Vermont Must Lead on Climate Change as Washington Turns a Blind Eye

President Trump’s decision to remove the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement is bad for business, the environment, and our way of life.

Last week, VBSR joined 12 other organizations in thanking Gov. Phil Scott for urging President Trump not to leave the Climate Agreement (read that letter here), and we asked him to take some follow-up steps to ensure that Vermont continues to be a leader in fighting climate change. By the end of the day, Gov. Scott announced that Vermont would join the Climate Change Alliance, a coalition of states and cities dedicated to taking bold action to save the environment.

We appreciate the Governor’s leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him and the Vermont Legislature to find common sense ways to move the Green Mountain State to a clean energy economy.

Sign the business petition now calling for Vermont to be a leader in combating climate change.

Here in Vermont, we feel the impact of climate change with every season. We cannot wait for leadership in Washington, D.C. to take serious the threat of climate change, and we need to take action now to ensure that our economy thrives and future generations have a healthy planet to live on.

– The VBSR Public Policy Team

P.S. Our friends at the non-profit sustainability organization Ceres also launched a petition, with signers pledging to continue to take climate action in support of the Paris Climate Agreement. The We Are Still In campaign launched Monday with over 1,000 businesses, universities, and mayors, including several prominent VBSR member businesses such as Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and The Alchemist.

Click here to add your name to the list of Vermont businesses that believe climate change is real and a threat to our economy and our environment.

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
Business Statement of Support in Combating Climate Change

The Paris Climate Agreement represents the best road forward in creating a world where a strong economy and a strong environment can thrive. President Trump’s recent actions to remove the United States from this agreement is bad for business, a disaster for the environment, and damages the country’s standing across the globe. With the absence of leadership from Washington, D.C., states and cities must take the lead.

Here in Vermont, we feel the impact of climate change with every season: Empty ski areas during snowless winters, a shorter maple sugaring season, and communities torn apart by floods. We cannot wait for leadership in Washington, D.C. to take serious the threat of climate change and need to take action now to ensure that future generations have a healthy planet to live on.

Vermont has set a goal of getting 90% of energy needs from green energy by 2050. This goal is achievable and will help the state build a 21st Century economy that grows good-paying jobs and protects our planet. We support the state moving forward as a leader in creating green jobs through energy efficiency and green energy.