New Energy Bill Opens Door for Renewable Energy Projects and More

This year, with the help of VNRC and a broad network of organizations, businesses and concerned citizens, the Legislature passed a far-reaching energy bill. If properly enacted, this bill could be the single most powerful mechanism to date to drive the development of community-scale green power projects in Vermont.

Help Pass a U.S. Climate Bill!

This summer and fall, the U.S. Senate will debate a much-needed piece of legislation to address the world’s greatest environmental challenge — climate change. While the ‘American Clean Energy & Security Act’ — H.R. 2454 — is far from perfect, it is the essential step forward this nation must take on this critical issue… now. Find out how you can help make it stronger - and make it happen.

Waxman-Markey Draft Climate Bill

On March 31, 2009, United States House Energy and Environment Subcommittee Representatives released their long-awaited climate bill draft. Find out more about this much-needed piece of federal climate legislation and what VNRC's national affiliate - NWF - is saying about it.

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.

A Primer on Energy Planning Opportunities

Strengthening town and regional plans - especially the energy component of the town plan - is a powerful tool to help advance conservation, efficiency, smarth growth development, renewable energy and alternative transportation opportunities. Check out this very basic primer on where you might start looking to update the energy component of your master plan. And find more information about how VNRC might help you and your community undertake this useful process.

Op-Ed: Energy Bill Puts Vermont on the Right Track

According to House Energy & Natural Resources Committee member, Representative Margaret Cheney, the renewable energy and efficiency bill under consideration in the 2009 legislative session takes Vermont a strong step forward. In a recent editorial, Ms. Cheney asserts, "We can be sure of two things: Vermonters want more locally generated renewable energy, and Vermont’s economic future will be brighter with the new jobs that a vibrant energy industry will create. The Vermont Legislature’s 2009 energy bill is a firm step toward achieving these goals."

The Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance (REEP) Program Act

Representative Peter Welch is a lead sponsor of a promising energy efficiency bill - Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance (REEP). This bill, H.R. 1778, was included in the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 - the climate bill under consideration in Congress that would stimulate job creation by supporting the development of a new clean, alternative energy economy in the United States.

Energy, Energy Everywhere! Help Create the Synergy...

There's a lot happening on the energy and climate change front, and it's pretty good news for those who believe a clean, green, renewable energy future is not only possible but essential. 

Find out more about state and federal efforts to foster energy efficiency, renewable development and combat climate change - and what you can do to help...

VNRC, Partners Comment on State's Draft Energy Plan

At a press conference in front of Montpelier's U.S. Post Office, VNRC’s Executive Director Elizabeth Courtney joined her peers at the Conservation Law Foundation, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility and Vermont Public Interest Research Group and returned the state's draft 'Comprehensive Energy Plan' back to sender. The groups called on the state to modify its plan to include more specific and ambitious implementation strategies and solutions.

Overview of the "Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program"

The “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program” offers Vermont municipalities the ability to secure funds to conduct energy audits, fund energy efficiency improvements, develop infrastructure like bike lanes and pedestrian paths, install renewable energy on government buildings and much, much more. Find out much more and how you can help direct investments in your community here.