Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce for re-election. Treasurer Pearce has been a staunch advocate for investing in clean water, climate resilience, and energy improvements for Vermont’s changing infrastructure.
In 2016, Treasurer Pearce conducted a keystone study on long-term funding for clean water, emphasizing the ways our economy – including tourism and property values – depend on clean waters, and thus the deep connection between water quality and the State’s finances. “Our lakes, rivers and waterways are an asset that support our way of life, our property values, our health and safety, and our economy. We need to invest in this asset. Like any investment, early, proactive, and disciplined practices are the key to success,” said Treasurer Pearce.
The Treasurer has committed over $30 million since 2014 in energy improvements to residential housing, commercial energy projects, higher education, and in the rehabilitation of State office buildings for energy efficiencies. In 2018, Treasurer Pearce championed legislation that authorized the investment of up to $5,000,000 in weatherization and housing improvement projects.
Pearce also joined other state finance officials in opposing the Trump Administration’s proposed repeal of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, arguing: “Environmental and social stewardship is critically important for Vermont’s continued economic prosperity. We call on the EPA to maintain policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the health of our planet, and ensure the long-term profitability of our investments.”
“Due to her track record as a champion for Vermont’s environment, and clean water in particular, we are pleased to endorse Treasurer Pearce for re-election as Vermont State Treasurer,” said Lauren Hierl, Executive Director of Vermont Conservation Voters. “We are looking forward to working with Treasurer Pearce to continue making essential progress on leveraging our state investments to transition off fossil fuels and to clean and efficient energy solutions, and to implement long-term sustainable funding for clean water.”
For more information on Vermont Conservation Voters, visit http://vermontconservationvoters.com.