2011 Vermont Code
Title 03 Appendix Executive Orders
Chapter 10 CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
§ 38 10-38. (No. 05-11) [Governor's Climate Cabinet

Executive Order No. 10-38

(No. 05-11)

[Governor's Climate Cabinet]

WHEREAS, there is broad scientific consensus that the Earth is undergoing a rise in overall atmospheric temperature driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions that is forecast to have profound effects on global, continental and regional climate conditions. In the northeast United States, the effects are expected to include higher peak summer temperatures; warmer, wetter winters; increased periods of drought; and increased frequency of severe precipitation events; and

WHEREAS, regardless of any reduction of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, there is scientific consensus that the world, the nation and the region will experience changes in climate associated with previous emissions that have the potential to affect both natural ecosystems and the built environment that will need to be adapted to; and

WHEREAS, state government has a critical role to play in reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions, planning for impending changes in our regional climate, and leading by example; and

WHEREAS, Vermont has the opportunity to become a nationally and internationally recognized leader in transitioning to a more sustainable economy and society, in part through developing and implementing effective approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to adapting to the coming changes in the climate of the state and the region; and

WHEREAS, cultivating a "green economy" in Vermont will lead to the creation of new jobs and increase Vermont's prosperity.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Vermont, I, Peter Shumlin, do hereby create the Vermont Climate Cabinet.

The Vermont Climate Cabinet shall be chaired by the Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, and consist of the Secretaries of Administration, Agriculture Food and Markets, Commerce and Community Development, and Transportation; the Commissioners of the Departments of Economic, Housing and Community Development, of the Department of Buildings and General Services and the Department of Public Service. The Agency of Natural Resources shall provide staff support to the Vermont Climate Cabinet. The Vermont Climate Cabinet may from time to time call upon other state agencies or departments to assist as appropriate in implementing this Order and achieving its purposes.

The Vermont Climate Cabinet shall be advisory to the Governor and shall have the following functions and duties:

1. Provide comprehensive leadership by coordinating climate change efforts across all state agencies and departments.

2. Provide information to Vermonters on all matters relating to a changing Vermont climate, including what to expect in the coming years and actions citizens can take to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases.

3. Identify strategies to reduce Vermonters' dependence on fossil fuel for transportation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging alternatively fueled vehicles and more efficient vehicle and mobility choices.

4. Improve energy efficiency for existing and new buildings.

5. Foster development of in-state renewable and sustainable energy sources.

6. Partner with municipalities and regional planning and development agencies so that Vermont communities grow sustainably and are resilient to climate change impacts in the future.

7. Improve the understanding of the effects of climate change in Vermont and identify strategies to address these effects in order to protect Vermonters, their property, the state's economic well-being and the state's natural resources and the ecosystem services these resources provide.

8. Advance the recommendations set forth in the Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan of 2011.

9. Establish policies and programs that expand Vermont's green economy, grow green jobs, reduce energy costs to households and the business sector, and improve the wellbeing of working Vermonters while reducing Vermont's greenhouse gas emissions.

10. Implement the recommendations of the Climate Neutral Working Group to foster energy efficiency and use of renewable energy in state buildings, and energy efficient behavior by state employees and contractors.

11. Advise the Governor, the legislature, and Vermonters on ways to ensure that Vermont continues to be a national leader in developing and implementing strategies that effectively address the challenge of climate change and promote a successful and prosperous low-carbon economy.

12. Advise the Governor on the state's role in regional and federal efforts to address climate change and energy security.

13. Identify and secure federal and state funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in Vermont.

This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing.

Dated May 17, 2011.