Press Release: Large Vermont Rally Calls for Climate Justice and Clean Energy Solutions
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023
Media Contact: Carter Neubieser, carter@350vt.org,
Tel. 860-754-8876
LARGE VERMONT RALLY CALLS FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE
AND CLEAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS
Organized by 350Vermont and 30 Other Groups, Vermonters Gather for Climate Justice Policies That Drastically Reduce Fossil Fuel Emissions
MONTPELIER, Vt. — Hundreds of Vermonters gathered Saturday in the state capital to call on the Legislature to enact policies that more urgently address the climate crisis.
Among calls for a “just transition” that protects all Vermonters and enables a rapid switch to clean energy were:
A significant increase of in-state renewable energy — low-emission energy projects like community solar and geothermal networks, providing clean local power and more resilient communities.
Ratepayer protection to keep electricity bills affordable for low- and middle-income Vermonters and ensure everyone can access clean energy.
Substantially more investment in weatherization and energy conservation.
Favor heating sources that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions without displacing food crops, destroying ecosystems and harming frontline communities in Vermont and beyond.
Equitable approaches that fairly distribute the benefits of clean energy, thereby protecting working people, families and the most vulnerable Vermonters.
The rally was organized by 350Vermont and supported by over 30 Vermont organizations. Led by a brass band, the lively crowd began at Montpelier City Hall and marched to the capital.
Rally speakers included representatives of indigenous peoples, youth groups, solar energy and agriculture, along with a recent climate refugee who relocated to Vermont.
"I'm excited," said Peter Ehrlich, of Richmond, Vt., about the rally. "It can feel so frustrating that Vermont is falling behind where it should be leading the nation ... on local clean energy generation.”
Another participant, Stephanie DeBetitto of Barre City, Vt., moved to Vermont to escape the effects of climate change in the West. “We were experiencing more persistent droughts and year-round wildfires, and knew the effects of climate change were only getting worse,” she said. “My husband and I were ready to start a family, and we moved from Colorado to Vermont in search of a more secure future.
“We have a responsibility,” she said, “to make sure Vermont acts boldly on climate for those who don't have the option of moving away from climate catastrophe. We're here to empower our legislators to do this."
The Vermont Legislature is considering several bills that would help meet the state’s legal obligations to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The requirements stem from the state Climate Action Plan, Global Warming Solutions Act and other measures.
Among bills that are the focus of 350Vermont:
Improvements to the Renewable Energy Standard, which requires utilities to provide a growing percentage of electricity from in-state solar and wind energy.
The Thermal Energy Networks Act, which would create a pathway for clean geothermal networks that heat and cool buildings.
The proposed Affordable Heating Act, which would regulate emissions from heating of homes, businesses, and other buildings.
Details on the bills can be found here.
Leading up to Saturday’s rally, a Vermont Senate committee this week heard powerful testimony from 350Vermont and others. Andrea Stander of Montpelier, a 350Vermont volunteer and former board member, testified, “Our state needs legislation that accelerates the transition away from combusting fuels for heating. That means focusing on weatherization, installing heat pumps and helping Vermonters reduce their energy consumption.” Given the short legislative session and urgency of the climate crisis, Stander said, legislative committees must prioritize climate solutions or they will be delayed yet another year.
The state climate coalition is also pushing the Legislature to improve the Renewable Energy Standard and clean up Vermont’s electricity sources, so that electrification of heating actually reduces emissions.
Current language within the Affordable Heat Act would promote more use of supposedly “renewable” natural gas (RNG). But expanding the use of RNG and other biofuels, 350Vermont warned, would divert dollars that could otherwise be dedicated to weatherization, clean, locally generated electricity and more green jobs.
Also underscoring the dangers of “renewable” gas was Senate testimony this week from Robert Howarth, Ph.D. of Cornell University, one of the most highly cited environmental scientists in the world. “Converting biogas into renewable natural gas is wasteful and further contributes to greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
Saturday’s rally was organized by 350Vermont and cosponsored by: Acorn, BALE, Burlington Friends Meeting, Climate Emergency Fund, Flight Free Vermont, Keep Vermont Cool, Migrant Justice, No Coal No Gas, NOFA-VT, Peace and Justice Center, Renewable Energy Vermont, Rights and Democracy, Rural Vermont, Safe Landing VT, Slingshot, SunCommon, Sola Vida, Standing Trees, Sunrise Chittenden, The Vermont Releaf Collective, Third Act Vermont, True Center Yoga, Upper Valley Affinity Group, Vermont Climate and Health Alliance, Vermont Conservation Voters, Vermont Natural Resources Council, Vermont Progressive Party, VT Interfaith Power and Light, VT Renews, VT Renews BIPOC Council, Vermonters for People Oriented Places, and XR (Extinction Rebellion) Vermont.
About 350Vermont: 350Vermont is a people-powered grassroots organization that is part of the global climate movement, working to help Vermonters respond to the climate crisis with equitable and effective clean-energy solutions. The group’s name derives from scientific estimates that 350 parts-per-million is the safe amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. With fossil fuel emissions continuing to grow, the planet is now at 417 ppm and rising.
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