To introduce an amendment to Vermont Bill H.0049 - Establishing the Climate Crisis and Opportunity Act- to create a common energy culture in partnership with civic, educational, business, and community organizations.

  • One of the most contemporary environmental problems of this century is global climate change, yet the public remains largely uninformed - including youth and seniors who are and will continue to be affected; and how individuals can participate in solutions to this rapidly growing climate crisis. The purpose of this amendment is to support tomorrow's leaders through awareness raising, education and training via grassroot partnerships between institutions of higher education, business advocates, civic and community organizations.

    Health Education
    Sec. 1. To investigate and develop common strategies to reduce energy use and GHG emissions, in particular carbon dioxide, and the risks posed by poor air quality - including asthma rates, health dangers from diesel bus and truck exhaust, the impact of vehicle idling, and familiar understanding of the data collected by air quality analysts and monitoring stations as long term environmental information tools.

  • Address public health policies.
  • Develop health care alliances.

    Energy Education
    Sec. 2. To establish an Energy Education Training and Curriculum Development Outreach Certificate Program within Vermont's institutions of higher learning. Such curricula would include issues relative but not limited to; Greenhouse Gas Emissions [GHG], Carbon Emissions, Climate Change, Sustainable Communities, Permaculture, Toxic & Solid Waste Management, Renewable & Alternative Energy Resources, and Health & Social/Environmental Justice Initiatives.

  • To develop leadership and training skills in the environmental justice field.
  • Educate new advocates.

    Curriculum Development
    Sec. 3. To integrate an Energy Initiatives Curriculum tailored and suited for use by students in Vermont's elementary and secondary school system.

  • Develop and refine core climate related curricula.
  • Encourage increased educator involvement.

    Community Outreach
    Sec. 4. To provide energy related outreach services to Vermont's senior citizens.

  • Funding state-wide outreach services by establishing a community based environmental internship program.
  • Integrate community-wide health strategies.

    Civic Engagement
    Sec. 5. Develop a regional grassroots partnership which includes all economic levels of the community, educational institutions, health and government organizations.

  • Encourage smart growth investment in downtown sectors and villages.
  • Provide tax credits for fuel efficient vehicles.

    Regional Planning
    Sec. 6. Embrace the goals and objectives as set forth by the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Provinces 2001 Climate Change Action Plan and subsequent 2003 resolution.

    Version 1.0 by Robert Winkler, Vermont Climate Action Partnership 2006.