Today’s Episode
In today’s Climate Dispatch, VNRC’s Johanna Miller and VCV’s Lauren Hierl are joined by Ben Edgerly Walsh, VPIRG’s Climate and Energy Program Director, and Chase Whiting, Staff Attorney at Conservation Law Foundation (CLF). Don’t miss this up-to-the-moment legislative recap on clean energy and climate priorities, as well as an update on the breaking news related to the Public Utility Commission’s ruling against GlobalFoundries’ request to skirt the renewable energy standard.
In this week’s Dispatch, hear the very latest recap on the FY 23 Budget negotiations – which must prioritize significant investments in climate! – as well four other priority bills, including:
- The Environmental Justice Bill
- The Clean Heat Standard
- Transportation Innovation Act
- The Municipal Energy Resilience Initiatives Bill
As you may know, VNRC and many partners co-hosted a mid session legislative update early this week on climate progress to date. You can go even deeper on these priorities by checking out that webinar here. In the meantime, be sure to watch this week’s Dispatch for the hot-off-the-presses update from CLF’s Chase Whiting regarding the Public Utilities Commission rejection of GlobalFoundries’ petition to get special permission to skirt the renewable energy standard, energy efficiency requirements, and the Global Warming Solutions Act. CLF was among the petitioners and Vermonters raising significant concerns – successfully! – that such a move would’ve significantly set us back in our efforts to prevent climate change.
Call to Action
Victories like this – and essential, equitable climate progress – are largely premised on strong legislation that enforces the necessary steps we must take if we’re going to meet the emissions reductions targets outlined in the Global Warming Solutions Act. As the legislative session carries on, it is more important than ever to stay informed about how various climate action legislation is taking shape and to engage with your representatives. Please reach out and urge your representatives to make a significant commitment to climate in the FY 23 budget, in line with what’s needed to achieve the targets of the Global Warming Solutions Act.
Finally, please save the date for a special LIVE edition of the Climate Dispatch on Friday, March 4th at noon from the Statehouse in Montpelier! More details to come.