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Your Voice: Vermont Climate Council Public Engagement
Friday, September 17, 2021
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Section: AGC/VT News
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The Vermont Global Warming Solutions Act (Act 153) passed in 2020 is a major game changer for the state. The goal of the act is to curb climate change by statutorily requiring Vermont to reduce emissions that emit carbon into the atmosphere. It requires aggressive reductions in those emission to take place by 2025, 2030 and 2050 with the final result a reduction of emissions to less than 80% of 1990 levels. Not many believe this goal can be accomplished without major interruptions to businesses and personal lives. Its critical that Vermonters understand this law and what it means going forward. 

The Vermont Climate Council was created under the Act and has been working feverishly to prepare recommendations to the legislature to take action in January of 2022. The council has several subcommittees that have been meeting regularly. Now they are looking for public participation. They have rolled out a schedule (see below) of opportunities for the public and businesses to comment and offer suggestions to improve outcomes. Its extremely important that the public becomes involved in the process and we encourage both AGC/VT and VIECA members to attend and participate. Without participation from everyone this process will be driven by state employees and climate change organizations. Its important they understand the impacts of thier proposals and have community participation. Below are some links and dates available to make your voice heard!

The Act also creates a Climate Commission which is set up 

As of September 10, 2021, the Vermont Climate Council has a new website will all information on upcoming and past meetings: https://climatechange.vermont.gov
 
Beginning Tuesday, September 21st, a series of in-person and virtual Public Engagement events will be held by the Vermont Climate Council. The schedule for meetings is as follows:
  • Tuesday, 9/21, 5-7pm, Elmore State Park Pavillion, Elmore
  • Wednesday, 9/22, 5-7pm, Emerald Lake State Park Pavillion, East Dorset
  • Thursday 9/23, 5-7pm, Lakeside Park Pavillion, Island Pond
  • Sunday, 9/26, 3-5pm, Airport Park Pavillion, Colchester
  • Thursday 9/30, 6-7:30pm Virtual Event via Zoom
  • Tuesday, 10/5, 6-7:30pm, Virtual Event via Zoom for BIPOC communities
  • Wednesday, October 6, 6-7:30pm, Virtual event via Zoom
 
Register for any of the events via this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2tItpPnfH0mGBiw9pOUrsTAiA2PZpxV8F25U4-tRbm9UO2g/viewform
Here is a link to all dates, locations, and registration information:
https://climatechange.vermont.gov/getinvolved