Under Siege: Green Territory

Under Siege: Green Territory

How Environmental Groups Like CLF Continue to Push, Despite Vermont’s Progress

Vermont has long been recognized as a national leader in environmental protection, consistently ranking among the top five least-polluting states in the U.S., and before the closure of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in 2014, it held the title of #1 cleanest state. Vermont had significantly reduced its carbon footprint and led the way in renewable energy adoption. Yet, despite these achievements, advocacy groups like the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) continue to push for even more aggressive climate policies, often at great economic cost to Vermonters.

Vermont’s Environmental Leadership

Vermont has been at the forefront of environmental protection for decades. From regulating emissions to investing in renewable energy, the state has made impressive progress in reducing its environmental impact. Vermont Yankee, a major non-emitting power source, played a key role in Vermont’s clean energy mix before it was taken offline, and the state has since worked to compensate for the loss by expanding renewable energy sources.

Even today, Vermont remains among the least-polluting states in the country, with per capita greenhouse gas emissions far below the national average. The state’s ambitious Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) legally binds Vermont to reducing its emissions to 26% below 2005 levels by 2025 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Learn more about GWSA here.

The Conservation Law Foundation’s Push for More

Despite Vermont’s considerable efforts, the CLF is aggressively targeting the state, arguing that it isn’t doing enough to meet its ambitious emissions targets. The CLF, a well-funded advocacy group with an annual budget between $10 million and $15 million, has a history of using litigation and legal pressure to push its environmental agenda. Learn more about CLF’s budget.

The GWSA, passed in 2020, was enacted by Vermont’s Democrat supermajority, overriding a veto from Governor Phil Scott. The law transformed Vermont’s previously non-binding emissions targets into legally enforceable requirements. This legal framework allows groups like CLF to sue the state if it falls short of its goals. This provision is a key reason why CLF has already taken legal action against Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources, claiming the state isn’t on track to meet its 2025 climate goals. Read about the lawsuit here.

GlobalFoundries: A Focal Point of CLF’s Criticism

A specific target of CLF’s criticism is GlobalFoundries, Vermont’s largest private-sector employer, located in Essex Junction. CLF has raised concerns that the semiconductor manufacturer was granted an exemption from certain greenhouse gas regulations under the GWSA. The organization argues that allowing large industrial manufacturers like GlobalFoundries to operate outside of the regulatory framework undermines Vermont’s climate goals. Learn more about CLF’s concerns about GlobalFoundries.

This controversy is particularly significant because GlobalFoundries is a vital part of Vermont’s economy, employing thousands of people and contributing significantly to the local economy. For many Vermonters, the trade-off between environmental goals and economic stability is a sensitive issue, especially when jobs are on the line.

Economic Sacrifices and Vermont’s Struggle to Balance

While CLF and other environmental groups demand more stringent regulations, many Vermonters are feeling the pinch. The transition away from fossil fuels, while admirable, comes at a steep cost. Rural communities, in particular, are disproportionately affected by rising energy costs and mandates like the Clean Heat Standard, which aims to phase out fossil fuel heating systems in favor of electric heat pumps and other clean technologies. Learn more about the Clean Heat Standard.

These efforts, while well-intentioned, have placed an economic strain on many residents. Vermont has long had a high cost of living, and adding additional financial burdens to meet climate targets can be especially challenging for low- and middle-income families. The closure of Vermont Yankee exacerbated these issues, as the state was forced to rely more heavily on imported electricity, raising energy costs even further.

Why Does CLF Continue to Target Vermont?

Given that Vermont is already one of the least-polluting states, it might seem curious why CLF continues to focus so heavily on the state. Several factors likely explain their persistence:

  1. Vermont’s Ambitious Targets: The GWSA has made Vermont a key battleground for climate litigation, as the law provides legal mechanisms for groups like CLF to hold the state accountable. Vermont’s legally binding emissions targets create a fertile ground for advocacy groups to push for more action, even if Vermont is already making significant progress.
  2. Symbolic Importance: Vermont is seen as an environmental leader, and pushing Vermont to achieve even more aggressive climate goals can set an example for other states. If CLF can successfully push Vermont beyond its current efforts, it may serve as a model for other regions across the U.S. Explore more about Vermont’s climate leadership.
  3. Legal and Financial Leverage: Vermont’s smaller legal budget may also make it a more attractive target for well-funded advocacy groups like CLF. Compared to larger states, Vermont has fewer resources to defend against continuous litigation. CLF’s significant financial resources give them an advantage in mounting legal challenges that the state may struggle to contest. Learn more about Vermont’s legal constraints.
  4. GlobalFoundries Controversy: The exemption granted to GlobalFoundries, a major employer in Vermont, has been a focal point of CLF’s criticism. The semiconductor manufacturer was allowed to avoid some of the regulatory requirements under the GWSA, raising concerns about fairness and whether large industrial manufacturers are being held to the same standards as others. Read more about the GlobalFoundries exemption.

How Vermonters Can Push Back

While CLF’s focus on Vermont is relentless, there are ways that Vermonters and the state legislature can push back against this ongoing pressure without compromising the state’s environmental goals.

  • Amend the GWSA: One of the key tools CLF uses to push its agenda is the ability to sue the state under the Global Warming Solutions Act. By amending the act to provide more flexibility or adjust the legal mechanisms for accountability, Vermont could reduce the risk of continuous lawsuits from advocacy groups while still striving to meet its climate goals.
  • Increase Local Control: Vermont could shift more decision-making power to local municipalities, allowing communities to tailor their climate strategies to local needs. This could help alleviate the economic burden on rural areas while still making progress on emissions reductions.
  • Focus on Incentives, Not Mandates: Rather than relying on heavy-handed regulations like the Clean Heat Standard, Vermont could explore more incentive-based programs that encourage voluntary compliance. By offering financial incentives for adopting clean technologies, the state could achieve its climate goals without placing undue strain on residents.

Holding Elected Officials Accountable

One way Vermonters can push back against the increasing pressure from advocacy groups is by becoming more informed about their elected representatives’ voting records. Reviewing how your state senators and representatives have voted on key climate and economic issues is essential for holding them accountable. By understanding their stances, voters can make more informed choices during elections and advocate for a balance between environmental goals and economic realities. Learn more about your legislators’ voting records.

By staying informed and engaged, citizens can shape policies that align with Vermont’s unique needs and ensure that future legislation reflects both environmental and economic sustainability.

Dave Soulia | FYIVT

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