Ben Edgerly Walsh

The legislature is updating the Renewable Energy Standard. What does that mean?

Climate & Energy, Efficiency & Electrification, News and Updates, Solar / By

In 2015, Vermont passed its Renewable Energy Standard, requiring Vermont electric utilities to provide 75% renewable electricity to their customers by 2032, of which 10% needed to be from smaller, newly-built renewables from here in Vermont.  Last week on a vote of 9-1 the House Environment and Energy Committee voted to pass H.289, the first …

The legislature is updating the Renewable Energy Standard. What does that mean? Read More »

On To The House: Next Steps For S.5, The Affordable Heat Act

Climate & Energy, Efficiency & Electrification, Heat Clean, News and Updates / By

Just before the Vermont Legislature left for Town Meeting Week break, the Senate passed the Affordable Heat Act (S.5) on a strong 19-10 vote. This is a significant win for Vermonters. In the face of a well-financed fossil fuel industry ad blitz, sowing fear and misinformation, the Senate stood up and advanced this critical climate …

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Climate Investments FY ’23

Climate & Energy, Victories / By

Check out our breakdown of an unprecedented wave of climate investments (totaling over $200 million) from Vermont’s 2022 Legislative Session below. We thank the Legislature and Governor for including these historic investments in the “big budget bill” (now Act 185). These investments represent essential progress towards ensuring all Vermonters benefit from our transition away from …

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Tell the Scott Administration: No Dirty Energy Deals for Global Foundries!

Climate & Energy, News and Updates, Take Action / By

GlobalFoundries, the largest electricity user in Vermont, is working on a deal with the Scott Administration to become a “self-managed utility,” cutting off its reliance on Green Mountain Power for electricity. In doing so, GlobalFoundries is declaring it should be exempt from the state’s renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. If the state bows to …

Tell the Scott Administration: No Dirty Energy Deals for Global Foundries! Read More »

The VT Climate Council wants to hear from YOU!

Climate & Energy, Global Warming Solutions, Issues, News and Updates / By

The December deadline for the Vermont Climate Action Plan is fast approaching, and the Vermont Climate Council wants your input!  VPIRG members came out in force this past week to attend the Council’s in-person hearings at state parks across Vermont. If you were able to attend in person, thank you for making your voice heard! …

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Transportation Modernization Package funds EVs, Infrastructure, Equity, and more.

Climate & Energy, News and Updates, Transportation Modernization / By

A top priority of ours for the 2021 legislative session was the Transportation Modernization Package in the Transportation Bill (H.433) – a host of policies that would save Vermonters millions of dollars while reducing climate pollution. Championed by a host of legislators, VPIRG’s amazing members, and our many allies, this year’s Transportation Bill contains the …

Transportation Modernization Package funds EVs, Infrastructure, Equity, and more. Read More »

Utilities Should be Treated as Utilities

Climate & Energy, Issues, News and Updates, Uncategorized / By

GlobalFoundries, the largest electricity user in Vermont, recently filed for permission from the Public Utility Commission to become a “self-managed utility,” cutting off its reliance on Green Mountain Power for electricity – and requesting special treatment no other company or ratepayer in the state gets in the process.   One of the managers of the facility put it this way, “We will only be set up …

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Tell the Scott Administration: Support Equitable TCI-P!

Climate & Energy, News and Updates, Transportation Modernization / By

VPIRG members have been pushing for an equitable, substantial Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P) for several years. We believe a well-designed program can boost our economy, reduce climate emission, and address inequities in our transportation systems.  In December 2020, a bipartisan group of governors and mayors from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia announced that …

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Climate Investment is Critical – Let Your Senator Know!

Climate & Energy, Efficiency & Electrification, Global Warming Solutions, Heat Clean, News and Updates, Solar / By

Right now, the Vermont State Senate is considering how to invest the over $1 billion in federal stimulus funds the American Rescue Plan is delivering to Vermont. We need to make sure that they understand Vermonters see climate action investments as critical to our state’s ability to build back from the COVID-19 crisis in a …

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Scott Admin Announces Recovery Funds Proposal

Climate & Energy, News and Updates / By

Late yesterday, Gov. Phil Scott released his proposal for the over $1 billion in funds Vermont will receive from the American Rescue Plan Act. Included in his proposal is $200 million over the next four years in energy affordability and climate investments. This is an important down payment on the strategic investments necessary for Vermont …

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