Local Action for Transportation Transformation: A Central Vermont Regional Energy Event

On October 2nd, town energy committees, town energy coordinators and other interested participants from Central Vermont will gather to share their work and to consider how they can improve transportation options in their communities.

 

Time: Wednesday, October 2nd, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Montpelier City Hall

 

The agenda for this gathering includes a sharing of updates, presentations from experts, and breakout discussions to identify opportunities for multi-town collaboration. Presenters include:

  • Phoenix Mitchell – Creator of The Hitching Post and CoffeePooling
  • David Roberts – DRIVE Electric Vermont
  • Jane Pekol – Northfield Energy Committee

43% of Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, and nearly half of a typical Vermont household’s energy budget is spent on transportation, mostly on gasoline. Vermont’s town energy committees are focused on saving money for their communities and reducing Vermont’s carbon emissions, and as a result, are intensifying their focus on transforming Vermont’s transportation system.

 

“Vermont’s energy committees have proven that they are adept at tackling complex matters like weatherization of homes, solar deployment, and energy planning,” noted Johanna Miller, Energy and Climate Program Director at the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC). “Working with these community-based leaders on improving transportation options will be key as Vermont grapples with this complex challenge.”

 

Improving walking and biking options, increasing ride-sharing and public transit usage, and vehicle electrification are all key approaches to increasing mobility while reducing cost and emissions.

 

“Whether it is making their streets more walkable and bikeable, or installing public electric vehicle chargers, many of our member towns are working with their local residents to provide better and more diverse transportation choices,” noted Bonnie Wanninger, Director of the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission. “This event brings together a great group of presenters that will provide excellent advice to towns while also facilitating multi-town collaborations.”

 

The Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network (hosted by the Vermont Natural Resources Council) along with Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission and the Vermont Council on Rural Development will co-sponsor this event focused on municipal-level actions to help transform Vermont’s transportation system.

 

Individuals interested in attending are asked to RSVP by contacting Nancy Chartrand at chartrand@cvregion.com, or by calling (802)-229-0389.

Archives