Welcome back to the Climate Dispatch! As we head into the crossover in the next week, the period where all of the bills from each chamber are assigned to the opposite chamber, there are many important issues on the docket – and little time. 

To turn up the temperature and build the momentum needed for sustained climate action, about 100 young Vermonters involved with the Youth Lobby showed up at the State House yesterday to call for a transition away from fossil fuels. Amid growing escalations in Iran, oil prices are skyrocketing, and Vermonters are already paying more to stay warm and get where they need to go. As price-volatile fossil fuels continue to take a toll on our communities and our environment, it’s critical that we continue Vermont’s pursuit of an independent, renewable energy system. 

In today’s Dispatch, we’re happy to be joined by Julia, Jane, and Harmony, three youth climate leaders from Harwood Union High School in Moretown. These students explain what brings them to this movement, and why it’s so important that Vermont makes the switch to renewables, tracks pollution from all energy sources accurately, and considers the high costs that young people and future generations will pay for climate inaction. 

Watch today’s episode on Instagram here!

Call to Action

H.740, the greenhouse gas emissions reporting program, is expected to be voted on in the House as early as next week. And the House Appropriations Committee began deliberating about the essential funding to support it. Even if you have already, please make sure to call your representative to urge them to support a greenhouse gas reporting program and the accompanying $500,000 appropriation that’s required to get the data we need for good planning, program design, and future policies. 

With thanks for all you do,
Johanna Miller and Dan Fingas

PS: While youth leaders gathered in the State House yesterday asking lawmakers to help safeguard their future, simultaneously in South Burlington a disturbing event was occurring with ICE agents showing up and sparking an hours-long confrontation between agents and peaceful protestors, and ultimately raiding a home and arresting three people. VNRC and VCV are continuing to learn more about these events, and condemn federal law enforcement actions that attempt to rip our communities apart.