2022 Pitches to EAN

Vermont has a major moral imperative, economic opportunity, and legal requirement to achieve our 2025, 2030, and 2050 energy and GHG emissions reduction commitments in ways that “create a more just, thriving, and sustainable future” for Vermonters.  That is why EAN seeks pitches annually for promising opportunities to help Vermont rapidly, cost-effectively, and equitably reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas pollution.  Here you can see a 5-6 minute video from each of the four pitches that were selected to present at the 2022 EAN Summit on September 22, 2022.

Between September 26 – October 4 all EAN Network Members and Public Sector partners listed on our member page had a chance to vote on which pitches best meet the criteria listed below.  

Pitch Selection Criteria

EAN’s mission is to achieve Vermont’s climate and energy commitments in ways that create a more just, thriving, and sustainable future for Vermonters.

With that mission in mind, we seek strategic interventions in the energy system that will:

  • Promote energy equity – that all people should have access to reliable, safe, and affordable sources of energy; protection from a disproportionate share of negative impacts or externalities associated with building and operating our energy supply and distribution systems; and equitable distribution of and access to benefits from these systems.
  • Align with and/or be consistent with recommendations and pathways in the VT Climate Action Plan.
  • Provide significant reductions in fossil fuel use and GHG pollution from energy, which are highest in the buildings (thermal) and transportation sectors.  Pitches related to cross sector GHG emissions reduction, or from beyond the thermal and transportation sectors, will also be welcome. 
  • Create a stronger and more just Vermont economy.
  • Helps fill jobs in the clean energy/climate workforce.
  • Help Vermonters become more energy-secure and resilient.
  • Promote or protect public health.
  • Support an energy landscape that both benefits from and protects our natural resources and working lands.
  • Have committed leadership from multiple network member organizations and/or across multiple sectors (ie energy, health, education, etc.).

What is next?

In order to ensure that selected pitches lead to concrete action, EAN staff provides winning pitches with support to form Network Action Teams made up of Network Members and Public Sector Partners who work together to co-create the best strategies for moving the pitch ideas forward.  One or Two pitches are selected to receive full EAN staff support which can include organizing and facilitation of meetings, project planning, and research, as well as seed grants of up to $15,000.   Up to two additional Network Action Teams receive support from EAN in the form of regular check-in consultations as needed, templates for supporting the work, and seed grants of up to $5,000.  After they are selected, both types of Network Action Teams are expected to designate a chair or co-chairs to coordinate with EAN, and provide a workplan and budget for use of EAN funds.