be able to do and start doing the things we know will help,” said James Moore, clean-energy advocate at the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

Ernest Pomerleau, the Burlington real estate man who chaired the Climate Change Commission, was more optimistic.

“A lot of this stuff is ready for liftoff,” he said of the action steps recommended by the commission, and the new Climate Collaborative will ignite the engines. It will put Vermont’s best brainpower...

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Environmental advocates hold confab this weekend

November 14, 2008

Grassroots environmental advocates will convene for a daylong skull session in Randolph this weekend.

The Environmental Action 2008 Conference, sponsored by six of the state's environmental organizations, brings together small-town activists and organizers from across Vermont for a series of speeches and workshops intended to help residents better advocate for local causes.

"The theme this year is mobilizing grassroots for healthy, sustainable communities," says Emily Maxwell, with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

While major debates over environmental policy occur in the Statehouse or Washington, D.C., Maxwell says lower profile battles are constantly fought at the local level. Proposals for water-bottling plants, quarry operations and other industrial ventures, Maxwell says, demand scrutiny, and sometimes opposition, from local residents.

"It's all about what we can do as towns and communities on issues ranging from climate change and energy issues to making sure we have clean water to drink," she says.

Jessica Edgerly, with the Toxics Action Center, says the conference, now in its third year, has previously helped residents mobilize against proposals for quarries. She says developers have proposed quarry operations in more than a half-dozen Vermont towns, and that last year's conference offered geographically scattered quarry opponents a chance to compare notes.

"It's an open strategy discussion," Edgerly says. "It gives people a chance to...

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Wood-heat trend raises concerns of air quality

October 26, 2008

Winter is coming and the smell of wood smoke is in the air, and likely to grow stronger. As homeowners turn to wood heat to try to save money, some observers are watching carefully to see whether the trend will affect air quality.

The tiny particles in wood smoke can contribute to a range of health problems, from asthma to heart disease. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, even a federally certified wood stove produces more emissions of fine particles than an oil or gas furnace.

But environmentalists such as James Moore, a clean-energy advocate at VPIRG, think wood fuel makes sense for the Earth and the Vermont economy.

"It's crazy that we spend hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars every year to buy oil from Saudi Arabia to heat our homes in Vermont when we have local resources that could meet the need for less money."

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State to study heating fuel market to help consumers

October 15, 2008

MONTPELIER — The Department of Public Service will spend $15,000 on a fuel study aimed at lowering heating costs for Vermont homeowners.

James Moore, with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, lauded the study. Though he said he would have liked to see the department embark on the effort in advance of the recent spike in fuel prices, he called the expenditure a well-placed investment.

"The impression I get is this could be very limited resources very well spent," Moore said. "Vermonters are looking for ways to reduce their heating costs and their pollution, and this report could directly provide some useful information."

Anthony Pollina, running as an independent against Republican incumbent Gov. James Douglas, said the announcement smacked of election-eve campaign maneuvering. Unveiling a new plan for heating relief...

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Vt. energy plan meets public opposition

October 1, 2008

MONTPELIER — Vermont's new energy plan, the draft of which was completed earlier this year during a sharp rise in fuel prices and which is designed to guide the state through an impending turbulent period for electricity supply, should be scrapped.

That was the message Tuesday from the heads of several environmental and progressive groups in Vermont.

A majority of Vermonters support industrial wind development, something that is not aggressively pushed for in the energy plan, said Paul Burns of VPIRG.

"This plan was supposed to take into consideration the public opinion of these issues," he said. The environmental groups said the proposed plan should be "returned to sender."

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Energy plan lacks details, environmental groups say

October 1, 2008

MONTPELIER — Several environmental groups came together Tuesday to criticize the Douglas administration’s draft long-term energy plan, saying it is too short on details and shows a lack of leadership.

“This plan demonstrates that the Douglas administration is asleep at the wheel as Vermont is careening off the cliff of high gas prices, high diesel prices and increasing pressures on the rural landscape,” said Chris Kilian, director of the Vermont office of the Conservation Law Foundation, which regularly does battle with the administration on environmental issues.

Instead of laying out a plan for increasing wind power, the plan takes a “weak-kneed approach,” said Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. The report recommends the state “actively facilitate the review of local, Vermont-scale wind project development consistent with statutory framework.”

“That won’t generate enough electricity to turn on your Christmas bulbs in 10 years,” Burns said.

Rich Smith, deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Service, said the plan offers utilities...

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Green groups pan Vt. energy plan

September 30, 2008

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Environmental groups are joining Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility to criticize the latest draft Comprehensive Energy Plan out from the Vermont Department of Public Service.

The groups say the department is missing an opportunity to step up renewable energy in the state and move away from traditional sources of energy.

Department officials maintain that they're trying to balance goals of affordability, environmental protection and reliability of energy supplies.

Joining the business group in launching the criticisms Tuesday were the Vermont Natural Resources Council, the Conservation Law Foundation and the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

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Welch will support energy bill that includes authorization of oil drilling

Thursday September 11, 2008

(Host) Congressman Peter Welch says he'll support a comprehensive new energy bill that increases heating assistance and boosts spending on renewable energy. Vermont environmentalists say they're disappointed, because the bill also authorizes oil drilling off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

VPR's Bob Kinzel reports.

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Vermonters Consider Alternative Energy Sources

August 21, 2008

A new study released Wednesday recommends utilities should offer greener, more renewable technologies to Vermonters.

The study done on behalf of Vermont's four largest power companies says resources like wind, solar and biomass have a lot of potential in the state. The study discourages building new nuclear or coal-fired power plants. But it recommends constructing several new medium-sized power plants, along with green sources of energy.

Paul Burns, Executive Director of Vermont's Public Interest Research Group says: "I think this gives small renewable energy projects a lot of credibility."

Power company officials say they have a lot of work to do between now and 2016, when Vermont's electrical energy supply contracts are scheduled to expire.

Dorothy Schnure of Green Mountain Power says: "It's going to take a lot of work with legislature and a lot of other organizations to try to streamline some permitting and to locate renewable energy generation in our communities."

Green Mountain Power also plans to increase the amount of power it gets from Hydro-Quebec. CVPS says it plans to begin two solar projects in Rutland and Springfield.

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VPIRG calls for closing Vermont Yankee in 2012

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont Public Interest Research Group said Tuesday it has collected more than 12,000 signatures onpostcards calling for Vermont Yankee to close when its licenseexpires in 2012.

VPIRG held a news conference to make the announcement outsidethe Statehouse, where lawmakers are expected to decide in their2009 session whether the state's lone reactor, which is located inVernon, should be authorized to seek a 20-year license extension.

"One of the best ways to gauge public opinion is to go out andactually talk with people, face to face and door to door," saidBen Walsh, who helped to run VPIRG's summer campaign office.

"We've done that from one end of Vermont to the other, and I can tell you that from Grand Isle to Brattleboro, Vermonters are ready to make the switch...

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VPIRG: 12,000 urge closing of Vt. Yankee

August 20, 2008

By Daniel Barlow Vermont Press Bureau

MONTPELIER – The Vermont Public Interest Research Group announced Tuesday that 12,000 state residents signed onto its campaign opposing the relicensing of Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.

The Montpelier-based advocacy organization said thousands of postcards from Vermonters opposing the Vernon nuclear facility and supporting renewable energy will be mailed out to lawmakers this fall and winter.

The postcards read, "It's about time Vermont Yankee retired" and will come just before the Vermont Legislature returns to the Statehouse for a new session, during which...

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Shut Down Vermont Yankee?

Montpelier, Vermont - August 19, 2008

A group opposed to Vermont Yankee has collected more than 12,000 signatures calling for the nuclear plant to shut down. It comes at the same time Yankee is launching a PR campaign to say why it should stay open.

This clash is all in advance of what will be a big issue at the statehouse: should Yankee be relicensed and operate for another 20 years after it's license expires in 2012? Both sides are trying to win over the public and get lawmakers attention.

"This is a grassroots campaign," says Paul Burns, of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

VPIRG spent the summer knocking on doors in 112 towns. They say of the 29,000 Vermonters contacted, 12,000 agreed to sign a postcard to send to lawmakers calling for the shut down of Yankee.

"Each card represents a Vermont family looking for change in the way we generate power and they are coming from families...

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Nuke watchdog groups say it's time to close Vermont Yankee

July 19, 2008

MONTPELIER – Two nuclear watchdog groups called for the immediate shutdown of Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant on Friday, saying the latest failure at the Vernon facility is one too many.

Members of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group and the Citizens Action Network (CAN) said at a Statehouse press conference that they have lost all faith in the ability of state and federal regulators to monitor the nuclear plant.

They also called for the firing of whomever was responsible for approving the faulty fix to last year's cooling tower collapse, which officials believe led to another tower springing a significant leak earlier this month.

"Not even one year ago we got the first pictures of the catastrophic failure of one of Vermont Yankee's two cooling towers," said Paul Burns, the executive director of VPIRG. "After an event like that, you would have thought that the repairs made to the cooling towers...

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Problems at Vermont Yankee shake public confidence

Friday July 18, 2008

(Host) Critics of Vermont Yankee say the most recent problems with the nuclear plant's cooling tower show a disturbing pattern of poor management and lax state oversight. But state officials say they're not getting the cooperation they need from the plant's operators.

VPR's John Dillon reports:

(Dillon) The past week has further shaken public confidence in the 36-year-old nuclear power plant. A week ago, Yankee had to cut power by 75 percent because a pipe carrying cooling water from the Connecticut River began leaking 60 gallons a minute.

The problems came almost a year after a cooling tower collapsed at the plant. Yankee has acknowledged that the subsequent repairs were insufficient - and led to the recent problems.

But Paul Burns of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group says the state's oversight is also inadequate.

(Burns) "The state claims to have responsibility over the reliability issues at that plant. Why the heck are they not responsible for this? Why were they not in a place to say, `OK, this design fix makes sense to us.' It ought to last more than 11 months. That is insane that you are back here today, less than one year after that catastrophic failure, and you're essentially running into...

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NRC sends top official to Vermont Yankee

July 15, 2008

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission took the rare step Monday of sending its highest-ranking staff member to Vernon to monitor an agency investigation into a new cooling tower leak at the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant.

Bill Borchardt, the agency’s director of operations, arrived at the plant owned by Entergy Nuclear on Monday evening. He will oversee the inspection and consult with plant officials, NRC spokesman Neil Sheehan said.

James Moore, an energy advocate for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, questioned whether the new leak is evidence that Entergy Nuclear is cutting corners when it comes to maintenance procedures at Vermont Yankee.

“It makes one wonder where else they’ve cut corners,” Moore said. “There seems to be a culture of not doing everything it takes to fix and secure that facility.”

Moore said he is wary of the state and NRC investigations into the leak because he views state and federal regulators as too invested in seeing the plant relicensed for an additional 20 years. He said Vermont Yankee is the 10th-oldest operating nuclear power plant in the nation and should be shut down permanently.

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Vermont Yankee reduces power

July 12, 2008

A leak was discovered Friday in one of the cooling towers of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, prompting the company to cut down to 47 percent of its operating capacity and launch an investigation into the cause.

The incident raised concerns about how something could go wrong with a cooling tower that was inspected and repaired just last year following a dramatic collapse of a companion cooling tower at the Vernon plant.

Vermont Yankee owner Entergy Nuclear has applied for permission to run the plant for another 20 years. The state Public Service Board this month opened proceedings to consider whether it should grant a certificate of public good. Entergy also needs the state Legislature’s permission to keep operating after 2012. Lawmakers are expected to consider that next year.

James Moore, clean energy advocate for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, is among those who opposes continued operation of the plant. He said Friday’s leak is another reason why the plant should be shut down.

“They assured Vermonters that following last year’s tower collapse they did an overhaul and repairs,” Moore said. “At some point we need to say enough is enough.”

Moore said he doesn’t trust Vermont Yankee’s description of the leak as “small” after last year’s tower collapse. “The fact is their credibility on what’s a small leak is...

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Yankee cooling tower has a leak, just as state review of the plant gets underway

Friday July 11, 2008

(Host) The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant has cut its power output because of a leak in one of its cooling towers. The mishap comes as state regulators began a review this week into whether the plant should operate for another 20 years. VPR's John Dillon reports:

(Dillon) The hearing at the Public Service Board offered a preview of Yankee's case. And it boils down to money. The owners of Vermont Yankee make the economic argument that what's good for the company is good for the state of Vermont.

They point to a profit sharing deal that could bring $750 million to Vermont utilities over 10 years. Entergy - the Louisiana company that owns the Vernon plant - wants the Public Service Board to count those dollars as part of Yankee's economic benefit to the state.

But critics say the state shouldn't be banking on an aging nuclear plant. James Moore is with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. He says the $750 million Yankee profit sharing deal amounts to about $4 a month savings for consumers over 20 years. Moore questions the plant's continued safety and reliability.

(Moore) "The short term bribe of you can save a few dollars a month in your electricity bill is far outweighed by the cost that we would be passing on to future generations of Vermonters in nuclear waste, in cleanup, and in risk association with running one of the oldest reactors in the country.''

(Dillon) A cooling tower at Vermont Yankee collapsed last summer, an accident that prompted...

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Douglas against significant efficiency funding increase

June 25, 2008

MONTPELIER — The Douglas administration is resisting calls for a big increase in spending on Vermont's statewide energy efficiency utility, saying Efficiency Vermont's efforts to promote compact fluorescent light bulbs is about to be made redundant by the private market and federal regulations.

The comments filed this week at the Public Service Board by the Department of Public Service follow calls by two environmental groups, the Conservation Law Foundation and Vermont Public Interest Research Group, for boosting the current $30.5 million budget for Efficiency Vermont to $52.2 million next year and $85 million by 2011.

The Department of Public Service replied to that request by lauding Efficiency Vermont but...

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Administration Resists Calls For Efficiency Spending Boost

June 24, 2008

MONTPELIER Vt. -- The Douglas administration is resisting calls for a big increase in spending on Vermont's statewide energy efficiency utility.

The Department of Public Service told the Public Service Board that Efficiency Vermont's efforts to promote compact fluorescent light bulbs are about to be shunted aside by the private market.

Two environmental groups -- the Conservation Law Foundation and the Vermont Public Interest Research Group -- maintain there are big untapped energy savings to be achieved if the state steps up its investment in efficiency programs.

Those groups are asking for the Efficiency Vermont budget...

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PSB ought to put energy efficiency first

State needs to put more money into conservation




By JAMES MOORE and SANDRA LEVINE
June 22, 2008

Challenging times demand creative solutions. Fortunately in Vermont, as we face an uncertain energy future, we have tried and true answers born of our foresight and ingenuity. We don’t need to increase our reliance on dirty and expensive energy sources. We can lower our energy costs and tackle global warming by responsibly expanding energy efficiency. It’s what we have been doing for over a decade already and we have barely scratched the surface of possible savings.

Thankfully, Vermont’s Legislature and utility regulators have been steadfast and responsible supporters of energy efficiency. As a result, Vermont is a leader on energy efficiency...

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Cavendish to host energy forum

June 16, 2008

CAVENDISH — The Cavendish Community and Conservation Association will sponsor a forum on the future of energy production at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 23 at the elementary school.

The forum will focus on the pros and cons of different energy sources in the state, including Vermont Yankee in Vernon and Hydro Quebec. Forum panelists will include James Moore, clean energy advocate for Vermont Public Interest Research Group; Rep. Ernie Shand, D-Windsor; and Dallas and Leslie Cox of the Cavendish Solar Store.

The forum will discuss the many sources of energy available to state residents and what the state is doing to combat rising energy bills.

For more information, call Robin Timko at 226-7736.

Douglas vetoes Yankee decommissioning bill

May 8, 2008

MONTPELIER — Gov. Jim Douglas vetoed a bill that could have required Vermont Yankee to boost its commitment to the nuclear power plant’s decommissioning fund, saying he was protecting Vermont’s electric costs.

Those who supported the bill, however, said the measure would have protected Vermonters against long-term costs associated with the plant’s eventual closure.

Legislators who supported the bill wanted the plant’s owner to be held to a higher shutdown standard than is included in the 2002 Public Service Board agreement with Entergy. That agreement allows for waste to be contained at the plant for up to 60 years, during which the decommissioning fund would be expected to grow with interest. Symington called that time frame “ludicrous.”

“That was clearly a bad deal,” said Paul Burns, executive director of Vermont Public Interest Research Group. “What’s wrong with improving the situation if it’s going to be sold?”

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Middlebury students to host climate change conference

April 16, 2008

MIDDLEBURY ― College and high school students from across Vermont will come to Middlebury College starting Saturday for the Power Shift Vermont Youth Climate Conference.

Power Shift Vermont will focus on empowering and educating Vermont youth with the tools they need to take action on the climate crisis and find solutions. The conference includes a weekend of events followed by a trip to Montpelier on Monday to lobby lawmakers for strong legislation aimed at combating climate change.

Over the weekend students will also prepare to lobby legislators at the Statehouse in Montpelier with the help of Johanna Miller of the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) and James Moore of Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG). On their trip to Montpelier, students will rally at the Statehouse at 10 a.m. in support of the Vermont Senate bill S.350, which cuts Vermont carbon emissions at least 75 percent by 2050. They will also advocate for the creation of a green jobs program in Vermont and encourage renewable energy and sustainability in all sectors, including heating and transportation. They will meet with lawmakers throughout the day to discuss these issues.

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Yankee review heavily debated

April 16, 2008

MONTPELIER — Federal regulators said Tuesday they will consider expanding the scope of their inspection of the Vermont Yankee facility in Vernon, but lawmakers and advocates said the promise does not ensure an adequate review of the 36-year-old nuclear plant.

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Report: Global Warming Pollution Drops in Vt

Montpelier, Vermont - March 26, 2008

A new report finds global warming pollution has dropped in Vermont and across New England.

Activists say it's a good sign. They credit lower transportation emissions and people using less heating fuel. It's a trend environmentalists want to see continued. They're asking the state to encourage more public transportation. And they want a voluntary pledge to decrease emissions 25-percent by 2012 made mandatory.

"This is the beginning potentially of a good trend but we're not going to continue to reduce our global warming pollution by hoping it is going to happen or by talking about it happening. We need action," says James Moore of VPIRG.

"Today's youth considers global warming to be the greatest challenge facing our generation-- global warming threatens the economy, environment and general quality of life in Vermont...

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Entergy Corp. feeling legislative heat

March 15, 2008

MONTPELIER -- Hundreds of bills filtered through the Statehouse this week as the legislative session reached its midpoint, but no topic was the focus of more of them than Vermont Yankee.

Four bills zeroed in on issues surrounding the Vernon nuclear power plant, including two coming out of committees Friday. At least one more might be coming from legislators who question the plant's physical and financial safety.

The scrutiny comes as the Legislature gears up for a vote next year on whether the plant should be allowed to continue operating beyond 2012, when the plant will be 40 years old and its license expires.

"As somebody said yesterday, at the Vermont Statehouse we have the Vermont Yankee channel 24 hours a day," said Brian Cosgrove, spokesman for Vermont Yankee. Though he was joking, he finds the legislation no laughing matter.

"It's reasonable for a thinking Vermonter to conclude that at least some of the goals would make it difficult to relicense Vermont Yankee," Cosgrove said.

That would be fine with some supporters of the bills. "I think they all point to the problem Vermont's facing with an aging nuclear power plant," said James Moore, energy policy coordinator for Vermont Public Interest Group.

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Douglas seeks independent review of Yankee

March 13, 2008

MONTPELIER -- Gov. Jim Douglas decided Wednesday to jump-start the process to have an independent assessment of the safety and reliability of the Entergy Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant rather than wait for lawmakers to pass a bill detailing the scope for such an evaluation.

Senators, meanwhile, voted 24-3 Wednesday to give preliminary approval to a bill that sets out the scope of the review they would like to see. The bill calls for the Department of Public Service to select an independent team of experts to conduct a detailed audit of the plant -- an evaluation that could cost the plant as much as $25 million.

James Moore of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group counters that before the Legislature or the Vermont Public Service Board considers whether Vermont Yankee should stay open past 2012, "the plant deserves a top-to-bottom look." He argued that the Senate bill didn't go far enough.

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VT Senate wants detailed inspection of nuclear plant

Wednesday March 12, 2008
Montpelier, Vt.

(Host) The Vermont Senate has called for a detailed inspection of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. Lawmakers say they need the independent inspection before they vote on whether to extend the plant's license for another 20 years.

VPR's John Dillon reports.

...(Dillon) But the Vermont Public Interest Research Group says the legislation falls short. James Moore is the group's energy expert.

(Moore) We commend the Senate for doing the work that they did on this bill. However, it doesn't go far enough. It looks at approximately 15% of the Vermont Yankee facility. And Vermonters deserve to have the entire facility looked at.

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Lawmakers call for review of Vermont Yankee safety

March 1, 2008

MONTPELIER -- A Senate committee wants to require an independent review of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, with oversight by a panel appointed by the Legislature.

The Senate Finance Committee passed a bill this week that would require a "vertical audit" of the plant before the state decides whether the plant should continue operation beyond its current license, which expires in 2012.

James Moore, energy policy coordinator for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, said his group would like to see a more in-depth review. "We think if this facility is going to continue past the closing date in 2012 it should have a top to bottom, inside out look," he said. "That's a small price to pay."

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Light Bulb Warning

Montpelier, Vermont - February 25, 2008

Lots of people are buying compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs. But some environmental advocates are concerned about how people get rid of them if they break. That's because they contain small amounts of mercury.

"When the bulbs are broken that mercury vapor can be released into a home and it's obviously never a good idea to be exposed to mercury in your home. That is the primary concern," explains Charity Carbine of the Vt. Public Interest Research Group.

A study released Monday by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection confirmed that mercury released by a broken CFL can pose a health risk. It issued guidelines for cleaning it up safely.

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VT Edition Interview: Steve Wark, Bob Young & James Moore on Vermont's energy future

Friday February 15, 2008

Montpelier, VT-- What should be the key elements of Vermont's energy future? More reliance on renewable sources, a new contract with Hydro Quebec, a contract extension for the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant or perhaps a new natural gas fired facility in Chittenden County? Those are some of the questions VPR's Bob Kinzel had for Steve Wark from the Public Service Department, Bob Young, president of the Central Vermont Public Service Corporation and James Moore, energy specialist at the Vermont Public Interest Research Group

Listen to interview here

House passes new version of last year's energy bill

February 14, 2008

MONTPELIER – The Vermont House on Wednesday passed by a massive margin a new version of the energy bill shot down last year by Gov. James Douglas' veto.

But the Murphy's Law of legislating remained in place: If lawmakers make compromises to gain support on one side, they risk loosing the bill on the other.

So while the House version of the bill offered the Douglas administration some compromises compared to last year's measure, it may run into trouble when it heads back to the Senate, where those compromises might not be popular. And some renewable energy advocates were lukewarm in their support of the House version, at best.

(...)Advocates of wind power development said the bill, in fact, doesn't go far enough to encourage such alternative energy. The problem, they said, is the establishment of a minimum tax on wind projects based on their top potential capacity, whether they are running or not. If the turbines were running, the tax would be based on actual production.

That could especially be a problem for small and mid-sized projects of one or two turbines, such as might be put up by a town or village, said James Moore of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

"For that community, it could effectively triple their tax" if the turbines were not operating, Moore said.

The bill does not move far enough fast enough on implementing the new efficiency programs either, and gives too much say to the administration in how they are structured, Moore said.
More importantly, however, is the realization in the Statehouse that Vermonters want such a program, Moore said.

"Republicans, Democrats and Progressives all recognize that Vermonters want renewable energy and want help reducing their heating bills" he said.

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Power suppliers hope to have contracts by end of year

Wednesday January 9, 2008

MONTPELIER, Vt.

(Host) As the Vermont Legislature sets an ambitious agenda on energy issues, many of the ultimate decisions on where our power comes from in the future will be made by Vermont's utilities. The state's two major power companies are negotiating new contracts with Hydro Quebec and Vermont Yankee. They hope to have both contracts signed by the end of the year.

(Dillon) A leading environmental group says it's irresponsible for Douglas not to plan ahead for Yankee's shutdown in 2012. James Moore is an energy specialist with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

(Moore) ``We've known for a long time that Vermont Yankee's license to operate ends in 2012. It's an old facility. It's 40 years old at that point.So the fact that the governor hasn't been planning for any kind of alternatives is disappointing, to say the least. And we're going to be looking to the legislature, and the governor, to step up, and start planning for the future that we know is around the corner.''

(Dillon) Moore and other environmentalists say the state can replace Vermont Yankee through investments in renewable energy, and energy efficiency. He says any short term gap can be filled by buying power in the market.

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Friction eases on energy legislation, but will it last?

January 7, 2008

MONTPELIER -- Rep. Robert Dostis sat down with Gov. Jim Douglas last month and talked about energy efficiency. Down the street, energy consultants hired by legislative leaders huddled with Douglas administration staff.

The significance? No such meetings of the mind were happening last legislative session as debate over creating an energy-efficiency program erupted into political warfare, reaching a crescendo in June with a gubernatorial veto. The Democratic-controlled Legislature and Republican governor could not agree on the scope of a program to make Vermont homes and businesses more energy efficient or how to pay for it.

Since the Legislature last met in July, the price of heating fuel has climbed. Meanwhile, in October, the Governor's Climate Change Commission listed expanding the state's electric efficiency program to all fuels as one of its top recommendations.

Some say those factors leave Douglas no choice but to accept the energy legislation. "His position has shifted," said Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. "He's willing to embrace the fundamental concept of an energy-efficiency utility."

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2007 Year in Review: Business

Friday December 28, 2007

Colchester, VT

(Host) We return to our review of the top stories of 2007.

(Delaney) But nuclear power skeptics said the incident was just one more crack in Vermont Yankee's claim that all is well at the old plant, in spite of a 20 percent boost in power output last year. Among the critics, James Moore of VPIRG, the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

(Moore) "This incident calls into question all of the claims that Entergy Nuclear has made about the plant's clean bill of health, and that it's operating like new.''

(Delaney) The revived argument over safety at Vermont Yankee would sputter along for months, and at year's end the NRC scolded the company over the tower collapse. But the effort to secure a 20-year license extension goes on.

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VPIRG argues for Vermont Yankee tax

December 12, 2007

MONTPELIER – The Vermont Public Interest Research Group, which advocates for more renewable energy production in the state and greater investment in efficiency, is urging lawmakers to increase taxes on the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.

According to a new VPIRG report Tuesday, the nuclear plant pays less in taxes per kilowatt hour of electricity produced toward education than other power producers, including renewable power generators. That favors the nuclear plant over generation of sources like wind and solar, according to those who wrote the VPIRG report.

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Report: Nuclear power paying less in tax

December 12, 2007

MONTPELIER -- The Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant pays significantly less in state education taxes than generators of other kinds of electric power, according to a report issued Tuesday by a renewable energy advocate.

The Vermont Public Interest Research Group examined the taxes paid by nuclear, wood, hydro and wind power generators, and discovered that the lone generator of commercial-scale wind paid 10 times as much as nuclear. Hydro generators paid five times as much, and wood generators paid three times as much, the report says.

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VPIRG Says Vermont Yankee Should Pay More

Montpelier, Vermont - December 11, 2007

An advocacy group says the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon is not paying its fair share of taxes to the state.

Vermont Public Interest Research Group conducted a study comparing property taxes paid to the kilowatt hours generated by more than forty electric generating facilities in Vermont. VPIRG argues that Yankee's tax per kilowatt hour ratio is significantly lower than the rate paid by wind, hydro, and wood generating facilities. The research group believes that a generation-based tax would level the playing field -- by requiring all generators to pay similar rates.

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Governor's Strategy to Combat Climate Change

Burlington, Vermont - November 20, 2007

"I'm pleased to announce that the state will partner with the (University of Vermont) and other higher education institutions to form the Vermont Climate Collaborative," said Gov. Jim Douglas, R-Vermont.

Douglas says partnering with UVM and other colleges will spawn research into renewable energy sources, and help the state create an entire economic sector based on green jobs.

But many listening to the Governor's announcement criticize the plan for lacking solid, attainable goals.

James Moore of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group called the proposal nothing but "hot air."

"You have to earn those carbon credits and there was nothing today proposed that's actually going to allow the state to earn carbon credits," said Moore.

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Gov. Douglas Plans to fight Climate Change

November 20, 2007

Gov. Douglas announced his plans regarding climate change.

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Douglas's climate change proposal panned by environmentalists

Tuesday November 20, 2007

Colchester, VT (Host) Vermont absorbs so much carbon that Governor Douglas says we should sell "carbon credits." He says Vermont could make money by selling the credits to industries that pollute. But as VPR's Ross Sneyd reports, some environmental advocates say it's a vague response to climate change.

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Document questions safety of Vermont Yankee

Thursday, November 15

The Vermont Public Interest Research Group and the Citizen’s Awareness Network released a document Thursday at the Pilgrim Plant in Plymouth, Mass. The document questions the safety of Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant and a new plan to manage safety operations at both Yankee and Pilgrim. NECN’s Anya Huneke has the latest.

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Massachusetts nuke workers question Vermont Yankee operation

November 15, 2007

MONTPELIER (AP)- Vermont Public Interest Research Group released a document Thursday that shows workers at a Massachusetts nuclear plant don't want to be associated with the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant because of concerns about how it is run.

Meanwhile, the Douglas administration has joined the state's congressional delegation in calling for an independent safety assessment of the Vernon reactor.

VPIRG's clean energy advocate, James Moore, said he discovered the two-month old document while searching through files of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

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Vermonters talk energy

November 5, 2007

BURLINGTON -- For legislators in Vermont, it's not so easy being green.

Vermont has the lowest carbon footprint and one of the most aggressive energy efficiency programs in the nation, and more than two-thirds of the state's electricity comes from contracts with the Entergy-owned Vermont Yankee nuclear plant and Hydro-Quebec in Canada. Those contracts are set to expire -- in 2012 and 2015, respectively -- leaving Vermont's energy future wide open for consideration.

Rep. Robert Dostis, D-Waterbury, chairman of the Natural Resources and Energy Committee and a member of the Joint Energy Committee, said legislation passed last year directed the Public Service Department to develop a public engagement process regarding Vermont's energy future, to encourage Vermonters to examine and make recommendations on ways to meet Vermont's electricity options over the next five to 10 years.

That's why more than 200 Vermonters gathered this weekend on the campus of the University of Vermont to participate in the state-sponsored Deliberative Polling Event on Vermont's Energy Future, the culmination of a series of workshops designed to educate the public about energy in Vermont. Combined, the studies constitute the largest energy sampling ever conducted in the United States, said Stephen Wark, consumer affairs director for the Public Service Department.

"Public policy here in Vermont does drive the marketplace," added James Moore, clean energy advocate for the nonprofit Vermont Public Interest Research Group. "And they're paying attention to what you all think."

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Aging nuclear plant raises questions about life without it

November 4, 2007

MONTPELIER — A cooling tower that collapsed suddenly, leaving a pipe pouring thousands of gallons of water on a pile of rubble. An unplanned shutdown caused by a stuck valve nine days later. A scheduled retirement looming.

Taken together, the recent problems at Vermont Yankee nuclear plant have some wondering: Where would Vermont be without Vermont Yankee?

"For the average Vermonter, little to nothing would change," said James Moore, energy advocate with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. "It shuts down on a regular basis, both planned and unplanned outages, and our lights don't go out."

Moore and other Vermont Yankee critics point to this month's report from the Governor's Commission on Climate Change, which said that aggressive deployment of renewable generation could save almost as much in carbon emissions as Vermont Yankee does.

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Scores rally for action on climate change

November 5, 2007

MONTPELIER — Scores of people gathered on the Statehouse steps Saturday to push for local solutions to climate change caused by global warming and urged the Douglas administration to do more.

As a band played, people ate apple pie and ice cream, and some waved flags promoting what they say was the need to do more to stop global warming.

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Sanders votes against global warming bill

November 2, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Bernie Sanders voted Thursday to oppose a sweeping global warming bill because he does not believe it is strong enough to prevent catastrophic climate change by the middle of this century.

"This bill is in fact a step forward, but we have a very long way to go to produce a bill that will truly reduce global warming and reflect what the scientific community tells us needs to be done," the independent senator said after the vote by a key Senate panel.

Sanders' vote to oppose the bill drew praise from the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

"Senators Lieberman and Warner deserve credit for pushing action on global warming, but Vermont's Senator Bernie Sanders deserves the highest praise for not supporting the bill, which does more to support corporate welfare than it does to reduce global warming pollution," the group said in a written statement Thursday.

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Senate to Mother Earth: Sorry, Mom

Seven Days Blogs: Freyne Land
Thursday, November 01, 2007

Word from Independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders' office that the subcommittee Ol' Bernardo sits on on the Environment and Public Works Committee that handles global warming approved on a 4-3 vote today "a global warming bill that Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) opposed because it would not reduce emissions of greenhouse gases as much as scientists say is necessary to stop catastrophic changes in Earth’s climate.

As Paul Burns over at the Vermont Public Interest Research Group pointed out to yours truly, "Bernie actually proposed nine different amendments to strengthen the bill, one of which was accepted. Most of the others were defeated 5-2 or on a voice vote. It's really true that no one in the Senate (perhaps the US gov't) is doing more than Bernie Sanders to fight global warming."

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Sanders votes against global warming bill

Thursday November 1, 2007
Colchester, VT

(Host) Senator Bernie Sanders has voted against a global warming bill - and environmental leaders are praising him.

Both the senator and the environmentalists say the bill doesn't go nearly far enough.

Sanders says the version that was approved by a subcommittee of the Senate's environmental panel would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by no more than 63% over the next 40 years.
He held out for legislation that would have reduced the heat-trapping emissions by 80% by 2050.

The Vermont Public Interest Research Group supports Sanders' position. James Moore is VPIRG's clean energy advocate. He says industry would get too much from the bill and consumers wouldn't get enough.

(Moore) "It's a half measure that gives too much money to existing fossil fuel industries like the oil companies and the coal companies, who are making record profits as is and certainly shouldn't be benefiting...

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Governor's panel lays out energy-efficiency road map

October 27, 2007

MONTPELIER -- The Governor's Commission on Climate Change called for increased energy efficiency, greater use of renewable energy, more public transit and a collaboration with the state's colleges to foster research and try to attract environmental jobs, among other items, as it issues its final report Friday.

James Moore, clean energy advocate for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group who served on the advisory group, said he was pleased to see the commission keep intact the advisory group's recommendations. "The question that remains is whether or not our governor will recognize the report or sweep it under the rug," Moore said.

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Climate panel submits report

October 27, 2007

MONTPELIER — The commission charged with finding how the state should reduce its contribution to global climate change — and profit from concerns worldwide about the issue — released its final report Friday calling for more energy efficiency, renewable energy development and the creation of an alliance between the state, nonprofit groups and Vermont's colleges and universities.

The commission called in its report for the expansion of the efficiency efforts begun by the state's electrical efficiency program to other fuels, and for more renewable energy to be developed in the state.

That means commercial scale wind power, the cheapest way to develop such projects within Vermont's borders, said James Moore of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

"You have got to have wind in Vermont as part of our electricity future," said Moore, who added that the report "comes on the same day as oil prices hit a new record high and Vermonters are turning on their furnaces for the winter."

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Vt. climate change group urges use of renewable energy

Governor's commission completes two-year climate change report






Saturday, October 27

MONTPELIER -- A governor's commission charged with making recommendations on how to curb greenhouse gas emissions recommended that the state expand energy efficiency programs, support renewable energy and team up with its colleges and universities to develop a "green economy" in Vermont.

Renewable energy advocate James Moore of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group called the report a "road map to support our economy and reduce global warming pollution at the same time." But he said his group would act as a watchdog to see if the governor takes the recommendations and actually acts on them.

He said the first recommendation is for an all-fuels utility that will help Vermonters reduce heating and electricity bill, which the governor vetoed in the last legislative session.

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Commission on Climate Change releases detailed plan

Friday October 26, 2007
Montpelier, Vt.

(Host) After almost two years of work, the Governor's Commission on Climate Change has laid out a detailed plan for how Vermont can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% in five years.

The commission met today for the final time and handed its report to Governor Jim Douglas. The panel's recommendations range from expanding energy conservation programs to creating a center for climate change within state government.

James Moore is an energy specialist with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. He says the technical data in the report shows that the most cost-effective way to cut greenhouse gas pollution is by reducing energy demand.

(Moore) "Where the rubber is going to meet the road is clearly if the governor is going to take the commission's recommendations to heart, he needs to change his tune, support more energy efficiency...

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Former Gov. Salmon calls for new power contracts

Former governor warns state must act on power needs





October 2, 2007
MONTPELIER, Vt. --Former Gov. Tom Salmon is calling on the state to push for the re-licensing of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Plant and work toward a new long-term contract with Hydro-Quebec.

James Moore of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group disagreed with Salmon's assessment of the need for Vermont Yankee."A number of studies have recently shown that Vermont's economic future would be stronger without reliance on Vermont Yankee," said Moore. "The Vermont Council on Rural Development recently outlined how, relying on in-state renewable resources will generate more than enough electricity as well as 6,000 Vermont-based jobs. Then we are not relying on an aging, dirty facility."

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VY tower collapse leads to calls for further safety review

Tuesday, August 28

BRATTLEBORO -- A press release from unions representing nuclear power plant workers at Vermont Yankee and Pilgrim Station has prompted one local anti-nuclear group to request an independent safety assessment of the nuclear power plant in Vernon.

"There are serious issues of public safety surrounding the Vermont Yankee dispute," wrote Gary Sullivan, president of Utility Workers Union of America Local 369, which represents workers at Entergy's Pilgrim power plant in Plymouth, Mass., in a press release dated Aug. 23. "We cannot allow one bad corporate apple and corporate greed to create a global risk."

"What is very clear from the union's press release is that there are safety concerns at Vermont Yankee that have not made it out to the public," said James Moore, clean energy advocate for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. "We would hope that the employees have public safety first and foremost in their minds, but we have serious concerns that Entergy Corporation is cutting corners to increase their profits, potentially at the risk of millions of people who live in the area surrounding Vermont Yankee."

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Officials rule out Yankee sabotage

Aug 24, 2007

VERNON — A special investigator with the Homeland Security division of the Vermont State Police went to Vermont Yankee earlier this week and ruled out sabotage or terrorism in the unexpected collapse of a portion of the plant's cooling towers.

Kerry Sleeper, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, said the state also wanted an "independent assessment" about the basic facts of the collapse. Sleeper said he had conferred with Gov. James Douglas' office before sending in the special investigator.

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Nuclear plant damage is worse than reported

August 24, 2007

A cooling tower structure at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant that partially collapsed Tuesday underwent a full inspection as recently as this spring and was found to be in good condition, a company spokesman said Thursday.

"It was determined acceptable for continued operation," said Rob Williams, spokesman for plant owner Entergy Nuclear.

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Vt. Yankee problem to hurt rate payers

August 23, 2007

MONTPELIER — The failure of a cooling tower at Vermont Yankee nuclear plant could mean higher electricity bills for consumers, officials said Wednesday.

Central Vermont Public Service Corp. and Green Mountain Power Corp., the two biggest buyers of Vermont Yankee power, said it was too early to know if they will seek rate hikes to compensate for having to buy power from other, more expensive sources because of the Vermont Yankee problem.

"Vermont Yankee telling us that the plant is running like new is like a hair dresser telling you that you look twenty years younger. It's nice to hear, but far from the truth," said James Moore, energy advocate for Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

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Wind turbine OK brings hope in Vt

August 20, 2007

BURLINGTON (AP) — State regulators' approval of 16 wind turbines in Sheffield has dispelled some developers' worries that no big wind turbines would be approved on the state's mountaintops and offered a guide through the state's review process.

"The order sets a really high bar for developers to meet, but it lays out all the hoops you need to jump through," said James Moore, a renewable energy advocate for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

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The Way to Wind

August 19, 2007

When the state Public Service Board granted permission this month for 16 big wind turbines atop a ridge in Sheffield, the three regulators did more than approve Vermont's first commercial wind development in 10 years.

They also dispelled some developers' fear that no mountaintop project involving 400-foot-tall structures could ever win a permit."The order sets a really high bar for developers to meet, but it lays out all the hoops you need to jump through," said James Moore, clean-energy advocate for the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

The decision came as a relief to Moore and other renewable-energy advocates.

Moore, the VPIRG advocate, and Andrew Perchlik at the Renewable Energy Vermont advocacy group say wind development faces another challenge.

UPC won a permit, but one that came with 32 conditions after many years and large expense. That's too long, too expensive, too arduous, the advocates said, and is likely to encourage big projects built by out-of-state companies. Local entrepreneurs and Vermont towns interested in a little energy independence might be shut out, they said.

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Wind Project Approved

August 8, 2007

UPC Wind plans to start building 16 towers next summer in Sheffield. They will each be around 420 feet tall and provide enough energy to serve over 15-thousand homes.

"We are really pleased that the Public Service Board has recognized the economic and environmental benefits of wind power to Vermonters," said Matt Kearns with UPC Wind.

The road to approval has been rocky and emotional. Opponents remain worried about noise, and the visual impacts.

"We've seen wind projects permitted in New Hampshire, Maine. Vermont is now catching up and getting on that band wagon. I think we will see more clean generation, more wind power come on lin here in Vermont over the next decade," said James Moore with the Vt. Public Interest Research Group.

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Slow sailing for Huntington wind turbine

August 1, 2007

HUNTINGTON -- The wind tower, measured at arm's length, barely holds up to a pinky fingernail. That's from downtown Huntington.

From its base, the lattice tower sails up 120 feet, roughly twice as tall as the surrounding tree canopy. Three anemometers, mini-windmills that measure wind speed, spin out encouraging data: This is a good spot for a modest, 6-kilowatt turbine.

All it needs is blades and the blessings of its neighbors.

"Most people living around here don't even know the tower's here," said Melissa Hoffman, who directs the Living Future Foundation, an organization that oversees sustainability projects at the 1,300-acre former Teal Farm. "They ask, 'When are you going to put it up?'"

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VPIRG Targets Energy Bill Opponents

Essex Junction, Vermont - July 25, 2007

Vermont environmentalists are stepping up the pressure for expansion of energy efficiency programs. The legislature failed to over-ride the veto of Gov. Jim Douglas, R-Vermont, earlier this month. Now, advocates are targeting lawmakers who voted against the bill.

The Vermont Public Interest Research Group is hitting the streets with flyers in favor of the global warming legislation. James Moore, a VPIRG energy expert, told Channel 3, "The folks that voted against the energy will were really siding with special monied interests in Vermont and not the public interest."

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Veto override effort fails

July 12, 2007

MONTPELIER - The emotions and rhetoric in the Statehouse on Wednesday were as hot as the weather outside as the global warming bill that took up much of this year’s lawmaking session melted away to nothing.

The Democrat-controlled House was unable to override Gov. James Douglas’ veto of the bill and a compromise version sent over from the Senate a few hours later was dead on arrival.

. The Vermont Public Interest Research Group even arranged for a rotating group of volunteers - because of the heat - to wear a polar bear costume and roam the halls.

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Legislators sustain governor's veto on energy bill

July 12, 2007

MONTPELIER -- Democrats came up 12 votes short of overriding the governor's veto of an energy bill in the House on Wednesday, then couldn't quite pull off an effort to resurrect the bulk of the bill.

Together with a failed veto override of a campaign finance bill it meant two political victories for Republican Gov. Jim Douglas over the Democratic-controlled Legislature.

Jennifer Quavelin of Burlington was among the sticker-clad supporters of the bill. She said she has followed the energy bill with interest and came at the urging of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. "I'm disappointed that our representatives chose to defend the interests of big business," she said.

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Special veto session to start in a stalemate

July 11, 2007

MONTPELIER – When lawmakers return to the Statehouse today for a one-day meeting they will be greeted by an energy activist in a polar bear costume — and by a decision about whether to make an energy efficiency bill into law over Gov. James Douglas' veto.

Both sides said Tuesday their opponents had failed to compromise enough to allow a new version of the measure to be crafted and made into law.

Meanwhile, advocates for the legislation, including AARP Vermont, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility and the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, continued to pressure for the passage of the bill despite the governor's veto. Advocates are said to have arranged for a volunteer wearing a polar bear costume to arrive at the Statehouse to highlight the impact of global warming pollution — including from heating fuel use — on the species.

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Democrats Fail to Override the Governor's Vetoes

July 11, 2007

On a steamy summer day, hundreds of activists swarmed the statehouse, hoping to persuade lawmakers to override the Governor's veto of an energy bill.

"I'm excited about the turnout," said Carol Butterfield from Barre, "It's wonderful I wish there were 100,000 people here.

"The bill would set up a new program to help Vermonters use less heating oil, by giving them money to weatherize their homes. Supporters say using less oil, will help fight global warming.

The closely watched vote, turned out not to be that close at all. The 49 Republicans stuck together and 11 Democrats went against their leadership. Along with one independent, the vote was 86 - 61, far short of the 2/3 needed.

"Disappointing," said activist Natalia Fajardo from Montpelier, "We weren't sure what was going to happen. We had worked really hard to make this pass."

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Sanders, McKibben preach the gospel of climate change

July 9, 2007

MONTPELIER — With "Live Earth" over and a Statehouse vote on a climate change bill ahead, more than 250 people packed a high school cafeteria Sunday for a town meeting on global warming, with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and author Bill McKibben telling them the movement to curtail it is gaining ground but far from adequate.

"This has to become a movement as passionate and willing to sacrifice as the civil rights movement a generation ago," said McKibben, the Ripton writer whose 1989 book "The End of Nature" was among the first to sound the climate change alarm.

"It is the largest threat to our civilization that we've ever faced," he said.

Both were fresh in the minds of speakers at the meeting, where Vermont Public Interest Research Group passed out fliers urging people to lobby their lawmakers to vote to override Gov. Jim Douglas' veto of the bill, which would expand an existing program that helps homeowners conserve energy use and pay for it by imposing a new tax on the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant.

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Decades-old energy policy issues come to head in debate

July 8, 2007

MONTPELIER, Vt. --Gregory Sanford may have the worst case of deja vu in Vermont.

With energy policy at the center of statewide debate, the state archivist has been delving back into the records of former Gov. Thomas Salmon.

What he sees are echoes of the present: Skyrocketing gasoline prices and a sudden interest in wind, solar and other renewable energy sources.

Backers of the energy bill are vowing to keep up the pressure. The Vermont Public Interest Research Group and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility will join AARP at a Statehouse news conference on Tuesday -- the eve of the special session -- to urge lawmakers to override the veto.

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Global warming rap

July 6, 2007

MONTPELIER – X10, the high school rappers who gave us the Web hit "802," have come out with their latest YouTube effort, dubbed "C02."

The new rap, which is filmed in a field in front of solar panels, stresses the problems of global warming and urges lawmakers to pass H.520, the Energy Bill.

"Instead of polluting use wind power," sing the trio. "Because not using oil makes big business sour." The rap also manages to rhyme in (mostly) topics such as methane and manure, the shortened ski season, efficiency, gasification and bike riding.

The video ends with a plug for VPIRG, which is also publicizing the video on its Web site.

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Sanders touts energy bill efficiency standards

June 22, 2007

Senator Bernie Sanders says a new energy bill just passed by the U.S. Senate will help save consumers money when it's fully implemented because the plan substantially raises fuel efficiency standards.

But the overall bill doesn't go as far as some renewable energy advocates were hoping.

James Moore is the energy director at the Vermont Public Interest Research Group. He's disappointed that the Senate rejected a plan to eliminate nearly $30 billion in special tax credits for the major oil companies.

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Auto industry needs to be saved from itself

May 13, 2007
Editorial

The court case in which the auto industry is challenging Vermont's auto emission standards has unveiled the kind of Alice in Wonderland thinking that has decimated the industry in the United States.

The auto industry has challenged Vermont's decision to sign onto California's auto emission standards, which would force reductions in carbon dioxide emissions over the next decade. The absurdity of the industry's arguments was on full display in U.S. District Court in Burlington.

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Report: Vt. No. 1 in waste per person

Friday, May 18

BRATTLEBORO -- A report to be released today details how Vermonters are shouldering more than two times the national average of nuclear waste per person than elsewhere in the U.S.

The Vermont Public Interest Research Group and Citizens Awareness Network, along with the Toxics Action Center, Nuclear Free Vermont and the Vermont Sierra Club, plan to release the report at 1 p.m. in Montpelier and in Brattleboro.

The report is designed to explain the full life-cycle costs of nuclear power and "debunk the notion that Vermont Yankee is a 'green' power source," wrote Drew Hudson, the field and communications director for the public interest group.

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May 19, 2007

MONTPELIER -- Activists released a report Friday indicating Vermont has more radioactive nuclear waste per capita than any state in the nation, which they said underscores the need for approval of a climate change bill that would tax the Vermont Yankee plant.

Activists and others say it's more likely the waste will remain at the nuclear energy plants where it's produced.

Drew Hudson of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group said that was justification enough for tripling a tax on Vermont Yankee for the electricity it produces, as the Legislature proposed in a climate change bill that Gov. Jim Douglas has said he'll veto.

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