Rutland Forum to Explore Next Steps for Vermont’s Climate Change Economy

From The Vermont Council on Rural Development

Area businesses and nonprofits are increasingly involved with climate change, both the challenges and the opportunities. Their creative solutions are becoming a growing part of our state’s economy.

Those who have opinions are asked to express them. What are your experiences? Do you have ideas that can help nurture this sector in Vermont? Join Rutland Mayor Chris Louras and local business leaders for a forum, “What’s Next for Vermont’s Climate Change Economy?” The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is producing the discussion, which takes place at Rutland’s Paramount Theater on Wednesday, August 26, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The forum is the next step for public input to the Vermont Climate Change Economy Council. This group, which formed following a statewide summit in February, is developing a practical plan to reduce carbon emissions and stimulate green economic development in Vermont. The panelists include Joe Fusco, Vice President of Casella Waste Systems, Betsy Ide, Energy Innovation Center at Green Mountain Power, and Mark Foley, President of Foley Services.

The summit focused on economic development in a time of climate change, including transportation, education, investment strategies, downtown redevelopment, tourism, and efficiency. The report, which provides excellent background material for the forum, is online at bit.ly/VT-rurual-2015-report.

Everyone is encouraged to attend, listen, and share ideas. More information about the forum and the council can be found through VCRD’s home page at vtrural.org or call Jenna at 802 225-6091.

Only two other forums are planned. One in Burlington on September 17 and one in Brattleboro on October 6.

The Vermont Council on Rural Development is a non-profit organization charged by the federal farm bill to act as a neutral convener at both the local and policy level supporting the progress of Vermont communities. VCRD will promote the platform of action that comes from the deliberations of summit participants.

Arctic tundra is already changing from a warming climate, causing methane emissions to rise, speeding more climate change. U. S. Fish and Wildlife photo.