Keil Corey <kcorey@vnrc.org>

E­News ­ July 2016

Vermont Natural Resources Council <info@vnrc.org> Mon, Jul 18, 2016 at 6:01 PMReply­To: kcorey@vnrc.orgTo: Keil Corey <kcorey@vnrc.org>

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July E­News 2016

As summer temperatures climb, many of us escape to places of

refuge – a local swimming hole, a shaded hike in a nearby forest,

or plopped on the couch next to an energy efficient air-source

heat pump with a cold beverage. Wherever you spend your time

on these sultry summer days, it’s easy to appreciate the relief that

can be found in our shared back yard - and in our homes. In this

latest edition of our E-News, you can find ample opportunities to

get involved and support ongoing efforts to protect and enhance

some of these resources - whether that’s cleaning up our waters, conserving our forest, or

advancing clean energy solutions. Read on to learn more.

Tenth Anniversary of the Vermont Forest Roundtable

Ten years ago VNRC convened the first Forest Roundtable to bring

together people who share a common interest in maintaining healthy

forests that support wildlife and people in a variety of ways.  One of the

first roundtable efforts was a report in 2007 on the status of forests and

the increasing threat of forest fragmentation – subdividing large forest

parcels into smaller lots, typically for development. The report included

priority recommendations for addressing these threats, including tax

policy, land use planning, landowner incentives, valuing ecosystem

services, and maintaining a sustainable forest products economy. 

Informed by the Roundtable, VNRC has worked to implement many of

the Roundtable recommendations in partnership with other

organizations and state and federal agencies.  Over the past 10 years, a

great deal has been accomplished. Click here to learn about our accomplishments.

Proposed Net Metering Rule Would Roll Back Progress on Solar Energy

The Vermont Public Service Board recently issued an order outlining

proposed changes to net-metering, the successful program that has

enabled hundreds of Vermonters to invest in small-scale, affordable

renewable energy.

“While recognizing that the state needs to balance cost and community

concerns, we think the proposed order goes too far,” said Johanna

Miller, VNRC energy program director. “As currently crafted, it fails to

fully account for the significant economic and environmental benefits

of solar, threatens to cripple a successful clean energy industry, and

could make it unaffordable and difficult for many Vermonters to invest

in solar.”

Among VNRC’s primary concerns are the customer-service fee that would be applied to existing and

future net-metering customers, an annual 4% cap on the program, significantly constraining a

category of net metering that supports larger, community projects (a category that helps serve the

70% of Vermonters who can’t go solar on their own roof or in their own backyard for one reason or

another) and a provision that will significantly limit municipalities and schools’ ability to invest in

solar.

VNRC plans to urge the PSB to reconsider a few key issues in particular by the July 15 public

comment deadline.

For more on the story, read coverage by VTDigger, VPR and WAMC.

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VNRC's Mission

Through research,

education,

collaboration and

advocacy, VNRC

protects and

enhances Vermont’s

natural

environments,

vibrant

communities,

productive working

landscapes, rural

character and

unique sense of

place, and prepares

the state for future

challenges

and opportunities.

For more on the story, read coverage by VTDigger, VPR and WAMC.

VNRC Intervenes in Swanton Dam FERC License Request

Due to significant environmental impacts, VNRC has intervened in the

Village of Swanton's application for a preliminary permit from the

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to operate the dam as a

hydroelectric facility.  VNRC supports hydroelectric power as part of the

renewable energy mix in Vermont.  However, the ecological impacts of

the Swanton Dam make it the wrong dam to use to generate power.

The Swanton Dam was developed in the 18th century to power mills and

other industries.  Since the 1960's, the dam has served no practical purpose.  The Swanton Dam has a

profound impact on fisheries and water quality.  Located on the Missisquoi River, six miles upstream

from Lake Champlain, the dam has significantly impaired a historic salmon run, and habitat for

walleye and sturgeon.  VNRC has been advocating for years that the Swanton Dam should be

removed.  In filing this application, the Village of Swanton is headed in the opposite direction in

attempting to license the dam.  See VNRC's press release here

 

For more information on VNRC's campaign to remove dams that provide no public benefit, check out

freevtrivers.org

VNRC Continues the Legacy of Mollie Beattie

This summer marks the 20th anniversary of Mollie Beattie’s tragically

premature death from brain cancer. In addition to serving on the Board

of VNRC, Beattie held positions at the state and federal level. This

includes serving as the first female director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife

Service, where she oversaw the successful reintroduction of the gray

wolf into the northern Rocky Mountains. In recognition of Beattie’s

accomplished career and, in particular, her service to Vermont’s people

and natural resources, VNRC established a Mollie Beattie Internship

that provides career experience for young, promising natural resource

professionals. Kaitlin Hayes is the current Mollie Beattie intern. Read

more on Hayes here.

Poll: Vermonters Support Action to Address Global Warming

Energy Independent Vermont recently released the results of a public

opinion poll of Vermont voters.  The poll gauged people’s opinions on

global warming, energy issues and the EIV proposal to put a gradually

rising tax on carbon pollution paired with tax cuts and investments in

clean energy and efficiency. 

The findings show that Vermonters believe global warming is

happening, understand that it is human caused and support action to

address it. A majority of respondents supported the state’s renewable energy and greenhouse gas

reduction goals and action to achieve them - including putting a price on carbon pollution in

Vermont. The independent poll also showed that people are more likely to vote for a candidate who

will lead on clean energy and climate change.

Find more information and poll results here. 

VNRC and VCV: Stronger Rules Needed to Address Farm Pollution

VNRC and VCV submitted written comments in early July to the

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets to address

shortcomings of the proposed rules that regulate the impact of farms on

rivers, streams, lakes and ponds – the required agricultural practices

(RAPs). While the RAPs are an improvement over the current Accepted

Agricultural Practices (AAPs), they fall far short in requiring farm

practices necessary to remediate phosphorous pollution in the Lake as

required by the Total Maximum Daily Load cleanup plan recently

issued by the EPA. Read more here.

VNRC Intervenes in Swanton Dam FERC License RequestDue to significant environmental impacts, VNRC has intervened in the

Village of Swanton's application for a preliminary permit from the

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to operate the dam as a

hydroelectric facility.  VNRC supports hydroelectric power as part of the

renewable energy mix in Vermont.  However, the ecological impacts of

the Swanton Dam make it the wrong dam to use to generate power.

The Swanton Dam was developed in the 18th century to power mills and other industries.  Since the

The Swanton Dam was developed in the 18th century to power mills and other industries.  Since the1960's, the dam has served no practical purpose.  The Swanton Dam has a profound impact onfisheries and water quality.  Located on the Missisquoi River, six miles upstream from LakeChamplain, the dam has significantly impaired a historic salmon run, and habitat for walleye andsturgeon.  VNRC has been advocating for years that the Swanton Dam should be removed.  In filingthis application, the Village of Swanton is headed in the opposite direction in attempting to licensethe dam.  See VNRC's press release here.  For more information on VNRC's campaign to remove dams that provide no public benefit, check outfreevtrivers.org

Addressing Threats to Vermont’s Groundwater

Safeguarding Vermont’s groundwater is an increasingly urgent issue ina number of communities across the state. In Bennington and NorthBennington groundwater contamination from the toxic chemical PFOAcontinues to raise concerns over health impacts and cleanup costs. At arecent public meeting, state officials said that discussions over cleanupcosts with potentially responsible party Saint-Gobain PerformancePlastics, which includes an estimated $32 million for the municipal

water system, are ongoing. Meanwhile, it recently came to light that Vermont Yankee isexploring disposing groundwater contaminated with radioactive tritium into the Connecticut River.   

Both of these troubling stories highlight the urgent need to protect our groundwater, and preventreleases of dangerous chemicals that pose immediate or potential threats to groundwater anddrinking water.  As a key member of the Toxics Workgroup that was formed as a result legislationpassed this year (H.595), VNRC will advocate to close the gaps in our laws that place groundwaterand drinking water at risk. The workgroup will have its first meeting at the end of July. 

Buckley Appointed to Downtown Board as Smart Growth Rep

Katie Buckley, town administrator for Guilford, was recently appointedto Vermont’s Downtown Development Board. This board oversees thestate designation programs – including downtown developmentdistricts, village centers and growth centers – that have been anessential part of channeling growth and investment into villages anddowntowns. Nominated by VNRC and the Preservation Trust ofVermont (PTV), Buckley will serve as the Board’s smart growthrepresentative. 

“Katie has hands-on experience with all of the complexities ofcommunity revitalization from her tireless work in Guilford, on the PTV

board, and on affordable housing issues. She’ll be a strong voice for smart growth,” said KateMcCarthy, VNRC’s sustainable communities program director. Buckley is also the Vice President ofthe Friends of Algiers Village board, and a commissioner for the Windham Regional Commission.She replaces Peg Elmer Hough, who is stepping down after eight years of service in the position.VNRC gives its sincere thanks to Peg for standing up for smart growth and good policy over the years.

VEIC Founder Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) co-founder BethSachs recently received a lifetime achievement award honoring 40years of pioneering leadership in the energy efficiency field. The 2016Leadership & Achievement Award was given by Northeast EnergyEfficiency Partnerships (NEEP). 

VNRC partners with VEIC and Efficiency Vermont (EVT), which VEICoversees, to coordinate the Vermont Energy and Climate ActionNetwork (VECAN) – the network of over 100 town energy committeesacross the state. VNRC works with VEIC, EVT, and other partners toprovide volunteer-led energy committees with the tools and resourcesneeded to make progress on clean energy in communities across the

state.

Hartford and VEIC: Energy Planning and Implementation Initiative

The Hartford Energy Commission and the Hartford Department ofPlanning and Development kicked off a 7-month project this monthwith a team of energy experts from VEIC.  The project will result in thedevelopment of a 5-year energy action plan for the Town, an outlinefor a comprehensive long-term plan that focuses on Hartford’s energyfuture, and a strategy for implementing the energy efficiency measuresidentified by recent energy audits of two municipal buildings. 

The Hartford Energy Commission is an active member of the VermontEnergy and Climate Action Network (VECAN). For more information on VECAN, if your town has anenergy committee, and what energy committees are doing across the state, go to vecan.net. If you areinterested in starting an energy committee, contact VNRC AmeriCorps Member and CommunityEnergy and Climate Action Coordinator, Ben Civiletti (bciviletti@vnrc.org).

  

Water Works Fair

As part of the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival – the Lake ChamplainCommunity Sailing Center and community partners will be hosting aWater Works Fair to celebrate and learn about Lake Champlain. Thisone-day event will provide visitors an engaging way to explore theecology and experiences of Lake Champlain, with hands-on activitiesand fun for all ages. The fair will be held at Waterfront Park on July 31

from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Click here for more details.

Gubernatorial Candidates Forum: Climate Change and Vermont’s Economy The Vermont Council on Rural Development will host a discussionwith the candidates for governor on Vermont's economic future in atime of climate change on Tuesday, July 19, from 7-8:30 pm at theParamount Theatre in Rutland, VT. Vermont Gubernatorialcandidates Matt Dunne, Peter Galbraith, Bruce Lisman, Sue Minter,and Phil Scott will share their perspectives on the economicchallenges facing Vermont and what they believe are the keyopportunities for future economic success. Click here for moredetails.

LEAP Summer Solar Fest

The 4th LEAP Summer Solar Fest will take place on Tuesday, July19 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Crossett Brook Middle School cafeteriain Duxbury (5672 VT-100, Duxbury).  This fun, free event includesmusic, free pizza and ice cream for the whole family, and theopportunity to talk with many local solar installers as well asorganizations that can help you finance a solar project. You will alsohear from some of your neighbors who’ve already switchedto solar.  Get all your questions answered at the 4th LEAP Summer

Solar Fest.  Brought to you by the volunteers of Waterbury LEAP.  For more information callDuncan at 477-2968.  No RSVP required.  

Woodlands for Wildlife Woodland Owner Cooperator Training

This fall Vermont Coverts will offer a 3-day Woodland Owner Trainingto help landowners enhance wildlife habitat and the recreational andtimber benefits of their woodlands.  The fall training dates areSeptember 9-11 and will be held at Kehoe Conservation Camp inHydeville, VT.  Space is limited so register now!  To learn more, see asample agenda or download an application visit: www.vtcoverts.org. You can also contact Lisa Sausville at 802­877­2777 orlisa@vtcoverts.org.  This training is offered for free but please note a

$100 deposit secures your space and is refundable upon completion of the training.

 

Vermont Congressional Delegation: Support the Recovering America's Wildlife Act

Federal bipartisan legislation called the Recovering America’s WildlifeAct (H.R. 5650) has been introduced that calls for $1.3 billion in existingrevenue from the development of energy and mineral resources onfederal lands and waters to be dedicated to the Wildlife Conservation andRestoration Program to conserve a full array of fish and wildlife.  

“We have a once in a generation opportunity to save thousands of at-riskwildlife species,” Collin O’Mara, president and chief executive officer of the National WildlifeFederation. The bill would provide a dedicated source of funding for state fish and wildlife agenciesand allow states to proactively manage at-risk wildlife species. 

Contact your congressman and tell him to support H.R. 5650, Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of2016. You can send them a quick email here.Exxon Mobil Ramps up Support of Carbon Pollution Tax

Exxon supports a revenue­neutral carbon tax, where the tax would be offset by decreases to othertaxes. They were the first major oil company to call for a carbon tax in 2009 and they’ve long had aninternal carbon price factored into their business costs. 

The signing of the Paris Climate Accord, increasing pressure from

The signing of the Paris Climate Accord, increasing pressure fromactivists, and broad public acceptance of climate science have forcedfossil fuel companies to offer solutions to global warming, including acarbon pollution tax. Exxon has for some time indicated its support of acarbon pollution tax because it sets a stable business and regulatoryenvironment necessary for future investment, and is shared equallyacross energy sources.

Meanwhile, investigations continue into whether Exxon knew and deliberately misled the generalpublic on the climate warming effects of burning fossil fuels.

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