September 22, 2026 VECAN-E-News
Chilly mornings have arrived, and, somehow, we’re already far into September. With the first signs of fall color now unfolding across our hillsides, we’re reminded that no two Vermont autumns look quite the same.
And while we’re taking advantage of the usual trappings of the season – the foliage show, apple picking, cozy sweaters – we’re just as excited for the lineup of climate and clean energy events happening around Vermont during the next few weeks. We hope to see many of you this Wednesday at EAN’s Annual Summit on Wednesday. Additionally, VCRD’s Community Leadership Summit, and Efficiency Vermont’s Best Practices Exchange are both coming up soon! More on all of this and more below.
In the News
As this year’s warm weather fades into memory, we’re reminded that this fall comes on the heels of the hottest August on record, part of a pattern of rising temps that has the UN warning that we’ve already surpassed the 1.5 degree target that the world has been racing to stay under. This warming is being experienced in a myriad of harmful ways. If you’ve ever wondered how scientists actually determine whether climate change made a particular heat wave, storm, or wildfire worse, this article from The Conversation breaks it down.
Yet, despite the mounting evidence, mainstream climate reporting continues to diminish. Coverage was 38% lower in 2025 compared to 2021, the highest year of coverage on record. And, as more Americans turn to social media for their news, that has real consequences for how the public understands the climate crisis (and, by extension, how we should go about communicating it).
Vermonters are feeling the cost of continued fossil fuel dependence directly. Fuel prices, already stubbornly high, continue to rise. The spiraling war with Iran keeps adding to the bill, and, according to economists at Moody’s Analytics, has already cost the average American family an extra $1,650. For Vermonters, the pinch will be felt especially hard when it comes to those who heat their homes with #2 heating oil which is averaging around $6/gallon – up over $2/gallon, on average, from last year’s prices.
Additionally, the Energy Department just hiked its 2027 diesel price outlook, meaning higher costs are ahead for just about everything, as diesel underpins the price of nearly every good that gets trucked, shipped, and delivered across the country.
In light of the cost burden of heating homes this winter, and the price volatility of heating oil as Vermonters prepare for winter, now is a good time to revisit tips for cutting winter heating costs – and a reminder of how much a more efficient, less fossil-fuel dependent Vermont could save for all of us.
In policy news, Vermont’s landmark Climate Superfund Act is still under legal attack. The law requires major fossil fuel companies to help pay for the costs of climate-driven damage in the state. A couple of weeks ago, a judge struck down a similar polluter-pay law in New York. Vermont is in the same federal circuit, which doesn’t necessarily spell doom for our law, but it is worth watching closely as this develops.
With the debate over Big Tech’s data centers sweeping the nation, more Vermont officials and towns are pushing back. Vermont’s secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, Julie Moore, testified to Congress urging the passage of federal data center regulations. And Morristown adopted a two-year moratorium on large-scale data centers, joining other Vermont towns moving to block data centers in the absence of state action
Transparency and local control are two major sticking points in data center development, which makes a new EPA proposal especially troublesome. As the Rutland Herald reports, this proposal could leave the public in the dark on data center plans, as it eliminates the federal requirement for states to notify the public and take comments before issuing air pollution permits. It's a stark reminder that as data centers continue to expand nationwide, the fight for community voice and oversight is playing out at every level of government.
Resources and Info
Don't Data Center Vermont
Massive AI data centers are being deployed at hyper-speed across the nation, and Vermont is not immune. These facilities use enormous amounts of electricity and water while creating very few permanent local jobs. With Vermonters already paying more than ever to heat their homes and fill their tanks, the prospect of rising electricity costs from data center growth has many worried. Last session, the Legislature passed H.727, the Sustainable Data Center Deployment Act, with overwhelming bipartisan support, but a governor veto means those protections don't exist today, leaving Vermonters vulnerable to the impacts of large-scale data centers.
That's why Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) launched Don't Data Center Vermont, to make sure Vermonters know the potential harms of data center development and to outline what concerned Vermonters can do to get involved. Find out far more and take action by visiting dontdatacentervermont.com today!
Communicating Climate and Clean Energy
How we communicate about climate and clean energy can make or break public support. Check out this free report from Heatmap on communicating about climate and clean energy in an age of affordability, which breaks down distinct voter segments, what motivates and concerns each group, and actionable strategies for building support for clean energy that lead with economic benefits rather than crisis-based messaging.
In a similar vein, Yale's Program on Climate Change Communication put together a guide on how local governments can use communication to drive climate action, with practical steps – from knowing your audience to identifying trusted messengers – for making climate communication actually land.
New Tool for Tracking U.S. Energy Data
Good data is essential to good decision-making, and there's a new resource to help. US Energy Data is a platform that lets you explore the numbers behind America's energy system by topic – prices and bills, electricity demand and generation, reliability – or by state, with a full energy profile available for all 50 states plus DC. It's a handy tool for community energy leaders looking to back up local conversations with solid data. The Rocky Mountain Institute also has other great resources for community engagement on energy issues. Check out just one of those resources here and explore far more on RMI’s web site.
Applications Ongoing for the Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund
The Vermont Council on Rural Development has opened applications for the sixth round of its Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund, supporting creative, community-driven projects that advance climate action and strengthen Vermont’s rural communities. VCRD launched the fund in 2021 to support creative and innovative climate/energy projects with a grant that would provide meaningful impact. Past grants have supported projects ranging from e-bike lending programs and solar backup power to community gardens and emergency preparedness efforts. Applications are due October 14th at 5 p.m. Learn more about the fund and apply here.
Efficiency Vermont Rebates
With cold weather on the way, now is a good time to take a look at Efficiency Vermont’s rebates for home energy improvements. Incentives are available for everything from DIY weatherization to heating upgrades, including $100 back on eligible weatherization materials, ductless heat pump rebates starting at $375, ducted heat pump rebates starting at $1,200, and up to $1,000 for heat-pump water heaters. Check out the full list of rebates to see what savings may be available for your home.
VECAN Plug-In Solar Webinar
Plug-In Solar In Vermont: What Energy Leaders Need to Know
Are you interested in plug-in solar? We are! Join VECAN for a free webinar TOMORROW – September 22 from 12:00-1:00pm via Zoom – to learn about the current state of plug-in solar in Vermont and what energy committees can be doing now to help prepare for this emerging technology.
We’ll hear from Ben Edgerly Walsh of VPIRG on Vermont’s new plug-in solar law, Stephan Scherer, CEO of CraftStrom, on the technology and how these systems work, and Stephen Dotson, Sustainability Coordinator for the Town of Brattleboro, on the community’s work to build interest and lay the groundwork for a local pilot program. With UL 3700-compliant systems not yet available in Vermont, these systems are not plug-and-play, but we hope they will be soon – and there are things you can do to ready for them. Check out this webinar to get the latest on what’s happening, what’s not, and what you or your community can do to prepare for these portable, small solar systems!
Register here and join us on September 22!
What’s New with Driving Electric Webinar
On Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 6:30-7:45pm, join Sustainable Hanover, Norwich Energy Committee, Drive Electric Vermont and Green Wave Electric Vehicles will host a virtual workshop focusing on what’s new about driving electric.
Learn about new advances in EVs, tips for purchasing a used EV, the expanding and more flexible public and private charging networks, year-round operation, and the potential cost savings compared to gasoline vehicles. Whether you already have an EV and are considering a trade-in or are new to driving electric, you will learn something new.
This Wednesday! Energy Action Network’s 2026 Annual Summit
Join the Energy Action Network and other clean energy and climate action leaders on September 23rd, 2026 in Essex, Vermont. EAN members and partners from across Vermont will gather at the Farmhouse at the Essex Resort to learn about the latest data and analysis on energy affordability and Vermont’s energy and climate commitments, hear from energy leaders from Vermont and beyond sharing new ideas, and connect with other energy leaders from around the state.
The day will feature the latest research and insights on Vermont’s energy landscape, conversations with leaders working on innovative solutions, and opportunities to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with others working toward a cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient energy future. Learn more and register.
This Week! Efficiency Vermont’s 2026 Best Practices Exchange
Efficiency Vermont is pleased to announce that the 2026 Best Practices Exchange (BPX) will once again be held in-person on September 23rd & 24th at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel in Killington, Vermont. You can register for the event here.
At BPX, C&I facility managers, decision makers, experienced mechanical contractors, and relevant product manufacturers join Efficiency Vermont’s Account Management and Energy Consultant teams to share industry best practices, connect with peers, and explore new approaches to improving energy performance.
The 2026 event will feature keynote speaker Jed Davis, Vice President of Strategic Engagement & Sustainability at Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery, along with sessions focused on energy leadership in manufacturing, campus-wide energy improvements, refrigeration strategies, cost management, and emerging technologies.
For more information and registration details, visit Efficiency Vermont’s BPX webpage.
Registration is Ongoing for VCRD’s 2026 Community Leadership Summit
On October 6th at the Vermont State University Castleton Campus, join hundreds of community builders from across the state for the Vermont Council on Rural Development’s Annual Leadership Summit -- a full day of connection, learning, and inspiration for anyone working to strengthen their town.
Whether you're a longtime local leader or someone just beginning to get involved, you'll find space to learn, share, and gather ideas you can bring home to your community. All people who care about their community and the future of our state are encouraged to attend! Registration is open, and you can find it here. Registration starts at $75, with $50 and $25 tiered options to keep the event accessible to all. If cost is a barrier, reach out to Margaret at info@vtrural.org to request a scholarship.
