Understand the issues
Resources
Just Transition
Just Transition is a global organizing framework that calls for an end to harmful, polluting fuels and a transition to clean, affordable energy and healthy communities for all.
A truly just transition must lift up marginalized and frontline populations and give every community the resources it needs to thrive.
Climate solutions for Vermont
Thermal Energy Networks
Thermal energy networks (TENs) are utility-scale infrastructure projects that connect multiple buildings into a shared system that can provide both heating and cooling.
TENs can capture excess heating or cooling from grocery stores, office buildings, ice rinks, or even wastewater. They are a safe, proven technology that has been successfully implemented in many colder climates. Read more.
Weatherization
Insulating and air-sealing our homes saves money on energy bills, makes homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and reduces air pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions. It’s a simple solution with big benefits to people and planet. Read more.
Community Solar
Info here about community solar
Problematic energy sources
Biofuels
Often promoted as a “green” alternative to fossil fuels, biofuels actually have the same or worse greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as fossil fuels over their full life cycle (production through consumption). Depending on the source, biofuels either reduce biodiversity and forests (biomass), put pressure on our food system (liquid biofuels), or support a system of leaky pipelines and fracking (“renewable” natural gas"). Read more.
Large hydro
A significant portion of Vermont’s electricity comes large hydro generating stations across eastern Canada. No other New England state considers this energy renewable: Building mega dams floods large areas of land, destroying habitats, releasing large quantities of methane, and erasing Indigenous land. Read more.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a proposed alternative to fossil fuels that is often claimed to be clean because it releases water rather than greenhouse gasses when burned. However, nearly 100% of hydrogen is made from fossil fuels. Even more fracked gas or coal is needed to make this fossil hydrogen energy than if we used the gas, oil, or coal directly. “Green”hydrogen is made using solar or wind energy, but it is not an efficient or equitable use of renewable energy. Read more.
Policy explainers
Ratepayer Protection
Already in place in other states, a ratepayer protection program would lower energy bills for low-income households.
Clean Heat Standard
Stuff about clean heat here
Climate Action Plan
Vermont’s Climate Action Plan is a road map to a sustainable future, laying out strategies for transitioning Vermonters from polluting, climate-damaging fuels to clean, renewable sources of energy.