Krowinski takes aim at Americans for Prosperity and the Koch brothers
Editor’s note: VDC prematurely published a draft of this story earlier this morning. This news report below is the final version.
by Guy Page
A day before a state-mandated report revealed implementing the 2023 Affordable Heating Act will cost $17 billion, Vermont Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski’s ‘statement to update Vermonters on the Affordable Heat Act process’ focused on a publicity campaign conducted by an out-of-state advocacy group operated by the conservative billionaire Koch brothers.
The report, “Clean Heat Standard Potential Study,” was commissioned by the State of Vermont and performed by the consulting firm NV5. Details from the report, including likely cost to consumers, are covered in Rob Roper’s “Behind The Lines” analysis today.
The $17 billion initiative to make fuel dealers and consumers to transition away from fossil-fuel heat would take place as Vermont greenhouse gas emissions already have been in steady decline since 1990. The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources’ Climate Action Office states in its latest Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast report that with the exception of the Covid year of 2020, emissions in 2021 were the lowest since 1990.
2021 is the most recent year for which state emissions records exist. According to ANR, transportation and heating fuel use in buildings are the two largest sources of emissions [thanks to Journal-Opinion for providing this information].
In her statement, Krowinski cites how the price of home heating oil rose from $2/gal in 2020 to $5.87/gal, in November 2022, “which no family can afford.” Many energy experts attribute the near-tripling of oil prices to the Biden administration’s stated policy of shutting down the domestic oil and gas production industry, and the Russo-Ukrainian war which the Biden administration did little to stop and may have unintentionally encouraged.
Krowinski’s statement appears verbatim below:
Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont House Speaker Jill Krowinski issued the following statement to update Vermonters on the Affordable Heat Act process and call out the significant misinformation campaign being waged on Vermonters:
“There has been a significant and intentional misinformation campaign circulating across Vermont about the Affordable Heat Act (Act 18). Much of this information is coming from groups outside of Vermont, like Americans for Prosperity. Founded in 2004 by brothers David H. and Charles Koch of Koch Industries, this Super-PAC has emerged as a leading defender of the oil and gas industry and a well-funded opponent of climate and environmental initiatives nationwide. In May 2024, AFP announced a “major five-part mail and digital campaign” to target Vermont voters during this election cycle. AFP postcards, for example, include false claims that S.5 “mandates heat pump installations in homes.”
“I condemn the spread of this misinformation and the influence of dark money that aims to promote confusion and fear. Vermonters deserve to know the truth about legislation that affects their daily lives and the last thing they need is interference from bad actors.
“The Affordable Heat Act is an important step in ensuring that all Vermonters have access to low-cost, reliable heat and relief from the dramatic increases in heating fuel that we see year over year. The bill, which passed in 2023, sets in motion a public rule-drafting process, and requires several important fact-finding studies, for consideration and possible action by the legislature in the upcoming biennium.
“In 2020, Vermonters could purchase home heating oil at a price of $2 dollars per gallon, which is a relatively affordable price for most families. However, in November 2022, Vermonters saw heating prices skyrocket to $5.87 dollars per gallon, which no family can afford. These dramatic price changes were a result of global factors beyond our control. The goal of the Affordable Heat Act is to help insulate Vermonters from fossil-fuel price swings, and to make it easier and more affordable for them to transition — if they want to — to more sustainable renewable energy sources.
“There has been much uninformed speculation about how or whether this proposed policy initiative might impact the price of heating fuel, and while there is little, I can do to stop Super-Pac-funded misinformation from flowing into our state, I can provide the facts to Vermonters on where we stand in the process. Currently, draft rules for the Affordable Heat Act are being developed, informed by equity and technical advisory groups and a comprehensive study. All of this will be brought before the legislature for a thorough and transparent review. This process will be open to all, with committee testimony and public hearings to ensure that Vermonters in all 14 counties have a voice and are heard. Vermonters can learn more about this transparent process here.
“When the legislature reconvenes in January, we will take up the draft rules for implementing a Clean Heat Standard and consider them as we would regular legislation. This means there will be public hearings, ongoing expert testimony and input from fuel dealers and our energy regulators. It is possible that additional work will need to be done by the legislature and administration prior to implementing this policy. It will not become law unless, and until, it is approved by successful votes in both the House and Senate, and signed by the Governor. My commitment is to do the work to ensure that all Vermonters have access to reliable and affordable heating sources.
“Additionally, we are working to develop opportunities to make Vermont more resilient in the face of our changing climate. The devastating repeated flooding of the past two years highlights the need to double our resiliency efforts and ensure that Vermonters are able to live safely in their communities. Our mission is clear: adapt to climate change, lower our emissions, and promote sustainable and affordable energy options for heating and transportations. This is imperative to support an economy that works for all Vermonters.
“I am hopeful that Vermonters will see through the fossil-fuel-funded misinformation campaign that looks to drum up fear and uncertainty through the use of inaccurate and alarmist messages. Vermonters need access to reliable, affordable heating solutions and we will continue our steady, thoughtful and transparent work to secure that access.”
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Categories: Energy
Was one of the “global factors beyond our control” the fact that one of the executive actions the newly SELECTED Joe Biden did as POTUS on his very FIRST DAY IN OFFICE back in ’21 was revoke the permit of the Keystone Pipeline, Madam Speaker??? What precisely are you referring to? You hasten to say.
And by the way? On a related topic – my automobile, my Life. The US Constitution doesn’t give the government, state or otherwise, the right or ability to tell me that I may no longer purchase a gasoline powered automobile. I alone possess that right and that ability and shall continue to exercise it – and you & your fellow climatologists ( I presume) in the legislature who spew about “misinformation – can spend some time during your next session devising ways to imprison Vermonters for buying a new car in a few years…….that is if there are any prisons left to detain us in since your collective goals are also for another leftist fav — “restorative justice”. This other grand scheme which you all advocate for abolishes such aforementioned prisons and appears to already be yet another “progressive” & “woke” policy working wonders already in the Chittenden & Bennington County areas as. we. speak. Bravo!
You’ve been elected & entrusted to REPRESENT your constituent’s wishes – NOT to implement your own and dictate to a free people what they may or may not drive, heat their own homes with, or eat!
And by the by, speaking of eating – is your legislature, come January, going to reintroduce the implementation of a sales tax on groceries and clothing as well again? Or was that just another “digital campaign full of false claims” that the governor vetoed for the time being? No……pretty sure it was none other than you and your frenzied tax worshipping cohorts dreaming up additional ways to make VT less affordable for all.
Vermont CANNOT save the world. Stick to your solemn oath of representing Vermonters and forego your special interest groups, your lobbyists, the revisionist histories, the political propaganda, and your apparent obsession with overcompensating for the fact that Communist China’s greenhouse gas emissions exceed ALL the developed nations’ emissions in the entire world. Besides, I thought you all Communism.
This is totally misleading. The Speaker is trying to pull the wool over our heads. Saying that “global factors beyond our control” caused the dramatic increase in fossil fuels is simply a lie. The price increases occurred because of policies of the Biden Administration. Full stop.
Rep. Sibilia who called H.5 her baby at the Chamber meeting in Wilmington this spring also denied the “Unaffordable” Heat Act will take our freedom of fuel choices away. They both seem to think that because the Act will not actually outlaw these fuels, nor make it a law requiring we install electric heat pumps, that all is fine and we still get our freedom on how to heat our homes. Everything they are doing will make fuels, and consequently wood [and electricity], more expensive. Their objective is to force heat pumps by making everything else unrealistic…unaffordable…
It’s not the providers of fossil fuels who are killing us… soon we will see the arrangements our State government is making with electricity providers is what will kill us. Everything they are doing is making heating our Vermont homes out of control…including wood!
Note that in 2023 Rep. Tristan Roberts made appearances at Whitingham, Halifax and Wilmington Town Meetings. He subsequently admitted at the Chamber meeting that he voted for H.5 despite his constituents largely NOT wanting it. At the Whitingham Town Meeting that I attended, not a single person was in favor…even when pushed… Several spoke against it, including me, and two on the stage and part of our Town government.
This Act needs to be reversed. It’s another Vermont government attempt to control our everyday life. To especially destroy rural life. It’s crazy that anyone supports this. The only way the average person will be able to heat their home is with subsidies. That means other Vermonters paying your bills! Once again, personal responsibility is pulled from us.
“…that looks to drum up fear and uncertainty.” Is that not what the Clean Heat Act is doing???
Have to wonder what the destructive majority of VT Legislatures use for their Heating/Cooling, Cooking, etc., seems as though the ones voting to ruin the livelihoods of Vermonters and its economy are somehow immune. Hmmmmmmm. We ALL KNOW that Climate Change is a political scam, an evil hoax to fool the population into actually eliminating themselves, their economy as well as America’s sovereignty. Globalist Uni-Party in action. This is an evil, spiritual war happening now. Take heed, go to the Lord today if you don’t know Him, seek Him while He may be found. Fight the good fight in all ways, God’s Word is Truth. Put on the full armor of God each and every day.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Matthew 24 – the whole chapter.
Civil Disobedience, peaceful, respectful is a powerful tool by the majority of The People. We, Vermonters, no longer have representation or a voice, but are continued to be taxed more and more for senseless, evil programs that only destroy our state and Vermonters. We have a big drug, crime problem, there is high cost of living, wasteful spending on nowhere projects that are full of failed facts, go nowhere except to harm the population. We have a majority of the Vermont Government that does not represent its People or the Constitution of Vermont or even the Constitution of America.
Enough is Enough, No is No.
Liberty is from God, not man.
VERY, VERY True! Thank you. Democrats love bumper stickers, right?
Here’s one: I’m a Conservative & I Resist, Rebuke, Rebuff, and Revolt!!!!!!
Vermont House Speaker Jill Krowinski (D) leader of Vermont’s ” Stupid Majority ”
defends the Affordable Heat Act “I condemn the spread of this misinformation and the influence of dark money that aims to promote confusion and fear.
You talk about a hypocrite, she’s an agenda-money-driven fool, where do we get these people and their nonsense?? Oh, that’s right she’s a progressive spewing her
rhetoric to strap Vermont taxpayers with her ” Affordable Heat Act ” Now that’s an oxymoron ” affordable “…………………………. Wake up, people !!
Can anyone actually afford the “Affordable Heat Act” ?
Not most, but Bernie can…in all his homes… and that’s all that matters to them… what’s good for them…is good for them…
Electricity is not affordable, reliable or sustainable. The misinformation and doublespeak is coming from the VT Legislature, not from those who oppose Act 18 aka H5 aka the Affordable Heat Act aka the Clean Heat Standard. The grid is already overcapacity, as seen by days in peak summer when Burlington residents are told to turn off their ac and charge their evs at night only.
Southeastern Vermont has the most outages in the state, per GMP’s own outage map, and people are out for days more than once a year. Imagine having an all-electric heating system, water pump, electric range and electric car when — as frequently happens – the power is out for three days. People will die in their homes if they are stuck with all electric.
When the electric utilities have a virtual or actual monopoly as a fuel source, what will stop them from continuing to raise and raise and raise your rates?
This bill was written by special interests (GMP has spent over $1mil in lobbying the VT legislature in the past several years) and it benefits electric utilities, solar panel and heat pump manufacturers (whose products are made of petroleum) and it does not do anything good for Vermonters.
It’s the most craven, damaging legislation I’ve seen, but maybe that’s just because I have looked into it in depth. Does VT have a consumer watchdog? If so, that’s who should be reviewing this
Who wrote the bill in the first place? I am sure there was a great deal of assistance from the many lobbyist roaming the halls of the State House.
“Vermonters need access to reliable, affordable heating solutions and we will continue our steady, thoughtful and transparent work to secure that access.”
Hoo boy. Spoken like a true word salad Democrat. Full of stuff that sounds good, but leaves you feeling hungry for something of substance. I truly wish Jill could see these comments, but we’re just all venting, I’m afraid. She and the majority who strut around in our statehouse couldn’t care less what we think. And why craft thoughtful responses to such obvious projectionists?
So, I’ll keep it simple. I have two words for you and your cohorts, Jill. Two words, and they’re not Happy Birthday.
Re: “I am hopeful that Vermonters will see through the fossil-fuel-funded misinformation campaign that looks to drum up fear and uncertainty through the use of inaccurate and alarmist messages. Vermonters need access to reliable, affordable heating solutions and we will continue our steady, thoughtful and transparent work to secure that access.”
Just to demonstrate how psychological projection works, I’m going to replace one word (albeit a hyphenated word) in the above quote for your reading pleasure.
“I am hopeful that Vermonters will see through the alternative-energy-funded misinformation campaign that looks to drum up fear and uncertainty through the use of inaccurate and alarmist messages. Vermonters need access to reliable, affordable heating solutions and we will continue our steady, thoughtful and transparent work to secure that access.”
Note that the only important information missing in House Speaker Jill Krowinski’s statement is anything related to science. Everything Ms. Krowinski says is hyperbole. All of it.
At no point has she explained how a trace gas (CO2), accounting for 4/100ths of a percent of the atmosphere has a greater effect on our climate than does water vapor, the Sun, and the Milankovitch (Orbital) Cycle’s role in Earth’s climate. Nowhere does she address the World Climate Declaration from two thousand scientists and researchers trying to explain to us that CO2 is one of the most important compounds on the planet, and almost singularly responsible for all life on Earth.
And we’re trying to eliminate CO2 emissions? In fact, that’s ALL Ms. Krowinski and her colleagues want to do. Everything she and the other chicken-littles are doing is aimed at CO2 mitigation, while taking precious resources away from other reasonable and effective efforts to adapt to a ‘naturally’ warming climate.
follow the money trail and you will find the answers
ops, i almost forgot//// how is that investment in impeaching the franklin county sheriff working out//// the dog and pony show will be pumping more taxpayer money into another trial this fall////
Well, well, well. “Horton,” or rather two “Hortons” — two Republican donor colossi, namely the Koch Brothers — have “heard a Who” — in other words, they heard Vermonters crying for help before we are plopped into the green slop cauldron. And the “Wickersham Sisters” (even more malicious than Dr. Seuss’s original “Wickersham Brothers,” if less handsome) are so upset. Boo-hoo-hoo says this Who. I think I know why they are raging and fuming: Someone important noticed us. At John Rodger’s lovely party last night, I had a lively conversation with one of the top people at Fred’s Energy. As I told him, I hope the Koch Brothers spend even more of their wonderful money electing Republicans in the state of Vermont.
Haven’t seen any mention of a possible mental disorder that seem to be exhibited by Ms Krowinski. It’s a situation that affects 6 million people as studies have shown. So it’s fairly common usually brought on by family conditions at a young age, and also at older age less so. There are 4 Bipolar conditions. People associated with these people are mainly unknowing, Bipolar isn’t easily recognizable Such people are like having split personalities i.e. Heckle and Jeckle. They think they are doing good, but aren’t. There are prescriptions treatments available for the symptoms, The Mayo Clinic site has info about Bipolar. I’ve been around people that are known to be Bipolar. OR call it being delusional if you want to be politically correct, it’s a power trip
Time to move.
Low income, working class citizens of VT cannot afford any of this and although I can, I will not stay. And no matter how much you want to get Vermonters to see the light, that light has died in this state. My vote counts for nothing at all, NOTHING! And neither does any of yours.
I will be gone in a bit over two years and I will miss a few of the friends I have made, and how beautiful VT is, but I will miss nothing else.
Blah, blah, blah. And then this gem: “informed by equity and technical advisory groups”. Because, yeah, forming a committee made up of people who all come from an echo chamber is always a good idea. Ms Krowinski;s entire “performance” is a word salad spewed out with all the politically correct, “We’re smarter than you” buzzwords and woke language, all the while ignoring the likely outcome of heating oil increasing in price by $0.70/gallon (or more).
Ever notice when a democrat tells you something is one way, it inevitably turns out to be the opposite way? After I called out one such person years ago, the answer was “Well, you just need more information”. Which is basically saying “As a commoner, you don’t understand. Let me enlighten you”. Uhhh… no. You may have attended some fancy, high dollar liberal university somewhere, but I have common sense, and I’ll take that every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
These demonrats never quit, do they?
When an elected official or bureaucrat doubles down on flawed policy and collossal deception for personal gain, they are unfit and unable to perform their duties. They must be immediately removed or resign. The People have the duty and the right to remove her and any other official for dereliction of duty, willfully and/or ignorantly committing felony crimes; collusion, sedition, conspiracy to commit fraud, and treason. The longer they remain in their positions, the more crimes committed with impunity. Who is going to enforce the law as written? Law enforcement or the People – that is where we are at. Is anyone going to uphold their oath or just let the criminals run amuck to destroy our State and our Country?
The actual truth and science around the CO2 panic will hopefully remove all of the fear created legislation all designed to enrich a small group of people in VT.
https://thehighwire.com/editorial/new-peer-reviewed-study-co2-has-zero-impact-on-climate-change/
Justice for the residents of Vermont will eventually arrive on that Donkey.
“Unintentionally encouraged” the Russo-Ukrainian war? “It all depends on if it’s a minor incursion”–Joe Biden. Strange too that the ONLY Russians NOT “sanctioned” were the ones that gave the Biden’s money? WHY is he still occupying the White House? If he’s too FEEBLE to run for office how is he NOT too feeble to run the country (if he ever did)? I wish that the REAL Vermonters would get off their haunches and vote OUT all these quasi-commies before they beggar us all.
And presumptive nominee Harris publicly recommended Ukraine join NATO! ‘Unintentionally’ may have been generous, Steve.
Re: “I wish that the REAL Vermonters would get off their haunches and vote OUT all these quasi-commies…”
Voting is no longer effective. There are more quasi-commies voting than there are ‘REAL Vermonters’.
So…. Now what?
This is the new face of VT, courtesy of Krowinski
Multiple arrests of out-of-staters for drugs
https://vermontdailychronicle.com/blotter-multiple-arrests-of-out-of-staters-for-drugs-suspicious-death-in-morristown-missing-st-j-woman/#respond
They don’t care about the cost t be in VT, everything is free.
Until Krowinski is willing to address the geo-engineering that has been happening since before I was born, she will (to me) remain a shill for Gates and other dirtbag elites whose only goal is to restore an elite power ruling class over a subservient class of serfs. All the rest is blah, blah, blah! May I remind her and all the other useful idiots, when they’ve done the bidding of the elite ruler class and brought about the intended collapse of society as we know it, they will be discarded much like an unrecyleable plastic bag!
Is it bad enough yet? Since those who have caused the hollowing out of the middle class are still there, I guess it hasn’t gotten bad enough.
So , basically they want people to use electricity for heating instead of oil or wood. In an ideal world that electricity would come from hydro, solar and wind. Is vermonts? It’s the grid so hard to tell what energy source produces the power. Everyone would be beholden to the electricity companies. Many people cannot afford to retrofit their home to electricity for heat. Can the guarantee the electricity will be cheaper than oil gas wood ? I once lived in a home where we had elect base boards, wood stove and gas. When we were tight on money we used wood mostly and parts of the house were cold. We dealt with it, but at least we didn’t get a $400 electric bill.
I pray the taxpayers will see through your propaganda, misleading ,globalist garbage Krowinski .
Krowinski takes aim…..and the Koch brothers
Reviewing the links herein namely “Clean Heat Standard Potential Study, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and the statement “Affordable Heat Act process’ focused on a publicity campaign conducted by an out-of-state advocacy group operated by the conservative billionaire Koch brothers”
First—It’s fine to state links supporting Krowinski’s posuition to control the state / people with such data.
Second– There has to be rebuttals as I’ve seen on many subject links. I don’t trust one way arguments. especially if it’s to enhance a position of “knowledge”.as Krowinski exhibits.
Third—Knowinski obviously does care about the price tag and effects on people. Thankfully she not the US Prez, wherein she coud sign Executive Order and it’s a condition applied to America. We’ve seen stupid EO’s currently in force.
Fourth—Krowinski refers to :the Koch Brothers”. Apparently she’s not up to date about her conservative enemies. David Koch died, no longer “Brothers” status. He died in August 2019, ag 79. Krowinski has yetb to mlearn of the Koch Industries change in 5 years???? A slow learner.
Fifth– The Koch’s were actually right-wing libertarian’s, not true Conservative, in fact they had a fall out with Trump. So Knowinsli attacks people that she knows little about. They also gave a lot to charities over $1.2 billion as Trump has done.
In defense of the Kock’s a published note. (Wish Krowinski exhibited the same for the tiny state of VT)
They insisted that they adhered to a traditional belief in the liberty of the individual, and in free trade, free markets and freedom from what they called government “intrusions,” including taxes, military drafts, compulsory education, business regulations, welfare programs and laws that criminalized homosexuality, prostitution and drug use.”
Missed reality or BiPolar?
Dear Jill, I am a clear thinking unafraid Vermonter who has great recollection of the day Joe Biden took office. My clear perfect memory recalls that he immediately took steps to take away the USA’s ability to be energy independent. I recall because that is the day the Dems started a narrative about the green new deal. We were going to get a big government overseeing every product we buy and how we make our day to day choices. I do not want to live in a state that tells me that I must spend my child’s college tuition on adding a heat pump and an EV to my worldly possessions. I do not choose them. You see, I lived with a heat pump once in the south. It did not make us warm in the winter. A heat pump will be more costly than you are admitting…to acquire, install, use, and maintain. You are the one now forcing the Biden policy of reversing energy independence. Shame on you. By the way, leaving Vermont for a free state where citizens make their own decisions!! See ya!
So much to say about this but I’ll start with this lovely little nugget…. “input from fuel dealers.” Speaker Krowinski is responsible for appointing a member of the Fuel Dealers to the VT Climate Council so that they can, in fact, provide input to this process. She has maliciously left the seat open and unoccupied SINCE OCTOBER 2022! Refusing to do her legal duty and disempowering the people most directly affected by this asinine law. There are words to describe this woman, but Guy wouldn’t approve. 😉