Lt. Governor Zuckerman Holds Press Conference on the Cost of Climate Inaction
PRESS RELEASE: October 30, 2020
Lt. Governor Zuckerman Holds Press Conference on the Cost of Climate Inaction
RICHMOND: A year ago today, Vermont was on the eve of a Halloween storm that would result in over $5 million dollars in damages, over 70,000 Vermonters without power, and extreme damages and hardships for businesses across the state. Businesses like Maple Wind Farm lost resources and livestock, roads washed away, and some Vermonters even lost their homes.
Using this event as a demonstration of the necessity for action, the Zuckerman for VT campaign held a press conference on the cost of climate inaction.
Lt. Governor Zuckerman said:
“I know - and I see on my farm - that Vermonters are experiencing and paying for the impacts of climate change every day. And as governor, I will ensure that my administration is focused on presenting solutions that match the severity of the issue in front of us.
We will create jobs in some of the fastest-growing sectors in the country by supporting renewable energy - especially small renewable energy businesses - across Vermont. We will build affordable housing in our village centers and expand broadband to lower carbon emissions from commuting. And we will weatherize Vermonters’ homes to help them save on their heating bills and lower their electricity use.
Climate change is a scary thought. But there are also opportunities in how we face up to this crisis.”
Lt. Governor Zuckerman was joined by:
Bruce Hennessey, Co-Owner/Operator of Maple Wind Farm who spoke of the $60,000 damages and losses to his business from the Halloween storm of 2019.
Representative Tom Stevens, Chair of the House Committee on General, Housing & Military Affairs, who addressed his frustration at Phil Scott’s veto of the Global Warming Solutions act and the legislative effort it took to override that veto to ensure this critical piece of legislation was passed.
Jeff Forward, who has been the Town Energy Coordinator in Richmond for 28 years. He shared the damages to over 50 Richmond residences from the 2019 storm and highlighted the current lack of leadership from the Governor’s office.
Shelden Goodwin, Political Outreach Associate for Vermont Conservation Voters, spoke of the leadership required to navigate the climate crisis, the obligation a governor has to address it, and the opportunities that Vermont has in building a green economy.
You can watch the full press conference on the Zuckerman for VT Facebook page. For Lt. Governor Zuckerman’s full remarks, please email Kelt Wilska: kelt@zuckermanforvt.com.
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