Energy Action Network is kicking off our Leveraging Change Speaker Series with a conversation about the prospects of expanding the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to cover transportation related emissions. Currently, RGGI only covers emissions from the electric generation sector. Given that in Vermont, 43% of our emissions come from transportation, reducing these emissions is a critical piece of meeting our energy and emissions commitments.

Mary Sprayregen from the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) and Justin Johnson from MMR have both been involved in the Transportation & Climate Initiative, which is a regional collaboration between Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States around expanding RGGI to cover the transportation sector. Mary and Justin will share: What is the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI)? How are our neighboring states approaching this? What would Vermont need to do in order to participate in expanding RGGI? What are the key considerations for Vermont, including potential benefits and costs? How does this potentially complement other statewide emissions reduction strategies?

What: Leveraging Change Speaker Series: A Conversation about the Transportation & Climate Initiative with Mary Sprayregen and Justin Johnson

When: Thursday, November 15th from 4:00-6:00

  • 4:00-5:00: A conversation with Justin & Mary
  • 5:00-6:00: Networking and Happy Hour

Where: Down Home Kitchen, 100 Main St, Montpelier, VT

Justin Johnson was Governor Douglas’ delegate to the RGGI Board and then the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation at the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources under Governor Shumlin when Vermont signed on to the Transportation & Climate Initiative. Justin also served as Secretary of Administration and Deputy Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources. In his current role at MMR, Justin is a valuable and trusted source of information and advice for national and international clients seeking to navigate the regulations and policies related to carbon pricing.

Mary Sprayregen is the Interim Director of Strategy, Policy, and Public Affairs at VEIC, managing organization-wide strategic planning as well as the development of VEIC’s energy policy and public affairs strategies, and managed relationships with key stakeholders. As part of this work, Mary has been engaged in the regional Transportation & Climate Initiative and the design of economy wide carbon policies. Prior to joining VEIC Mary worked for Con Edison, Inc., Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT), and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce & GBIC.

This is the first event of EAN’s Leveraging Change Speaker Series. Please also plan to join us for our second event on December 20th from 4:00-6:00 and every following third Thursday of the month at Down Home Kitchen.

The Speaker Series is open to EAN Members and public partners only.