Switching from fossil fuels to heat, drive, ride and mow will continue to save $$ for rebate-using GMP ratepayers in 2022.
Burlington voters nix street repair bond, OK $20 mil for carbon reduction
Burlington voters embraced spending $20 million to reach ‘net zero’ carbon. But they rejected a bond for twice that amount to repair the city’s streets, bridges and water systems.
Rolling blackouts warned as ‘last resort’ during cold snap
Thanks to pandemic supply chain problems and the closure of New England fossil-fuel power plants, the region’s grid operators are warning of rolling blackouts as a ‘last resort’ during severe cold snaps.
New England states rejecting TCI – except Vermont
TCI DOA? Every New England state is getting cold feet about a regional transportation carbon tax – except Vermont, where the Climate Council is expected to endorse the TCI.
NE states’ carbon reduction will require equivalent of four new VT Yankee plants
Meeting expected ‘peak power’ wintertime demands will require 2.2 billion watts of new generation capacity in New England, the region’s grid operator said.
Pandemic relief $$ to weatherize 550 homes
$7.9 million of fed $$ will help the Scott administration weatherize 60% more homes.
Will Vermont follow California and ban gas-powered leafblowers and chainsaws?
Last Friday, California Gov. Newsom announced a ban on new gas-powered leafblowers and chainsaws. Will Vermont follow suit? Burlington has already banned seasonal use of gas-powered leafblowers.
Scenes from the East Charlotte Tractor Parade
Will events like the East Charlotte Tractor Parade held this past weekend be targeted by the Vermont Climate Council for carbon emissions reduction?
$60 mil climate, infrastructure bonds head to Burlington voters
Burlington’s mayor and the City Council want voters to approve $60 million in new borrowing to fix the streets, rehab Memorial Auditorium, and save the climate.
UVM Power Prof joins with DOE research center
UVM renewable power systems scientist joins with DOE research center.
AG Donovan sues fossil fuel energy companies
Vermont is suing Big Oil for saying it’s to solve climate change.
SunCommon sold for $40 million
SunCommon, the solar company founded and still operated by VPIRG leaders James Moore and Duane Peterson, has been sold for a cool $40 million.
VW settlement pays for all-electric bucket truck
Thanks to money garnered by the State of Vermont from a multi-state settlement with Volkswagen over falsified emissions statements, the state’s largest utility has purchased an all-electric power line maintenance bucket truck.
Endangered Species Act foils e-car manufacturing
A rare plant could become the spotted owl or snail darter to bedevil the electric car industry.
Welch bill requires 70% renewable power nationwide
A bill introduced by Rep. Peter Welch would require 70% renewable power from U.S. electricity generators by 2030.
Sanders, Omar bill ends fossil fuel subsidies
Ahead of today’s Senate Budget Committee hearing on “The Cost of Inaction on Climate Change,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) introduced the End Polluter Welfare Act to close tax loopholes and eliminate federal subsidies for the oil, gas, and coal industries.
Guv pledges $200 mil for carbon reduction
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) April 6 proposed more than $200 million in state-federal climate change mitigation spending.
AG Donovan doesn’t join Keystone pipeline suit
Not surprisingly, Vermont is not among the 21 states suing Pres. Joe Biden in federal court for cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline project.
GMP buys Connecticut River hydro power
Colchester-based Green Mountain Power (GMP) announced on March 4 a power purchase agreement with Great River Hydro, based in New Hampshire, to provide power for customers.
“Own it and come out swinging” on new carbon tax, senator suggests
The proposed “Enhanced Energy Savings Act” is a carbon tax, and maybe the Senate should “own it and come out swinging,” one senator told his fellow Natural Resources and Energy Committee members yesterday.
GMP to launch 50 home, blackout-proof microgrid
Green Mountain Power will break ground this spring on a cutting-edge utility microgrid in Panton, pioneering a new way to keep the power on for residents, farms and municipal buildings in the town center during power outages, the state’s largest utility said this week.
As goes Texas blackout, so almost went New England
Three winters ago, New England narrowly avoided a regional power blackout such as struck Texas this week. What happened here three years ago and what is happening in Texas is strikingly similar.
As the screw turns: “Break their will” climate czar resigns
A high-ranking Massachusetts climate change official has resigned after he was caught on a January 25 video advising the Vermont Climate Council it must ‘turn the screws” on elderly fixed-income citizens and “break their will” in order to meet climate change mandates.
Massachusetts climate czar tells VT climate leaders to “turn the screws on” and “break their will”
At the January 25 Vermont Climate Council meeting, members can be seen nodding their heads in apparent agreement as the Massachusetts climate czar tells them his plans to “turn the screws” on ordinary people, including senior citizens on fixed incomes, and “break their will.”
$78 million in new taxes to pay for carbon reduction proposed
The State of Vermont should tax fossil fuels to fund carbon reduction programs required by carbon reduction mandates, a Jan. 15 report by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) recommends. Estimated annual revenue from three proposed revenue sources would total $78 million.
Bill would make public transportation free, require electric buses
A bill introduced this week into the Vermont House would reduce transportation carbon emissions by expanding public transportation, incentivize electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, and require some employers to take steps to reduce internal-combustion commuting.
Conflict of interest, white supremacy concerns plague Vermont Climate Council
The Vermont Climate Council has met just three times, but already concerns have surfaced about white supremacy and conflict of interest.
As heat, transportation go electric, grid reliability matters even more
A reliable grid will be even more important in the future. If we stop using fossil fuels, electricity won’t just control our heating systems, electricity will be our heating system. Almost all of us will use heat pumps. (The entire United States cannot heat itself by burning wood, though some fraction of the population can use wood products for home heating.)
“Fuel sector” Climate Council rep has strong ties with renewable power industry
by Guy Page The Vermont Speaker of the House has selected the general manager of one of the most pro-renewable power members of the Vermont fuel oil industry to serve on the […]
House Speaker drags feet on fuel industry appointment to Climate Council
The Vermont Climate Council will meet Monday. Despite receiving multiple nominations and applications, the Speaker of the House has not filled the vacant “Fuel Sector” position as called for in the Global Warming Solutions Act.
Burlington voters to decide on oil, gas heat ban
The Burlington City Council voted 10-2 Monday evening for a charter change resolution that may result in a ban of oil and gas heat. Voters in Burlington will decide on March 2, 2021 whether to approve the charter change. If they do, the Legislature will be asked to sign off on the proposal.
Vehicle-to-grid innovation from GMP allows a car to be energy source
This innovative work shows how electric vehicles (EVs) and the clean energy they store can become a reliable source of power to reduce peak demands which will in turn save money and reduce carbon.
Split the Ticket Fund delivers holiday warmth
Many Vermonters in need will receive a surprise gift of warmth this winter thanks to the Split the Ticket Fund. While thousands of Vermont families receive fuel assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, there are many Vermonters that don’t qualify but still need help. These families can receive donations of heating oil, propane, or kerosene from the Split the Ticket Fund, a Vermont based 501c3 non-profit organization.
Burlington, towns consider ban on new oil, gas furnaces
The ordinance committee in Vermont’s largest city met last night to discuss whether or not they can ban new fossil fuel infrastructure.
The Vermont Fuel Dealers Association has hired an attorney to investigate whether a Vermont municipality can legally ban oil and gas burners or enact a fee that would make it prohibitively expensive to install one. According to this memo from the city of Burlington, under the draft ordinance a new hotel that wants to heat with gas would have to pay an estimated $200,000 for a permit.
As mercury drops, State offers options to red-tagged property owners
The State of Vermont will work with the 1,625 Vermont property owners with “red-tagged” fuel tanks – those requiring repair or replacement before fuel can be delivered – to ensure they do […]
Climate council appointed; action plan due Dec. 1, 2021
Meeting 26% 2025 reduction goal would mean 130,000 fewer gasoline-powered cars on road, 50,000 fewer homes heated by oil, fuel dealers exec says By Matt Cota, Executive Director, Vermont Fuel Dealers October […]
Green New Deal would hammer U.S. environment
The economic cost of the Green New Deal is well understood. But what about the environmental costs? by Paul Driessen Some 90% of all US wells are now hydraulically fractured. Fracked wells […]
GUV: Temporary fuel tanks may go to “red-tagged” homeowners
By Guy Page October 23, 2020 – Gov. Phil Scott said the State of Vermont may provide temporary fuel storage to homeowners prohibited from receiving heating fuel deliveries due to uninspected or […]
From the “You can’t make this stuff up” Dept.:
Climate-minded City of Burlington pushing electric heat – but it’s main source of electricity is largest C02 emitter in Vermont Received today from Matt Cota of the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association: The […]
governors suggest carbon pricing for New England grid electricity
“Vision Statement” recommends study of electricity carbon pricing in New England By Guy Page October 19, 2020 – An organization representing the New England states wants the regional power transmission grid to […]
Heating fuel deliveries forbidden to ‘red tagged’ homeowners
Inspection deadline extension no help for homeowners already ‘red tagged’ by Guy Page October 19, 2020 – Friday’s Vermont Daily report about hundreds of Vermonters forbidden by state law from receiving heating […]
As winter approaches, heating fuel denied hundreds of ‘red tagged’ homeowners
By Guy Page As late-October cold weather moves in, hundreds of Vermont home and property owners are forbidden to fill up their heating fuel tanks. These property owners have been “red-tagged,” or […]
Analysis: Renewable power carbon tax looms in guvs’ “decarbonization” request
Scott, four other NE governors request “decarbonized” power grid yesterday, seven months after regional grid prez seeks consensus for carbon pricing By Guy Page October 15, 2020 – Yesterday, five of six […]
“Green Ed” licensing law ties building professionals into state energy goals
Electricians, plumbers, etc. must take course in state energy goals to earn, renew licenses by Guy Page October 13, 2020 – The State of Vermont has two separate “90% by 2050” energy […]
Burlington mayor proposes big carbon fee on new oil, gas heat
Estimated to add $7000 over 10 years for new construction By Guy Page October 7, 2020 – The City of Burlington is moving aggressively to make fossil-fuel heat prohibitively expensive to install […]
UPDATE: GWSA opens back door to carbon tax, Johnson opponents charge; Speaker responds
By Guy Page October 6, 2020 – Republicans in Grand Isle County bought a full page ad in the September 23-29 issue of The Islander, a local community newspaper, accusing local representative […]
Thursday deadline to apply for seat on Climate Council, Zuckerman says
Deadline applies to seven Senate slots on carbon-cutting Climate Council By Guy Page October 6, 2020 – Vermonters wishing to serve on the 23-member Vermont Climate Council have until October 8 to […]
This ain’t over, Scott signals after House overrides veto of global warming bill
But Guv praises Legislature for commercial cannabis cooperation By Guy Page September 18, 2020 – Memo to the Vermont Legislature from Gov. Phil Scott re: H.688, Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) veto […]
VT climate plan ignores the Power of Trees
The role played by trees in reducing CO2 has up until now been virtually ignored by Tom Evslin Trees soak up carbon dioxide from the air and turn it into wood, forest […]
GOP House members back Scott’s opposition to ‘Global warming solutions Act’
(Editor’s note: earlier this month Gov. Phil Scott repeated that he would not support H688, the Global Warming Solutions Act, if it allows the State to be sued for failing to meet […]
Ashe, Johnson commit to funding, passing Global Warming Solutions Act
Scott opposes H688 provision allowing groups to sue State for missing carbon reduction goals by Guy Page August 7, 2020 – Expect the Vermont Senate to fully fund the Global Warming Solutions […]
Rally to SUPPORT police planned; UVM to continue fossil fuel heat; self-serve coffee returns!
Vermont Daily is on vacation today, sipping a well-earned cold beverage at Maine’s Wells Beach. We’ll return tomorrow. A rally to support Vermont law enforcement will be held Saturday, July 25, 11 […]
Fossil fuel divestment, truck/bus carbon pledge, GWSA loom on Vermont energy cost horizon
by Guy Page July 15, 2020 – Yesterday, UVM trustees agreed to divest its endowment portfolio of fossil fuels. Yesterday, Governor Phil Scott committed Vermont to zero carbon-emissions buses and trucks by […]
Global Warming Solutions Act passes Senate, but without $1 million budget
House gives itself new pay raise; pro-lifers, others suggest new ‘legal’ graffiti messaging By Guy Page June 26, 2020 – This paragraph reprinted from today’s The Fuel Line, VT Fuel Dealers’ Association: […]
Senate returns to climate change legislation today
By Guy Page May 14, 2020 – Today, for the first time since adjourning in March in the early days of the pandemic, the Vermont Senate will consider a slate of non-pandemic […]
Public transit drivers, ridership down due to covid-19
34 public transit drivers out, three test positive; ridership down 75%; Burlington riders less likely to wear masks By Guy Page April 16, 2020 – The House Transportation Committee Wednesday discussed several […]
No virus problems for VT internet, power grid
Vermont power grid, internet connectivity and IT strong – but weaknesses are exposed By Guy Page April 2, 2020 – Despite unprecedented internet use, Vermont’s connectivity remains stable. The state’s power grid […]
senate may soon meet, vote remotely
PHOTO: screenshot from Senate Pro Tem Tim Ashe Sunday night Facebook message. Senate to vote Tuesday on meeting and voting remotely, expanding unemployment insurance and telemedicine, extending DMV renewal deadline By Guy […]
Vermont Climate Solutions Caucus leaders discuss Covid-19 pandemic impact on climate change legislation
Many Vermont Daily readers have been asking how the pandemic has impacted Vermont climate change legislation. The short answer is that I have asked that question of at least one climate change-leading […]
Lawmakers to consider sales tax on candy; Burlington mayor, legislator feud over idling enforcement
By Guy Page March 11, 2020 – The House Ways & Means Committee is scheduled to discuss a sales tax on candy tomorrow morning, according to its weekly agenda. According to a […]
House committee wants employers to reduce single-person ‘pleasure car’ commutes by employees
By Guy Page March 9, 2020 – The Vermont House Transportation Committee is shelving – for now – a plan to require Vermont employers to participate in “the statewide reduction in single-occupancy […]
VIDEO: Forester Ed Larson describes how Vermont forests sequester carbon and employ 18,000 people
by Guy Page Feb. 27, 2020 – Ed Larson, professional forester and lobbyist for the Vermont Forest Productions Association, describes in this Vermont Daily Chronicle video about the powerful economic impact and […]
The day GWSA stood for “God Wants Solar Arrays”
by Guy Page February 21, 2020 – Yesterday the Vermont House of Representatives approved H688, the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), by a seemingly veto-proof margin of 105-37. If it becomes law, […]
100% renewable power would cost $1.2 billion, at least
Converting Vermont to 100% renewable electricity would cost $1.2 billion, and that’s just the beginning, power transmission officials tell Senate committee By Guy Page February 14, 2020 – For years, renewable electricity […]
Under GWSA, lawyers can sue State into carbon compliance
If Legislature passes Global Warming Solutions Act, TCI carbon tax likely will follow – without legislative approval By Guy Page February 7, 2020 – Supporters of the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) […]
Dorset Democrat runs for auditor, wants oversight of climate change regulation
by Guy Page February 4, 2020 – The Vermont State Auditor of Accounts should be empowered to pump the brakes on climate change regulation, according to a bill sponsored by Rep. Linda […]
Cutting edge energy project, free lunch on agenda of ISO-NE meeting March 12 at Woodstock Inn
The cutting edge “frozen-air” power storage facility proposed for Vermont will be one of the subjects at the ISO-New England Consumer Liaison Group luncheon at the Woodstock Inn Thursday, March 12. Chad […]
Phil Scott, the Rock
Analysis: Climate absolutists running into a rock in the governor’s office Photo caption: Gov. Phil Scott hopes emerging technology like home battery storage will help Vermont meet its carbon-reduction goals without sacrificing […]
Barre-Montpelier commuter rail upgrades would cost $97 mil, take 5-6 years
By Guy Page January 17, 2020 – Upgrading almost eight miles of railroad track between Montpelier and Barre to handle commuter rail would cost up to $97 million, VT Agency of Transportation […]
Sell carbon-eating value of Vermont trees? Proceed carefully, working group says
By Guy Page January 9, 2020 – Fight global warming by growing more trees and selling their ‘carbon sequestration’ value to climate-conscious carbon emitters? Vermont should move forward – carefully. That’s the […]
GMTA proposes free bus fare, paid for by car owners
By Guy Page Fact One: The Feebate report, funded in the 2019 House Transportation Committee’s omnibus bill and published this October, describes how the State of Vermont could charge a higher registration […]
Solar, wind-powered “frozen air” electricity generator proposed for northern VT
How does it work? Where would it be built? What will it cost us? By Guy Page December 20, 2019 – The first-in-the-nation “liquid air” power storage and generating plant announced Wednesday […]
Harvard study decries $64 billion ‘cost of the car economy’
Investing in public transportation a bargain, Kennedy School of Government reports says By Guy Page December 13, 2019 – A new report from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government […]
Former Vermont Yankee plant owner to donate historic home to Vernon
Entergy to Donate Historic Governor Hunt House to Town of Vernon Non-Profit Entergy, former owner of Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, has announced it will donate the venerable Governor Hunt building to […]
TCI will be Climate Caucus “banner bill” for 2020
While Scott administration signals openness to TCI, candidate Klar firmly opposed Upgrade for Barre-Montpelier commuter rail: $67-96 million By Guy Page December 4, 2019 – The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) will […]
Vermont war on internal combustion engine fought on many battlefields
November 20, 2019 – by Guy Page – Back in WWII, many folks on the Home Front thumbtacked a world map to the wall and used pushpins to follow the advancing American […]
Scott says solar industry ready to be weaned from price supports
Administration report says subsidies distort economy, favor wealthy, support purchase of power not in demand by consumers November 14, 2019 – by Guy Page – Gov. Phil Scott supports cutting price supports […]
Climate-friendly housing/bus stop of the future opens in Montpelier
Taylor Street affordable housing project cost $256K per unit – not including the multi-million $$ transit center downstairs November 6, 2019 – by Guy Page – A new 30-unit Montpelier rental housing […]
What’s on agenda for 2020 Vermont Legislature?
Climate change, plastic, Act 250, insanity defense, prisons, distracted driving, marijuana, State House “CEO” may see action by 2020 Legislature November 4, 2019 – by Guy Page – Vermont Legislature reconvenes Tuesday, […]
Five initiatives climate activists will push in 2020 – and what they will mean to Vermonters
October 21, 2019 – Guy Page – When the Legislature convenes in January, Vermonters can expect a full-court press to impose added costs and restrictions on many fossil fuel products and benefits. […]
VT gasoline sales 2.5X higher than estimated
By Guy Page October 11, 2019 – Today Headliners catches up on corrections, clarifications, and comments received from our growing list of readers. For example: After reading the 10/7 column and 10/8 follow-up on the proposed “stealth” […]
‘Stealth’ carbon tax details published
By Guy Page October 7, 2019 – More details have emerged about a planned “stealth” carbon tax on the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel for Vermont drivers. The Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) […]
House Transpo Chair to tour state on bike, bus, rail
By Guy PageSeptember 23, 2019 – Vermont House Transportation Chair Curt McCormack (D-Burlington) plans to bike, walk or ride public transportation to visit the homes of every member of his committee before the Legislature […]
