In today’s weekly Climate Dispatch, we are joined by Representative Laura Sibilia, vice chair of the House Energy & Technology Committee. Rep. Sibilia goes into helpful depth on H.360 — a bill that passed unanimously out of the House Energy & Technology Committee this week, with the intent of coordinating, facilitating, supporting, and accelerating community broadband deployment throughout Vermont.

The pandemic has crystallized the critical need for wired connectivity and it has also highlighted stark inequities in the ability of Vermonters living in the most rural reaches to access high-speed, reliable internet. This bill aims to help address this inequity and, importantly, focus on the role a strong broadband system will play in building climate-resilient, connected communities and a 21st century, strong, distributed energy system. Learn more here about H.360, “An Act Related to Accelerated Community Broadband Deployment.”

We hope this upcoming Town Meeting Day week treats you well and that you safely find ways to participate — and vote! — in your local elections and conversations. As always, thanks for all you do!