On Dec. 6, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility honored two dozen Vermont House legislators as “Climate Champions” for their efforts to expand the economy and create green jobs by putting a price on carbon pollution.
“Vermont spends nearly $2 billion each year on fossil fuels and most of that money leaves our local economy and goes right out of the state,” Jane Campbell, VBSR's executive director, said in a news release. “VBSR is delighted to honor these legislators for recognizing that keeping more of our energy spending here in Vermont is a major economic development opportunity.”
Award-winners from Windham County include Reps. Mollie Burke, P-Brattleboro; David Deen, D-Westminster; Michael Mrowicki, D-Putney; and Valerie Stuart, D-Brattleboro.
Burke, Mrowicki, and Stuart were present at VBSR's annual Legislative Breakfast in Burlington to accept the honors.
“I am honored to receive this award,” Burke said, “and I am grateful that VBSR and many others in the business community recognize the threat that climate change poses to our economy and way of life.”
“Climate action is more important than ever now as our weather becomes more chaotic and destructive,” Mrowicki said. “Our proposed bills combining tax reform with climate action is a win-win for Vermonters.”
“I've been concerned about climate change for years and see it as the most pressing issue of our time,” said Stuart. “As a House Commerce & Economic Development Committee member, I plan to continue to champion ideas that will create clean, green energy jobs that uphold Vermont's values and generate jobs that protect our planet and employ our people.”
Recognizing that market forces can be an effective tool in moving the economy to cleaner technologies, VBSR has called for pricing carbon pollution for more than two decades.
VBSR business members recently collaborated with members of the social services community to draft the ESSEX Plan, which phases in a carbon price over eight years and uses the proceeds to reduce the cost of electricity in Vermont.
“Vermonters know that we must act now to reduce dangerous carbon pollution or it will lead to irreversible impacts for our economy, our health and our food and water supplies,” said Jen Kimmich, co-owner of The Alchemist in Stowe.
VBSR traditionally gives a Legislator of the Year award but, this year, opted to give the special Climate Champion award to Vermont legislators.
VBSR Public Policy Manager Daniel Barlow said President Trump's decision to exit the Paris Climate Agreement sparked concerns in the business community and has spurred renewed attention to the important issue of fighting climate change.
The group also honored Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce with a “Public Servant of the Year” award for her work in creating a public retirement system, cleaning up Vermont's lakes and rivers, and addressing climate change through state investments.