Local Government Affairs Update
Vermont Sues Trump Administration for limiting enforcement of environmental and public health laws
“Attorney General T.J. Donovan today joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) challenging its policy under which the EPA “will not” enforce bedrock monitoring and reporting obligations under a wide range of federal environmental laws due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The coalition argues that the EPA’s policy, called the “Temporary Policy on COVID-19 Implications for the EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program,” is overly broad, lacks transparency and accountability, and will result in higher pollution emissions by industry and corresponding impacts on public health and the environment.”
Burlington sets ‘Green Stimulus Package’ as part of response to virus, As reported by VT Digger on April 7, 2020.
“The Burlington Electric Department is leading the initiative. Darren Springer, BED’s general manager, said the programs would be paid for using unspent energy efficiency funds for this year, and said the overall amount will be in the “several hundred thousand” of dollars. BED will be seeking regulatory approval for a slew of temporary or limited-time programs set to start during the economic recovery. As part of the program, the department will increase funding for weatherization programs for low- and middle-income rental housing, boost cold-climate heat pump incentives and expand electric vehicle incentives. The program also includes a new program that will pay cash to homeowners and renters to replace older appliances with newer energy efficient refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers. BED will also offer zero-interest loans for small businesses and nonprofits for energy efficiency projects and increase incentives for replacing heating and cooling systems.”
Link to the full article: https://vtdigger.org/2020/04/07/burlington-sets-green-stimulus-package-as-part-of-response-to-virus/
Governor Scott’s Executive Order
Several addenda were issued to the Governor Scott’s Executive Order over the past month. The complete listing with details of all the Executive Orders, Amendments and Directives can be found at the following address: https://governor.vermont.gov/document-types/executive-orders
ASHRAE Government Affairs Updates can be found at the following website:
https://www.magnetmail.net/Actions/email_web_version.cfm?publish=newsletter&user_id=ASHRAE&message_id=18442990
https://www.magnetmail.net/Actions/email_web_version.cfm?publish=newsletter&user_id=ASHRAE&message_id=18516373
I wish all our Members, your families and friends good health as we continue our fight with the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Rob Ward & Mallory Fisher
GAC Committee Members