For several years now, Governor Douglas has talked about reducing Vermont’s carbon footprint. But when it has come time for action, he is nowhere to be found. The legislature recently passed H.520, a first of its kind comprehensive package of solutions to address Vermont’s contribution to global warming. The bill is strongly supported by more than just the environmental community because it turns out that global warming solutions are good for the economy. The bill is estimated to save Vermont households $400 a year while also creating new good paying jobs in the energy efficiency sector. States like Texas who have implemented similar measures have seen green technology businesses move-in, bringing jobs in both manufacturing, research, and the trades. The Governor vetoed H. 520 and squandered a great opportunity to put real money back into the pockets of Vermonters and significantly reduce our contribution to global warming. There is a disconnect between what Douglas says he supports and how he acts. What should have been an easy political victory for Douglas with both working Vermonters and environmentalists has been turned into one of the most polarizing debates of the year as the Governor demonstrates his lack of commitment to environmental leadership. The Governor’s recent trip to China, touted as “Vermont’s best opportunity to impact global environmental challenges,” only included two Vermont businesses when a typical trade mission should include at least twelve. Some of the states leading environmental firms weren’t even invited to attend. How does Douglas expect Vermont to continue to be an environmental leader when he vetoes Vermont solutions and then is incapable of bringing interested parties to the table for international solutions? What’s worse, when informed that a new study shows Vermont as top in the nation when it comes to addressing energy issues, the governor used that as an excuse to do nothing. Meanwhile, other states will quickly surpass Vermont as leading the nation in addressing our energy challenges. Talking about an issue, even if you do it a lot, is not going to solve the larger problem. The governor waited to deliver his energy plan until more than two weeks after the legislature left Montpelier. Even high school students can’t get away with turning in their assignments two weeks late—why should the governor? And the proposal the governor came up with is like a maple creemee without the maple or the milk: there’s nothing to it. The Douglas plan puts report writing in place of real solutions. It asks Vermonters to tack on debt in order to save money on fuel costs. It virtually ignores developing renewable energy thereby forcing Vermonters to have fewer choices about where their power will come from. The legislature made a commitment to Vermonters that we are serious about creating solutions to climate change. Some of the bills strongest opponents will support H.520 if the most controversial portion of the bill, the part that equalizes Yankee Nuclear’s property taxes with wind generation, is removed. Even under this scenario, the Governor has said that he still will not support the core climate change bill. The rejection of this proposal shows a lack of seriousness about the underlying issue of climate change and economic opportunity on the part of the governor. Most Vermonters understand that the cost we pay for our fuel is too high for both our pocketbooks and for the environment. The entire package of climate change solutions is necessary if we are to be truthful in demonstrating to Vermonters that we are serious about saving them money, creating good jobs, reducing our carbon footprint, and preparing for a more secure energy future for the state. This is the real Vermont way forward. |
My Turn:Governor's Talk Not Equal to Energy
Efficiency-Policy by Rep. Rachel Weston
from the Burlington Free Press, July 8th, 2007
Efficiency-Policy by Rep. Rachel Weston
from the Burlington Free Press, July 8th, 2007
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| A Fresh Perspective for State Government |
| State Representative Rachel Weston |
| This website is paid for by Friends of Rachel, 78 1/2 Pitkin Street, Burlington, VT 05401 John Patrick Tracy, Treasurer |