Alternative to H.520 is an Insulting Proposal Letter to Editor Printed in Times Argus & Rutland Herald

 Just before he boarded a plane to China this week, Gov. Douglas appointed a task force to implement his proposed alternative to H.520, the energy efficiency bill. Providing low-interest loans to Vermonters who could not otherwise invest in energy efficiency is a great idea. Hopefully when the legislature reconvenes next year they will find $600,000 in the General Fund to fund the program.

But to suggest this program as an alternative to H.520 is insulting. H.520 is a comprehensive bill that acknowledges the seriousness of the energy crisis that confronts our state. Simply put, global demand for fossil fuels is skyrocketing while supplies are rapidly being depleted. Hence, the 114 percent increase in the cost of heating an average Vermont home. Hence, the highest gasoline prices we have ever endured. And it's going to get worse.

As business people, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility are disciplined to look ahead, to manage risks and make appropriate investments for future returns. That is why we have supported The energy bill from the beginning of its introduction through all the tough choices and compromises. We even supported it when it would have added a surcharge to our fuel costs.

Gov. Douglas vetoed H.520 because, he said, it would send a chilling message to Vermont businesses about taxes. Let's get real! State taxes are a miniscule expense to Vermont businesses, providing just 3 percent of all state tax revenues. The average Vermonter pays more personal income tax than 98 percent of in-state businesses pay in corporate taxes. Energy and health insurance costs are what keep us from a good night's sleep these days. Not taxes.

The energy bill will help us deal with energy costs! In the short term, we have to find ways to reduce our consumption of oil and gas. Efficiency Vermont has already helped us reduce our electric bills and H.520 expands that organization to help us reduce fossil fuel consumption. Efficiency Vermont is held accountable, by contract, to produce results. Gov. Douglas' proposal does not contain that same accountability.

The energy bill will help us deal with energy costs in the long term! While two thirds of Vermont's electricity is produced with relatively clean technology, a third of our power is generated from fuels that pollute our environment and are becoming extinct. Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility think it only prudent to begin developing renewable energy that can be generated by Vermonters for Vermonters. The Governor'' proposal does not address that.

This is not a time for more study and delay. H.520 is business-friendly and urgently needed. Failure to fund it is failure of leadership.

Will Patten
Executive Director of Vermont Businesses
for Social Responsibility