Vermont Climate Coalition

Planning

In September 2003, the Governor of Vermont issued an executive order establishing a goal of reducing that state’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25% over the next decade, consistent with the regional goals. To carry out this task the Climate Neutral Working Group (CNWG) was established and a plan to reduce the state government’s emissions was released in April 2005.

Vermont has not yet developed a comprehensive state plan to address global warming, however, the state is beginning an 18 month process to create such a plan. On December 5, 2005 the Governor issued an executive order creating a Commission on Climate Change designed to use lessons learned from actions taken within the state government to develop and implement an effective statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction program.

A bill has been introduced in the state Senate that would cap Vermont’s emissions in line with the goals set by the New England Governor and Eastern Canadian Premiers. Additionally the bill would require all state agencies to include climate change analysis in all project planning.

Implementation

In June 2005, the state legislature passed Act 61, which required any increase in electricity demand be met by new renewable energy sources and promoted energy efficiency. Vermont was the first state in the country to adopt California’s limits on global warming pollution from cars. Vermont joined six other Northeastern states in signing onto the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

The state legislature is exploring the need to allocate allowance monies from RGGI to investments in energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The legislature is also likely to pass a strong appliance efficiency bill as well as legislation promoting smart-growth development in the 2006 session.

For more information, contact the Vermont Climate Coalition:
James Moore, Vermont Public Interest Research Group, 802-223-8421