Tell the Governor to Support Renewables and Efficiency!

May 20, 2009
 

The Legislature recently passed a bill — H.446 — that will foster the development of significantly more small-scale renewable energy projects in Vermont as well as expand opportunities for energy efficiency improvements in Vermont homes and businesses. For this legislation to become law, all it needs is Governor Douglas’ signature.

That’s the challenge.

The Governor will either have to sign the bill in the coming days or allow it to become law without his signature. Unfortunately, the Governor has already indicated the likelihood that he, instead, will veto the bill.

That’s where you come in.

The Governor needs to hear from Vermonters who support policies like this, which will expand the state’s green energy portfolio, infuse our economy with much-needed jobs and increase efficiency opportunities. Please contact Governor Douglas and ask him to support H.446 — the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Act.

Reach the Governor at 1-800-649-6825 or email him here.

Among many important benefits, the bill will:
•    Promote the construction of small-scale, community-based renewable energy projects like solar, wind and farm methane by setting a fair but premium price for the energy created through a ‘standard offer contract.’ It’s this element of the bill that the Governor and opponents most strongly criticize. Yet it’s also the element we most need to move beyond increasingly expensive and dirty fossil fuels and toward an independent, clean energy future.
•    Enable municipalities to create ‘clean energy assessment districts’ to help property owners finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
•    Direct funds from the federal economic stimulus package to the Clean Energy Development Fund, which offers financial support to develop in-state renewable electric energy projects. The bill would also expand the kinds of renewable energy projects supported by the CEDF to include thermal energy projects.

A veto of this important legislation would set Vermont back significantly.

Vermonters have already indicated their overwhelming support for the development of homegrown, renewable energy  — as well as their willingness to pay a little more for it. Yes, this policy will result in an increase in Vermonters’ electric rates. At an average cost of less than .25¢ a month, this is a small price to pay to build a green energy economy and welcome well-paying jobs in Vermont.

Let’s move Vermont forward. Help turn this great opportunity into reality. Contact the Governor today.