Total Energy News November 2023
|
|
Your Update on Vermont and National Energy News
|
|
It’s unlikely, but not impossible, to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius
Researchers have calculated the amount of CO2 that humans can emit before hitting a 1.5 degree Celsius increase, and warn that threshold could be reached in 6 years.
National Public Radio
Read More
|
|
It’s all about the grid: Billions of dollars in new U.S. funding won’t be enough
Without a better grid, ambitious emissions reduction goals could be out of reach. New transmission lines are needed to link clean power to customers, and help with electrification.
New York Times
Read
|
|
Will California and Washington marry their carbon markets?
In January, Washington joined California as the second state to launch an economywide program for carbon permits. Now Washington is deciding whether to link their program to California and Quebec.
Politico
Read More
|
|
Data Download
Per capita emissions and progress toward Paris Accord targets
|
|
This graph, which is featured in EAN’s 2023 Annual Progress Report, shows Vermont’s per capita GHG emissions in 2005 and 2019 and its progress toward meeting the 2025 Paris Accord target compared to other states in the region. While Vermont’s per capita emissions (shown in orange) are lower than the United States’ average, they are higher than most other states in the Northeast and more than 2x higher than the global average. Vermont is also falling behind when it comes to overall emissions reductions. As shown in the blue arrows, the state has made the least progress toward the 2025 Paris Accord target (26% reduction below 2005 levels) of all states in the Northeast.
We explore this state-by-state comparison more in-depth in a recent research paper. Read the report to learn more.
|
|
Profile: Tenant Weatherization Protection Network Action Team
|
|
At the 2022 EAN Summit, the Network choose to support creation of a Network Action Team with a mission of more completely centering the needs of renters in weatherization initiatives. The proposal, coordinated by Rights and Democracy, was specifically to “investigate and implement policies that will give tenants more power to ensure they have more comfortable, more affordable, and more efficient rental housing, and incentivize landlords to utilize weatherization programs available.”
There was a pause before this Network Action Team was able to get started, but a dedicated group is now exploring what might be possible for supporting the needs of tenants, and the structures that can help landlords improve the efficiency of their units. The group welcomes additional participants who are interested in engaging in this conversation and planning. Please let Cara know if you would like an invitation to future meetings, or if you would like to meet and discuss the concept.
|
|
EAN Webinar: Climate Accountability and Collective Action Problems: Assessing Per Capita Emissions Across New England.
Learn about how New England states compare on greenhouse gas emissions and what it means for the responsibility of governments and policy-makers to act on climate at the state level.
Wednesday, November 15th, from 12-1pm
Learn more and register
|
|
Leveraging Change Speaker Series: Local Ordinances to Reduce GHG Pollution
EAN Senior Fellow Linda McGinnis will moderate a conversation between Darren Springer (General Manager of the Burlington Electric Department) and Gavin Bowman (Assistant Director of the Building Electrification Institute) about how local ordinances are being used in Vermont, and in other parts of the country, to reduce GHG emissions. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided by Pizza 44, and the cash bar at the Queen City Brewery will be accessible.
December 5th from 5-7pm in Burlington
Learn more and register
|
|
VECAN/VNRC Webinar about the EAN Annual Progress Report
Hear from EAN Executive Director Jared Duval about EAN’s latest analysis of Vermont’s emissions and energy usage and how this is affecting our economy and equity for Vermonters. Then, hear high-level updates from VNRC and partners on key policy priorities anticipated for the 2024 legislative session.
November 20 at noon online
Learn more and register
|
|
Business Sense trainings – Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund’s Business Coaching Program launched Business Sense, a six-module training series for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The series provides essential tools and information resources in areas such as financials, operations, sales and marketing, human resources, leadership, and governance. Business Sense aims to help businesses thrive.
Access resources
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
Proposed transmission project for Canadian hydropower gets federal boost
A proposal to build the Twin States Clean Energy Link, a new transmission line to connect New England with Canadian hydropower, is one step closer to reality.
Vermont Public
Read more
|
|
VT lawmakers may require utilities source 100% renewable energy by 2030
Lawmakers plan to take up a bill that would require electric utilities to get more of their power from renewable sources.
Vermont Public
Read more
|
|
Vermont may be the face of a long-term U.S. labor shortage
Employers are pulling out all the stops to attract workers as the state’s population grows older, offering a likely glimpse of the country’s future.
New York Times
Read more
|
|
Have an upcoming event or news story to share? Let us know.
|
|
|
|
|