Here in Vermont, 96 percent of our CO2 emissions come from the burning
of transportation fuel and heating oil, meaning only a minimal amount
comes from electricity generation. The most effective way for Vermont to
reduce its overall greenhouse gas emissions is to focus on weatherizing
our homes and finding ways to travel more efficiently.
If you are one of many residents of The Valley who wants to reduce CO2
emissions, one action you can take immediately is to arrange for a home
energy audit. Home energy audits evaluate your house for energy leaks
and make suggestions on how you can improve your home's energy
efficiency. There are also low cost funds available for energy-related
home improvements.
Local renewable electricity generation is still a desirable goal, and we
can make significant strides with solar. Vermont's solar resource is
500 times greater than its wind resource. The cost of solar electricity
is getting cheaper every year and most home solar installations will pay
for themselves in less than 10 years. Today's solar technology can be
sited more appropriately than wind and has substantially less
environmental impact.
Vermont is known for its unique character. We must avoid making energy
decisions that threaten this highly valuable and respected asset. Let's
instead focus on energy solutions that work for Vermont while offering
the greatest opportunity. Today that means our best path towards
reducing CO2 emissions and generating electricity is a mix of efficiency
and solar.
Lukas B. Snelling
(Snelling is director of communication for Energize Vermont, a
non-profit group that advocates for renewable energy solutions that are
in harmony with the character of the state and its people.)
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