Governor Shumlin announces formation of Vermont Climate Cabinet

Governor Peter Shumlin today announced the formation and first meeting of the Vermont Climate Cabinet, a group of senior officials in his administration charged with leading the state toward reduced greenhouse emissions and from reliance on fossil fuels.
‘At a time when few if any states are focusing on climate change, Vermont is committed to doing everything possible to mitigate the threats and impacts,’ the governor said. The wild weather caused by climate change impacts the state at many levels, including increased snowfalls and flooding, unpredictable storms and more, he said.
The changes are leading to financial challenges as Vermont struggles to keep up with road and property damage increasingly linked to climate change, among other problems. The environmental threat is also critical.
‘Climate change is the most serious environmental issue facing Vermont and our future,’ said Deb Markowitz, Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources and chair of the Vermont Climate Cabinet. ‘It’s a priority of the governor’s and a personal priority for me to make sure that Vermont leads in the fight against climate change and that we are prepared to respond to the changes we are already experiencing.’
In addition to Markowitz, other members of the Vermont Climate Cabinet are the Secretaries of Administration, Agriculture Food and Markets, Commerce and Community Development, and Transportation; the Commissioners of the Departments of Economic, Housing and Community Development, of the Department of Buildings and General Services and the Department of Public Service.
The group is authorized to call upon other state agencies or departments for assistance.
For a complete listing of the goals of this group, visit www.governor.vermont.gov and visit the Newsroom page. Among the goals:
1. Provide information to Vermonters on all matters relating to a changing Vermont climate, including what to expect in the coming years and actions citizens can take to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases.
2. Identify strategies to reduce Vermonters’ dependence on fossil fuel for transportation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging alternatively fueled vehicles and more efficient vehicle and mobility choices.
3. Improve energy efficiency for existing and new buildings.
4. Foster development of in-state renewable and sustainable energy sources.
5. Identify and secure federal and state funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in Vermont.