Lend your voice on a timely action!

Today we speak with VPIRG’s Ben Edgerly Walsh about the recent influx of $1 billion in federal relief funds into Vermont from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Specifically, we discuss an opportunity for Vermont to maximize this moment and dedicate $200 million to climate action and energy efficiency programs that will help create good-paying jobs, save Vermonters money on monthly bills, enhance equity, improve public health and do our part on the climate crisis. This one-time funding can also serve as a downpayment on ensuring Vermont successfully implements the new Global Warming Solutions Act, which requires significant pollution-reductions by 2025, 2030 and 2050. 

As you may know, Governor Scott rolled out his hopes for how to spend Vermont’s federal dollars, including investments of $200 into climate and housing initiatives. For more information, check out last week’s Climate Dispatch with Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore.

The Senate Appropriations Committee is currently crafting the FY22 budget and making decisions related to how the state spends the $1 billion ARPA dollars coming into Vermont. That’s where you come in!

Call to action

Tell your Senator/s you support investments in climate action and energy efficiency programs that ensure a just and affordable energy transition, and improve the health of Vermont’s people and environment.

Please take a moment to email your State Senator(s) and urge them to dedicate at least $200 million of ARPA stimulus dollars to climate and energy modernization infrastructure! Click here for an email form.

Better still, send a personal email or give your Senator a call. Find their contact information by searching here.