Vermont’s Energy Future Is Focus of Regional Forums
Woodstock — A series of regional public forums about Vermont’s energy future will begin on July 9 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Billings Farm and Museum.
Vermonters are invited to share their thoughts about how the state can meet its energy goals and needs in the coming years, the Public Service Department, which is co-hosting the events, said in a news release.
“In 2011, Vermont established a widely supported goal of getting 90 percent of our energy from renewable sources by 2050,” said Asa Hopkins, director of energy policy and planning for the department. “Now, we want to hear more from Vermonters on how they think we should prioritize possible pathways and tools to meet this important goal.”
Additional forums are set for July 16 in Middlebury, July 20 in Manchester and July 23 in St. Albans.
Public input will inform an upcoming revision by the department of the state’s long-range Comprehensive Energy Plan, last updated in 2011. The newest version will incorporate information from an energy study the department completed last year. Goals for the plan include establishing nearer-term targets that balance technology constraints, cost, carbon considerations and community concerns.
Another series of forums soliciting public input will be held when a draft is available. A final plan is due to the legislature in December.
For more information, go to http://www.energyplan.vt.gov.
— Staff report
