Two things: Do you know where 40% of Vermont’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from? (Hint: vroom vroom…) And, we want to see you—VNRC members are invited to join us at our annual meeting on Thursday the 22nd! (You can become a member today.)
Stay informed, stay connected. Two things!
Do You Know Where 40% of Vermont’s Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions Come From?
A newly released report from Energy Action Network (EAN) provides the latest in-depth analysis of where Vermont stands relative to its climate and energy commitments. The report makes clear how far we are from meeting our legal and moral obligation to act on climate, while also highlighting strategies to turn the tide. As Vermont continues the work of meeting emissions reduction requirements mandated by the Global Warming Solutions Act, our biggest challenge continues to be our transportation sector. Transportation is the single largest contributor to climate pollution in Vermont, accounting for about 40% of our state’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The report states, “Transitioning away from high-cost, price-volatile fossil fuels that are 100% imported towards lower-cost, price-stable renewable alternatives that keep more of our money local can result in a win-win-win for our climate commitments, consumer protection, and economic resilience.”
Cleaning up our transportation sector to meet Vermont’s climate requirements will mean increasing access to zero-emission vehicles and supporting alternative options to the single-occupant automobile, including expanded accessible public transportation, improved bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and innovative ridesharing and carpooling options. Fortunately, we have an opportunity to make one cleaner transportation option, electric vehicles, much more accessible thanks to new rules – Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks – that Vermont is poised to adopt this December.
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is hosting a series of public engagement events around the state. Come learn about the benefits and impacts of the rules, find information about existing programs and resources to support the transition to EVs, and importantly, participate in a discussion about what policies are needed to ensure all Vermonters can benefit from transportation options. It will be critical that all who support accessible and affordable vehicle electrification show up and show support for the adoption of these rules.
- Burlington: 9/14/22 6:00 pm Burlington Old North End Community Center
- Bellows Falls: 9/15/22 6:00 pm Bellows Falls Opera House
- Barre: 9/21/22 5:00 pm Aldrich Public Library
- Virtual: 9/23/22 12:00 pm
Read EAN’s annual report here for more information…
You’re Invited! VNRC’s Annual Meeting is Thursday Sept. 22
Please join us at 5:30 PM on September 22nd, at the Hula coworking space in Burlington, for VNRC’s Annual Meeting and presentation of the Arthur Gibb Award! Space is limited. Please register at the link below.
At the event, we will be presenting the 2022 Arthur Gibb Award for Individual Leadership to Zoe Richards, Chair of the Burlington Conservation Board and Director of Burlington Wildways, in recognition of her dedication to preserving and expanding access to Burlington’s natural resources and wild spaces. We will also conduct a quick business meeting and will vote on elections to the VNRC Board of Directors. The Spot will be serving complimentary appetizers and refreshments. A cash bar will also be provided.
This event is free to attend. A suggested donation of $20 helps to cover the cost of the event, and enters you to win a craft cutting board raffle prize from local artisan, Jerome Milks.