By Michael Bielawski
A Vermont Climate Council member told lawmakers Thursday that the State of Vermont wouldn’t have received federal ‘Build Back Better’ infrastructure/jobs funding unless it first developed a carbon emissions reduction agenda.
“As you know well, the carbon reduction strategy was required by the federal government’s Infrastructure and Jobs Act for the $32 million that came into the state coffers,” said Johanna Miller, the VNRC Climate Program Director and Vermont Climate Council member to the House Transportation Committee.
$50 billion in fed funds nationwide
Miller was updating House Transportation on Vermont’s carbon-reducing efforts, which she said are not on target.
She also explained that having huge amounts of federal money incentivizing the climate agenda is not unique to Vermont.
“Every state had to create a carbon reduction plan,” she said.
The money comes from Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Act, an infrastructure bill that contains billions in money for carbon-reducing projects.
According to a CNBC report, “The infrastructure bill designates $50 billion for climate resilience and weatherization, as more frequent and severe droughts, heat waves, floods, and wildfires ravage the country.”
Vermont not meeting its reduction goals
Miller continued to cover all the actions that it’s going to take if Vermont is to meet its carbon reduction goals. She mentioned that getting Vermonters to embrace electric vehicles will require some nudging.
Miller said, “The really important thing to be aware of is that we help Vermonters electrify to get where they need to go and access cleaner electric vehicles and build out the electric vehicle charging network, it really might require incentives and infrastructure to ensure that we are creating the framework for Vermonters to actually purchase those vehicles.”
She noted that on the manufacturing side, the car industry is already being pushed to comply with these goals.
“It’s great that we are obligating manufacturers to deliver vehicles but we also are probably going to have to play a partnership role with ensuring that those vehicles actually get purchased and put on the road and are replacing internal combustion engines,” Miller said.
She explained that without further action, the current expectations are that the state is on course to fall short of its reduction targets.
“Carbon reduction strategy as you’ve heard and as you know, the modeling in the carbon reduction strategy showed a gap between projected business as usual [and the expected carbon emissions] and the emission reductions required for 2030 and 2050,” she said.
‘Clean Transportation Standard’ on the horizon?
Miller noted a “cap and invest and/or Clean Transportation Standard” are going to be the key strategies to reduce reductions. That would mean limiting emissions and investing funds into non-carbon alternatives.
The controversial “Clean Heat Standard” in Vermont which eventually passed as a similar bill passed in 2023 named the “Affordable Heat Act” is an incremental carbon tax on home heating fuels intended to subsidize the adoption of higher cost non-carbon heating methods such as electric heat pumps.
She added, “We’re not on track to meet 2030 and 2050 [goals].”
Says recent weather justifies policy
Miller cited recent weather events as evidence that action must be taken.
“There’s a reason why we’re doing this,” she said. “We’re on the heels of some of the most devastating climate exasperated disasters and as like a Montpelier resident you know the cost of that coming home to our city is real.”
She continued to predict climate catastrophe if actions are not taken.
She said, “As I say to my kid all the time ‘we’ve got to plug the hole in the boat, that means you’ve got to continue focusing on reducing pollution, doing our part, everyone has to do our part in this nation and across the globe to cut pollution and the science could not be more urgent.”
Not all scientists agree, in 2022 1,200 signed a letter stating that there is “no climate emergency.”
The letter states, “Climate science should be less political, while climate policies should be more scientific. Scientists should openly address uncertainties and exaggerations in their predictions of global warming, while politicians should dispassionately count the real costs as well as the imagined benefits of their policy measures.”
The author is a reporter for the Vermont Daily Chronicle
Categories: Energy, Legislation
Miller must not be aware of climate engineering or the existence of scientists who have good reason to disagree with the current climate propaganda. Remember the scientists and doctors who were silenced because they told the truth about the covid 19 virus and the weaponized covid transfections? They’ve been vindicated. Fauci’s propaganda was all based on lies.
If you want an EV go ahead and buy one, but we are a free people and Liberty means having the right to choose between an EV or one powered by an internal combustion engine; or owning a gas stove, or an Edison light bulb, or heating with fossil fuels. Automakers are seeing the light and reducing production of EV’s.
Build Back Better money was a federal bribe. “Requiring incentives” translated into English, means forced to purchase something you don’t want and can’t afford. Admit it, the “Clean Heat Standard” is a ruse to move more wealth and control to the top 1%. Wake up folks, don’t fall for climate lies unless you want to be reduced to 3rd world status.
I agree wholeheartedly. Just wondering if Ukrain. Isreal and others have submit a carbon reduction plan before cashing the billion dollar checks we keep sending. People in Vt that lost their homes, their personal belongings and their vehicles in the flood were offered a whopping $16,000.00 after hours of paperwork that most could not figure out how to complete. It is past time to start taking care of our own.
We really need to frame this correctly.
Marxist agenda hidden under climate concerns.
This is a more accurate heading, don’t let them control the narrative, they could care less about the climate, they only want power and money, their actions prove it.
Exactly! This is a matter of government overreach: violation of powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution, violation of the Constitution of the State of Vermont, violation of oaths of office.
This woman wears too hats/ She’s a lobbyist working with the VNRC AND she works for the state.
She does NOT work for the people and she is NOT elected, but she has immense power….
This is what is wrong with our state.
lets see /// the bribe starts at the federal level///down to the state level/// down to the town or city level/// so you mean every one is a crook/// sounds like a r. i. c. o. mafia operation
Re: “It’s great that we are obligating manufacturers to deliver vehicles but we also are probably going to have to play a partnership role with ensuring that those vehicles actually get purchased and put on the road and are replacing internal combustion engines,”
A partnership role?? Is Ms. Miller subscribing to kickbacks from the manufacturers to legislators? Because a ‘partnership’ implies a voluntary exchange.
Otherwise, this centralization of authority under stringent governmental control, and suppression of the opposition based on the ill-informed propaganda that current and projected CO2 levels are an existential threat to humanity, or the planet for that matter, is the definition of fascism.
Public – Private Partnerships… WEF mainstay tool to introduce communism.
“There’s a reason why we’re doing this,” she said. “We’re on the heels of some of the most devastating climate exasperated disasters and as like a Montpelier resident you know the cost of that coming home to our city is real.”
She continued to predict climate catastrophe if actions are not taken.…
The leftist gaslighting prostitutes always use fear to promote the agenda that they cannot sell through bribes alone.
The lady must be removed.
This fact about the LACK of CO2 is all that is necessary to sink the climate change hoax.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/article/climate-scientists-say-we-should-embrace-higher-co2-levels-5551562
So sick of these climate clowns! If they weren’t intentionally modifying the weather why would NH try to pass this bill? https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/pdf.aspx?id=23323&q=billVersion&fbclid=IwAR2Ljokkteicdne2vWeaIWK5VTObUdyiTJHrWsIG6KJScM2mXVtcD1w7Wnk
Absolutely correct. I don’t think any of the climate idiots realize that no CO2 means no life of any kind. I’ve also seen that the weather controls are being used to reduce the population. We have a bunch of absolutely criminal activity going on.
Seems they didn’t get the memos….. I DISTINCTLY remember reading, in just the last few weeks, that a major car rental company is dumping 20k EVs. I also read that there were people stranded in the NORMAL very cold weather in their area as their EVs wouldn’t charge, the charging stations wouldn’t work and even if they did range is reduced by 30% in cold weather. All those forcing these on us, you go first!! Oh and you’re not allowed to hang around cities…drive out amongst the people….see how far you get.
“ Miller continued to cover all the actions that it’s going to take if Vermont is to meet its carbon reduction goals. She mentioned that getting Vermonters to embrace electric vehicles will require some nudging.”
Like, when the climate in Vermont stays above freezing. Chicago EV failures show why.
Gonna take some “nudging” to get these jerks of our backs….
“off”
Going to take a lot more than “nudging” to get these jerks off our backs…
This is Federal government overreach. The federal government was established as a contract between the States for common defense and to establish ambassadorship (POTUS) with another nations. Federal government was CREATED by the State; federal government would not be in existence if it were not for the States agreeing to the contract – it therefore cannot have power over the States. Instead of locking horns on the climate issue, we need to start calling out our State and U.S. legislators and our governor for violating their oaths of office by violating their powers outside of the consent of the governed, and violating our civil rights as outlined in both the U.S. and State Constitutions. And I feel sorry for Miller’s kid being indoctrinated into the climate boogey-man scare.
There are a number of problems to be discussed in this article but I want to focus on just one of them.
The federal government should not be in any way shape or form strong arming the states into their policy with money. This happens all the time with the highway programs and the childrens programs. VT is so small it doesn’t have a choice but to take that money. There’s at least two problems with this though. It’s against the politician’s oath to serve anyone other than the Vermonters, and we literally put them in this position to stop that from happening.
From our Constitution:
§ 16. [Representatives’ oaths]
The Representatives having met, and chosen their Speaker and Clerk, shall each of them, before they proceed to business, take and subscribe, as well the oath or affirmation of allegiance hereinafter directed (except where they shall produce certificates of their having theretofore taken and subscribed the same) as the following oath or affirmation:
You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that as a member of this Assembly, you will not propose, or assent to, any bill, vote or resolution, which shall appear to you injurious to the people, nor do nor consent to any act or thing whatever, that shall have a tendency to lessen or abridge their rights and privileges, as declared by the Constitution of this State; but will, in all things, conduct yourself as a faithful, honest Representative and guardian of the people, according to the best of your judgment and ability. (In case of an oath) So help you God. (Or in case of an affirmation) Under the pains and penalties of perjury.
§ 17. [Oath of Senators and Representatives]
The Representatives having met on the day appointed by law for the commencement of a biennial session of the General Assembly, and chosen their Speaker, and the Senators having met, shall, before they proceed to business, take and subscribe the following oath, in addition to the oath prescribed in the foregoing section:
You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you did not at the time of your election to this body, and that you do not now, hold any office of profit or trust under the authority of Congress. So help you God. (Or in the case of an affirmation) Under the pains and penalties of perjury.
The words “office of profit or trust under the authority of Congress” shall be construed to mean any office created directly or indirectly by Congress, and for which emolument is provided from the Treasury of the United States, other than that of a member of the commissioned or enlisted personnel in the reserve components of the armed forces of the United States while not on extended active duty.
Bullseye, Brian! Exactly on target!
Exactly, Brian! In addition, Chapter 2, Section 7 Vermont State Constitution, the General Assembly is required to meet biennially on odd-numbered years. Every time they meet on even-numbered years, they are in an Adjourned Session not required under the Constitution. The more frequently they meet, and the longer the legislative session, the more they violate our rights:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/assets/All-House-Documents/Vermont-Legislative-Process.pdf
https://vermonthistory.org/journal/misc/LittleRepublics_v53.pdf
In addition, “biennial sessions” are every other odd-numbered year, Chapter 1, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Vermont. The 2024 legislative session is an Adjourned Session, meaning they decided to meet but it is not required according to the State Constitution. The longer they are in there, the more our rights are usurped by unconstitutional legislation; second paragraph from the bottom on page 1: https://legislature.vermont.gov/assets/All-House-Documents/Vermont-Legislative-Process.pdf
Vermont would benefit from a much shorter session.
Most of us would certainly agree with the dereliction of legislative oaths. However beyond a minority of Vermont residents and voters, the majority is either happy with or complacent about Vermont’s legislative diktats. These oaths were created for godly people- (Section 9 of Vermont’s original 1777 constitution is quite differently worded from our contemporary version.) I suspect that a majority of current legislators feel differently about a higher power and feel free to disregard the oath/affirmation to suit their personal and donor needs.
Additionally, whom might enforce the disregard for the oath? Not any law-enforcement agency, nor Vermont’s judiciary. Vermont’s AG, charity clark is quite happy with the status quo. So it then becomes the Vermont voter to rectify this situation- as instructed in Chapter 1 Article 18 of our constitution.
Vermont’s biggest most pressing issue remains the complacent voter and Vermont’s apathetic voter. Those that say “It doesn’t matter- or “my vote doesn’t count” are exactly whom need to get to the polls in March and November.
I agree, Frank. Unfortunately too many are protesting the system by not voting and not participating. There are many cases regarding the violations of our civil rights nation-wide making their way through the courts, and many victories have been won. Whether we have a method of impeachment at the State level – I have not yet thoroughly investigated whether this exists, but I suspect we do not. Making claims against their surety bonds would be a worthwhile effort. The fact that legislators might feel differently about God is their problem. God is still God no matter their opinion, as they will be sure to find out.
Frank you got me I was lazy and knew I should have looked up the previous one…
Notice it says Protestant religion.
Here is the original just to help others:
SECTION IX.
A quorum of the house of representatives shall consist of two thirds of the whole number of members elected; and having met, and chosen their speaker and clerk, shall, each of them, before they proceed to business, take and subscribe, as well the oath of fidelity and allegiance hereinafter directed, as the following oath or affirmation, viz:
I ______________ do solemnly swear, by the ever living God (or I do solemnly affirm in the presence of Almighty God), that as a member of this Assembly, I will not propose, or assent to any bill, vote or resolution, which shall appear to me injurious to the people; nor do or consent to any act or thing whatever, that shall have a tendency to lessen or abridge their rights and privileges, as declared in the Constitution of this State; but will in all things, conduct myself as a faithful, honest representative and guardian of the people, according to the best of my judgment and abilities.
And each member, before he takes his seat, shall make and subscribe the following declaration, viz:
I do believe in one God, the Creator and Governor of the universe, the rewarder of the good and punisher of the wicked. And I do acknowledge the scriptures of the old and new testament to be given by divine inspiration, and own and profess the Protestant religion.
And no further or other religious test shall ever, hereafter, be required of any civil officer or magistrate in this State.
Beware of DC operatives bearing fistfuls of your overprinted tax dollars trailing woke strings from Montpeculiar to Washington.
MILLER, YOU CAN NUDGE A PUPPY TO GO TO THE BATHROOM BUT YOU CANNOT NUDGE PEOPLE TO BUY A PRODUCT THEY DISLIKE. THAT IS INSANE .FOR YOU TO OBLIGATE CAR DEALERS TO TO DELIVER EVS, THAT IS TOTALITARIANISM .
And…Vermont has become a totalitarian state. Like the proverbial boiling of frogs, the majority of Vermont voters have allowed themselves and us to be placed into this dilemma. Socialism, Democratic Socialism ( bernie’s idea)and Totalitarianism are but labels for political systems on the way to fascism and communism. Vermont is not too far away from a fascist state now, with the addition of a P/D governor and the current P/D super-majority, Vermonts government fits the dictionary definition of fascism, which for those that may disbelieve me is:
1)A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, a capitalist economy subject to stringent governmental controls, violent suppression of the opposition, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.
2)A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.
3)Oppressive, dictatorial control.
Vermont under the current D/P super-majority legislature’s rule meets these definitions, excluding violence, currently.
You will drive when, where and how we tell you- at the price we dictate
You will use hydro-carbons when, how and where we tell you- at the price we dictate.
Two things: When Trump is elected he will stop all this nonsense and restore common sense and logic. All of the comments on this article is AGAINST what the government is trying to make us accept; this is not okay in America.
Fire Johanna Miller immediately and dissolve the VNRC Climate Program with her. Why are we allowing the bureaucrats to hold us hostage?
We have more trees in the state of Vermont than we’ve had in the last 60 years taking care of our so-called carbon footprint.
no comment
Thanks to the technocrats i went pre-emission diesel and burn an extra cord or two of wood to keep my house 75+ degrees 🙂….carbon bootprint!
Just wondering if the Ukraine and other countries we send billions of dollars to need to file a carbon reduction plan. It’s about time we started helping our own. People in Vt that lost their life savings, Home and means of transportation in a flood were offered a whopping $16,000.00 in retribution by FEMA
Sec. 1. PURPOSE
This proposal would amend the Constitution of the State of Vermont to
clarify that slavery and indentured servitude in any form are prohibited.
Sec. 2. Article 1
That all persons are born equally free and independent, and have certain
natural, inherent, and unalienable rights, amongst which are the enjoying and
defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and
pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety; therefore
slavery and indentured servitude in any form are prohibited.
If anyone followed the shenanigans over in Davos last week, the Vermont Legislature received their marching orders to accelerate the climate scam post haste! Seeing George Soros malfunction on live TV is only the start of their pending destruction. They are losing control. They are desperate. They are in a flipping panic. The Times Argus posted a photo of a hybrid EV being jump started on the street because the battery died in the cold. A bunch of EV buses in another State are sitting dead in the lot because they don’t run in the cold. German farmers and others from other EU countries are fighting back and not backing down. It’s all falling apart – Hallelujah!
Vermont Republicans voted for these policies by having unelectable candidates, pathetic messaging, and ignoring the majority of Vermont voters.
Remember, stand for something or stand for nothing.
Now you’re on your knees at the mercy of the people you helped elect.
vermont needs to stop borrowing money/// stop the slavery///