Editor’s note: This commentary is by Thomas Hughes, who is the Energy Independent Vermont campaign manager.
[W]ith Sen. John Campbell’s announcement that he’s not seeking re-election, leadership in Montpelier is undergoing a complete turnover. In January, Vermont will swear in a new governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the House, and president pro tempore of the Senate.
With new leadership comes the opportunity for a fresh take on a persistent problem: the alleged conflict between bold environmental action and healthy economic development.
Vermonters want clean air, clean water and a healthy climate. We also want jobs and economic opportunity. For years, however, too many politicians have told us we have to choose between a strong economy and a healthy environment. Nothing could be further from the truth.
There is a simple, effective, bipartisan solution to promote both. By re-aligning our tax code with our values we can create good-paying jobs, reduce pollution and save money.
Energy Independent Vermont, a broad-based coalition of businesses, nonprofits, low-income advocates, clergy and economists, proposes that Vermont’s next generation of leaders:
Cut and Reform Taxes
Vermont can cut taxes on economic drivers Vermonters want to see more of – income, employment and sales – and we can put a price on a problem we all know we need less of – carbon pollution. This tax shift will be an effective way to boost our economy and clean our air.
Keeping more of our energy dollars in Vermont will spur job creation, encourage business growth and raise incomes.
Carbon pollution pricing is endorsed by leaders across the political spectrum. From the right, President George W. Bush’s Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson calls it a “fundamentally conservative” idea that will “unleash a wave of innovation to develop technologies, lower the costs of clean energy and create jobs.” From the left, Sen. Bernie Sanders has made carbon pricing a cornerstone of his agenda.
Invest in Energy Innovations
An energy independence fund can incentivize energy efficiency projects, more fuel efficient vehicles, public transit, and home and business-scale renewable energy. By investing in energy-saving solutions today we’ll create jobs and save money in the long run.
Ways to reduce fossil fuel use exist today. Vermonters are weatherizing homes and public buildings like schools – saving money on energy bills and taxes. We’re installing cold climate heat pumps that are more efficient and comfortable than furnaces. Solar panels are popping up on roofs all over the state. And higher-mileage and electric vehicles are becoming more and more affordable – and popular. These low-carbon advancements are improving Vermonters’ finances, comfort and quality of life.
An energy independence fund can speed adoption of these technologies by making them even more affordable.
Create Jobs
Keeping more of our energy dollars in Vermont will spur job creation, encourage business growth and raise incomes. Vermont already ranks near the top in clean energy jobs per capita. We should build on our success.
Cutting taxes on income and employment will make Vermont even more attractive to clean-enterprise and high-tech entrepreneurs interested in launching businesses in a state emblematic of the clean energy future. Reducing the sales tax will make every Vermont business more competitive with neighboring states and online retailers.
Instead of sending approximately $1 billion a year to out-of-state oil and gas corporations like ExxonMobil, Vermont can keep its energy spending local – spurring innovation and creating jobs in energy efficiency, renewables and energy storage.
The cost of entrenched thinking is clear. In March, Vermont companies like Burton, Q Burke and Mad River Glen all announced significant layoffs due, in part, to the warmest winter in history. Because of warmer weather, Vermonters suffer increased health risks – and expenses – due to asthma and Lyme disease. And, of course, cleanup from severe weather events like Tropical Storm Irene cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Energy Independent Vermont proposal is rooted the Vermont values of independence, innovation and common sense. It will help Vermonters save money, reduce dependence on out-of-state fossil fuels, and leave a better legacy to our children.
Vermont will have new leadership soon, and the opportunity for fresh ideas. Reforming our economy away from the polluting fossil fuels of the past and toward the clean energy future must be on their agenda.
