Public Policy Detail

Vermont Business Petition Governor re: H.520

Governor Jim Douglas
109 State Street, Pavilion
Montpelier, Vermont 05609-0101

Dear Governor Douglas:

The 57 businesses on the petition that accompanies this letter are very concerned about the skyrocketing costs of heating their businesses. They see the growing global demand for fossil fuel, its dwindling supply and the instability in the Middle East and worry about the future of their businesses.

Many of these businesses are enjoying wonderful growth in expanding sectors of the economy. They are investing in Vermont’s future and creating quality career opportunities for Vermonters.

They support H520 because it offers relief from soaring heating expenses in the near future and invests in a longer term effort to gain our energy independence with renewable, affordable wind and solar power.

Not all of these businesses are members of our organization; they learned about the petition and asked to join our effort. All of them see the rising costs of energy as a much greater threat to their stability than tax and regulatory obligations. They all expect their government to do something about those costs.

VBSR will continue to represent this growing group of Vermont businesses that want to see H520 enacted into law. We hope that you take our concerns seriously before you veto the bill.

Sincerely,

Will Patten
Executive Director
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility

Businesses for Energy Conservation and Efficiency
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility-May 2007

WHEREAS, energy costs to Vermonters are escalating rapidly and,
WHEREAS, efficiency and conservation offer the most immediate relief from those costs and,
WHEREAS, our reliance on fossil fuels has negatively impacted our environment
WHEREAS, we want to encourage the development of renewable energy sources,
WHEREAS, the Energy Bill, H.520, will advance energy conservation and support the development of renewable energy for Vermont,
WHEREAS, investment in energy solutions today will return significant public returns for years to come,
WHEREAS, the programs contained in H.520 are based on proven models and sound economic principles,

We, leaders of successful and innovative Vermont businesses, call upon Governor Douglas to ensure that the programs in H.520 are immediately implemented and funded.