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Become Part of the VT Green Energy Revolution, Montpelier, 1/25

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:43:31 +0000

What: Press conference to launch VT Fossil Fuels Freedom Campaign.
When: Weds, January 25th, 10:00am
Where: Cedar Creek Room of the Vermont Statehouse, Montpelier

Our Governor, Peter Shumlin, is calling for 75% of our electricity to come from renewables within 20 years, and 90% of our total energy from renewables by 2050. Implementing this plan will not only mean a cleaner, more climate friendly environment, but it will also mean green collar jobs for Vermont’s working families.

Now let’s put the pressure on and tell Montpelier that we can move even faster and create good green jobs in the process. Let’s tell Montpelier that the faster we move towards a renewable energy future, the better we will stand in our fight against climate change. Now is the time for Vermont to once again lead the way!

On Wednesday, January 25th, at 10:00 am in the Cedar Creek Room in the Statehouse, Montpelier, there will be a rally/press conference announcing the launch of the historic “Fossil Fuels Freedom Campaign.” This campaign was formed by our partners in the 350.org Vermont organization, and seeks to build a future of sustainable, climate friendly, renewable energy reliance in our state and beyond.

The Vermont Sierra Club supports these principles, and we will be there.

We invite you to be there too!

So come to Montpelier on January 25th, and be part of the green energy revolution!
_____________________________________

Contact: David Van Deusen, Conservation Organizer, Vermont Sierra Club

• (802)229-6399 •

Sanders to Hold Press Conference in Bennington on Priorities for 2012 on Jan. 12th!

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:36:44 +0000

BURLINGTON, Jan. 11 – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Thursday afternoon will hold a press conference in Bennington to discuss his priorities for 2012.

At the press conference, Sanders will address the need to create jobs, promote sustainable energy and defend Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

BENNINGTON

What: Sanders lays out priorities for 2012

When: 4:00 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012

Where: Bennington Police Department Conference Room, 118 South St., Bennington, Vt.

Media Contact: Michael Briggs 202-224-5141

Job Opportunities with SolarFest

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:53:29 +0000

SolarFest is starting the new year off with some great part-time job opportunities.

Here’s the scoop. In an effort to better serve our mission, broaden our outreach and increase the positive impact that SolarFest has on the planet, we have decided to take a leap of faith and make a sizable investment in our future.

As always, when we look toward the future, we start with you, our faithful friends and supporters. Please help us spread the word so that we can find the best candidates for these important SolarFest positions.

Sponsor Coordinator
Education Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinator
Grant Writer

Click here to see a detailed description of each of these positions. You can also help us to spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends!

Here’s to a new and improved 2012!

Patty Kenyon
Managing Director
pkenyon@solarfest.org

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:49:21 +0000

Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) is seeking a Program & Membership Manager* to begin in January, 2012. This position is a multifaceted administrative position consisting of general office administration duties as well as the coordination of REV’s membership program and a state-wide installer accreditation program. This position is ¾ time with the potential for full time. Please apply by December 13th.

Duties Include:

Phone and email communications. This position serves as main point of contact for all REV members.
Management of membership database and member information across multiple platforms.
Responsible for current membership and new member recruitment including sourcing new member leads.
Management of a statewide installer accreditation program, incl. the coordination of volunteer committees.
Coordinate meetings and record minutes for various working committees, including the Board of Directors.
Serve as assistant to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on various, as needed tasks.
Serve as the main point of contact and coordination for event planning.
Designing, implementing and maintaining filing systems to ensure that filing systems are maintained.

Qualifications:

2 or more years of experience in administrative management.
Strong organizational skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work autonomously and prioritize a demanding workflow.
Experience in budget-based event and program management
Experience in renewable energy markets preferred.
Fluency with MS Excel, Word required. Experience with web-based software platforms, including WordPress is preferred. Experience with Photoshop and InDesign is ideal.
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in environmental or energy studies, economics, business or public policy or administration.

*The position is subject to approval by the REV Board of Directors.

Compensation: Salary range is commensurate with experience.

How to Apply: Email a resume and cover letter to hratrev@gmail.com Please include three references. Please apply by COB on Dec. 13th.

Gabrielle Stebbins Executive Director Renewable Energy Vermont (REV) gabrielle@revermont.org (802) 229-0099 www.REVermont.org

New Solar Store in the upcoming Solar City of Rutland, VT

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:10:41 +0000

Right in downtown Rutland, on Center Street – a promising new Solar Company held their grand opening on Friday, Nov. 19th… SameSun Solar has opened just in time for the planning of the country’s first Solar City here in the beautiful state of Vermont.

Governor Shumlin sums it all up in his welcoming talk to all of those that attended the event.

Green Energy Time’s was there to talk to the owners of SameSun Solar, Phillip and Marlene Allen, and to learn what they are all about. We have in our midst, a great new company that is helping to grow jobs by creating this progressive business. They will be able to help our state to create a clean energy future. Congratulations to the Allens and we wish you a very successful future in Rutland.

As Governor Shumlin said: “And Vermont is moving faster than most!” in this direction.

One of the announcements at the gathering was for Alderman’s Chevrolet of Rutland, who will be installing a solar system that is 15% larger that CVPS’s! The governor predicts that within a decade, Alderman’s will be selling more plugin’s than fill-ups there in the first solar city in America!

Green Energy Times’ Oct. 15th Issue is available to read online now!

admin — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:01:02 +0000

We are excited to announce that our newest issue of Green Energy Times (G.E.T.) – October 15, 2011 – by clicking on the ‘Current and Past Issues’ tab – above or with the link on the left.

Watch for it at a newsstand, supermarket, and local stores and establishments near you – throughout 85% of Vermont & 45% of New Hampshire! Be sure to pick up copies when they first come out or they may be gone when you come back.

If you can’t find it near you – let us know so that we see if we can make it happen… you can also subscribe right from this website on the Advertising/Subscriptions Tab (above).

Enjoy, learn and most of all we hope you find something to help move us forward on our path to energy independence and reducing our carbon emission levels. Share your stories with us! We love to hear from you!

VT RENEWABLE ENERGY CONFERENCE & EXPO: OCT. 11 & 12, 2011

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 19:18:02 +0000

Hopefully you are making your plans to attend REV’s 10th Anniversary Renewable Energy Conference and Expo, coming up on October 11 & 12.

This year’s conference highlights our past, our future, and provides some wisdom from others who’ve moved to 100% renewable energy in 10 years (Samso Island, Denmark). Here is a full agenda along with a complete list of speakers and session topics.

Spread the word!

DAY 1 is Expo and Workshop Day. This is a great opportunity for homeowners, businesses and others interested in learning more about renewable energy to get a solid introduction to the various technologies and financing tools available to help people go green. Visit our conference website here to learn more: REVermont.org/main/events/conferences.

If you’ve got contact lists, spread the news!

POSTPONED! Fri, 9.29 – 1pm: Transportation Secretary to Join ‘Brunch with Bernie’

admin — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:56:07 +0000

Transportation Secretary Postponement

BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 30 – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s office postponed his scheduled appearance at noon today on Sen. Bernie Sanders’ weekly “Brunch with Bernie” radio and television program.

Contact: Michael Briggs (202) 224-5141

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 29 – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Friday will join Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on the weekly “Brunch with Bernie” radio and television program.

Sanders, a member of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, has advocated much-needed investments in rebuilding roads and bridges and railroads as a way to create good-paying jobs.

LaHood one month ago freed up $5 million in emergency highway aid for Vermont after the state was struck by Tropical Storm Irene.

The secretary and the senator will discuss Vermont’s transportation needs on the nationwide broadcast of The Thom Hartmann Program.

The show airs at 1 p.m. in Vermont on WDEV radio. It also is carried live at noon by Vermont cable operators on Free Speech TV. A live stream also is available at noon on the senator’s website at http://sanders.senate.gov

Contact: Michael Briggs (202) 224-5141

Building Toward 2012: The International Year of Co-ops

admin — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:06:09 +0000

Building Toward 2012:

The International Year of Co-ops

By Erbin Crowell

In the wake of a global recession that continues to devastate communities and livelihoods, people are hungry for alternatives to corporate greed and stock market speculation. As we look at continuing challenges such as climate change, unemployment and growing disparities of wealth and ownership, many in our communities are searching for models that will help us grow more just, sustainable, and resilient regional economies.

The fact that the United Nations (UN) has declared 2012 the International Year of Co-ops is an unprecedented opportunity to talk about the co-operative alternative. In establishing the Year, the UN recognized that co-ops “in their various forms, promote the fullest possible participation in the economic and social development of all people, including women, youth, older persons, persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples, are becoming a major factor of economic and social development and contribute to the eradication of poverty”. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon puts it more simply: “Co-operatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility.”

Co-ops represent a viable model of enterprise and a tangible expression of economic democracy, self-help, and community enterprise — a way of doing business that puts people and community before profit. Co-ops are also more common than one might think. The International Co-operative Alliance estimates that a billion people worldwide are members of co-ops, and an estimated 1 in 4 Americans are members of about 29,000 co-ops across our country. The co-operative model is also adaptable to all manner of purposes. Some common examples in our region include food co-ops, agricultural co-ops, credit unions and — yes — energy co-ops.

How can we take the opportunity of the Year of Co-ops to talk about people in our communities who have become “co-opreneurs” — innovators, activists and businesspeople engaged in the development of enterprises dedicated to meeting member needs and goals, and the advancement of their communities? How can we tell the stories of our businesses and remind people in this difficult economy and with so many challenges on the horizon of what it is possible to do together?

A few months ago the Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA), a network of more than 20 food co-ops in our region, took a first step in this effort by approving a resolution recognizing the Year and dedicating itself to “efforts to raise the profile of co-operative enterprise, to demonstrate the benefits of co-ops in building local ownership and wealth, and to apply the co-operative model to new challenges and opportunities in our communities.” Partners such as the Valley Alliance of Worker Co-ops and the Cooperative Fund of New England quickly joined in as did the New England Farmers Union, which noted “a majority of our country’s 2 million farmers are members of about 3,000 agricultural co-ops, helping them to sustain their farms, livelihoods and communities.”

Our region is home to a vibrant co-operative community including producer co-ops and food co-ops, credit unions and worker co-ops, energy co-ops and artisan co-ops. As we look toward 2012, we have the opportunity to demonstrate the contribution of co-ops to our communities and to explore how we can use the co-operative model in new ways to help us realize visions of a more just, sustainable and resilient regional economy. To learn more, please visit www.nfca.coop/iyc.

Erbin Crowell is Executive Director of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association, a network of over 20 food co-ops in our region that are locally owned by more than 90,000 people. He also serves on the board of the National Cooperative Business Association. For more information, please visit www.nfca.coop.

Leas: Entergy’s Money v. the People of Vermont

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:58:10 +0000

Reprinted from the Opinion | July 25, 2011

Editor’s Note: This op-ed is by James Marc Leas, a patent lawyer in South Burlington. He served as a staff physicist at the Union of Concerned Scientists in the aftermath of the accident at Three Mile Island.

Last week’s federal court decision to deny Entergy’s motion for a preliminary injunction was an important victory for Vermont. But Entergy can take a great deal of encouragement from many of its parts.

In Judge Murtha’s decision on Entergy’s motion, facts and law prevailed over Entergy’s money argument. But it is a very temporary and tenuous success. The decision is worrisome because the judge signaled that he intends to give Entergy’s money argument greater weight and will give serious consideration to Entergy’s preemption argument and to a permanent injunction at the trial in September.

Winning this case could require more than continued excellent legal work by the Attorney General’s Office. The massive public sentiment in Vermont against further operation of this plant, sustained and made visible, may be needed as a counterweight to Entergy’s money argument, its massive public relations and its highly paid lawyers.

Entergy’s motion for the preliminary injunction was denied because Entergy could not show irreparable harm between now and a number of weeks from now when a final decision on the merits and a permanent injunction can issue after the trial scheduled to begin on Sept. 12. As the judge wrote:

The motion is denied, because Entergy has failed to show that any irreparable harm it may incur between now and a decision on the merits would be, or is likely to be, ameliorated by a preliminary injunction in the short time before this Court decides Entergy’s claims.

Ominously, however, the decision takes seriously Entergy’s preemption argument, stating:

The Court notes, however, that Entergy has raised serious questions regarding its Atomic Energy Act preemption claim [3], warranting further briefing and a prompt full-dress trial on the merits. The Court must carefully consider this claim and whether the statutes are preempted on their face, as applied, or whether they were enacted for a preempted purpose, as well as whether a permanent injunction is warranted, its precise scope, what State actions, if any, would be enjoined, and, if any injunction is issued, how to tailor relief to remedy alleged harms.

Also foreshadowing a possible decision favoring Entergy on the preemption issue, in footnote 3 the decision states that

The Court is aware the challenged statutes contain words that may or may not permit consideration of preempted grounds for granting or denying certificates of public good and that the legislative history of the challenged enactments contains numerous references to ‘safety’. . .

Possibly even more worrisome are the facts that the judge (a) devoted 13 pages of the 18-page decision to detailed consideration of Entergy’s monetary concerns (though he rejected each of them as a basis for a preliminary injunction), while (b) the decision includes not one word about claims by Vermont and the public interest organizations that filed amicus briefs:

o The decision omits mention of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Entergy signed when it bought the plant in 2002. In the MOU Entergy “expressly and irrevocably” agreed to “waive any claim that federal law preempts the jurisdiction of the PSB,” the Vermont Public Service Board.

o Nor does the decision mention Vermont’s claims about Entergy’s latches and acquiescence: Entergy failed to assert its alleged right to federal preemption for the past 10 years. Not only did Entergy acquiesce to the alleged wrong for all that time, Entergy actively engaged from 2001 (before it even bought the plant) until now with the Vermont Department of Public Service and the Vermont Public Service Board–and got vast benefit from its engagement.

o Nor does the decision mention Vermont’s claims about Entergy’s “unclean hands.” Entergy’s misleading statements to state officials under oath and its other bad acts, such as its failure to do preventive maintenance to prevent leaks, and its reneging on its agreement to waive any claim of federal preemption, were not mentioned.

The failure of the court to even mention issues important to Vermont’s case, while expressly stating that the court will give serious attention to Entergy’s preemption issue and while devoting so much detailed attention to Entergy’s monetary concerns is troubling.

Fortunately, standard federal rules of civil procedure allow the Vermont attorney general to file motions to ensure that the court does not duck the issues important to Vermont’s case. These rules allow Vermont to have its affirmative defenses and issues that can be handled based on undisputed facts to be addressed before a trial on the facts in dispute. Under the standard rules, for example, Vermont could promptly file a motion to dismiss or a motion for summary judgment to ensure that the court addresses the legal issues the Vermont Attorney General thinks are important.

For example, Entergy’s case is based exclusively on the preemption claim it “expressly and irrevocably” agreed in the MOU not to make. Following a motion to dismiss or a motion for summary judgment, the court would have to consider as a matter of law whether Entergy is entitled to bring the claim it agreed not to bring.

Vermont could also include in its motion grounds, including latches and acquiescence and other affirmative defenses that the state listed in its July 15 Answer to the Complaint filed with the court. Making these motions is important to ensure that the issues are properly addressed in decisions by the court, and any defective rulings can be grounds for an appeal.

Twelve separate times in the decision the judge referred to the fact that trial or final decision in this case is on an accelerated schedule for the purpose of meeting Entergy’s money concerns. But should Vermont be pressured to give up any of its procedural rights as a defendant, including the right to file a motion to dismiss or a motion for summary judgment, merely because Entergy Corp. wants quick action based on its monetary concerns? The zealous pursuit of justice, not speed to save Entergy money, should be Vermont’s only consideration.

Though the state has good facts and arguments regarding preemption, Vermont could win this case on other legal grounds, about which there are no factual disputes, before a trial is held to consider Entergy’s case about preemption and supposed legislative intent. Such an approach could actually be the quickest way to a final decision.

Entergy’s strength is money. While a reading of the decision shows the vast influence Entergy’s monetary dilemmas had on the judge, Vermonters have every right to demand that legal issues raised by the Vermont attorney general and by the amici be given serious attention by the court before Entergy receives further consideration of its bogus preemption claim and its desire for a permanent injunction from operation of Vermont law.

Our strength is the massive public opposition to operation of Vermont Yankee after its 40-year design life comes to an end on March 21, 2012. That opposition was demonstrated in scientific polls, town meeting votes, in hundreds of people coming out for local and statewide actions and in statewide elections.

But legal processes can be a great way to inhibit direct public involvement. When, as happened last week, the preliminary decision appears favorable, the public may be even less inclined to participate–even though the rest of the text of the decision is a strong signal encouraging Entergy. Vermonters may be facing our strength being further demobilized while Entergy is encouraged to pour money into public relations and lawyers.

Crucial is to bring Vermonters together–along with people from neighboring states–to help this court understand that the public continues to be heavily involved and wants the final decision to be firmly based on facts and law and not influenced by Entergy’s money.