The Montpelier mayor was the top vote-getter among five candidates; incumbents Ann Cummings and Andrew Perchlik also qualified for the November ballot.
While the rule accounts for only about one-third of the needed emissions reductions in the state’s transportation sector, it is the most impactful measure from the Climate Action Plan still in play.
Two Republicans are running unopposed in the GOP primary and will face off against the three Democratic nominees in the November election.
House lawmakers narrowly failed to override Gov. Phil Scott’s vetoes on two bills: A Burlington charter change that would ban no-cause evictions, and the clean heat standard. Each failed by just one vote — and seemed to blindside legislative leadership.
The governor cited concerns about the standard’s potential financial impacts on Vermonters. The measure, which would incentivize a shift away from fossil fuel heat, is widely recognized as the largest climate bill of the session.
Regardless of the actual details of the Clean Heat Standard (H.715), opponents of climate action and defenders of the fossil-fueled status quo keep making inaccurate and dishonest arguments. I’d like to respond to three of them.
Quite simply, if enacted, the Clean Heat Standard will likely be the most important and effective policy to reduce climate pollution in Vermont’s history.
I find it unusual for a member of a state government committee to publish his opinions in Vermont’s media outlets on issues currently being researched, analyzed and debated by the committee on which he serves.
All of the alternatives that can reduce or eliminate fossil fuel dependence keep a far larger share of our hard-earned dollars recirculating here in Vermont, supporting jobs for our neighbors and reinvesting in the Vermont economy and Vermont values.
"Lower-income folks often face higher costs for energy," says Jared Duval, executive director of Energy Action Network. "It’s the exact opposite of what you would want.”
Drastic changes are needed for Vermont to meet its 2025 carbon emissions reduction target.
This commentary is by Jared Duval of Montpelier, executive director of the Energy Action Network and a member of the Vermont Climate Council. He was previously economic development director at the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. One thing the pandemic has underscored is the critical importance of acting swiftly on the best available […]
When we spend our energy dollars on electricity, weatherization, or renewable heating sources like locally and sustainably sourced wood, a far higher share of dollars stays local.
A new report says reducing emissions could have big economic benefits for Vermont, but says it would require significant changes in consumer behavior.
