Another Devastating Storm
This is not “the new normal.” This is the beginning of ever-more-unstable weather.
The effects of industrial-scale pollution of our fragile atmosphere is undermining the delicate balance of the climate faster than scientists predicted.
The implications for Vermont are beyond environmental, as devastating as that is. They also overwhelm our economy — and not only with disaster relief and destroyed infrastructure that must be rebuilt.
The world, national and regional economies are transitioning away from near-total reliance on fossil fuels. Electrification — and who knows what else? hydrogen? — requires epic levels of investment: more generation and storage, redesigned grid, EV charging network. Transitioning Vermont’s economy will take resources on a scale that is difficult for a small state to muster. And it will take time, something we have little of now.
So, no, we cannot wait. We cannot be paralyzed by static from the naysayers. We must work harder to protect our future, especially for the most vulnerable — those working low-wage jobs, living on fixed incomes, or even lacking stable housing. We really have no choice.
A person stands in front of a flooded road in Andover on Monday, July 10, 2023. Photo courtesy of Robert Oakes, posted on vtdigger 7/10/23
Update in process March 2, 2024
Last full update July 20, 2023
Click image below for my 2024 Town Meeting Report:
Notwithstanding the rain, Vermont is BEST STATE to live and work in, in CNBC rankings 7/19/23.
And here are recent commentaries on S.5, the Affordable Heat Act, a critical next step for securing the future of Vermonters:
2023-05-01 Affordable Heat is Prudent Policy
2023-04-30 McClaughry S.5 & 20 cents (LTE)
2023-04-13 Fred’s and S.5 (LTE)
2023-03-01 Dirty Claims About Clean Heat
2022-10-13 What’s the Plan? (paid post)
2022-04-23 Re Roper commentary (LTE)
2022-03-21 Clean Heat Standard
The Off-Session
This summer and fall I am participating in the Building Energy Code Compliance Study Committee. The committee includes ten stakeholder representatives, three outside experts, a Senator, and me as the House member. The organizing meeting is July 14, where we will schedule six substantive meetings through the summer and fall. I don’t have links yet, but please contact me if you would like more information.
I’m available …
Feel free to contact me with any comments or concerns.
I’m also happy to meet in person. Click on button below to set up a time:
For help with specific issues, email me at scampbell@leg.state.vt.us.
See also St. Johnsbury/Concord/Kirby events calendar.