To: Dan Sosland, Environment Northeast
Dave
Leishman, Applied Proactive Technologies
Steve
Cowell, Conservation Services Group
Cc: Sue Coakley, Jim O’Reilly
From: Julie Michals, Policy Outreach Manager
Date: June 3, 2003
Re: Policy Leadership in the Northeast – Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Investments
Here is some further regional
perspective to share with CT policymakers:
demonstrating leadership of other Northeast governors on energy
efficiency (and renewable) policies. Comments or suggestions welcome for how to
improve this and how it might be used .
--------------------------------------------
Attached is a compilation of press
releases, speeches (talking points) and letters from various governors in
Northeast states, demonstrating the leadership they are taking to ensure their
states continue to benefit, both economically and environmentally, and in the
short- and long-term, from energy efficiency and renewable programs. These commitments reflect that despite the
budget deficits in these states – which are in some cases more severe than in
Connecticut – the governors nonetheless recognize the important role that
investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy continue to bring to
their state residents and businesses.
Until recently, Connecticut’s policymakers have demonstrated strong
commitment to ensure their residents and businesses reap the broad range of
benefits from energy efficiency and renewable investments, similar to how other
Northeast states that have shown such leadership. Yet while Connecticut is about to eliminate funds that would
support this important activities, all
other Northeast states continue to support funding for energy efficiency
and renewables through electric ratepayer-funded activities, recognizing the value
that these programs bring to their states today and in the future.
How will Governor Rowland explain
to the public that Connecticut is the only state in New England that has
eliminated funding for energy efficiency and renewable investments – strategies
critical to helping the state key economic and environmental policies
goals? How will Governor Rowland
explain that rolling blackouts could have been prevented? How will he explain that Connecticut cut
programs that are key to helping the state meet its greenhouse gas emission
reduction goals set forth in the New England Governor’s and Easter Canadian
Premier’s Conference Climate Change Action Plan, to which Governor Rowland
himself signed onto? How will Governor
Rowland explain why the energy efficiency and renewables industries in
Connecticut have moved to other Northeast states where these industries
continue to grow and bring new jobs to those states, and where governors in
other states are taking opportunities to build these industries even during
these hard economic times.
The attached materials demonstrate
what other Northeast governors are saying or doing about energy efficiency and
renewable investments in their state, including:
·
Press Release - Maine Governor John E. Baldacci and
Maine PUC Launch ENERGY STAR Lighting Program (February 25, 2003)
·
Remarks of Maine Governor John E. Baldacci at the
Maine Green Power Connection Lunch (March 17, 2003)
·
Press Release – Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney Ties
Job Growth to Cleaner Environment (January 22, 2003)
·
Press Release - New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey
Convenes Energy Summit (December 11, 2002)
·
New Jersey Governor
James E. McGreevey – Invitation to Attend the First Governor’s Business
Energy Conference on June 3, 2003.
·
Press Release – New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
Approves $156 Million in Funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Programs. April 22, 2003
·
Press Release – New
York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Earns Award
for Protecting the Environment through Energy Efficiency. April 14, 2003
·
Press Release – New
York Governor Pataki Calls on Northeast States to Fight Climate
Change. April 25, 2003.
·
Press Release - Efficiency Vermont Receives Recognition for its Impact on Vermont’s
Environment, Economy and on Energy Policies
- Wins Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government Award for Innovations in
American Government. May 8, 2003
Governor Baldacci and Maine
Public Utilities Commission Launch an ENERGY STAR Residential Lighting Program
February 25, 2003
AUGUSTA,
MAINE - Governor John E. Baldacci and
the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) are launching an Energy Star
Residential Lighting Program to promote the use of energy efficient lighting
and to reduce electricity consumption in Maine homes.
The program offers instant rebates for
Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent lamps and fixtures. It is designed to
increase the sales of energy efficient lighting products, and to expand the
number of Maine retailers offering them. As of February 15, Maine residents
have been able to save $2 on Energy Star* qualified compact fluorescent light
bulbs at participating retailers.
Lighting retailers across the state
will be enlisted to participate. The program will offer retailers on-going
training and assistance to promote Energy Star qualified products. Point-of
purchase (POP) display materials, and a cooperative marketing fund for in-store
promotions and special events will also be offered.
"This initiative should help many
people in Maine to reduce their lighting costs over the long run, while
decreasing our electricity consumption. It is expected to provide benefits to
individuals, to our state, and to the environment. I'm pleased to promote this
effort, and I encourage consumers and retailers to take part," Governor
Baldacci commented.
The
Residential Lighting Program is part of Efficiency Maine, a statewide effort to
promote the more efficient use of electricity, help Maine's residents and
businesses reduce energy costs, and improve Maine's environment. The Commission
created Efficiency Maine to fulfill the Conservation Act, which directs the
MPUC to develop and, to the extent of available funds, implement energy
conservation programs.
Remarks of Governor John E. Baldacci
Maine Green Power Connection Launch
March 17, 2003
Good morning. Thank
you for being here for this special announcement. It's fitting that we're gathering on St. Patrick's Day to
highlight an effort designed to make Maine more "green" and
environmentally secure.
And considering
our world situation, the energy-efficiency efforts being discussed here this
morning are related to our national need to reduce dependence on foreign
sources of fuel.
Maine has long been a leader in domestic, renewable power
generation. Nearly one-third of our
electricity is generated from home-grown, renewable resources such as water and
wood waste.
As a result, we have reduced air pollution in Maine by
millions of tons each year and, at the same time, created thousands of quality
jobs in rural communities throughout our state.
Today, changes in the electricity industry, including
deregulation of the generation and sale of electricity, have put many small
Maine businesses that produce clean, renewable energy at risk.
At a time when energy independence and security have become
more important than ever, Maine's "hands-off" approach to energy
policy is taking us in the wrong direction.
I intend for Maine to again become a leader in renewable
energy. We will finish the job of
pulling together the energy functions now scattered across state government
into a coherent energy effort. Not only
will we create a sound energy policy, we will put it into practice.
Last fall, I pledged to commit state government to a goal of
buying at least 50 percent of its electricity from reasonably-priced renewable
power sources --including biomass, hydro, wind and solar. As a first step, we submitted a proposal to
the Public Utilities Commission for $300,000 of electric efficiency program
funds to undertake several energy conservation projects in state buildings.
The savings on our electric bill resulting from these
projects will allow us to switch the Blaine House and several other state
buildings over to a 100% "green" source of electricity. As an additional benefit, our purchase of
"green" electricity will help support the efforts of businesses and
non-profit organizations to bring a "100 percent green" electric
product to Maine consumers who want to do their part for our environment.
My administration will seek additional energy conservation
improvements in existing state buildings, as well as "green" design
principles and construction standards for all new state-financed buildings,
including all new schools built in Maine.
This will not only help protect our environment, but the savings will
provide the resources to pay for any increased costs associated with purchasing
more renewable power.
Transportation is another major user of energy resources,
and the state is the largest purchaser of vehicles in Maine. We are aggressively moving to replace older
vehicles in our fleet with more fuel-efficient vehicles. We are adding hybrid vehicles, and now have
12 in the fleet. In the past several
weeks, we placed an order for 25 light trucks that will meet our tough efficiency
standard of 35 miles per gallon -- a year ahead of schedule.
Clearly, we need to recognize that in large, rural states
like Maine--with a widely disbursed population--greater amounts of energy may
be required in certain regards than in other, more compact and densely
populated states. Because of this, we
must make it a high priority to find ways to be more energy efficient--in order
to be competitive and to keep our energy costs an affordable part of our
budgets.
There is much to be done, and a long way to go before we
achieve our ultimate goals. But today's
announcements are important steps. I'm
pleased that we are all moving forward together, and I'm excited about our
prospects for success.
Thank you again for giving these significant issues your
focus and attention.
|
The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts |
|
|
mitt
romney kerry
healey
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: CONTACT: ROMNEY TIES JOB GROWTH TO CLEANER ENVIRONMENT LOWELL - Governor Mitt Romney today announced a plan to redirect the focus
of the state's Renewable Energy Trust Fund to support economic development as
well as the creation of alternative sources of energy that will have a
positive environmental benefit. |
INSERT Boston Globe article with quotes from Commissioner David L. O’Connor,
DOER – not yet available.
State of New Jersey
Office of the Governor
125 WEST STATE STREET
PO Box 001
Trenton NJ 08625-0001
JAMES E. MCGREEVEY
Governor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kevin Davitt
DATE: December 11, 2002 PHONE: 609-777-2600
MCGREEVEY
CONVENES ENERGY SUMMIT
(TRENTON) - Speaking at the Energy Summit he convened to discuss the future of energy in New Jersey, Governor James E. McGreevey announced key aspects of an energy blueprint designed to promote affordability and reliability, create jobs, and improve the quality of the State's air and water.
"Energy is a critical issue to the people of New Jersey - it warms
our homes, fuels our cars and powers our economy," said McGreevey. "We have a fundamental obligation to
make our energy affordable, to make it reliable, to use it more efficiently,
and to make more of it renewable."
"Today Governor McGreevey announced a plan for a cleaner, healthier, and more reliable energy future," said NJ PIRG Acting Director Dena Mottola. "Fostering clean and efficient technologies is the best step New Jersey can take to protect the environment, our health, and our pocketbooks." "It's important for the Governor to show leadership on an issue that affects everyone's lives, and bringing together so many energy experts will go a long way toward making our lives better," said New Jersey Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel. "Together, we can protect the environment, make our air cleaner, and help promote Smart Growth through energy policy and planning."
Speaking at the Summit, which took place at the War Memorial in Trenton, Governor McGreevey highlighted significant steps the State is taking to use energy as efficiently as possible and to save taxpayer dollars.
Governor McGreevey announced that he has issued an order that all new schools built by the New Jersey School Construction Corporation must meet LEED standards, the U.S. Green Building Council's nationally recognized standard for efficient and environmentally conscious building. This initiative will reduce the operating costs of our new schools by up to 40%.
"We have a responsibility to the taxpayers and residents of this
State to operate as efficiently as possible," said Governor McGreevey.
"Renewable energy is the energy of the future, and I am committed to
leading the way."
Governor McGreevey also announced that he will establish a Renewable Energy Task Force to promote the use of renewable energy in New Jersey. The Task Force will report to the Governor no later than March 1, 2003 with recommendations on how to strengthen and expand the renewable energy requirements the state imposes on energy suppliers.
In addition, Governor McGreevey called upon the governors of the
mid-Atlantic states to work with him to set minimum efficiency standards for
common products that the federal government fails to regulate, such as exit
signs, ceiling fans and traffic signals. These standards, when implemented,
will save New Jersey businesses, residents and government upwards of $1 billion
over the next 10 years.
To create jobs in the high-tech area of renewable energy, Governor McGreevey announced that he is directing Board of Public Utilities President Jeanne M. Fox to spearh ead a collaborative effort among the State's relevant agencies and commissions to attract renewable energy and emerging energy technology businesses to New Jersey. Governor McGreevey emphasized that to succeed in this effort the State must effectively utilize its university resources, leverage existing business development programs, and examine how to streamline regulatory and permitting processes.
Governor McGreevey also announced that the Board of Public Utilities will be hosting a conference - co-sponsored by the NJBIA, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the League of Municipalities, the Retail Merchants Association and the Food Council - that will educate municipalities and small- to medium-sized businesses about how to reduce their energy costs. Participating businesses will learn about shopping for energy in a deregulated market; aggregation; improving efficiency; and using renewable energy.
Also at today's Summit, Verizon New Jersey Inc. President Dennis M. Bone signed a Covenant of Sustainability with Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley Campbell and President Fox, pledging to support the State's goal to reduce its statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 3.5% below 1990 baseline levels by the year 2005.
In addition to speaking, the Governor led a panel of nationally recognized energy leaders in a discussion on the future of energy in New Jersey. The panel was followed by three breakout groups, led by members of the Governor's cabinet, including Commissioner Campbell; Susan Bass Levin, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs; Caren Franzini, Executive Director of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority; Public Advocate Designate Seema M. Singh, Esq.; and BPU President Fox.
Governor McGreevey is committed to leading by example in the area of energy use. The State signed a contract in May with Green Mountain Energy to receive 12% of its energy from renewable sources, an initiative which earned the State the 2002 Green Power Leadership Award from the Environmental Protection Agency.
State of New Jersey
Office of the
Governor
125 WEST STATE STREET
PO Box 001
Trenton NJ 08625-0001
|
JAMES E. MCGREEVEY |
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Governor |
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May 1, 2003
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your continued commitment to the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.
This past December, many of you attended the State’s first
Energy Summit which brought together some great voices from the industry who
provided a snapshot of what New Jersey can achieve in the future of
energy. It was a
thought-evoking and idea-sharing event that has helped move this
Administration’s agenda forward to secure our energy resources, find new
efficient means to use those resources, and foster renewable technologies
industries within the State.
We have been making decided progress since the summit. These are just some of our recent accomplishments:
ü Two months ago, I issued an Executive Order creating the Renewable Energy Task Force, and based on their recommendations, I requested that the BPU consider strengthening New Jersey’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which requires that energy suppliers obtain a certain percentage of their energy from renewable resources. The Task Force has recommended doubling the RPS to 4% by 2008, and setting a long-term requirement for 2020 of 20%.
ü
In March of this year, the BPU, under the leadership of
President Jeanne M. Fox, created the Clean Energy
Office and established the Clean Energy Council comprised of high-level leaders
in the energy industry who are advising the BPU on how best to support the
increased use of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies within the
State.
ü Through the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, the State has invested $37 million in grants and rebates for renewable energy generation over the past two years. These projects represent approximately 50 megawatts of clean, renewable power generation, which will prevent the emission of 140,000 tons of CO2; 700 tons of NOx; 560 tons of SO2; and 56 ponds of mercury associated with fossil fuel use.
ü In 2003, the BPU will invest nearly $100 million in efficiency programs, such as: weatherization programs for low-income residents, which offer measures such as improving insulation and replacing inefficient appliances; rebates for efficient light bulbs, room air conditioners, and other appliances; low-interest financing for efficiency upgrades to homes and businesses; a tree planting program, which helps significantly cool cities that suffer from the ‘urban heat island effect.’
ü Last year, I signed an Executive Order that all schools built by the New Jersey School Construction Corporation (NJSCC) will comply with the national LEEDS (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design Standards). With the help of rebates from the BPU, new schools built by the NJSCC will all be built to meet these green-building guidelines set by the U.S. Green Building Council. This will not only promote safer and more effective learning environments, but it will reduce the energy and water usage of schools, decreasing operating costs by up to 40%.
I invite you to attend the first “Governor’s Business Energy Conference” on June 3, 2003, where we will help small, medium and large business owners learn how to reduce their energy costs, operate more efficiently, and in a manner better for our health and environment. Enclosed please find further information on the Conference and a registration application to attend.
As
I remarked at the Energy Summit, energy is a critical issue to
the people of New Jersey. We will
continue to work through the ideas from the Summit and shape energy policy that
is in the best interest of all who live in our State.
Thank
you again for your continued participation.
I look forward to seeing you all on June 3rd.
With all good wishes,
James E. McGreevey
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Press Release |
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Release:
PR#20-03 |
Release
date: 4/22/03 |
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Contact: Tracy Munford |
Phone:
973-648-2595 |
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Contact: Eric Hartsfield |
Phone:
973-648-2014 |
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Board of Public Utilities
Approves 2003 Budget for the New Jersey Clean
Energy Program |
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$156
million in Funding Available for Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy Programs |
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Newark, NJ-April 22, 2003. The
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today approved $156 million in
funding for the New Jersey Clean Energy Program for 2003. The budget
amount is a combination of the $124.126 million approved by the NJBPU in its
order of March 1, 2001 and unspent funds collected in previous years. The
NJBPU based its final approval after receiving the recommendations of Board
staff and the New Jersey Clean Energy Council, an advisory body established
in March of this year. NJBPU President Jeanne M. Fox said, "This type of collaborative effort with the New Jersey Clean Energy Council will be a cornerstone of the Clean Energy Program as we move forward, making it more effective in the delivery of our energy efficiency and renewable energy programs." In March of this year the NJBPU directed its'
staff to prepare options for review and comment by the New Jersey Clean
Energy Council on both the budgeting and administration of the New Jersey
Clean Energy Program. At its' April 11th meeting the Clean Energy Council
endorsed Board staff's recommendations without objection, but made several
suggestions that will be used as guidance in this year's programs and the
development and implementation of the New Jersey Clean Energy Program on a
going forward basis. Board Staff and the Utilities will provide
ongoing monthly updates to the NJBPU and the Clean Energy Council on the implementation
of the 2003 programs including administrative costs and program
incentive/rebates so they can be considered in the development and
transitioning to the 2004 New Jersey Clean Energy Programs. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is a
state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate, and
proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers.
Critical services regulated by the BPU include natural gas, electricity,
water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has
general oversight responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding
to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more
about the Board of Public Utilities, visit our web site at www.bpu.state.nj.us. |
||
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE:
April 25, 2003
GOVERNOR PATAKI
CALLS ON NORTHEAST STATES TO
FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE
Neighboring Governors Asked to Take Regional Approach to Curb Emissions
Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has asked the governors from Maine to Maryland to join together in a regional strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. The initiative would involve developing a regional market-based emissions trading system to require power generators to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
"While New York State has already implemented some of the nation's toughest air pollution regulations and developed effective energy efficiency initiatives to improve air quality, we can build on these efforts through a regional approach that promotes further emission reductions at power generating facilities," Governor Pataki said. "To that end, I have contacted governors from Maine to Maryland to encourage them to work with us to develop a strategy that will help the region lead the nation in the effort to fight global climate change.
"The debate about global warming has often been marked by confrontation and litigation," the Governor said. "Today we are pursuing a course of cooperation and we are confident this will achieve meaningful reductions in harmful emissions without disrupting electricity markets."
Governor Pataki is calling on the New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, along with Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, to work with New York over the next two years to develop a flexible, market-based cap and trade program for carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. The effort would build upon the successful national cap and trade program for nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions. These 10 states were included because, along with New York, they constitute the three major electricity systems (Independent System Operators) in the northeast and Governor Pataki recognizes the importance of designing a program that does not interfere with the free flow of interstate electricity markets.
Governor Pataki sent letters to the 10 governors encouraging their participation. The letter states that Public Service Commission Chairman William M. Flynn and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty will be contacting their counterparts to gauge their respective state's level of interest. The two agency leaders will report back to Governor Pataki within 90 days to provide an assessment of progress made on the initiative. The Governor's call for cooperation among the northeast states builds on an unprecedented record of air quality initiatives.
The Greenhouse Gas Task Force was formed by Governor Pataki in June 2001 to assist the state in developing policy recommendations and strategies to reduce New York's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. An independent facilitator, the Center for Clean Air Policy, based in Washington D.C., recently issued a report based upon the Task Force process.
"This report again demonstrates, as President Bush has repeatedly stated, the only thing that can effectively address global climate change over the long term will be new technologies not yet discovered," the Governor said. "We must therefore continue to dedicate ourselves to the search for new technologies, especially in the areas of hydrogen vehicles and clean coal technologies."
Marcia Bystryn, Executive Director of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, "We strongly welcome this initiative from Governor Pataki. New York State has been making good progress in setting targets and reducing emissions. If neighboring states join with us we will have the ability to enact significant reductions in greenhouse gases. Pollution does not respect state boundaries and it is in the interests of everyone in the northeast to work together to reduce carbon dioxide emissions."
Ashok Gupta, Air and Energy Program Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said, "Governor Pataki's invitation to northeastern governors to work together to control global warming pollution from power plants is excellent news. A market-based cap and trade program combined with aggressive energy efficiency measures will unleash new technology and innovation that will reduce pollution and lower electricity costs. An initial 90-day time frame to identify states willing to move together is reasonable, and two years to develop final standards as laid out by the Governor is realistic. NRDC looks forward to working with all the states in the region to make this important initiative a success and a model for the rest of the country."
DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said, "Greenhouse gas emissions are a threat to public health and the environment. Governor Pataki's aggressive approach to controlling these pollutants has solidified New York as a national leader on air quality initiatives. His call for cooperation between the states is a necessary measure in order to address this issue in the most effective and cost-efficient manner."
Public Service Chairman William M. Flynn said, "Governor Pataki continues to demonstrate leadership in terms of addressing environmental challenges with progressive, market-based solutions. I look forward to working with my counterparts throughout the northeast in an effort to implement this regional approach to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. New York State cannot reverse global climate change alone, but the Governor's proposal shows how New York can take on a leadership role."
Peter R. Smith, Acting President of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority said, "NYSERDA supports Governor Pataki's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the State of New York, as well as the entire Northeast region. It's more critical than ever that we collaborate with other Northeastern states to assemble a strong partnership that will work toward protecting the environment by continuing to implement energy efficiency measures."
|
FOR RELEASE:
Immediate: April 14, 2003 Maria Vargas, EPA
|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Megan
Lawrence/Claudia Renchy Morton Toni Bouchard
Kelliher Samets Volk Director of Business Development &
Marketing
802-862-8261 Efficiency Vermont
mlawrence@ksvc.com/cmorton@ksvc.com
1-888-921-5990 x 1063
Vermont Takes Top Honor from
Harvard’s Kennedy School
Efficiency Vermont Wins
Prestigious “Oscar” of Government Awards
May 8, 2003, Washington, DC – It’s been called the Oscar of government awards. The
Innovations in American Government Award is granted to just five recipients
each year, by Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Today,
Efficiency Vermont received the award, for its pioneering approach to energy
efficiency services. Selected from a nationwide field of 1,200 nominees,
Efficiency Vermont received recognition for its impact on Vermont’s
environment, economy and on energy policies as the nation’s first statewide
energy efficiency utility.
“By creating an
independent entity whose sole mission is energy efficiency, Vermont has
empowered its citizens to secure their energy future,” said Patricia McGinnis,
President and CEO of the Council for Excellence in Government, which
administers the award in partnership with Harvard. “And this small state is
leading the way to a brighter future for those far beyond its borders. Already
other states and countries – Maine, Indiana, Brazil – are looking to Efficiency
Vermont as a model for cost-effective energy savings.”
The award brings with
it $100,000 to fund efforts to encourage replication of the winning initiatives.
Efficiency Vermont plans to use the funds to inform and advise other states in
their efforts to develop cost-effective energy efficiency services.
“Today, Vermont received recognition
as a national leader for its innovative approach to meeting its energy
needs," said Vermont Governor Jim Douglas. "We are proud that the
nation can look to Vermont for solutions to America's energy challenges. I congratulate the Vermont Legislature and
Public Service Board for their vision, the staff at Efficiency Vermont for
their hard work and dedication, and, most importantly, I congratulate all
Vermonters, because - as a state - we all benefit from energy efficiency."
Winners were selected by a national committee that included
David Gergen, Director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard
University and editor-at-large at U.S.
News and World Report; former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy
Townsend and former San Diego Mayor Susan Golding.
“Vermont is in distinguished company,”
said Michael Dworkin, Chair of the Vermont Public Service Board, who accepted
the award with Efficiency Vermont Managing Director Blair Hamilton. “Efficiency
Vermont has rightfully earned a place among a group of organizations that truly
are making the world a better place. By helping Vermonters use energy more
efficiently,
Efficiency
Vermont will save Vermont homes and businesses millions of dollars and eliminate
hundreds of thousands of tons of green-house gas emissions – all at half the
cost of generating and distributing new power.”