This is the tale of two different Vermonts – one of which you’ve likely heard of, and one of which you may not have. The first Vermont is the one that’s repeatedly been named the “greenest” state in the U.S. The quality of our environment, our actions to protect it, and the work we’ve done …
This week Governor Scott signed into law a bill (S. 30) which sets a schedule for phasing out the use of Hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, statewide. HFCs are an entirely man-made class of chemicals used primarily for cooling and refrigeration. Though originally introduced as an alternative to ozone-depleting substances, HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases that contribute …
Governor Scott Signs Hydrofluorocarbons Bill Into Law Read More »
Weatherizing Vermont’s old housing stock is an essential element of any plan to address our state’s rising greenhouse gas emissions. But the benefits of weatherization extend beyond curbing carbon emissions – other perks include the potential for decreased energy bills, improved health, and more investment in Vermont’s economy. Since heating accounts for a sizable portion …
The Transportation bill being debated in the VT legislature creates a program to help Vermonters who are low income repair cars’ emissions control systems, keeping pollution out of our air. Unfortunately, it also lets cars that fail emissions tests off the hook as long as they’re 15 years old or older, allowing them to pollute …
Old vehicle emissions: Fix them, don’t exempt them Read More »
Hundreds of students from across Vermont gathered on the State House lawn on Wednesday for the fourth annual Rally For The Planet, organized by the Vermont Youth Lobby. This year’s event offered a rousing call to action, as Vermonters of all ages came together to demand meaningful action on climate change from state leaders. The …
Students Rally for Climate Action at State House Read More »
Climate change is the major issue of our time. It will not be solved by one all-encompassing policy, but rather by a great many efforts that take on the issue from every angle. This year, we’re fighting to make sure addressing climate change is a priority in Vermont’s state budget. But we need you to …
Speak Up for Climate Action! Attend a Public Hearing in your area Monday, February 25th Read More »
In a State House press event Wednesday, VPIRG joined with legislators, 350VT, the Youth Lobby and concerned citizens to roll out legislation aimed at banning the construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure in Vermont. Among the elected officials taking a stand for climate justice and against fossil fuels were Representatives Mari Cordes and Mary Sullivan. …
VPIRG Joins Legislators, Allies to Support Banning New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure in VT Read More »
On Wednesday, VPIRG joined with a coalition of 25 groups from around Vermont — representing youth, low-income, business, public health, environment and others — to announce a shared platform for Climate Action, detailing our shared policy goals for the 2019 session. In a press event at the Vermont State House Wednesday, the coalition urged action …
VT Groups Unveil Shared Priorities for Climate Action in 2019 Read More »
A major new scientific report issued by 13 federal agencies on Black Friday serves as a dire warning about the ways in which climate change threatens the United States – now and in the future. The National Climate Assessment comes out every four years, but this is by far the most detailed look yet at …
Now more than ever, Vermonters need elected officials who are willing to take bold action towards reducing our dependence on dirty energy and fossil fuels. Despite broad consensus that we must transition away from dirty fossil fuels, Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. From reduced snowfall, to extreme weather events and increased energy costs, …
