Vermont made history last year by becoming the first state in the nation to seek financial damages from the fossil fuel corporations whose products have wreaked havoc on our planet. That law, the Climate Superfund Act, now requires the Legislature to fund the important work to implement it well. And that’s where we need your help.
Today’s episode
In today’s episode, we speak with Ben Edgerly Walsh, VPIRG’s Climate & Energy Program Director, about the importance of funding the Treasurer’s essential work to put together a detailed cost assessment of the historical and projected costs to the State of Vermont and its residents because of damages from climate change. As Ben notes, funding this assessment, paired with providing essential implementation capacity at the Agency of Natural Resources, is essential to the success of this needed effort.
In this episode, you’ll also hear from VNRC’s new Climate Action Coordinator, Jack Pitblado, about his work uplifting the voices of Vermont’s local energy leaders, as well as the importance of showing up and speaking out at your local Climate Action Plan listening sessions throughout the month of April.
Calls to Action
This week we have three actions we hope you will take to make a difference on climate, clean energy, and a healthy democracy. Hopefully you can take one, two, or all three actions!
- Call your state Senator(s) and ask them to support a budget appropriation of $825,000 to fund the essential work of the Vermont Treasurer to undertake a detailed cost assessment of the damages fossil fuel products have – and will – cost Vermonters. This is a fundamental foundation upon which to hold Big Oil accountable, and ensure Vermonters aren’t footing the bill from climate-induced disasters, including devastating back-to-back annual flood events.
- Plan to attend one of the upcoming public input sessions on the Climate Action Plan, virtually or in-person. As a reminder, the Climate Council is hosting a round of listening sessions throughout the month of April to hear from Vermonters on the priority recommendations they would like to see in an updated Climate Action Plan. It’s crucial that you make your voice heard! If you haven’t yet signed up for an event near you, please do so here.
- Lastly, Vermonters from all walks of life are seeking ways to get involved and make a difference while the federal government does everything in its power to attack our fundamental rights. If you’re looking to lift your voice in these troubling times, plan to attend an event near you on Saturday, April 5th (tomorrow!) to demand that this administration keep its “Hands Off” our basic freedoms, and stop their illegal billionaire power grab.
These are very uncertain and difficult times. But Vermonters have a way of showing up for each other – and speaking up for issues that are imperative for healthy communities, families and the planet. We hope you will lean into these and other important efforts – and to your community – and stay strong, focused and healthy. We know, to change everything, we need everyone.
Thank you for ALL you do!
Johanna Miller & Dan Fingas
Vermont Natural Resources Council
Vermont Conservation Voters