MONTPELIER. Feb. 2, 2012. On March 21st citizens from across Vermont will participate in the state’s first “crowd-sourced” film on Vermont Energy Independence Day. This is a film project about everyday acts of carpooling, insulating an attic, changing a lightbulb, or buying local. It’s also about sweeping changes found in Vermont’s homegrown renewable energy industry, the new comprehensive state energy plan, and grassroots actions of 100 town energy committees.

Anyone with a camera and image to share of Vermont’s energy transition can participate. Video clips uploaded to a YouTube channel will be organized and edited into a feature length film by Bright Blue EcoMedia.

“Crowd-sourced films are part of the rapidly changing world of digital information and storytelling,” says Vic Guadagno, Director and Producer. “The world is changing, and social media and video storytelling is driving this transition. We’ll weave together one cohesive story, as told by hundreds of individuals. We are encouraging café’s to become Community Story Centers with musical events so Vermont musicians can create the soundtrack”.

Schools, towns, businesses, and other groups are signing up to film their energy stories, host energy independence events, and network via Facebook and other social media sites leading up to March 21st.

“Vermont is emerging as a global leader in the inevitable transition away from nonrenewable energy resources, and towards a more decentralized, renewable, safe energy future.” says Executive Producer Jon Erickson, Professor and Managing Director of the University of Vermont’s Gund Institute for Ecological Economics. “We hope to capture the diversity of ideas needed to achieve greater independence, and show the world what one small state can do.”

Erickson’s undergraduate ecological economics class is helping to build a “story corps” to seek out the “must film” energy stories across the state. Bright Blue is also networking with a range of other non-profit groups to recruit participants, including Vermont Natural Resources Council, Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN), 350 Vermont, Vermont Public Interest Research Group, Renewable Energy Vermont, and Vermont Green.

“We have long been interested in helping to make the case for greater energy action by pulling together the stories that will inspire more people to act,” says Johanna Miller of the Vermont Natural Resource Council and coordinator of VECAN. “This film project will help create a common voice, and celebrate the grassroots energy actions sweeping the state.”

The social media campaign and film is being facilitated and produced by Bright Blue EcoMedia, the nonprofit media company that produced the regional Emmy-award winning series “Bloom” (see bloomthemovie.org). Additional information about Vermont Energy Independence Day can be found on the project’s Facebook page (facebook.com/vteid) and website (march21st.org).

Contact Vic Guadagno, Bright Blue EcoMedia
Phone: 303-247-1800  vic@brightbluemedia.org

We are looking forward to seeing many of you tomorrow evening at the joint legislative hearing on energy!

When: Feb. 2, 2012 •  6 to 8 p.m.

Where:  Room 11 at the State House in Montpelier.

This is a unique opportunity, and it’s really great that there are many of you planning to attend.

We wanted to follow up with some important logistics and more information, especially for those of you planning to testify.

1. First, don’t miss the chance to have fun and connect with each other at an informal gathering from 5-6 p.m. in Room 10 (across the hall from Room 11). Please come a little early, enjoy some snacks, get caught up with other fantastic energy committee leaders and talk about what’s happening under the Golden Dome.
2. Second, for those of you on the agenda to testify, please know that you will have limited time, 3-5 minutes max. The hearing is only two hours long and lawmakers hope to leave room for discussion at the end. Please keep your comments focused. One suggestion: Pick one or two of your greatest success stories to date and then let them know your ideas of policies, programs or projects you would like them to support or consider to further advance your work at the local level. Again, being concise and as specific as possible would be helpful.
3. Lastly, there is a lot happening on energy issues right now at the State House.  Here’s a quick update on a few of the big issues…

§  The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee is considering a bill – H.468 – that would create a mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standard for Vermont. An RPS is a market-based tool that could help catalyze far more renewable generation in Vermont, in the region and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the current draft of the RPS bill there is also a provision that would expand Vermont’s successful Standard Offer program, which helps create needed financial incentives for moving small-scale, distributed generation renewable projects forward in Vermont. Many advocates contend that if Vermont is serious about advancing renewables in the state and in the region, a mandatory RPS is essential. Check out VNRC’s Testimony on the RPS to learn more here: http://www.vnrc.org/program-initiatives/education-and-advocacy/vnrc-rps-testimony-january-2012/
§  The House and Senate are considering bills that would require the disclosure of the energy fitness of a home before it’s sold. These bills are aimed at transparency and consumer protection and could result in some important benefits, such as stimulating efficiency investments via the marketplace, creating Vermont jobs and helping meet the state’s energy efficiency goals. Find out far more about this issue and read the House bill here: http://www.vnrc.org/about-vnrc/update-on-building-energy-disclosure-working-group/
§  Also, with federal ARRA funds drying up and an ongoing need to improve the efficiency of Vermont’s homes, especially for low-income Vermonters, finding an ongoing funding source for weatherization in Vermont is key. There is a conversation underway at the State House about how to fund this important work. Increasing the state’s ‘gross receipts tax’ is one option some are considering. Read far more about this important issue, why it matters and thoughts on a potential funding source here: http://www.vnrc.org/program-initiatives/education-and-advocacy/a-quick-summary-of-vermont-s-weatherization-program/
§  The House passed a bill — H.475 — that makes important changes to Vermont’s net-metering law. It’s expected to make it through the full Legislature fairly easily. Stay tuned!

That’s just a quick snapshot of what’s happening on energy-related bills this session at the State House. At the bottom of this email, find a full summary of energy-related bills. The information above might lend a little context to comments from some of you tomorrow or provide an update for those who can’t make it.

Again, please let us know if you need any more information about the hearing tomorrow evening. Information that we sent previously with all the details and more suggestions is also below.

Look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow and thanks to all for everything you do!

Johanna Miller, VNRC Energy Program Director and VECAN Coordinator
Nancy Notterman, Energy Coordinator for the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission

ABOUT THE HEARING

The House and Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committees, the committees who take the lead in policy-making related to energy and climate action, know that there are many Vermonters doing real, important work on these issues at the local level and they want to hear from you.

In fact… Tony Klein, Chairman of the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee said it plainly today in a short, video update on energy happenings from his perspective. Check that update out here: www.vnrc.org.

What’s the deal with the February 2 meeting? The goal is to have your efforts as town energy committees more deeply inform the kinds of solutions being crafted at the state level to advance good policies this year… and beyond.

That’s why this special joint hearing is happening. Legislators want to hear:
§  What are your goals as an energy committee?
§  What do you think the state’s goals should be regarding energy and climate change (and why)?
§  What are you doing that’s working? What are some projects, activities, or actions you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t been able to accomplish?
§  Where do some of your challenges lie? What’s making it hard for you to accomplish your goals?
§  What kinds of state policy or programs are needed to support your efforts?
§  What kinds of state policy or programs are needed to support energy and climate action in general?

These are the kinds of things that lawmakers want to hear from you. You don’t have to answer all of them, but be specific! Tell your story. And think about how what you are doing (or want to do) that would be better supported by state policy or programs.

You can also expect to get an update from lawmakers on what’s happening under the Golden Dome on energy this session.

The HOW:
§  To get on the agenda to speak at the hearing simply email me at jmiller@vnrc.org or call me at 802-223-2328 ext. 112. (For efficiency’s sake I am working with the committees’ assistants to put the list of town energy committee leaders together.)
§  Come prepared with a summary of what you’d like to say. Be honest, brief, to the point and be prepared for questions that legislators might have.
§  Just like in committee, you will speak directly to legislators, so you will face them to share your stories and ideas. Other committee members and interested folks will be in the audience, so it will be a good opportunity for others to hear what you are up to.

Additionally:
We hope to use this as an opportunity to connect energy committee leaders to each other. So, come early! Join us at 5:00 p.m. in Room 10 at the State House for some snacks and peer-to-peer networking before the hearing.

Interested in carpooling with other folks who might attend? Look to find carpool options through the GoVermont web site at: www.connectingcommuters.org.

If you have any questions or want to run what you hope to say on Feb. 2 by me or Nancy Nottermann of CVRPC, please contact us at: jmiller@vnrc.org or Nottermann@cvregion.com.

Thanks for all you do! Please let me know if we can expect to see you or other members of your committee on Feb. 2. Hope so!

Best,
Johanna

P.S. Several bills have been introduced aimed at expanding opportunities for renewables and promoting energy efficiency. Two of the bigger bills are aimed particularly at promoting renewables, including a bill aimed at creating a mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standard in Vermont and a bill that would make important changes to Vermont’s net metering law. (Find bill numbers and a link to more information on these bills below.)

2012 ENERGY-RELATED BILLS FOR INTRODUCTION

House Bill Summaries

H.0464            Hydraulic fracturing wells for natural gas and oil production.  This bill would formalize the existing Agency of Natural Resources Underground Injection Control (UIC) Rule on underground injection wells, which provides that no natural gas or oil well proposed for use in hydraulic fracturing will be permitted if injection into the well results in movement of contaminating fluid into underground sources of drinking water.  Relying on this standard, the bill would prohibit the issuance of a permit for discharge into an injection well for recovery of natural gas or oil on the basis that permit applicants cannot effectively show that contaminating fluids used in hydraulic fracturing activities will not threaten underground drinking water aquifers.

H.0468            A renewable portfolio standard and the Sustainably Priced Energy Enterprise Development Program.  The general purpose of this bill is to continue to advance Vermont toward a clean energy future by promoting renewable power in the state. The first main component of this bill aims to establish a mandatory state renewable portfolio standard (RPS), which would require Vermont utilities to have 80 percent renewable energy portfolio by 2025.  Secondly, the bill proposes certain revisions to the existing Sustainably Priced Energy Enterprise Development (SPEED) Program, the most notable revision regarding the expansion of the state’s successful Standard Offer Program by removing the existing cumulative capacity ceiling on plants that may receive the standard offer.

H.0475            Net metering and definition of capacity.  The effect of this proposed bill would make it easier for Vermont residents to go solar by lifting the existing cap for registration of net-metered projects from 5KW to 10KW and by exempting residential installations from the 4% statewide cumulative capacity cap on net metering systems.  The bill would also affect electric companies by requiring them to base their calculation of additional credits for solar net metering systems on the standard residential energy rate charged by the company to the majority of its residential customers.

H.0476            Transparency in billing for electric power.  This bill would increase transparency in electric power bills by requiring distribution utilities to include an itemized poles and wire charge (which allocates by kWh the cost of building, operating, and maintaining the provider’s transmission/distribution system, and includes any regionalized transmission costs paid by a provider) and a power charge (which allocates by the kWh the cost of power generated or purchased by the provider to distribute directly to retail customers and includes capacity, energy, and the cost to transmit power).

Senate Bill Summaries

S.0141            Prohibiting commercial construction on certain state and conserved lands and to public service board approval of wind towers and turbines.  If enacted, this bill would prohibit most commercial construction (including wind turbines and towers) in Vermont’s parks, forests, wilderness, and conserved lands. The bill also proposes to amend the public service board’s criteria for issuing a certificate of public good for wind towers and turbines by requiring a more in-depth aesthetic impact analysis of proposed projects.

S.0143            Disclosing building energy performance and promoting thermal energy efficiency.  Under this bill, upon the request of a prospective buyer, an owner of a building would be required to disclose the building’s energy efficiency performance, which would be calculated by one or more energy disclosure tools to be developed by the department of public service. The bill would also require the department to study and recommend different funding and financing options to promote thermal energy efficiency and improve the overall energy fitness of Vermont buildings.

S.0148            A pilot project on expediting development of small hydroelectric plants. This proposed bill requires the commissioner of public service, in consultation with the secretary of natural resources, to enter into a memorandum of understanding with FERC for a pilot project that would make it easier for small hydroelectric power projects and conduit hydroelectric facilities to receive exemptions under FERC’s licensing requirements.  The terms of this project would mirror those of a similar project that commenced in August 2010 between FERC and the State of Colorado (through the Governor’s Energy Office) to streamline and simplify authorization of small-scale hydropower projects in that state.

S.0156            Energy, environmental costs, and appeals to the public service board.  This bill would require a full evaluation of environmental costs and GHG emissions reduction measures to be incorporated into determinations for electric and natural gas energy planning and permitting in the state.  The bill also proposes the addition of two members to the public service board to be involved only with appeals to the board of secretary of natural resources decisions that specifically concern renewable energy and telecommunications facilities.

S.0158            A charge for storage of spent nuclear fuel.  This proposed bill would establish an annual charge of $2 million dollars per dry cask (an individual container containing spent nuclear fuel, plus all associated components and systems) and a separate annual charge (to be determined by the commissioner of public service) for the storage of spent nuclear fuel in storage pools located in the state. These annual charges are to be paid to the commissioner of taxes no later than June 1 of each year of storage, and the funds received will be distributed among the following entities: the electric efficiency fund, the general fund, the education fund, and the Town of Vernon, and the clean energy development fund.

S.0170            A renewable portfolio standard, the Sustainably Priced Energy Enterprise Development Program, and climate change.  This bill is the Senate version of H.0468 (see above). The differences in this bill include the increase of the existing 50 MW capacity of the current SPEED program to 100 MW, the achievement of net-zero carbon emissions from energy consumed in the state by 2025, and institution of a climate change education campaign.

S.0214            Customer rights regarding smart metering. This bill would require the public service board to develop terms and conditions governing the installation of wireless smart meters. The terms and conditions would include the requirement of electric companies to obtain a customer’s written consent before installing a wireless smart meter on his/her property, and to remove, upon the request of a customer and at no cost to the customer, a previously-installed wireless smart meter.

S.0220            Exempting solar generation on flat roofs from municipal bylaws.  This proposed bill would also make it easier for Vermonters to go solar (see also H.0475 above) by exempting solar generation on flat roofs from municipal land use regulations.  The exemption would include the installation, operation, and maintenance of any device that, using solar energy only, heats water or space, or generates electricity.

S.0229            Utility bill payments. This bill would require the public service board to regulate the payment of utility bills with respect to companies that are subject to the board’s jurisdiction. The board would have a deadline of November 2012 to establish an order regarding the payment of retail charges online or by means of a credit or debit card.

S.0247            Establishing the Vermont green trust. This bill proposes the establishment of a public body, headed by a five-member board of government-appointed directors, and charged with the provision of financing and investment in clean energy throughout the state. The trust’s funding would include revenues generated by participation in various regional and state energy-related programs; taxes, fees, or assessments imposed/collected from spent nuclear fuel storage; eligible federal funds available to support clean energy projects; gifts, grants, donations.

To read these bills and learn more, you can search for any of these bills here:

http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/billtext.cfm?Session=2012

As I commented on the White House ‘Wall’: This is great that you announced a federal investigation into Wall Street. Now … to see you actually DO the right thing for the AVERAGE person in this country and make the wealthy oil companies give back to our country and pay their share of taxes and return the unfair rebates that the IRS has given them. Absurd! If they paid their fair share, our country would definitely be on the road out of debt – and one of the worst thing is that they most of them aren’t willing to do the fair thing and that they even accept the ‘bennies’ they have been receiving!

Why do they even NEED all of their trilions of $? 
It won’t do them one bit of good if you don’t ‘G.E.T.’ one VERY important thing you sure got wrong in your speech, which is regarding CLEAN ENERGY! Clean energy does NOT include offshore drilling, gas fracking or coal. This will only keep the big oil companies happy. I have to consequently question your sincerity about Clean Renewable Energy, which should be one of your top concerns, along with getting our CO2 emissions. If this does not get under control by 2017, the IEA has warned the world that we are in BIG trouble – it will be too late to turn things around. Life cannot survive at 129º as Pakistan endured this past summer – take note of just this winter’s warmth in the whole northern part of our country and lack of snow. Snow means water for the rest of the year for places like Reno, NV, from Lake Tahoe – for example…

We need your help, Mr. President! 
And while we are on the subject – Where is that Solar that was supposed to be installed back on the White House, any way? Why have we not heard any more about that?

One more concern, Dear Mr. Obama: What are your plans for reducing our emission levels from the two worst offenders: Transportation and leaking under-insulated buildings that are wasting fossil fuel and sending the emissions off into our atmosphere, just adding to the problem?  These should be on your list of top infrastructures to change immediately – or at least working on feverishly…  No problems – only solutions!

In case you missed it or would like to watch last night’s ‘State of the Union Address’ , here it is:

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!

__________________________________________________________

Renewable Energy World, a global online magazine for renewable energy has nominated two Vermont initiatives for their 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards. You can help Vermont gain national recognition by take just a few seconds to vote for one of these great initiatives!

The winner will receive the Readers’ Choice Award at the Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards ceremony, which takes place during the Renewable Energy World North America Conference & Expo in Long Beach, California from February 14-16, 2012.

First-in-the-Nation Solar Registration

REV and partners were phenomenally successful during last years’ legislative session with the passage of the Vermont Energy Act of 2011. Part of the energy act included the passage of a solar registration provision making it quicker and easier to install small-scale solar photovoltaic systems in Vermont.

The new solar registration process, which replaces permitting allows solar customers to install the system 10 days after completing a registration form and certificate of compliance with interconnection requirements. The Vermont timeline is among the fastest in the nation.

Click here to vote for this innovation in renewable energy policy.

Sheffield Wind

This past October Vermont celebrated the commissioning of its second and largest wind power facility. REV Member First Wind unveiled its 40 megawatt (MW) wind project in Sheffield, VT which will produce enough electrical energy for the whole of Caledonia County. The goal of the Sheffield Wind project is to deliver clean, renewable wind energy that will not only provide natural power to Vermonters, but also generate other benefits for the local community. Developed, owned and operated by First Wind, Sheffield Wind delivers a clean energy alternative to Vermont utilities to help stabilize energy costs.

Click here to vote for this fantastic example of Vermont’s leadership in renewable energy.

Thanks for your support and taking the short time to cast your votes! REV looks forward to working with you in 2012 to continue to strengthen the renewables and efficiency community in the state.

gabrielle@revermont.org
(802) 229-0099

www.REVermont.org

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

We have until 2017! That is FIVE years!!! FIVE!!! The whole world is at stake – nut just Africa!

Tears run down my face in fear – yet we MUST stay strong and Get IT DONE!

What are YOU… yes, YOU doing – not your neighbor?  Don’t wait until it is too late!

Do you even know what to do? Where to start? The answer lies within our Transportation, Buildings, which are the two worst offenders to our emission levels.

Please Don’t drive unless it is absolutely necessary. Never Idle. Car and Van Pool, Use Rideshare to connect!  In Vermont: www.ConnectingCommuters.org  (800-685-RIDE) or www.uppervalleyrideshare.com (802-295-1824 x204). Take the bus, train, ferry, bike, e-bike, walk, ski… and drive energy efficient vehicles. Our future transportation infrastructure needs to start now!

Seal and Insulate your Buildings to reduce the emissions caused from the use of dirty non-renewable fossil fuels. You can’t seal them tight enough!  Zero Energy Buildings ARE achievable. This should be the goal and not to settle for anything less!

Renewable Energy – this is the solution! Clean energy from Solar, Wind, Micro-hydro*…  We need Community Solar and Wind Farms… We can’t get solar installed or wind turbines up fast enough!  It is about TIME!  NOW is the time to G.E.T. going!

Learn more in every issue of Green Energy Times… New Issue coming out on Dec. 15th with a Front page article about the 2017 dilemma directly from the IEA warning, that Anjali Appadurai refers to … The new issue will be online next week, so ck back with us! AND, watch for G.E.T.  at newstands near you or subscribe on this website out and about in VT and NH at the same time!

* Micro-hydro is an untapped goldmine of energy producing power that runs 24 hrs a day and does NOT harm the environment in ANY way. The Federal Gov’t is the only block in making this happen.  It is time to get that changed.  Go to your state representatives and government officials and let’s get the micro-hydro laws changed!

Did you know that 47% of the population in the United States, including those “running” our country, do not believe that the changes in our climate are a result of our carbon emissions? Despite the irrefutable data given to them by unbiased scientists, many of our leader’s remain unwilling to implement policies that will move us toward a sustainable, environmentally sound future.

The people in attendance of this conference are all aware of the truth and work tirelessly to bring about the awareness of we what all need to be doing. There were workshops and round table discussions on all major areas where efficient, environmentally sound, and sustainable progress needs to be made.  Some of these included information on weatherization on a tight budget, Ambassador programs to assist small businesses in becoming more energy efficient, biomass, micro-hydro, wind, and solar projects.  Round table talks on Idle Free Zones to lessen carbon emissions, how to start a grass roots movement in your community, sustaining and mobilizing volunteers, progress in alternative modes of transportation, to include; trains, carpooling, and bus transportation.

There were individuals from varied socio-economic backgrounds and age groups. All were in support of local communities and the theme most prevalent was,  Our planet is in Peril, and we must all act NOW to affect change, and make every effort to reduce our carbon footprint.” Near zero emissions are what we must work toward.

Vermont Representative, Bernie Sanders spoke of the recognition this state is getting in Washington. Vermont, and Governor Peter Shumlin, is a national leader in environmental awareness, progress toward sustainable communities and implementation of sound practices. Vermont is being hailed as a “model” to follow.

Environmentalists are no longer being perceived as right-wing trouble makers, but more looked upon as sober, progressive, “smart” thinkers.

If you did not have the opportunity to attend this important event this year, I would highly recommend that you do so next year. The amount of information and knowledge you will gain is invaluable. No matter what role you play in your community, what state, or where in this world you are from, there are lessons you will take away that can teach you how to make a difference. Thank you VECAN for holding this inspirational conference and to Lake Morey Inn for providing such a beautiful, environmentally conscious, facility.

Community Energy & Climate Action

1 Clubhouse Rd., Lake Morey Resort • Fairlee, VT 05045

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Map and Directions

The University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (VECAN) invite you to attend a conference on Community Energy and Climate Action on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the Lake Morey Inn in Fairlee, Vermont.

The conference begins with coffee and refreshments and exhibitors starting at 8:00am and will conclude at 4:00pm.

Who Should Attend?
Town energy committee members  *  Selectboard and city council members * Conservation commissioners * Professional and citizen planners * Town public works staff  *  Environmental business professionals * State government officials * Academics * Concerned citizens

Download conference brochure and registration form.

About the Conference

Building on a very successful history, this conference is for those interested in how Vermont communities can take action to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy for municipal government, businesses, and residents. The day will include concurrent workshop presentations, roundtable discussions, and general sessions. The goal for the day is to provide strategies communities can implement to reduce energy costs and reduce the damaging greenhouse gasses released into the environment. Participants will gain an increased understanding of a wide range of local opportunities for tackling energy and climate change at the local level, while also having an opportunity to network with other Vermont communities. 

Registration 

Advanced registration is required. The registration fee includes all workshop materials, general sessions, breaks, and lunch.

General registration: includes registration and lunch featuring local foods. 

Registration after November 25 is $30/person.

This daylong conference offers an unparalleled experience for town energy committee leaders, municipal officials, local and regional planners, and concerned citizens to learn new strategies and identify opportunities to reduce energy costs and tackle climate change.

Register today for this 4th annual event, hosted by the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network and the UVM Extension Service at http://www.regonline.com/2011Energy

Vermont Department of Public Service Commissioner Elizabeth Miller will talk about the new Comprehensive Energy Plan and what it means for communities.

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Deborah Markowitz will discuss the work of the State’s Climate Cabinet.

The conference will also feature environmental activist, actor, and writer Kathryn Blume, who will talk about how one individual can make a difference in affecting climate change.

The day includes 14 different workshops focused on promoting efficiency and renewable energy at the local level, along with a number of different roundtable discussions topics designed to promote dialogue on the most pressing energy topics.

Don’t miss this important event! Help shape Vermont’s energy future. Register today at http://www.regonline.com/2011Energy.

For more information, contact: Jessie Schmidt, UVM Extension at: 866-860-1382 extension 203 or Email: jessica.a.schmidt@uvm.edu.