Today’s episode

In today’s Climate Dispatch, VNRC’s Energy and Climate Program Director Johanna Miller is joined by Sebbi Wu, VPIRG’s Climate and Equity Advocate, and Ben Edgerly Walsh, VPIRG’s Climate & Energy Program Director to highlight the recently introduced, must-pass environmental justice (EJ) bill – S.148. 

Today, in Senate Natural Resources and Energy, this bill got its first, substantive airing with testimony delivered by EJ leaders from across Vermont who helped craft this long-overdue policy. (Check out today’s powerful testimony in two parts: here and here.)

In the Dispatch, Sebbi gives an overview of the key principles required for a strong EJ bill, including the importance of a mapping tool, sufficient funding, an advisory with actual authority and, fundamentally, a strong definition of an environmental justice population in statute. And more. Hear more about why this matter so much, what a strong bill must include and what you can do to support it – including sending a quick email to your state senators asking for their support of a strong S.148/environmental justice policy. 

This bill is a priority for VNRC, Vermont Conservation Voters and a broad coalition of organizations; and its passage this year essential – as outlined in this more in-depth overview by Sebbi Wu. As we work to make this bill a reality this year, we know far more equity and justice work will be required in the months and years ahead to implement and expand the clean energy and pollution-reducing programs so essential to abating the intensifying climate crisis. 

Thanks for all you do!