VPIRG, thousands of Vermonters urge candidates to lead on clean energy

July 14, 2010

 
As part of a summer long effort, VPIRG's summer outreach staff has collected thousands of postcards throughout the state from Vermonters urging the gubernatorial candidates to make clean energy a top priority in their campaigns. VPIRG’s canvassers have talked to thousands of Vermonters across the state, and the message they’re hearing is clear; Vermonters want safe, clean, local energy.

On Tuesday morning over a dozen VPIRG canvassers took a short break from biking the roads of Vermont to continue their efforts at the Church St. Marketplace. The postcards stress the urgency of moving the state towards a clean and renewable energy future, and retiring Vermont Yankee on schedule as a key piece of that plan. The recipients of the postcards, the candidates for governor, heard the message loud and clear as VPIRG hand delivered stacks of thousands to each of the candidates campaign headquarters.

“Every day we knock on hundreds of doors, even in hundred-degree heat and up forty degree hills and I’m constantly inspired at the amount of support there is for clean energy.  From Cabot to Bennington and everywhere in between Vermonters are calling for our state to be the leader in clean energy.” Said Leah Marsters, VPIRG Canvass Director.

“We are at a turning point, where we need to seriously consider Vermont’s future, and what kind of legacy we’re going to leave,” said canvasser Walt Gustafson. “With a new governor coming in, now is the perfect time to influence our future, and urge these candidates to take a stand on this issue. Clean energy is a solution to more than just the environmental issues we are facing here in our state.”

As the summer continues, and the gubernatorial primaries in close reach, clean energy continues to be a hot topic. Widespread recognition of the importance of this opportunity to ensure that Vermont’s next governor makes clean energy a top priority has become clear.

“Vermonters know that as the potential constituents of these candidates, we have an incredible chance to influence the future of this state and the issues we care about. Hopefully the next governor will hear our message loud and clear.” Said Ana Bloch, canvasser, and Vermonter born and raised.

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