Move closer to climate goals, diversify the green economy
I propose a $216 million package to address climate change and community resiliency. We will invest in things that reduce emissions and make our communities stronger, like electric vehicle infrastructure and incentives, weatherization, hazard
mitigation, and system upgrades to ensure we can better manage and store our clean energy. These initiatives will make us safer and move us closer to our climate goals in a way that diversifies the green economy.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature
, Feb 18, 2022
Opposes any regressive carbon tax
Phil Scott
Committed to the state's clean energy goal of 90% renewables by 2050.
Opposes any "regressive carbon tax."
Says Vermont should focus on the transportation sector, particularly electric vehicle incentives and infrastructure.
Scott Milne
Doesn't think climate change is solved by opening up Vermont taxpayers to lawsuits under a Global Warming Solutions Act proposal.
Prefers global and national solutions because climate change is a global problem.
David Zuckerman
Supports a "green new deal" for Vermont, or regionally, that implements a tax on the highest earners to fund green initiatives like weatherization programs for low-income or fixed-income homes.
Rebecca Holcombe
Wants to reduce
Vermont's dependence on out-of-state energy. Wants to develop new, greener energy sources.
Brenda Siegel
Wants to tie climate solutions to racial and economic justice initiatives.
Supports the development of electric buses and trains.
Use funds to help Vermonters purchase electric vehicles
We can build on our work to protect our environment, communities and kids. We rank high when it comes to air quality, but we can do more to lower emissions in our state, so I'll propose using settlement funds to help more Vermonters purchase
electric vehicles. My budget will propose a long-term funding source for our water quality initiatives, using existing revenues and a new delivery model to put this money to work on the ground. My budget will invest in lead testing at schools statewide.
Source: 2020 Vermont State of the State address
, Jan 9, 2020
$1.5M in rebates for 50,000 electric cars by 2025
Transitioning to electric vehicles can save millions of dollars. We need 10 percent--about 50,000--of the cars and trucks on our roads to be electric by 2025, and 25 percent by 2030.
We all know transportation costs are high for rural Vermonters--that's one of the reasons I will not support a carbon tax. I'm proposing $1.5 million in rebates to help more people purchase or lease new or used EVs.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Vermont legislature
, Jan 24, 2019
Tax holiday on hybrids, electric vehicles, & green products
I'm committed to working towards energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. I believe we can reach our goal of 90% renewables. To further promote energy efficiency and decrease our reliance on fuel sources that impact our climate,
I'm proposing a tax holiday and rebate program on hybrids, electric vehicles and energy efficient products. Vermonters will see a 6 percent savings through these initiatives, encouraging more to invest in energy efficiency.
Source: 2017 Vermont State of the State address
, Jan 25, 2017
Combat climate change & reduce our reliance on fossil fuels
Q: What steps would you take to secure Vermont's energy future?
Phil Scott: Securing our energy future requires us to be more self sufficient, and in order to do so we must reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. I am proud of Vermont's forward-thinking
efforts to combat climate change, and we should explore purchasing "green" power from reliable, affordable sources, including solar, hydro, and natural gas, among others. As we've seen with the solar industry, when government acts as a partner and
incentivizes growth, the sector flourishes & creates jobs. In addition, the independence gained by weaning ourselves off of non-renewable power sources will further preserve our state's natural environment for future generations. Fundamentally, we need
to recognize that growing our economy and preserving our environment by making smart energy choices are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they are inextricably linked. A strong economy needs to rely on a sustainable energy policy, and vice-versa.
In keeping with his strong support of renewable energy investment, Lieutenant Governor candidate Phil Scott will participate in several green energy conferences and forums this month that offer opportunities for an exchange of ideas and expertise about
ways to decrease Vermont's reliance on fossil fuels.
"Asserting our independence and self-reliance, taking responsibility for our future energy needs and revitalizing the state's economy and business climate are the principal themes of my candidacy,"
Scott said. "I see the renewable energy sector as offering a lot of potential to help us accomplish all of these goals, and these conferences provide an invaluable exchange of ideas and information between entrepreneurs, scientists, consumers and
state leaders."
The Renewable Energy Future Conference is designed for members of the general public looking for renewable energy options for home or business and for those working in the renewable energy and general energy sector.