Vermont Race for Governor

By Jessica NeJame

11/6/2016

With all of the dramatics of the presidential race, it is easy to lose track of issues closer to home. While most individuals would be able to tell you about Donald Trump’s latest inflammatory comment, they would be hard pressed to name candidates in Vermont’s gubernatorial election. Though it may lack the fanfare of the national election, this year’s gubernatorial race could be a game changer. The two major party candidates have very different views when it comes to environmental issues, and depending on which contender takes the title of governor, Vermont residents (including University of Vermont students) might see some significant shifts in policy. Here is what you need to know about where these politicians stand on environmental issues.

Phil Scott

Phil Scott is the Republican party nominee. Scott’s focus on the environment is intertwined with his focus on the economy.

Scott has demonstrated strong support for local businesses, even creating a line of stickers that read “Lt. Gov. Phil Scott asks you to buy local! It’s not just for hippies anymore!” He has also expressed vocal support for the Vermont agricultural sector, and has demonstrated his willingness to personally lend a hand when these local businesses are in trouble.

However, Scott has an inconsistent record when it comes to acknowledging the issue of climate change. In July 2016, he said in an online forum hosted by Vermont Public Radio on Reddit that “climate change is happening. And I believe as well it is a combination of man-made contributions as well as a natural phenomenon.” After receiving pressure from interest groups and even rival candidate Sue Minter, he admitted to “evolving” on the issue and stated in August that he does believe that global warming is occurring as a result of human activity.

In his economic plan, the Republican candidate lays out his proposals for clean and affordable energy in the state of Vermont. His ideas include rewarding energy efficiency and shifting power to local communities when it comes to approving clean energy zoning requests. Scott supports the use of natural gas and solar power, but does not support the further expansion of wind power in the state. Also, he has expressed his opposition to the proposed Vermont carbon tax, due to the increase in the cost of living that would ensue.

Regarding issues such as energy conservation and green building practices, Scott acknowledges that Vermont has consistently been a leader when it comes to pioneering new technologies and repeatedly affirms that he will not take steps to change what has already been done in the state to address environmental issues.  However, his platform suggests that he will not be taking additional action to promote green policies and legislation.

Phil Scott’s conservative stance on environmental issues can be summed up with his own words: “I’m proud of our state’s history of environmental stewardship. Vermont is what it is today, in part, because we value clean air and water, and traditional industries like forest products and agriculture. But it is critical to find a balance between these values and the need to grow the economy.”

Sue Minter

Sue Minter is the Democratic party nominee.  Minter considers protecting the environment a key issue in her campaign, an issue deserving attention in its own right.  As a former member of the White House Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, she has a history of working to find environmental solutions.

Minter wants to strengthen Vermont’s food, farm, and forest production. Her proposals include providing no-interest loans to dairy farmers looking to transition to organic methods, continuing to work with state agencies to purchase local food for state institutions like schools (with the goal of achieving 20% local food within her first term), and supporting funds that offer grants to entrepreneurs in the agricultural and forestry fields.

The two main goals of Minter’s clean energy plan are to reduce peak energy demand and cut carbon pollution in the transportation sector. Her administration would look to expand the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to include transportation fuels. While Sue Minter has spoken in support of a regional or national tax on carbon, she does not believe that now is the time for a state carbon tax. While her emphasis is on less controversial energy sources like solar, this candidate acknowledges that wind power is a necessity for a sustainable energy economy, a position that gained her the support of environmentalist and author Bill McKibben. Minter has also proposed a divestment from coal and reinvestment in clean energy.

Sue Minter’s environmental focus has not gone unnoticed, earning her the official support of forty Vermont environmental leaders, like Darby Bradley, former president of the Vermont Land Trust, and Professor Michael Dworkin, director of the Institute for Energy and the Environment at Vermont Law School. Minter has also been endorsed by Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV), an organization that works to elect environmentally friendly candidates to office.

This candidate also speaks well to her own intentions: “Vermont’s economic prosperity, our public health, and our quality of life all depend upon clean water, clean energy, and a clean environment. I will continue Vermont’s tradition and legacy of environmental protection and leadership.”

Conclusion

While deciding who to vote for is a personal decision based on many factors, the environmental positions of each candidate are worth taking into account. Comparing Phil Scott with Sue Minter in regards to their positions on environmental issues demonstrates a clear discrepancy. Sue Minter has the stronger stance on environmental initiatives and proposals to improve the the quality of land, water, and air in Vermont. Both candidates are of course motivated to take action to improve the well-being of Vermonters. For Phil Scott, this means taking measures to promote business and prevent adding undue economic burdens. Sue Minter, on the other hand, sees economic success, public health, and quality of life as issues that all have their roots in a healthy and clean environment. It is up to Vermonters to decide on November 8th which of these positions rings true for them.