Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network

The Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network — VECAN — is a collaborative of statewide nonprofit and membership-based organizations, including VNRC, who's goal is to start and strengthen town energy committees.

Op-Ed: A Perfect Storm for Clean Energy Innovation

How are we going to meet our energy needs, both now and far into the future? Nations, communities and individuals are pondering this question with an increasing sense of urgency. Fortunately a perfect storm is brewing across Vermont ― one that holds promise of a new, green, clean and locally-based renewable energy future for the Green Mountain State. Vermont’s perfect storm has three basic aspects...

'Atlas' Maps Vermont's Renewable Energy Opportunities

On Earth Day 2010, the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund released its eagerly anticipated renewable energy mapping tool - Renewable Energy Atlas of Vermont. This GIS-based web application uses state-of-the-art technology to identify, analyze and visualize existing and promising locations for renewable energy. The Atlas is an accessible tool for any interested Vermonter seeking more information about potential resources out their back door. The VSJF specifically also targeted the tool to serve as a resource for Vermont's growing network of community energy committees.

Small Town Energy Committees Prove Powerful

In an August 2009 article for the 'Times Argus/Rutland Herald' VNRC's Johanna Miller highlights what she terms "a powerful grassroots response forming throughout Vermont to cut energy costs, foster more renewable energy generation and lessen the state's contribution to global warming." Read how the network of town energy committees is growing across Vermont, what efforts they are undertaking and why it matters.

Opinion: The Climate Change Conundrum and the Power of Vermonters

In the November 1, 2009 Sunday edition of the Burlington Free Press VNRC's Energy Program Co-Director Johanna Miller penned an 'I Believe' piece that offers a perspective on the power of people to affect change. Miller points to the growing number of town energy committees - 90 at the time of publishing - as a powerful example of what's possible when people lead.

Town Energy and Climate Action Guide

The Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network's "Town Energy and Climate Action Guide" offers an important resource to communities interested in establishing, or currently working on, town energy committees.

VNRC Offers Energy Planning Assistance to Vermont Communities

Planning is a powerful tool for combating Vermont’s energy and climate change challenges. Unfortunately, communities, regions and the state have not taken full advantage of available planning tools to help prepare for a carbon-constrained world. VNRC can offer technical assistance to Vermont communities interested in updating the energy component of their local plan or serve as a resource to municipalities and energy committees.

WCAX: TV Coverage of International Day of Climate Action 350 Event with Bernie Sanders co-hosted by VNRC

WPTZ: TV Coverage of International Day of Climate Action 350 Event with Bernie Sanders co-hosted by VNRC

VNRC Supports Anti-Idling Efforts

Anti-idling initiatives have been gathering steam across the U.S. - as well as in Vermont - yet the Green Mountain State remains the last New England state without an idling ordinance on the books. In January, VNRC testified in support of H.97 - an anti-idling bill that "has the potential to take Vermont one more small but important step forward to help save energy and meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals." Read VNRC's initial testimony on this bill and find out more.