Greetings!
Inside this month’s Total Energy News you will find a reality check about global progress relative to our climate targets , emerging municipal policy efforts to address building energ y, and new technologies potentially impacting energy distribution in VT. You’ll also find information about efforts by VT organizations , communities , and policymakers to address our climate challenges and opportunities. We’re also drawing attention to the recently released Vermont Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast: Brief 1990 – 2016 from the Agency of Natural Resources.
The beginning of the legislative session provides an opportunity for VT to make breakthrough progress on a policy framework that will mobilize a total energy transformation. Network members and public partners will be actively working on their legislative priorities, and EAN core staff will work to provide reliable information and analysis to inform ongoing debate. With that goal in mind, we look forward to releasing our 2019 Annual Progress Report for Vermont on Wednesday, March 11 th . We also hope you’ll join us for an event on Wednesday January 22 nd, exploring how emissions reduction mandates like the GWSA have driven action and emissions reductions in other states, including Massachusetts and Maine.
Happy 2020!
Best,
The EAN Team
Total Energy News – January 2020
Your Update on Vermont and National Energy News
Greetings!
Inside this month’s Total Energy News you will find a reality check about
global progress relative to our climate targets
,
emerging municipal policy efforts to address building energ
y, and
new technologies
potentially impacting energy distribution in VT. You’ll also find information about efforts by VT
organizations
,
communities
, and
policymakers
to address our climate challenges and opportunities. We’re also drawing attention to the recently released
Vermont Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast: Brief 1990 – 2016
from the Agency of Natural Resources.
The beginning of the legislative session provides an opportunity for VT to make breakthrough progress on a policy framework that will mobilize a total energy transformation. Network members and public partners will be actively working on their legislative priorities, and EAN core staff will work to provide reliable information and analysis to inform ongoing debate. With that goal in mind, we look forward to releasing our 2019 Annual Progress Report for Vermont on Wednesday, March 11
th
. We also hope you’ll join us for
an event
on Wednesday January 22
nd
, exploring how emissions reduction mandates like the GWSA have driven action and emissions reductions in other states, including Massachusetts and Maine.
Happy 2020!
Best,
The EAN Team
News from the World
The sad truth about our boldest climate target
David Roberts argues that limiting global warming to 1.5˚C is almost certainly not going to happen. Admitting that need not end hope.
Vox
,
Read More
U.S. states must target gas, oil use to meet climate goals: report
The Rocky Mountain Institute analyzed the impact of fossil fuels in buildings nationwide.
Reuters,
Town in WA considers natural gas ban
Seeking to do their part to reduce climate pollution, dozens of cities are exploring ways to limit natural gas heating in new (and existing) homes.
New York Times,
Updated GHG Emissions Data
Earlier this week, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) released the
Vermont Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Forecast: Brief 1990 – 2016.In addition to providing updated statewide emissions data through 2016, the report also provides estimates for 2017 and 2018 and a forecast through 2026. The report shows that Vermont finally bent the curve on its GHG emissions, with a 4% year-to-year decline between 2015 and 2016. This is the first time in the last five years of reporting that Vermont’s emissions posted a decline, after increasing each year from 2012 to 2015. Despite the overall emissions decline from 2015 to 2016 and future forecasts of continued declines for electricity-related emissions,
Vermont is still 13% above 1990 emissions levels
is still not on track to achieve its emissions reduction goals. For further analysis, see
EAN’s press release
, which summarizes the report. The chart above shows that while emissions from agriculture, waste, and electricity are moving in the right direction, transportation and residential and commercial fuel use have seen net increases that have dwarfed progress in the other sectors.
Global Warming Solutions Act Panel
On
Wednesday, January 22, from 5:30 – 7:30 at the Garage Cultural Center in Montpelier,
EAN will convene
a conversation about the proposed Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA
)
, which was identified as a top priority for many network members at our 2019 Energy Action Network Summit in September. This event will explore how emissions reduction mandates like the GWSA have driven action and emissions reductions in other states, including Massachusetts and Maine. The event will feature a panel discussion of speakers familiar with the passage and implementation of these laws in neighboring states. Rep. Tim Briglin, Chair of the House Energy and Technology Committee, will moderate. Panelists will be:
  • David Cash, Dean and Associate Professor, McCormack Graduate School, UMass Boston (and former Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection)
  • Ken Colburn, Principal and US Program Director, The Regulatory Assistance Project (and member, Maine Climate Council)
  • Jen Duggan, Vice President and Director, Conservation Law Foundation – Vermont
Delta Clime VT 2020 Cohort
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund is seeking applications for the 
Delta Clime VT
 Energy 2020 program. They’re looking for the best early-stage, energy technology founders that are focused on new technologies, or novel applications of existing technologies, aimed at 
reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings and enabling better integration of distributed energy resources and smart building technologies
. They’re planning to award a $25,000 prize to an early-stage, energy technology venture and multiple paid pilot projects are being offered by sponsors. More information can be found at the Delta Clime VT Energy 2020 page 
here
.
Application deadline is February 16th.
Please share with your networks!
Member Profile
VT Council on Rural Development (VCRD)
We’re excited to highlight VCRD’s new Climate Catalysts Community Leadership Program. VCRD will bring together a group of 10 local leaders from around Vermont to provide leadership development and project development support to tackle local issues related to climate change and a vibrant economy. A simple application for the program is available here – Due January 27. Apply today!  
www.vtrural.org/climatecatalysts
 
VCRD works with communities throughout Vermont to help them set and implement goals for the future. The climate Economy Model Community program engages local residents in identifying priority projects to advance clean energy and economic progress. VCRD also leads the Climate Economy Action Team and the Working Lands Coalition to further growth in these sectors of our rural economy.
The Vermont Total Energy Ticker
New tech could address VT transmission problems
British company says frozen air energy storage technology could help relieve congested transmission lines in places like Vermont
Lawmakers push for mandatory GHG reductions
House Energy and Technology Committee will be working on a bill to update the state’s goals — and make meeting them a requirement, not an ideal. 
Upper Valley energy committees take DIY approach to efficiency
There’s a volunteer effort underway in Thetford and Strafford to provide low-cost window inserts to residents to help insulate their homes.
Have an upcoming event or news story to share?
Let us know.