HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Energy Committee - 01/05/2017 South Burlington Energy Commi ee
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Approved Mee ng Minutes
January 5, 2017
Committee members present: Don Cummings, Fred Kosnitsky, James Mount, Karen Mckenny (Chair), Keith
Epstein, Marcy Murray, Patty Tashiro, Sam Swanson
Committee members absent: Jeremy King, Linda McGinnis,
Community members present: Brendan Taylor, Eric Higley and Sandra O'Flaherty of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby;
Kyle Hutchins; North Lennox
City staff present: None
Initial business
Members agreed on agenda items to be discussed, asked Marcy to scribe, and reviewed the December minutes.
MOTION: Don moved and Keith seconded a motion to approve the December 1st, 2016, minutes. Approved
unanimously.
Presentation by Brendan Taylor of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Accompanied by colleagues Sandra O’Flaherty and Eric Higley, former Energy Committee member Brendan Taylor
gave an overview of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s work and potential ways the committee could support the group’s
proposed Carbon Fee & Dividend solution. Some key points from the presentation and subsequent discussion
included:
· Climate change is a HUMAN issue, not a partisan issue; unfortunately, it has become politicized.
· The nonprofit Citizens’ Climate Lobby is nonpartisan, facilitates citizen engagement with lawmakers, and
proposes a solution for a livable world that would be less beneficial to citizens and the environment than
Energy Independent Vermont’s current carbon tax proposal—but would be more likely to be supported by
Republicans.
· The group’s proposed Carbon Fee & Dividend solution is a Republican-focused strategy that would
internalize the cost of carbon without incurring crippling overhead costs. Firstly, it would place a steadily
rising fee—starting at $15/ton of CO2 and increasing $10/ton/year—on fossil fuels at the mine, well or port of
entry. Secondly, each month it would give 100% of fees, minus administrative costs, back to households
regardless of income. Finally, it would use a border adjustment (rebates to U.S. exporters & import fees) to
stop business relocation.
· A REMI report projects significant emission, job and health benefits.
· Members discussed ways they could support the program, e.g., publicly endorsing the program as
individuals, and encouraging the council to endorse it. Don expressed concern that the expected monthly
dividend ($396/household/month after 20 years, depending on household size) would not motivate citizens
with lower incomes to weatherize their homes. Based on Sam’s input, Brendan planned to explore creating a
petition to place a resolution of support on the South Burlington ballot. For more information:
http://www.citizensclimatelobby.org
South Burlington Energy Prize updates
Members shared key accomplishments, next steps, and requests for assistance as Karen scrolled through the pre-
meeting written project update summary. Marcy shared the Treasurer’s report.
Annual Report input
Members gave input on Keith’s draft; he will revise and submit the report.
Facilities Stewardship budget letter
Members gave input on Sam’s draft and expressed urgency that Kevin Dorn begin the annual reporting regarding the
city’s progress on energy efficiency and conservation as prescribed in t 2014 City Council resolution. Marcy
emphasized the importance of maximizing the dollars spent on energy efficiency efforts given the significant cost
reduction and environmental benefits for citizens. Members agreed and were surprised that Commons Energy had
not yet provided payback/return information by project.
Post-prize strategy discussion
Members continued discussing potential post-prize foci. Sam recommended giving prizes to community members
for notable energy-related accomplishments. Marcy supported focusing on one large, overarching goal and clearly
communicating an inspiring “why,” i.e., why what we’re aiming to accomplish matters. Don shared Ara’s input that
redefining the prize would be easier than rebranding, and he promoted focusing on scope, partnerships and outreach
to businesses and others. In line with the annual “Best Places to Work” awards, Keith proposed working with the
South Burlington Business Association to create an awards program honoring businesses with significant energy-
efficiency-related accomplishments. Given that “time and trouble” often prevent people from weatherizing, Sam
suggested a meeting with EVT experts to help us identify priorities targeting such resistance—Keith will schedule.
Fred, after mentioning that people need to take the long view and not rob their grandchildren of a livable future,
suggested that we act as a catalyst by raising public awareness and bringing the right groups together to make South
Burlington strong and self-sufficient enough to weather the next century (becoming a “transition town” is one model
relating to food production, and energy generation & usage reduction). Sam emphasized that given our group’s small
size and the likelihood that our federal and state governments may now “be out of the picture” on important energy
progress for some time, partnering with other groups will be all the more important. Keith encouraged members to
research the transition town and other models, and to look at Soren Hermansen’s http://www.pioneerguide.com.
Members expressed interest in participating in the home energy label program known as the Vermont Home Energy
Profile—similar to the Miles Per Gallon (mpg) rating for cars, this tool provides an independent, unbiased assessment
that summarizes the estimated annual energy usage, estimated annual costs, and a national energy efficiency score of
a home. North offered free labeling analyses and said that such labeling is mandatory in Denmark, Berkeley, and
Portland, Oregon, where it catalyzes energy efficiency projects. See www.greenbanc.com for more information.
Local realtors are resisting the labeling. Karen, Keith, North, Patty and Sam will explore details.
James, Karen and Keith will participate in EVT’s video showcasing why we value the organization.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.
Next scheduled meeting: Thursday, February 2nd, at 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the South Burlington
Police Station (19 Gregory Drive • middle entrance)