Weigh In on the Comprehensive Energy Plan

Last week, the Vermont Department of Public Service released the draft Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP) for the state and is now looking for input on it from Vermonters like you.

If you care about Vermont’s energy future, please, weigh in on this plan!

This plan, if done right, can provide critical guidance on how the state should pursue an efficient, clean and sustainable energy future. It’s a very broad plan: it touches not only on electricity but also on the energy we use to get around in our cars and trucks and how we heat our homes and businesses. It examines subjects as diverse as the economy and jobs, public transit, land use patterns, natural gas, geothermal energy, wind power, hydropower, and the use of our forests for biomass energy. The final plan is expected to be released in November.

First, read the plan by downloading it here.

Then, please do one of two things (or both!): file written comments (deadline is 5 p.m., Monday, October 10, 2011) or attend and speak at one of five public hearings scheduled around Vermont in the coming weeks.

To offer written comments, there are three choices:

Type your comments directly into a form at www.vtenergyplan.vermont.gov
Mail a letter to: 2011 Comprehensive Energy Plan Comment, c/o Edward Delhagen, Energy Program Specialist,
Department of Public Service, 112 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620-2601
Email comments to: energyplan2011comments@state.vt.us

To offer comments at a public hearing, you have several choices of hearings.
They are:
September 27th – Middlebury High School (73 Charles Avenue)
September 28th – Brattleboro High School (131 Fairground Road)
September 29th – Rutland High School (22 Stratton Road)
October 3rd – Colchester High School (131 Laker Lane)
October 6th – Danville School (148 Peacham Road)

All hearings run from 7-9 p.m.

This plan is big and intimidating. But remember, whether you are filing comments or speaking at a hearing, you don’t need to comment on the entire plan. If you have specific interest or experience on specific topics, comment on those. The important thing is for the Department of Public Service to hear from Vermonters on this framework that will guide the next two decades of energy policy and development in Vermont.

If you have any questions about commenting on the plan please contact VNRC’s Brian Shupe or Jake Brown at 223-2328.


We’ll be at the Moving Planet Rally this Saturday. Join us and hundreds of Vermonters dedicated to moving our state towards bold climate solutions on the State House in Montpelier. This will be the largest climate action event ever held in our state. Together with hundreds of similar rallies happening across the world, we will move our planet away from fossil fuels.

2pm – Festival of Solutions and Music
   
3:30pm – Rally with Senator Sanders
5pm – Solar-Powered Dance Party

         See you there!