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.

VNRC COMMENTARY: The Great Transition?

In this Op-Ed, VNRC's Executive Director Elizabeth Courtney muses that we are not experiencing another “Great Depression” or even a “Great Disruption” as some leading business experts and authors assert. Instead, she posits that we are in a “Great Transition” Why? "Because transition implies a future, as opposed to the dead end of a depression or a disruption. And the future can be as hopeful as we can imagine it."

COMMENTARY: Vermont, Let's Get Serious About Climate Change

Some of you might be wondering what ever became of the document that recommended 38 policy options designed to reduce Vermont’s carbon emissions 50 percent by 2028. Having served on that commission, and worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the other five members, I’ve been wondering that too.

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.

VNRC COMMENTARY: Is Vermont Crafting an Energy Plan for Success?

VNRC's Executive Director asserts that Vermont, and the world, must employ the best tools possible to meet the state's energy needs and challenges of climate change. In VNRC's opinion, the May release of the state's comprehensive energy plan - a guidepost for tackling these important issues - falls startlingly short. Read more about the plan and how VNRC thinks the state can strengthen this important document.

2008 Energy and Climate Change Bills Summary

After a long, hard fight, including a gubernatorial veto, lawmakers supported two pieces of energy and climate change legislation in the 2008 legislative session. One bill, S.209, provides a solid step forward by creating programs to help Vermonters save money by weatherizing inefficient homes and expanding opportunities for renewable energy development in Vermont. The other bill, S.350, took a small step forward. This bill requires tracking the sources from which Vermont's global warming pollution is generated and directs the state's transportation agency to better integrate our transportation network and expand opportunities for public transit, pedestrians, bikes and rail in Vermont.

Climate Commission Report: Vermont's Roadmap to a 'Green Economy'

Recently, the Governor’s Climate Change Commission — on which VNRC's Executive Director Elizabeth Courtney served — issued its long-awaited report outlining 38 “policy options” to reduce Vermont’s contributions to climate change and grow Vermont's 'green economy.' "There's a troubling disconnect between the charge put forward by the governor's commission and the direction he's now heading," said Elizabeth. Read more about Elizabeth's reaction to the results of the climate commission.

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.

VNRC Urges Action in Wake of Solid Climate Report

Boosting efficiency and renewable energy, protecting Vermont’s “green bank” of farms and forests, and investing in public transportation are among the recommendations in the long-awaited Governor’s Commission on Climate Change report, issued October 26, 2007. “This report is our roadmap to a green economy, and our recommendations are built on solid information,” said Elizabeth Courtney, one of six members of the commission and VNRC’s executive director.

VNRC Comments on Link Between Climate Change and Affordability

Following on the heels of the release of the final report from the Governor's Commission on Climate Change, VNRC's Executive Director Elizabeth Courtney commented on a troubling irony. "The irony struck me last week when Governor Douglas announced the conclusion of his 'Set the Agenda' tour. According to the governor, affordability topped the list of issues Vermonters care about most, and climate change barely crossed the radar screens. What’s the irony? Action on climate change is all about affordability," Courtney noted.