On January 12, 2022

We need to end fossil fuels

Dear Editor,

We, the older Vermonters (including voters and taxpayers), must make it clear to younger Vermonters that our most crucial task and the most urgent job is to fix the broken two-party political system. Why, you ask?

Only younger Vermonters can achieve the political transformation in the shortest amount of time to break up special interest groups and lobbyists.

Here in Vermont, those interest groups are stalling the transformation of our energy systems. The needed transformation will end the business-as-usual emissions and provide all of us a path to maintaining global warming below 1.5 degrees C. If you think what you’re seeing with warmer temperatures is of concern, just hold onto your hat as we reach a 2 degree C increase!

We must save our Vermont democracy in understanding the root cause of the problem and let the people organize now. Vermont Proud is about seeing strong small steps forward but lots of them. For example, we during this 2022 summer can have our governor declare that all 251 towns will mow town greens with non-fossil fuel mowers, be it a rider electric mower, a good old hand push blade mower or sheep.

This is Vermont Proud’s small steps forward. Since we’re at it, the governor needs to declare that Vermont will build a shipyard now to create, in record time, non fossil fuel ferries for Lake Champlain and beyond. This is not a pipe dream but jobs for Vermonters.

Again a small step in removing fossil fuels from Lake Champlain and for all Vermonters to feel proud in our struggle to maintain below 1.5 degree C.

What else? You can run as a Vermont independent candidate this 2022 political cycle. Good luck to you younger folks, many of us older folks will do our best in supporting your struggle for the pursuit of Vermont Proud happiness.

Mason Wade, Rochester

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Before school budget talks turn to slashing expenses

November 20, 2024
By Angelo Lynn Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the owner and publisher of the Addison Independent, a sister paper of the Mountain Times.  With 2024-25 education property tax rate hikes well into double digits last year, it’s little doubt school boards will be primed for holding costs to a minimum for their upcoming budgets. Already…

Keep pets safe this trapping season

November 20, 2024
Dear Editor, The recreational trapping season in Vermont begins on the fourth Saturday of October each year and lasts through March 31st. For some animals, like otters and beavers, this season lasts for five long months. There are no limits on the number of animals a trapper may kill or on the number of traps…

‘You belong here’

November 20, 2024
Dear Editor, A Latin teacher from junior high school once told me that the word “trivia” comes from roots, meaning three roads. The idea was that people would come together where roads meet to exchange small pieces of information — trivia. Here in Vermont, we certainly swap news on street corners, and I’ve had my…

Welcoming new Americans will strengthen Vt’s economy

November 20, 2024
By Mike Pieciak, Vermont State Treasurer As Vermont’s Treasurer, I am committed to growing Vermont’s economy and building a more inclusive future for our state. To keep our economy on a positive track, we must address our demographic challenges and grow our workforce. I regularly hear from employers about the difficulty of finding workers —…