July 31, 2018
MONTPELIER, Vt. - The Vermont Climate Action Commission delivered a final report containing 53 recommendations to the Governor for his consideration today. The commission was formed last year by Governor Scott, to bring together 21 business, civic, nonprofit, and state agency leaders with the goal of developing concrete recommendations to reduce Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions and spur economic growth.
The Commission’s recommendations cover five core areas that touch Vermonters’ everyday lives: homes and workplaces, getting around, communities and landscapes, carbon sequestration, and jobs and the economy. The report includes recommendations to advance low income weatherization, vehicle electrification, advanced wood heat, agricultural soil carbon storage, and Vermont climate businesses, among many other topic areas.
“I am deeply grateful to the Commission members for committing a significant amount of time, expertise, and resolve to help move Vermont forward to achieving our climate change goals by developing climate strategies that collectively provide solutions for all Vermonters to reduce their carbon impact,” said Peter Walke, Commission Chair and Deputy Secretary for the Agency of Natural Resources. “I also want to thank the hundreds of Vermonters who have engaged with the Commission over the past year.”
Governor Scott also invites the public to review and provide additional input on the report over the next two months. Information on how to comment can be found below. Following the informal public comment period, the Governor will review the public’s input alongside the report as he determines how to move forward.
The Commission’s work was informed by public listening sessions held around the state in the fall of 2017. The Commission held monthly public meetings and received support from subject matter experts as it explored topics that were important to reach Vermont’s climate change goals.
For Vermonters who would like to provide their input for the Governor, the report and a web-based form to comment on the report can be found at the Commission’s website. Comments can also be emailed to ANR.VCAC@vermont.gov or mailed to the following address:
Agency of Natural Resources
1 National Life Drive
Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05620-3901