Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Brenda Siegel for Governor of Vermont.

Brenda Siegel has made meaningful change in Vermont through her work in the housing sector, in response to the opioid epidemic, and through advocacy for lasting economic justice. Through her service on the state of Vermont’s Public Transit Advisory Council, Siegel has demonstrated her commitment to bold climate action that works for every Vermonter.

Through its endorsements, VCV aims to educate voters across the state on candidates whose values and actions align with our vision for Vermont to advance and defend policies that protect the environment and promote health, while advancing social, racial, and economic justice, and strengthening our democracy. 

“With Vermont facing urgent challenges like climate change, we need leaders with a strong vision for the future – not leaders who govern by the veto pen. Unfortunately, Governor Scott has vetoed the two most significant climate bills that have reached his desk, and also vetoed bills to protect our forests and conserve our land and waters for now and future generations,” said Lauren Hierl, Executive Director of Vermont Conservation Voters. 

Hierl added, “Vermont deserves a leader like Brenda Siegel who will fight for strong and equitable climate action, along with other policies that will help ensure Vermont does all it can to support healthy people and a healthy planet.”

Brenda Siegel added, “I am so honored to receive the endorsement of Vermont Conservation Voters as they have been a strong leader not only in climate justice but also centering their work in how the climate crisis disproportionately impacts marginalized and front line communities. With the rulings coming from the Supreme Court and the thwarting of national action on this issue, Vermont must lead on this issue. We must decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, transition to in-state renewable energy, increase public transit and use all the tools at our disposal to leave a better state and planet for our children and the earth. The climate crisis can not wait. We have to do better.”

For its endorsement process, VCV invites all statewide candidates to participate in an interview process. In addition to holding interviews, staff gathers information about each candidate interested in our endorsement’s environmental voting record and demonstrated leadership if they previously served in office, as well as examples from their career and work they’ve done in their communities that aligns with our mission. The VCV Board of Directors votes on all endorsements. For our list of endorsements, visit https://vermontconservationvoters.com/elections/, which will be continually updated as we roll out a full slate of 2022 endorsements in the coming months.

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