WESTMINSTER-My friend Ann Smith and I attended Casey Cota's meeting on the Affordable Heat Act on Oct. 22 at the Rivertown Church in Brattleboro. Casey Cota, who is running as an independent for Windham-3, gave a short speech, followed by an informative and lengthy presentation by his brother, Matt Cota, who is a lobbyist for fuel dealers.
Matt said that "climate change is real" and that we all need to move toward a renewable-fuel future, but he said the Affordable Heat Act will cause the small fuel companies, like Cota & Cota, to lose business. One firm in Jericho has already closed, he said.
Matt also said that only the major suppliers will profit. The current model will cost the small businesses as costs rise, he stated.
However, in a recent post on the Vermont Natural Resources Council, I read this: "Some outspoken opponents have claimed the implementation of the Affordable Heat Act will result in astronomical costs. All the credible evidence available to date suggests just the opposite: A program like this will result in significant net savings and the cost increase for fossil fuels will be modest and gradual."
One gentleman in the meeting is using biofuels, solar, and insulation and living well. I have solar (paid for over 10 years), a wood stove, heat pump, and insulation done by SEVCA, and I drive a hybrid. I'm on a fixed income, so I chose to make the changes to my use of fossil fuels over time, anticipating the warming climate.
Ann has made similar upgrades and switch-overs and is also on a budget. It just makes sense; we know there are already alternatives to fossil fuels.
Matt answered the Q&A, as well, while Casey sat aside. At the end, when we asked Matt what his alternative suggestion to the Affordable Heat Act would be, he said he had none.
That's not good enough for the looming climate crisis. This law is not set in stone. Our representatives know that.
Our current state representatives in Windham-3, Michelle Bos-Lun and Leslie Goldman, who are endorsed by U.S. Sen. Peter Welch and U.S. Rep. Becca Balint, have expertise in the complex world of state government. They are in the field, holding meetings and responding to questions from their constituents on a wide variety of issues - not just the future of fossil fuel companies in Vermont.
I've been a customer of Cota & Cota for 29 years. They are a wonderful company. They installed my heat pump and did a great job. I like the family and their participation in the community. This letter is not a criticism of this excellent company.
Ann and I concluded that Casey Cota, running as an independent on a single issue, will not fairly serve the people of Windham-3. Let's move forward as this Act is worked on and modified in the new legislative session and vote for Michelle Bos-Lun and Leslie Goldman, who are responding to the diverse issues and complex interests of their entire constituency.
Jane Fitzwilliam
Westminster
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