Editor’s note: This commentary is by Jen Kimmich, of Stowe, who co-founder and general manager of The Alchemist and a trustee of the Vermont Public Interest Group.
The state of Vermont is expected to receive $18.7 million from the recent Volkswagen legal settlement for cheating emissions tests. Under law, this money must be spent on clean transportation projects that reduce emissions from heavy transportation. For many Vermonters, there is a shared belief that we have a unique opportunity to spend these funds in a way that protects, educates and inspires our youngest Vermonters. We have an opportunity to use this money in a cost-effective and thoughtful manner. We have an opportunity to show that we are a state that cares deeply about our most vulnerable people. And Vermont has an economic opportunity to be an innovative leader.
Gov. Phil Scott and his administration have heard proposals from stakeholders across the state on how to take advantage of this opportunity. Among these plans is a popular investment proposed by Vermont’s environmental groups, which would devote 15 percent of the funds to electric charging infrastructure, and spend the remaining 85 percent on electric school buses. This plan would immediately reduce our emissions and it would also begin the transformation of our transportation sector. The electrification of our school buses will help protect our children from harmful diesel emissions that lead to child asthma and other health impacts. We will also see long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants to support the health of our entire state.
Last Wednesday, Gov. Scott held a press conference where his administration promised to detail the spending of this settlement money. Many Vermonters, myself included, were very disappointed with Scott’s announcement, which fell short on details and failed to support smart investment in electric transportation for our students. Not only did the Scott administration fail to show support for replacing diesels with electric-powered vehicles, but they left the door open to spend the majority of these dollars on new diesel vehicles.
Instead of endorsing a smart plan that concentrates these one-time funds for impactful investment, the administration has proposed to split the $18.7 million four ways: the maximum 15 percent for electric vehicle charging stations, 43 percent for on-road heavy-duty vehicles, 31 percent for non-road diesels including forklifts, and 11 percent for rail and marine vehicles. Aside from the allocation for electric vehicle charging stations, there are no technology guardrails on the remaining 85 percent, meaning that it could feasibly all go to buying new diesel vehicles.
It would be a huge mistake to use funds from fraud over “clean diesel” to buy more diesel vehicles. Instead of taking this incredible opportunity to invest in electric buses that will start a wholesale transformation of our transportation system, the Scott administration proposes to continue sending our money out of state to buy fossil fuels that are polluting our atmosphere and contributing to global warming. These vehicles cost more over their lifetime in terms of fuel and maintenance costs, to say nothing of the social and health care costs that come with a warming climate.
Gov. Scott and his administration have said that they want to hear from Vermonters. The administration will accept public comment on the plan through Jan. 13. The plan will then be finalized and submitted to the Volkswagen fund trustee. I urge you to take the time to let Gov. Scott and his administration know that you support smart investments in our public school bus systems. We all need to let Gov. Scott know that we are paying attention. We are all paying attention to the unique opportunity we have to use this money in a way that protects, educates and inspires our youngest Vermonters, all while reducing our greenhouse emissions.
To submit your comments please visit anr.decvwmitigation@vermont.gov.
