Global Warming and Energy

Global warming is the most serious threat facing Vermont, and our planet, today. If left unchecked, global warming in Vermont could reach a tipping point in just the next 10 years. Vermont has an opportunity, and an obligation, to lead in solving this global crisis by investing in clean and safe electricity, efficient buildings and a less polluting transportation system. VPIRG is committed to leading the fight to stop global warming in Vermont before climate changes destroy our environment, economy and way of life.

Leak At Vermont Yankee's Cooling Towers Raises New Concerns

Multiple problems forced Vermont Yankee to shut down both of their cooling towers and reduce the power plant’s output to 23%.  Leaks or other structural failures were found in at least three different sections of the towers including the very same tower the company claims it fixed after last summer’s collapse.

James Moore, the VPIRG Clean Energy Advocate noted that state and federal regulators are failing the public and was quoted in the Burlington Free Press raising questions that deserve our regulators attention: “It makes one wonder where else they’ve cut corners… There seems to be a culture of not doing everything it takes to fix and secure that facility.”

Simply put, Entergy Nuclear proved once again that Vermont Yankee is not the way forward for our energy future. Or as James Moore put it during an interview on VPR “The short term bribe of [saving] a few dollars a month in your electricity bill is far outweighed by the cost that we would be passing on to future generations of Vermonters in nuclear waste, in cleanup, and in risk associated with running one of the oldest reactors in the country.”

Read more about the leak from VPR here, from the Burlington Free Press here, and from the Brattleboro Reformer here.

Overview

(for more info download our brochure Global Warming in Vermont)

Fog rises in valleys filled with farms and small towns between the majestic mountains that line our state on an early morning in Vermont. This is the pristine environment we cherish. Thousands of tourists flock to our spectacular region each season to share for just a short time the state we enjoy all year. Our vibrant communities cultivate strong agricultural business, supply maple products to the world, and build on tradition for future growth and healthy living.

14,000 years ago our planet was 10 F degrees cooler and Vermont was covered with a sheet of ice one mile thick. A similar shift in the other direction of the thermostat could have equally catastrophic consequences for Vermont. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the climate of Vermont could be like that of Richmond, Virginia, or even Atlanta, Georgia by 2100. As carbon dioxide levels rise, they create a blanket effect that holds in more energy and warms the earth. Gases emitted by our cars, furnaces, and electric generators are warming our planet.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the Northeast’s average annual temperature has increased by 1.8 F since 1899. Over the past 30 years temperatures have increased 1.4 F. Winter temperatures (December to February) show the greatest seasonal rate of warming (2.8 F). In the last 30 years (1970-2000) we have seen a striking increase of 4.4 F in winter temperatures. The 1990’s were the warmest decade on record.

Vermont now produces 23% more global warming pollution than we did in 1990. The related smog will cause increased cases of asthma and reduced lung function. Warmer winter temperatures mean fewer days for skiing, skating, snowmobiling and ice fishing. These climactic changes have a huge impact on Vermont’s economy, environment and our quality of life:

• Snowfall has declined 15% since the 1950s, threatening our ski industry and its $1.4 billion contribution to Vermont’s economy.
• Maple syrup production -- which generates more than $13 million a year in revenue and jobs for Vermonters -- could decrease as winters become warmer, reducing yields. Eventually, global warming may change the region’s climate so dramatically that sugar maples no longer can survive.
• Precipitation has already increased by up to 5% in many parts of the state and further warming will wreak havoc on Vermont's $400 million agricultural sector.

Warning Signs in Vermont

Incremental changes over time add up. The natural climate we love in Vermont will be changed if we continue to consume coal, oil, gas, and diesel at the current rate. If we let global warming go unchecked, Vermont could have the same climate as today’s Atlanta, Georgia by 2100.

Hotter, Smoggier Summers
Smog is increasingly a visible problem in Vermont. Hot and hazy summer days contribute to the formation of smog which decreases lung function and increases childhood asthma rates.

Wetter Winters
Snowfall has decreased 15% since the 1950’s. Precipitation is projected to increase as much as 30% in winter (mostly in the form of rain). More rain in the winter means a shorter ski season and a longer mud season.

Skiing and Snowmobiling
Scientific data shows that winter in Vermont has already shortened by more than two weeks over the last 50 years. Warmer temperatures could erase most winter recreation in Vermont and the money it brings to our economy.

Tourism
The autumn fall foliage season is the second most popular time to visit Vermont. Global warming threatens Vermont’s colorful maples and the beauty of changing colors on Vermont’s hillsides.

Maple Sugaring
Conditions are already increasingly favoring sugaring in Canada. Historically Vermont has enjoyed freezing nights and warm days during February and March, perfect for producing maple sugar. Global warming reduces the amount of freeze and thaw cycles and cold recharge periods.

Diseases
Ticks would thrive in a warmer Vermont and would increase the spread of Lyme disease. Mosquitoes carrying tropical diseases such as equine encephalitis and West Nile Virus would also increase in a hot and humid Vermont.

Solutions

Global warming is changing Vermont. Human actions have caused these changes and human actions can undo them. There are many ways that we can help stop the damage that is being done to our climate. In Vermont we need leadership at the state and local levels as well as individual action.

Renewable Energy
Imagine a Vermont that relies on clean, safe, and affordable sources for all its energy needs: Wind farms dot a handful of ridgelines, our forests provide sustainably harvested fuel and small hydro-electric and solar installations in all of our communities help supply the power we need to run our working family farms, homes and businesses. We can build that energy future in Vermont, but to do it our leaders must start by passing a strong renewable energy standard that:

1. Ensures that at least 40% of our electricity comes from renewable resources within the next 10 years;
2. Promotes the development of renewable resources in Vermont to help our economy;
3. Makes it easier for Vermont town and local investors to develop small community scale renewable energy projects.

Energy Efficient Buildings
Vermont has the potential to dramatically reduce global warming pollution and the nearly $300 million Vermonters spend every year to heat their homes by improving the energy efficiency of Vermont homes and businesses. to do so we must:

1. Expand state energy efficiency programs to aggressively and effectively address all homes, regardless of heating fuel or income;
2. Accelerate the upgrade of building efficiency standards. Vermont should adopt the Energy Star standard as a minimum for all new homes
3. Institute time-of-sale minimum energy requirements for all rental properties in 2007 and phase in time-of-sale minimum energy requirements for all residential buildings in 5 years.

Smarter Transportation
Our cars and trucks are the source of more than half of Vermont's global warming emissions. But common sense reforms can transform the way Vermonters get where they need to go.

1. Defend Vermont's Clean Cars law from auto industry lawsuits so we can make all new cars sold in the state less polluting;
2. Stop using tax-payer funds to support sprawling development, instead invest in our downtown's and village centers;
3. Transform our transportation infrastructure to help Vermonters become less dependant on their cars by providing other transportation options such as public transportation, ride-sharing, biking and walking.

Global Warming Plan
Governor Douglas has started work on a comprehensive statewide global warming plan. But the promise of a strong plan is only as good as its recommendations and the will of the governor and legislature to see them through. VPIRG is a member of the Plenary group helping to craft the Governor's plan, and needs support from all Vermonters to ensure that Governor Douglas' plan is as serious as the threat of global warming.

Take Action Now!

Together, we can make sure stopping global warming starts in Vermont. Every voice counts and you can make a difference. Here’s how:

Be part of the solution:
You can help by contacting your community leaders and legislators. and asking them to take action to stop global warming.

Write a Letter to the Editor:
VPIRG can help you write a letter, email or opinion editorial for your local newspaper. We can also offer tips for making sure your letter gets printed.

Host or attend a local lobby meeting:
VPIRG is organizing meetings between constituents and legislators in towns all over Vermont. You can take part by contacting Sean Sarah at 223-8421 ext.6383 or sean {at} VPIRG.org.