State of Vermont Archives: on Energy & Oil
Brenda Siegel:
We must transition to more in-state renewable energy
We absolutely must transition to more in-state renewable energy. Right now, the majority of our energy comes from out of state, and the risk of that is that the long-term economic impact on
Vermonters is high as soon as the contracts that get that energy run out. And so that means that we are in a critical moment when we must do that.
Source: Vermont Public Radio on 2022 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Aug 11, 2022
Brooke Paige:
Develop alternative energy if affordable and reliable
Brief Outline of the Issues: Energy Conservation and Affordability- Support Energy Efficiency and Conservation Efforts.
- Develop Affordable Energy Resources (biomass, solar, hydro and small scale wind).
- Restrain the expansion of expensive and unreliable "Industrial Wind" projects.
Source: 2018 Vermont Senate campaign website BrookePaige.us
Aug 14, 2018
Bruce Lisman:
Moratorium on industrial scale solar and wind projects
Establish a temporary moratorium on industrial scale solar and wind projects. We need to improve the process for approving and siting large renewable energy installations. Local communities must have meaningful input into the process.
We cannot continue to ignore the negative impacts on our environment and our neighbors.
And in many parts of the state, we have reached capacity in terms of the ability to economically integrate additional renewable generation capacity into our grid. Let's slow down and make sure we put in place a more deliberate
and balanced permitting process for industrial scale renewables, and ensure that the electric infrastructure can support these additions.
Source: 2016 gubernatorial campaign website, LismanForVermont.com
Mar 6, 2016
Christine Hallquist:
Supports Solar Pathways plan of 90% renewable energy by 2050
Follow the Solar Pathways Vermont plan
for reaching a 90% renewable energy supply by 2050.
Source: 2018 VT governor Campaign website ChristineForVermont.com
Sep 1, 2018
David Zuckerman:
Fund alternative energy; end funding for traditional energy
Q: Do you support state funding for the development of alternative energy?Yes.
Q: Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)?
No.
Q: Do you support state funding for
improvements to Vermont's energy infrastructure?
Yes.
Q: Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
Yes.
Q: Do you support government regulations of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes.
Source: Vote Smart Vermont State 2014 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2014
David Zuckerman:
Work toward renewable, sustainable energy as primary sources
We believe that it is important to do everything we can to listen to our youth and step up to stop climate change. We will work toward a future where Vermonters' primary energy sources are renewable and sustainable--built and maintained by hardworking
Vermonters and small businesses right here in the state. We will ensure that Vermont workers and unions are involved as we keep our promises to reduce emissions and reliance on fossil fuel sources.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com
Apr 3, 2020
David Zuckerman:
Encourage alternatives to single-use vehicles
We must also continue to improve fuel efficiency for personal vehicles and the state fleet and encourage alternatives to single-use vehicles (like trains, buses, bikes, carpooling) so that rural Vermonters will be able to travel more freely across
the state. Improved transportation options also mean easier access for tourists who are a significant revenue generator in our state. An increase in transportation and, therefore, tourism means an increase in employment opportunities for Vermonters.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website ZuckermanForVT.com
Apr 3, 2020
David Zuckerman:
Put $20 million more into weatherization
An exchange during a September forum highlighted some of their differences as Zuckerman began discussing energy policy. "Often he's made proposals in budget addresses where there's great new ideas and you're right the legislature doesn't go along with
them because quietly money was taken from other programs to do it. We need to invest much more in weatherization. Under my earlier plan we would be putting 20 million additional dollars per year into weatherization."
Source: WAMC Alternative Radio on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Oct 29, 2020
David Zuckerman:
Invest in renewable energy; Vermont has lost jobs
The two also outlined their vision for the road ahead past the pandemic--to address the root of Vermont's demographic crisis. Zuckerman calls for investments in downtown development, regenerative agriculture, and broadband, to bring in and keep the
next generation of Vermonters. "We also need to invest in the jobs available right now around weatherization and renewable energy," he said. "Under the governor's term as governor, we have lost 500 renewable energy and solar installation jobs."
Source: WCAX-TV CBS-3 on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial debate
Oct 8, 2020
Gerald Malloy:
Promote US independence across all forms of Energy
Energy Independence. Restart the Pipeline and promote, not restrict,
U.S. independence across all forms of Energy. Go back to reasonable gas prices and reasonable inflation from 2020, not record and 40-year highs.
Source: 2022 Vermont Senate campaign website DeployMalloy.com
Aug 16, 2022
Keith Stern:
Goal to convert to 75% renewable energy will hurt Vermont
In order to get to the 75% renewable energy by 2032, a goal set by the Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan, Vermont would end up with 30K acres of solar fields and 200 miles of wind turbines equaling the destruction of Vermont as we know it! You have
had no say! The VCEP states, "Not only can Vermont be a leader in global climate change efforts, but we can do so while increasing our energy security, improving our economy, protecting ratepayers, and reducing total energy costs." At what expense?
They are out to destroy the Vermont landscape, ecosystem and your financial stability through a $500,000,000 a year tax on home heating fuel, propane for your hot water and fuel for your cars! The destruction of the
Green Mountain State's character, natural beauty and way of life through big government is unacceptable! The Vermont Renewable Mandate must be repealed and replaced with something that makes sense for our wildlife and our way of life.
Source: 2018 VT Gubernatorial campaign website VermontGetsStern.org
Sep 18, 2018
Matt Dunne:
Promote alternative fuels and renewable energy
Dunne indicated support for the following principles regarding the environment and energy.-
Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
- Promote increased use of renewable energy sources.
Source: Vermont Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2002
Patrick Leahy:
Human-caused climate change is accelerating
Q: What do you believe the federal government should do to control global climate change?Patrick Leahy: Human-caused climate change is accelerating with each passing year to devastating effects on our natural resources and our global economy. We must
act to mitigate any further damage by aggressively moving toward clean energy sources and cutting our carbon emissions. I was proud to support President Obama's Clean Power Plan, which set the first ever carbon pollution standards for power plants,
our nation's largest stationary source of greenhouse gas emissions. But more needs to be done. We cannot allow climate deniers to continue to risk the futures of our children and our grandchildren. Addressing the devastating
effects of human-caused climate change, which is accelerating each year. We must do everything we can to protect our environment, especially Lake Champlain, the Green Mountain National Forest and Vermont's other environmental treasures.
Source: Vote411.org League of Women Voters: 2016 Vermont Senate Race
Sep 19, 2016
Phil Scott:
Supports renewable energy investment
In keeping with his strong support of renewable energy investment, Lieutenant Governor candidate Phil Scott will participate in several green energy conferences and forums this month that offer opportunities for an exchange of ideas and expertise about
ways to decrease Vermont's reliance on fossil fuels."Asserting our independence and self-reliance, taking responsibility for our future energy needs and revitalizing the state's economy and business climate are the principal themes of my candidacy,"
Scott said. "I see the renewable energy sector as offering a lot of potential to help us accomplish all of these goals, and these conferences provide an invaluable exchange of ideas and information between entrepreneurs, scientists, consumers and
state leaders."
The Renewable Energy Future Conference is designed for members of the general public looking for renewable energy options for home or business and for those working in the renewable energy and general energy sector.
Source: 2010 Vermont Lt. gubernatorial press release, PhilScott.org
Nov 1, 2010
Phil Scott:
Combat climate change & reduce our reliance on fossil fuels
Q: What steps would you take to secure Vermont's energy future?Phil Scott: Securing our energy future requires us to be more self sufficient, and in order to do so we must reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. I am proud of Vermont's forward-thinking
efforts to combat climate change, and we should explore purchasing "green" power from reliable, affordable sources, including solar, hydro, and natural gas, among others. As we've seen with the solar industry, when government acts as a partner and
incentivizes growth, the sector flourishes & creates jobs. In addition, the independence gained by weaning ourselves off of non-renewable power sources will further preserve our state's natural environment for future generations. Fundamentally, we need
to recognize that growing our economy and preserving our environment by making smart energy choices are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they are inextricably linked. A strong economy needs to rely on a sustainable energy policy, and vice-versa.
Source: LWV's Vote411.org on 2016 Vermont Gubernatorial Race
Sep 19, 2016
Phil Scott:
Tax holiday on hybrids, electric vehicles, & green products
I'm committed to working towards energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. I believe we can reach our goal of 90% renewables. To further promote energy efficiency and decrease our reliance on fuel sources that impact our climate,
I'm proposing a tax holiday and rebate program on hybrids, electric vehicles and energy efficient products. Vermonters will see a 6 percent savings through these initiatives, encouraging more to invest in energy efficiency.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 25, 2017
Phil Scott:
$1.5M in rebates for 50,000 electric cars by 2025
Transitioning to electric vehicles can save millions of dollars. We need 10 percent--about 50,000--of the cars and trucks on our roads to be electric by 2025, and 25 percent by 2030.
We all know transportation costs are high for rural Vermonters--that's one of the reasons I will not support a carbon tax. I'm proposing $1.5 million in rebates to help more people purchase or lease new or used EVs.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Vermont legislature
Jan 24, 2019
Phil Scott:
Use funds to help Vermonters purchase electric vehicles
We can build on our work to protect our environment, communities and kids. We rank high when it comes to air quality, but we can do more to lower emissions in our state, so I'll propose using settlement funds to help more Vermonters purchase
electric vehicles. My budget will propose a long-term funding source for our water quality initiatives, using existing revenues and a new delivery model to put this money to work on the ground. My budget will invest in lead testing at schools statewide.
Source: 2020 Vermont State of the State address
Jan 9, 2020
Phil Scott:
Opposes any regressive carbon tax
Phil Scott- Committed to the state's clean energy goal of 90% renewables by 2050.
- Opposes any "regressive carbon tax."
- Says Vermont should focus on the transportation sector, particularly electric vehicle incentives and infrastructure.
Scott Milne
- Doesn't think climate change is solved by opening up Vermont taxpayers to lawsuits under a Global Warming Solutions Act proposal.
- Prefers global and national solutions because climate change is a global problem.
David Zuckerman
- Supports a "green new deal" for Vermont, or regionally, that implements a tax on the highest earners to fund green initiatives like weatherization programs for low-income or fixed-income homes.
Rebecca Holcombe
- Wants to reduce
Vermont's dependence on out-of-state energy. Wants to develop new, greener energy sources.
Brenda Siegel
- Wants to tie climate solutions to racial and economic justice initiatives.
- Supports the development of electric buses and trains.
Source: VT Digger on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Jul 30, 2020
Rebecca Holcombe:
Will move us to a sustainable, green energy future
Climate change is here. Renewable energy is our future. I will refocus our current public investments to move us out of our fossil-fuel dependence, and into a sustainable, green energy future. Support innovation in green technologies and markets
that build community wealth, including in our rural counties. Ensure equity of opportunity across regions and protect low and moderate income Vermonters in the transition.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website RebeccaHolcombe.com
Jan 23, 2020
Rebecca Holcombe:
Climate change is here, renewable energy is our future
Climate change is here. Renewable energy is our future. I will:- Refocus our current public investments to move us out of our fossil-fuel dependence, and into a sustainable, green energy future.
- Support innovation in green technologies
and markets that build community wealth, including in our rural counties.
- Ensure equity of opportunity across regions and protect low and moderate income Vermonters in the transition.
Source: 2020 Vermont governor campaign website RebeccaHolcombe.com
Mar 26, 2020
Sue Minter:
Keep electric rates low to compete in New England
Q: What about a consumer advocate to ensure Vermonters are paying fair electric and natural gas rates?Sue Minter: Vermont now has the second-lowest overall electric rates in New England, which is important as we compete for jobs with our neighbors.
However, I know we can continue to improve upon our competitive position in the region, and I know that even modest rate increases in gas or electric service can be very challenging for Vermont's families, our seniors, and our businesses.
My administration will strengthen the existing Public Advocate office and work with the Department of Public Service, the Public Service Board and stakeholders to ensure Vermonters are paying fair electric and natural gas rates.
Phil Scott: The
Department of Public Service must act as an advocate for ratepayers, including residential customers. There is clearly room for improvement in advocating for residential customers and I will make sure my Commissioner is a strong voice for all consumers.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2016 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Oct 31, 2016
Phil Scott:
Move closer to climate goals, diversify the green economy
I propose a $216 million package to address climate change and community resiliency. We will invest in things that reduce emissions and make our communities stronger, like electric vehicle infrastructure and incentives, weatherization, hazard
mitigation, and system upgrades to ensure we can better manage and store our clean energy. These initiatives will make us safer and move us closer to our climate goals in a way that diversifies the green economy.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature
Feb 18, 2022
David Zuckerman:
Green new deal for Vermont, to fund green initiatives
David Zuckerman- Supports a "green new deal" for Vermont, or regionally, that implements a tax on the highest earners to fund green initiatives like weatherization programs for low-income or fixed-income homes.
- Supports a larger investment in
broadband to encourage remote work and less commuting.
Brenda Siegel
- Supports the development of electric buses and trains.
- Supports incentives for electric vehicles and renewable energy for Vermont homes.
Scott Milne
- Prefers global and
national solutions because climate change is a global problem.
Rebecca Holcombe
- Wants to develop new, greener energy sources.
- Supports the creation of energy storage sites and modernizing the state's electric grids.
Phil Scott
-
Committed to the state's clean energy goal of 90% renewables by 2050.
- Opposes any "regressive carbon tax."
- Says Vermont should focus on the transportation sector, particularly electric vehicle incentives and infrastructure.
Source: VT Digger on 2020 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Jul 30, 2020
Scott Milne:
Global solutions because climate change is global problem
Scott Milne- Doesn't think climate change is solved by opening up Vermont taxpayers to lawsuits under a Global Warming Solutions Act proposal.
- Prefers global and national solutions because climate change is a global problem. Doesn't support
environmental policies that would put Vermont at an economic disadvantage to others states, like the Transportation Climate Initiative.
Brenda Siegel
- Wants to tie climate solutions to racial and economic justice initiatives.
David Zuckerman
- Supports a "green new deal" for Vermont, or regionally, that implements a tax on the highest earners to fund green initiatives like weatherization programs for low-income or fixed-income homes.
Rebecca Holcombe
- Supports the creation of energy storage sites and modernizing the state's electric grids.
Phil Scott
- Committed to the state's clean energy goal of 90% renewables by 2050.
- Opposes any "regressive carbon tax."
Source: VT Digger on 2022 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Jul 30, 2020
Esther Charlestin:
We really have to confront the reality of climate change
Another issue Charlestin plans to address in her campaign is climate resiliency in the state, especially in the aftermath of last summer's devastating flooding. We need to have climate resistant communities," Charlestin said. "Are
Vermonters really ready with the current infrastructure if another flood happens? Because it could. This means we really have to confront the reality of climate change."
Source: The Middlebury Campus on 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Jan 25, 2024
Peter Duval:
Vermont has fallen behind in meeting weak climate goals
I am running because Red & Blue teams are not getting the job done. Vermont has fallen behind in meeting weak climate goals set decades ago. Since then, the ecological problem has worsened dramatically. Yet Vermont dithers with
over-elaborate technology substitution programs that are too-little-too-late. Vermont politicians seem to have made a pact to deliberately ignore greenhouse gas emissions from biomass energy and hydro--lifecycle/scope 3 emissions, too.
Source: 2024 VT Governor campaign website PeterForVermont.earth
Jun 11, 2024
Esther Charlestin:
Invest in local clean energy projects
Climate Change is costing Vermont residents money and pain right now, and it will only get worse going forward if we do not act. The bills passed by our hardworking legislature are the kinds of progress we need to be making in addressing climate change.
Bills such as h.687 h.289 and the Climate Superfund act are comprehensive compromises that demand a better, more sustainable future for our state while acknowledging the need for a just energy transition.
Additionally, we need to invest in local clean energy projects that ensure both equity for all residents as well as taking a local approach
to our shift to clean energy and sustainability.
Source: Candidate Connection: 2024 Vermont Gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2024
Gerald Malloy:
Transition to renewables AND lower energy costs
Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?A: I will support the US achieving food, energy, and critical technology independence--
this will enable the United States to maintain a strong economy AND achieve abilities to transition to renewables AND lower gas/heating/cooling costs.
Source: Ballotpedia Candidate Connection on 2024 Vermont Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026