Your Update on Vermont and National Energy News

We are pleased to share with you the first Total Energy News of 2024!

Up first: there is still time to register for EAN’s next in person Leveraging Change Speaker Series event on Climate Resilience Successes and Opportunities in Montpelier on January 24 at 5pm. Sue Minter, Executive Director of Capstone Community Action, and Neale Lunderville, President & CEO of VGS, who both served as Chief Recovery Officers after Tropical Storm Irene, will be speaking and answering questions in an event moderated by Peter Walke, Managing Director of Efficiency Vermont. See more details and register here.

Please read on for climate and energy news from around the world and Vermont in addition to this month’s data download, Network Action Team profile, and upcoming events.

Cara, Jared, and Lena

2023 was the hottest year on record. Is this how it’s going to be now?

Last year was the hottest ever recorded, according to temperature data going back to 1850. And it beat the previous record by a wide margin.



NPR

Read More

How to get people to kick fossil fuels out of their homes

A new study suggests decarbonization programs should focus on reducing upfront costs and emphasize health, comfort — and even aesthetic benefits.

Canary Media

Read More

Why decades of progress in cars’ fuel efficiency is ending

In the U.S., gas-powered cars have stopped making big efficiency gains. Some automakers’ offerings have gotten less efficient, swapping out sedans for SUVs.

Washington Post

Read More

Data Download

Vermont energy efficiency programs: Investments and outcomes

The graph above illustrates the combined lifetime return on investment of programs administered by Vermont’s three energy efficiency utilities (EEUs): Efficiency Vermont, Burlington Electric Department, and VGS. Between 2000 and 2021, Vermont’s EEUs have invested a combined $964 million in energy efficiency programs. The result: Over $3.4 billion in total lifetime savings for Vermonters plus an additional $2.9 billion in avoided societal costs by virtue of avoiding over 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. 

This graphic has recently been updated and will look a little different than it appeared in the 2023 EAN Annual Progress Report for Vermont. The new version accounts for the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimate of the social cost of carbon of $190 per metric ton of CO2 emissions. Previously, avoided social costs shown in this graph were based on an older, now out of date estimate of $146 per metric ton of emissions. To learn more about the social cost of carbon and how it is estimated, check out this research paper by former EAN intern, Evelyn Hatem.

Network Action Team Profile:

Future of Rural Transit

From 2020-2023 an EAN Network Action Team explored the possibility of building greater collaboration between transit agencies and school districts to enhance transportation options for both students and the general public. This work was towards a vision of preparing Vermont to have the most efficient, equitable, and cost-effective rural transportation system in the US by combining public, Medicaid, and school transportation into a single electrified public transportation system.  

Although the group didn’t manage to combine these transit systems, they connected with transit agencies, school districts, and energy committees, learned more about places where combined service is happening, and created resources that will be useful for anyone interested in developing more combined service options. These resources, which can now be explored on the EAN website, include information, strategies, FAQs, and an interactive map of transit routes with proximity to schools.

Leveraging Change Speaker Series: Climate Resilience Successes and Opportunities

Join fellow EAN members for a conversation with speakers Sue Minter, Executive Director of Capstone Community Action, and Neale Lunderville, President & CEO of VGS, who both served as Chief Recovery Officers after Tropical Storm Irene. Peter Walke, Managing Director of Efficiency Vermont, will moderate the conversation.

January 24 at 5pm (Montpelier)

Learn more and register

Business Coaching for Energy Pros with VSJF

Tools of the Trade is a business training program designed to support the needs of builders and contractors in the energy efficiency and renewable energy business. This includes home performance and weatherization contractors, renewable energy and energy-efficiency oriented builders, electricians, and energy audit businesses. This 18-month business coaching program is designed to improve executive business skills and enhance core operations.

Applications due by January 19!

Learn more and apply

VEEP Adult Programming

The Vermont Energy Education Program announces registration is open for this year’s VEEP/NHEEP Summer Institute for teachers: Beyond the Standards- Solutions for Climate Change! 

June 24-28, 2024 at the World Fellowship Center in Albany, NH.

Learn more

DeltaClimeVT Climate Economy Accelerator

Are you an entrepreneur of an innovative, start-up and/or seed stage, energy company offering innovative products or services aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions? DeltaClimeVT Business Accelerator wants YOU for their Energy 2024 business accelerator program! Application period ends February 5, 2024.

Learn more and apply

Will Vermont meet its 2025 climate emissions requirement?

As Vermont approaches a 2025 deadline to reduce GHG emissions, state agencies and data experts engaged in a discussion this week about whether the state is on track to meet the legally binding benchmark.

VT Digger

Read more

Vermont’s unwelcome distinction

Vermont produces the second-highest greenhouse gas emissions per capita in New England, narrowly trailing only New Hampshire.

Boston Globe

Read more

Vermont legislators pursue climate change ‘superfund’

More than 100 lawmakers have sponsored two companion bills that would establish a climate change “superfund”, paid for by the largest fossil fuel companies.

VT Digger

Read more