Building Solutions: Energy Efficient Homes Save Money and Reduce Global Warming
October 11, 2006
CleanEnergy, Report
Vermont has the second oldest building stock in the nation. Too many of Vermont’s buildings are inefficient, which means they require more fuel to heat and produce more global warming pollution. Vermont can significantly reduce its global warming pollution by adopting measures to improve the efficiency of heating its residential buildings, saving Vermonters millions of dollars at the same time.
Global warming, caused by human-induced changes to the climate, is a major threat to Vermont’s future.
Paying the Price: The High Cost of Prescription Drugs for Uninsured Americans
September 14, 2006
Report, HealthCare
Millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans struggle to afford the medicines they need, even forgoing medically necessary drugs when prices are out of reach. When discussing the high cost of
prescription drugs, politicians often focus on the financial burden carried by senior citizens. Unfortunately, as this report shows, high prescription drug prices are a problem for Americans of all ages, particularly for the uninsured.
2006 Report Card on Climate Change Action
August 1, 2006
CleanEnergy, Report
In August of 2001, the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP) agreed to a comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan with the long-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region by 75-85%. As that plan accurately pointed out, “global warming, given its harmful consequences to the environment and the economy, is a joint concern for which a regional approach to strategic action is required."
A Decade of Change: A Vision for Vermont’s Renewable Energy Future
June 11, 2006
CleanEnergy, Report
The electricity generated across New England is dominated by dirty, dangerous, and expensive power sources. Over 80 percent of the region’s electricity comes from either the burning of fossil fuels, which contributes to global warming, or from aging nuclear power plants that threaten the security and safety of the entire region. As Vermont’s electricity supply options change over the next ten years, the state is in danger of increasing its global warming pollution by relying on more coal, oil, and natural gas to meet its needs.
Campaign Contribution Limits: No Harm To Challengers
June 1, 2006
Report, Democracy
Robust electoral competition is one indicator of a healthy democracy. Academics and practitioners have long debated the impact of campaign contribution limits on election outcomes. In the context of high incumbency rates at the federal level and in most states, advocates and policymakers want to know if limits help or hurt challengers.
The Future of Community Wind Projects in Vermont
June 1, 2006
CleanEnergy, Report
Wind power is the fastest growing renewable energy source in the United States and around the world today.1 In fact, the market for wind energy grew by an average of 28% per year between 1999 and 2003 in the U.S.2 Its increasing popularity comes as no surprise as America faces rising fuel costs and mounting concern over global warming. As the cost of energy production by wind declines, more people across the country are investing in community wind projects.
SHIFTING GEARS 20 Tools for Reducing Global Warming Pollution from New England’s Transportation System
May 1, 2006
CleanEnergy, Report
Transportation is the leading source of global warming pollution in New England, responsible for more than one-third of the region’s emissions of carbon dioxide, the leading global warming pollutant. Worse, transportation-sector emissions have been rising for decades and are projected to continue to increase if trends toward more vehicle travel and less fuel-efficient cars and trucks continue.z
Raising the Limits: A Bad Bet for Campaign Finance Reform
February 1, 2006
Report, Democracy
In 2002, Congress passed the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA), which offered some significant reforms such as banning unlimited ‘soft money’ contributions to political parties and clamping down on
GLOBAL WARMING IN VERMONT
February 1, 2006
CleanEnergy, Report
Clean air, clean water and a vibrant working landscape are essential to our strong economy and high quality of life across the Green Mountain state. But Vermont’s economy and natural environment are under serious threat from global warming. Signs of global warming show that we need to act now. Vermonters want policies that protect our environment and traditional way of life. Effective solutions – from wind power to cleaner cars – will fend off global warming.
America Idles: How President Bush’s Inaction Will Cost Americans Billions at the Pump in 2006
December 1, 2005
CleanEnergy, Report
America is too dependent on oil, and consumers are paying the price. For the last two years, gasoline prices have been creeping upward. In 2003, a gallon of regular gasoline averaged $1.56; so far in 2005, the same gallon has averaged $2.29, with prices in some areas spiking close to $4.00 in August and September after Hurricane Katrina disrupted supply from the Gulf Coast.
