by Matt Cota, Vermont Fuel Dealers
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. Go to vermontfuel.com/gwsa for more information about the Climate Council and the Global Warming Solutions Act.
Banned in Burlington
The Burlington City Council voted 10-2 on Monday for a charter change resolution concerning the regulation of heating equipment. The vote is the first step in the effort to ban oil and gas heat in all new buildings in Vermont’s largest city. The City Council is also considering a carbon tax on existing boilers and furnaces that depend on gas and oil to keep residents of Burlington warm. Check out the news coverage on WCAX-TV and WPTZ-TV featuring interviews with VFDA Executive Director Matt Cota. Go to vermontfuel.com/burnerban to learn more about this proposal.
Price Report
All fuel prices in Vermont are down in December as compared to this time last year, according to the Vermont Public Service Department. The average price of heating oil in Vermont is down 22%. Propane is down 3%, gasoline 19%, and diesel and kerosene are both 17% less today than 12 months ago. Go to tinyurl.com/pricereportvt for details.
How cold is it?
2268 heating degree days have been recorded outside VFDA’s office since July 1. That’s 8 less than normal and 12% less than last year.
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News of Note
Governor Scott has extended the COVID-19 State of Emergency until January 15, 2021. All previous addendums to the State of Emergency remain in place, including a temporary suspension of social gatherings and the cross-state travel map.
Recent poll shows a majority of voters are strongly against the Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI) due to the negative impact on essential workers.
Dartmouth College drops plans for wood chip heating, pivots toward cleaner oil.