Total Energy News December 2022
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Your Update on Vermont and National Energy News
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As we move toward the quiet pause at the end of the year, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for your leadership and engagement in this Network. Together, you and your fellow Network members continually offer such amazing opportunities to share information, learn from and with each other, and to strategize and act together to make real and durable progress. We see that in each of our Network Action Teams and across our Network as a whole. As we prepare to enter a new year of work together in 2023, we want to offer a friendly reminder that our recently released Annual Progress Report for Vermont on Emissions, Energy, Equity, and the Economy is available online — including with individually downloadable files of every one of the graphics that appear in the report, which you are free to use in your own presentations or newsletters. We are also happy to provide printed copies of the report for upcoming events or meetings where it may serve as a helpful resource — just let us know! Gratefully,
Jared and Cara
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Experimental treatment for chronic illness in winter: Paid for heating bills
A small trial in Britain seeks to prevent chronic illnesses and deaths exacerbated by cold weather, by paying for heating for vulnerable households.
Washington Post
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New England winters are getting much warmer, Burlington VT especially
Burlington, VT has seen more winter warming in the last 50 years than any other place in America, according to new research by Climate Central.
Boston Globe
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Every electric vehicle that qualifies for current & upcoming US tax credits
Many prospective customers have questions about federal tax credits on electric vehicles, especially since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.
Electrek
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Network Action Team Profile:
Clean Heat Working Group
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The EAN Clean Heat Working Group has been active since 2020, when it was chosen from a pitch at the 2020 EAN Network Summit. The group initially met to design how a Clean Heat Standard could work to support affordable and equitable thermal sector decarbonization for the state of Vermont, in line with Global Warming Solutions Act requirements. These discussions culminated in a detailed whitepaper. A bill largely based on that paper passed the VT legislature in 2022, but was vetoed by the Governor. A veto override attempt then failed by one vote.
Early this month, the EAN Clean Heat Working Group hosted three public information and input sessions to share more information about clean heat policy and to hear about different stakeholders’ concerns and interests. People generally came to the meetings for one of 3 reasons:
- to learn more about the Clean Heat Standard bill
- to express questions and concerns (primarily about equity and the use of biofuels, but also about the impact on small fossil fuel companies, the capacity of the PUC to do this work, and or the need for more information for and communication to the public), or
- because they support a Clean Heat Standard and want to see one passed in 2023.
You can see a video of the presentations made at those meetings on the EAN website here.
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Data Download: Lifecycle GHG emissions of ICE vs EVs in the US and Vermont
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We are often asked about the emissions from electric vehicles (EVs) and whether they are really that much better than Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. It is clear that the emissions associated with any particular vehicle go beyond just the emissions from fueling the vehicle. Manufacturing and maintaining the vehicle are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Because of the energy used in the manufacture of batteries, EVs do tend to be responsible for more greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the production phase than internal combustion engine vehicles. However, due to their higher operating efficiency, and the lower GHG profile of electricity compared to fossil fuels, EVs are, on the whole, much less polluting than ICEs over the life of the vehicle. This is especially true with Vermont’s relatively clean electric portfolio, but is true across the U.S. as well.
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Webinar: Innovating School Transportation
This webinar by the EAN Future of Rural Transit Network Action Team is targeted at school leaders (superintendents, principals, transportation managers and school board members). It will provide information about two opportunities to innovate school transportation systems to improve equity, student health, and environmental impact. Presenters will first discuss opportunities for increasing equity through coordination with transit providers, sharing the benefits of adding public transit options for students and staff, how to get started in your district, and where to find resources and support. They will then discuss options for electrifying your school bus fleet, including stories from the field, and information about grant programs and assistance. There will also provide plenty of time for questions.
Hosted by EAN, VEIC, VEEP, Vermont Clean Cities Coalition, and VTrans.
Monday, January 23, 2023, 3-4:30PM
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EAN Network Action Teams
EAN Network Action Teams meet regularly. If you are interested in joining meetings of the Weatherization at Scale Coalition, the Climate Workforce Coalition, or other teams, or if you want to learn more about their work, contact Cara: cara@eanvt.org.
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DeltaClimeVT
DeltaClimeVT is seeking innovative, early-stage, start-ups addressing the decarbonization of buildings, transportation, heating and industrial processes through electrification, biofuels or other renewables with a particular focus on load management controls integrated with storage, heat pumps and building systems, particularly those that address under-represented and low to moderate income populations. Entrepreneurs will be working directly with Vermont utilities to contribute to Vermont’s 90/50 and Burlington’s Net Zero by 2030 goals. Featuring the world-class @ecosVC™ curriculum, a $25,000 non-equity prize for the top venture; paid pilot opportunities; extensive peer feedback; work directly with potential customers, partners, mentors and investors.
Application period ends February 5, 2023
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Vermont Climate Council Meetings
All Vermont Climate Council meetings and subcommittee meetings are open to the public, with all details on the Climate Council website.
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The Vermont Total Energy Ticker
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New program helps Vermonters avoid high upfront cost of home weatherization
The Weatherization Repayment Assistance Program, or WRAP, will spread costs of qualifying projects over years of utility bills. Monthly payments will lower overall energy bills for households.
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Vermonters look for cheaper ways to keep their homes warm this winter
A dramatic increase in the cost of fossil fuels has sent more Vermonters scrambling to weatherize their homes, line up financial assistance, and find more affordable heating options.
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EV rules will help Vermont make headway toward 2030 climate targets
Rule changes will require vehicle manufacturers to increase the share of new vehicles sold in VT that are zero-emissions, increasing to 100% electric vehicles (EVs) by 2035.
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Have an upcoming event or news story to share? Let us know.
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