The Brighter Planet Blog

Vermont has a widespread reputation of being an environmentally-progressive state. We’re proud to be in Vermont, especially when there is good news to spread about what our representatives are doing in Washington.

Our current Congressional representation holds fast to Vermont’s values by prioritizing renewable energy, green jobs, and leadership on global warming. Peter Welch, Vermont’s lone U.S. Rep who serves on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, has made his congressional offices in Vermont and D.C. carbon neutral through carbon offsets. Congressman Welch spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives today in support of the rule for the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, stressing the need to move America toward energy independence and renewable energy technology.

Earlier this month, Senator Bernie Sanders was appointed chairman of the Green Jobs and New Economy Subcommittee of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Senator Sanders is the longest serving independent member of Congress in American history. He has coauthored two major green collar jobs programs which were signed into law in 2007: the green jobs training program and the Energy and Environmental Block Grant program.

Senator Sanders got it right when he said that, “Today we face the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. There is no better moment to move forward aggressively on energy efficiency and creating new sustainable energy and creating jobs in the process.”

-Carolyn