We are facing a global climate emergency. But while it's a universal threat, not everyone is equally effected or responsible. We need immediate, effective measures that are rooted in climate justice.

S.311, The Vermont Green New Deal, does this.  It advances two widely popular policies: progressive taxation targeting the highest income residents, and immediate implementation of climate measures.

S.311 establishes a fund to finance efforts to address climate change including; weatherization, renewable heating systems, electric vehicles and public transportation

S.311 establishes an advisory board, appointed by the Senate President and House Speaker to set priorities and oversee funding, with 12 members: 4 legislators and 8 citizens with expertise in energy efficiency, renewable systems, housing, building trades, transportation efficiency, and members of the Vermont Youth Climate Congress

S.311 raises $30 million a year from a surcharge on the income tax of the wealthiest 5% of Vermonters, about 16,400 filers with incomes over $200,000 who are enjoying big tax cuts due to the federal “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.” The wealthiest 5% of Vermonters are in fact saving $237 million a year in federal taxes because of these tax cuts. This fund makes investments to achieve climate change goals and create Vermont jobs without regressive, anti-working class carbon taxes. 

We the undersigned support S. 311, A Vermont Green New Deal that promotes social justice and genuine, immediate climate solutions. We urge that union representatives be included in the Green New Deal advisory board. 

We call on both the members of the Vermont State Legislature’s Joint Climate Solutions Caucus and the Senate Natural Resources Committee to do everything they can to support and move on to passage by the full legislature, during the 2020 legislative season: S.311 A Vermont Green New Deal.