Wanted: Public comment on financing climate action in Vermont
Sept. 19, 2023 | By the Office of the State Treasurer | News ReleaseOct. 18 UPDATE: The public meeting schedule with Zoom links has been added at the bottom of this post.
State Treasurer Mike Pieciak has issued a request for public comment on strategies for financing climate infrastructure including green energy, weatherization, and resiliency in Vermont.
The request for public comment is issued in connection with a legislative directive for the treasurer to consider frameworks that would maximize collaboration and resources among state, federal, private, and nonprofit entities to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Vermont.
“One of the top issues facing Vermont is how to build resilient communities in the face of a changing climate and more severe weather,” Pieciak said. “This work has taken on even greater urgency following the devastating impacts of the July flooding, and we need to ensure our state has the resources available to make critical investments in resilience, mitigation, and green energy.”
The Legislature identified a number of specific stakeholders to engage in this work, but Pieciak would like to hear from as many Vermonters as possible and incorporate their ideas. Written comments will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 3, and may be submitted to: Tre.ClimateFinance@vermont.gov.
Pieciak will also hold a series of in-person and virtual public meetings this fall to discuss ideas and strategies on financing Vermont’s climate infrastructure. Those meetings will each have a stakeholder focus:
Energy Community: Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. RSVP: Zoom Registration
Business & Financing Community: Friday, Oct. 27, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. RSVP: Zoom Registration
Public Agencies & Municipalities: Monday, Oct. 30, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. RSVP: Zoom Registration
Natural & Working Lands Community: Wednesday, Nov 1, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. RSVP: Zoom Registration
Attendees are encouraged to attend meetings based on their respective areas of expertise. The Treasurer’s Office will accept written comments through Friday, Nov. 3. Send to Tre.ClimateFinance@vermont.gov.
The treasurer will report findings and recommendations to the Legislature by Jan. 15. Additional information can be found on the Treasurer’s Office’s website.