So, no revenue, no interested partners, no logistical capability, no ideas, and no public support. Perhaps this is why a number of key legislative-appointee council members are asking not to return when their terms are up next month. These folks are fleeing the sinking ship.
The only thing that will help at this point in time is a massive house cleaning in Montpelier, and repeal of the GWSA by the Legislature in January 2023.
As gasoline prices hover around record highs, the Vermont Climate Council is coming up with a plan to make the problem worse. Much worse.
If the total carbon output of Vermont’s miniscule population disappeared tomorrow, it would have virtually no scientifically registerable impact on climate change. In exchange the only thing we’d accomplish would be to drive a substantial portion of our population into financial distress.
Rep. Campbell and Sen. Kitchel wanted an unelected board to inform the Legislature as to how much money should be added to the annual expense of heating a home. When the annual dollar figure is released, they could both shrug and say, “Hey, that wasn’t me.”
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, via executive order, is dictating what Vermont vehicle consumers can and cannot buy — if we go along. We don’t have to.
Scott indicated that when the clean heat standard policy, costs and impacts are more fully worked out, a “revised” CHS might yet win his support. That was not encouraging news to the fuel dealers and their customers who will pay the CHS bill.
Humility will be required to admit that the Global Warming Solutions Act is a failure; courage will be required to repeal it. Neither animates Montpelier.
Aside from the minuscule amounts of emissions from heating by Vermont households, what VPIRG doesn’t explain is the unfeasibility of the alternative heating systems touted in the Clean Heat Standard, something EAI pointed out last December.
Almost immediately, Rep. Bock reportedly experienced serious pressure from the House Democratic leadership to change his vote — something allowed under little-known House rules. “I cannot imagine why I would change my vote,” Bock told the Vermont Daily Chronicle.
H.715, a bill that would have mandated a switch of heating methods and fuels in an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, fell one vote short of the two-thirds required for passage Tuesday in the Vermont House of Representatives.
The vote is likely going to be first thing tomorrow morning so it is imperative you call today and make sure to get that message to them as soon as possible. Keep it simple.