House Speaker Gaye Symington, D-Jericho, welcomed news Tuesday that Vermont's energy efficiency policies earned the state a number one ranking by a national organization. (The state shares top ranking with Connecticut and California.) It bolstered the argument she made at one of her community meetings early Tuesday morning that the state should continue down the leadership path set out in the Legislature's global warming bill.



That's the bill Gov. Jim Douglas has promised to veto because of the tax increase it would impose on Vermont Yankee to pay for a special utility that would help Vermonters cut their energy costs. The utility would be an expansion of the concept behind Efficiency Vermont, an organization that helps residents and business save on electricity through efficiency measures. Look for that veto by week's end.



"The report ... by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy once again demonstrates that Vermont leads the nation innovative and effective approaches to energy efficiency," Symington said in a statement. " As energy bills continue to climb, Vermont can choose to sit back and let other states take the lead, or we can move ahead with more innovation. The climate change bill that is currently on the Governor's desk would expand the award-winning Efficiency Vermont to include all-fuels conservation. By passing this legislation we will once again be creating a model for other states and other nations for how to save money and create jobs for Vermonters while reducing our carbon footprint."



To read the report, go here.
--Nancy Remsen