Our number one priority at the State House is to ban any new, large-scale fossil fuel infrastructure in Vermont. NO MORE PIPELINES! Bills that will explicitly help us achieve this are H.51, S.66, and H.175.
In addition, 350VT supports the climate change legislation proposed in the 2020 Climate Action Platform. However, we feel the proposals need to be strengthened to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a real and immediate way.
This platform includes the “Global Warming Solutions Act,” H.688. The idea behind the bill is to hold Vermont accountable to its GHG emissions goals by allowing citizens to sue the state for not reaching these goals. 350VT supports this, but the bill as introduced is a far cry from the systemic change we need!
We’re also pushing for Sen. Pollina’s “Green New Deal” bill, S.311— which would essentially create a wealth tax (from the top 5%), then use the $30 million raised per year to fund climate solutions like weatherization and mass transit! Read more HERE.
Additionally, as either part of the GWSA or as separate legislation, we must:
● Expand incentives for community solar projects.
As stated above, 350VT is pushing for Senator Anthony Pollina’s bill, S.311, which would impose a tax on the top 5% of earners Vermonters. The fund would finance climate solutions such as weatherization, electric vehicles and public transportation, renewable heating systems. (350VT will work to ensure this does not include “Renewable Natural Gas!“)
S.311 would also establish an advisory board to set priorities and oversee funding, with 12 members: 4 legislators and 8 citizens with expertise in energy efficiency, renewable systems, housing, building trades, transportation efficiency and the Vermont Youth Climate Congress. 350VT is also advocating for the panel to address issues of racial and socioeconomic disparity.
There are tons of other concerns that we have, such as the subsidization of the fossil fuel industry (Vermont Gas) through Vermont’s “Efficiency Utility” program, and With regard to the Renewable Energy Standard, keeping“renewable natural gas” (biogas) out of the equation. The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is a 12-state program is also a highly contested piece of legislation that 350VT will likely take a stance on once we see a proposal. We’ll keep this page updated as we learn more about bills being introduced!
Check out our Re)Generate New Solutions campaign; in partnership with our grassroots supporters, we were able to pass resolutions in 55 towns across Vermont calling for a halt to any new fossil fuel infrastructure and a move towards renewable energy!
Building on that success, in 2019 we made a waves with our Next Steps: Climate Walk– 350+ people, lead by youth activists, flooded the State House to demand a statewide ban on any new pipelines, walking 65+ miles along the current Vermont Gas pipeline route to get there. Read more about that in our Fossil Fuel Resistance page.