Implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act has begun! As you may know, this legislation finally became law in September. The Solutions Act transforms Vermont’s existing emission reduction goals into requirements and establishes a Climate Council to develop a plan to meet these mandates. Appointees to the Council were named last week.

VNRC’s Energy and Climate Program Director Johanna Miller, who was instrumental in the fight to advance the Solutions Act, was appointed by House Speaker Mitzi Johnson to represent a statewide environmental organization. Chad Farrell, who runs Encore Renewable Energy in Burlington, will be representing the clean energy sector. Farrell is also a Board member of VNRC.

The Climate Council brings voices to the table from rural communities, municipal governments, small businesses, the fuel sector, environmental advocacy groups, and many more. Find a full list of appointees below and in the press release from October 23. Please note the diverse mandated sectors that Climate Council appointees represent.

The Climate Council is scheduled to first meet on November 20, giving them 13 months to come up with a plan for the state.

Check out this page for updates about the Climate Council as its work proceeds, and to learn about opportunities to get involved.

Here is the State of Vermont’s Climate Council website, where you can learn how to access the Council’s meetings.

Speaker of the House Appointees:

A. one member with expertise and professional experience in the design and implementation of programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

Richard Cowart, Calais, Regulatory Assistance Project

B. one member to represent rural communities:

Catherine Dimitruk, Fairfax, Northwest Regional Planning Commission

C. one member to represent the municipal governments:

Chris Campany, Newfane, Windham Regional Commission

D. one member to distribution utilities:

Liz Miller, Burlington, Green Mountain Power

E. one member to represent a statewide environmental organization:

Johanna Miller, Montpelier, Vermont Natural Resources Council

F. one member to represent the fuel sector:

Michael Schmell, South Pomfret, Junction Fuels

G. one member with expertise in climate change science:

Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, South Burlington, Vermont State Climatologist, UVM Professor of Climate and Climate Change 

H. one member to represent Vermont manufacturers:

Adam Knudsen, Shelburne, Dynapower

Committee on Committees Appointees:

A. one member with expertise in the design and implementation of programs to increase resilience to and respond to natural disasters resulting from climate change: 

Lauren Oates,  East Montpelier, The Nature Conservancy

B. one member to represent the clean energy sector:

Chad Farrell, Burlington, Encore Renewable Energy

C. one member to represent the small business community:

Kelly Klein, St. Albans, Groennfell Meadery

D. one member to represent the Vermont Community Action Partnership:

Sue Minter, Waterbury, Capstone Community Actions

E. one member to represent the farm and forest sector:

Abbie Corse, Whitingham, The Corse Farm Dairy

F. one youth member:

Sophia Clark, Hyde Park

G. one member of a Vermont-based organization with expertise in energy and data analysis: 

Jared Duval, Montpelier, Energy Action Network