Environment

We need to protect our air quality, restore our water quality, and most urgently, address the climate crisis. I am proud of the work we have done to become the first American city with 100% renewable energy. I support our continued path to reducing our carbon footprint.

Joan’s Environmental Actions:

• Authored and introduced a 2019 ballot item to reduce single use plastic bags.  It was supported by 82% of voters, resulting in the banning of some plastic bags at both the City and State level.  https://vtdigger.org/2019/01/08/burlington-voters-weigh-ban-plastics/

• Sponsored a resolution establishing our “Urban Wilds Corridor” https://enjoyburlington.com/burlingtons-urban-wilds/

• Supported a $30,000,000 bond to invest in Burlington stormwater and wastewater systems to put a stop to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into Lake Champlain; https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/2018/11/07/burlington-mayor-30-million-wastewater-bond-huge-win-lake/1917573002/

• Supported City’s District Energy initiative, which aims to meet the long-held goal of recovering waste heat and additional steam from BED’s McNeil Generating Station, and using those sources to provide thermal energy to UVMMC via steam pipes. https://www.burlingtonelectric.com/news/432

• Voted to officially declare a climate emergency; https://vtdigger.org/2019/09/24/burlington-city-council-declares-climate-emergency/

• Successfully advocated for and adopted a zoning regulation requiring new buildings over 50,000 sq. ft to meet LEED Gold standards.

• Supported alternative transportation initiatives including bike lane and bike supportive infrastructure;

• Voted to substantially increase the number of new trees planted in and around Burlington city parks. 

• Supported weatherization initiatives to make homes more efficient and utility bills more affordable. 

• Supported a range of initiatives to Make Burlington a Net Zero Energy city. https://www.burlingtonelectric.com/nze#nzenews