Editor’s note: This commentary is by Geraldine Vatan, of Middlesex, who is a mother of two and the Montpelier community organizer for Mother Up! Families Rise For Climate Action, a project of 350Vermont.
Dear Gov. Scott,
[I] was so energized by your ability to take risks and change course with gun law matters when you were faced with the evidence that Vermont is not immune to mass shooting threats. That took some real courage. What will it take to help you see that Vermont is also not immune to environmental catastrophes, global warming, and the high costs of pollution? How about Irene, Burlington’s highest rise of temperatures in the country, Bennington’s wells pollution by Chemfab, the progression of Lyme disease, the dwindling of moose population, the pollution of Lake Champlain and of Vermont’s waterways, etc.? The list is long, and people are getting worried for their health, the health of their kids, and the health of the brave little state.
The cost of not doing everything possible to protect people, water, forests, and wild animals might not come upfront, but it will come soon enough to devour any small savings that might have been made in the short term. As Brian Campion, Bennington senator, pointed out in his efforts to protect people from toxic chemicals through bills S.103 and S.197, jobs at any costs are not what Vermonters or Americans want. So what will it take? Would you change course if someone in your family got Lyme, got poisoned by their well water, could not hunt anymore, or swim in their favorite stream? You say recreation is an economic asset for Vermont, but not protecting Vermont’s forests, waterways or its winters will harm the tourist and recreation industry.
People’s and politicians voices are rising and the message is clear: We need to act now, protect people’s and nature’s health. Thirty-five towns have voted to stop construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure, commit to 90 percent renewable energy, and ensure an equitable transition to renewable energy. Your Senate overrode your veto on S.103 because they still believe that people are not well enough protected from toxic chemicals put in manufactured products. The House now voted to pass S.197 to have companies pay health bills if they are found responsible for harming people’s health with their products or pollution. Bennington’s residents are fighting to get their bills covered. And, last but not least, your own treasurer, Beth Pearce, just wrote an article making it clear that protecting Vermont’s water quality is in the best interest of the state’s wallet and economy.
Your campaign website says that you are someone who “genuinely listens.” It seems like the shout is getting loud, and I hope that you can channel your legendary competitive and creative sides to help Vermont keep growing as a leader in sustainable economy and renewable energy. There must be a way to create an economy that serves people and the planet. Even big stakeholders are now pressuring oil companies to take concrete action!
Please act now: We Vermonters soon won’t be able to afford saving our forests, lakes, and our health if you worry too much about saving us a small increase now in taxes and fees. That is where the true crisis lies.