Total Energy News – July 2024 | Energy Action Network

Total Energy News | July 2024

Greetings,

We hope you are planning to join us for the 2024 EAN Network Summit on September 18th, and the EAN Post-Election Network Gathering on December 3rd. In preparation we would ask you to:

Register now to get a lower early-bird rate.
Consider proposing a presentation on the topic of “What do you wish the EAN Network knew NOW to help Vermont meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements in ways that will create a more just, thriving, and sustainable future?”
Consider nominating an EAN member or partner for one of our annual awards (described in more detail below).

We also invite you to join us for a virtual lunch and learn on Wednesday August 14 at noon to learn from our 2024 interns. Both interns have focused on energy justice, and their research will be of interest to anyone wanting to learn more about ratepayer assistance and consumer protection for utility bill payment in Vermont, and weatherization and strategic electrification programs for low-income Vermonters.

Stay cool and enjoy the summer,

Cara, Jared, and Lena

News from the World

U.S. is making progress on its climate goals — but still falling short

The nation is reducing emissions, but not fast enough to cut GHG pollution in half by 2030.

Washington Post

Millions of US low-income households face power shutoffs amid deadly heat

Half of Americans live in states without rules restricting disconnections for unpaid/overdue bills.

The Guardian

America finally has

an answer to the biggest problem

with EVs

Used electric cars are

not just cheap—they are cheaper than similar

gas cars.

The Atlantic

Data Download

GHG emissions and GWSA Targets

The Agency of Natural Resources recently published the latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory for Vermont, with annual emissions estimates for 1990 through 2021. The Inventory reports that 2021 annual emissions were 16% below 2005 levels and just 3% below 1990 levels. The Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) requires Vermont to reduce its statewide GHG emissions to at least 26% below 2005 levels by Jan. 1, 2025, and at least 40% below 1990 levels by Jan. 1, 2030.

In response, EAN published a brief, 3-page overview and analysis of the key takeaways from the latest GHG Inventory. The document can be found on our website here.

Profile – EAN Annual Awards

Each year, two awards are presented to EAN members or public partners at the EAN Summit. Please consider nominating a deserving EAN member or partner to receive one of the 2024 awards!

The Anne & Arthur Berndt Award honors Network members who have demonstrated vision, leadership, and commitment to creating a renewable energy future for Vermont. It is awarded to individuals or organizations that have shown bold leadership in support of efforts to transform Vermont’s energy system.

Recent Past Awardees:

Beth Sachs, Tim Briglin, Paul Costello, Capstone Community Action, and Johanna Miller

The Leigh Seddon Award honors Network members who have made a significant volunteer commitment to EAN, contributed research or analysis that help advance EAN’s mission, and/or

mentored newer EAN members or staff. This honors the significant time and effort given to support EAN and all it stands for in Vermont.

Past Awardees:

Kelly Lucci, Christine Donovan, Leigh Seddon

Events and Opportunities

EAN 2024 Summit

EAN’s 2024 Summit will be September 18th at Bolton Valley Resort, with a second post-election gathering planned for December 3rd in Montpelier.

Learn more and register

EAN Intern Research Lunch and Learn

Join us to learn from the 2024 EAN Interns about their research related to Energy Equity.

Wednesday, August 14 at noon | on Zoom

Vermont Community Leadership Summit 2024

The Vermont Council on Rural Development’s 2024 Vermont Community Leadership Summit: “Forge Forward, Thrive Together“ will take place on Tuesday, August 6th at Vermont State University in Randolph, Vermont.

August 6, 2024 | Randolph, VT

Learn More

Sierra Club’s “Promoting Pro-Environmental Behavior from a Social Psychological Perspective”

Dr. Joel Ginn, a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Social Influence and Social Change Lab at Boston College, will give a virtual presentation on changing human behavior to mitigate climate change with a focus on sustainable diets.

August 1, 2024 at 7p.m.

VBSR ClimateReadyVT

ClimateReadyVT is a FREE program helping small businesses in Vermont adapt to our changing climate and prepare for climate-related business disruptions.

Applications due August 23

Learn more

EAN Network Action Teams

EAN Network Action Teams meet regularly. If you are interested in joining meetings of the Weatherization at Scale Coalition, the Climate Workforce Coalition, or other teams, or if you want to learn more about their work, contact Cara: cara@eanvt.org

Learn more

Vermont Climate Council Meetings

All Vermont Climate Council meetings and subcommittee meetings are open to the public, with all details on the Climate Council website.

The Vermont Total Energy Ticker

New data shows Vermont’s emissions trending slightly downward

An Agency of Natural Resources official credited the slight general decline to policies that incentivize people to install electric heat pumps in their homes and an increase in electric vehicle sales.

VT Digger

Vermont’s Washington County ranks high for federal declared disasters since 2011

An atlas of FEMA declared disasters created by Rebuild by Design showed that Washington County, VT tied for second most federally declared disasters in the country between 2011-2023.

Vermont Public

Conservation Law Foundation issued a notice of alleged violation in relation to the GWSA

Vermont’s 2020 Global Warming Solutions Act provided a pathway to sue VT ANR if the state was not on track to reduce emissions by set amounts in 2025, 2030, and 2050.

VT Digger

Have an upcoming event or news story to share? Let us know.

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