Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) April 6 proposed more than $200 million in state-federal climate change mitigation spending.
The governor’s climate economy proposals include $25 million to expand Vermont’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure; $21 million for weatherization and energy efficiency; $29 million to support investments in community resilience and make it possible for more Vermonters to replace fossil-fuel based heating and cooling systems with all-electric or modern wood systems over the next four years. An additional $100 million will support the implementation of the climate action plan under development by Vermont’s Climate Council.
In response to Scott’s proposal, Olivia Campbell Andersen, executive director of renewable energy trade group Renewable Energy Vermont, said there are benefits the governor’s plan offers to Vermonters.
“Every Vermonter and every Vermont community, particularly those with the highest energy burdens, should be empowered to generate and store their own power,” Campbell Anderson said. “The governor’s proposal to accelerate renewable heating, electric vehicles, resilient energy storage, weatherization, and broadband access will save Vermonters money, make their homes healthier and more comfortable, and cut climate pollution.”
Republished from yesterday’s Sun Community News.