Annual Report 2016

Annual Report 2016 Letter from the Director

I’ll never forget election night With pain medication, our son place. I want that for my son 2016, but not for the reason that went right to sleep. And I decided and for your children and it may have been unforgettable to to turn on the TV and watch the grandchildren too. you. returns… It’s true that our task didn’t get As I was helping to prepare our The next morning I woke up any easier on election night. But family dinner that evening, I thinking I had dreamt the whole the good news is we’re a resilient managed to spill some very hot thing. But while the wounds were bunch. Our wounds have healed water on our then-five-year-old real – and not just for my family – and with your support, our VPIRG son. It was awful. I want you to know how fortunate team has never been stronger. I felt to be surrounded by our Though I was burned too, he got VPIRG ‘family’ that next day, and Thank you, and let’s keep moving the worst of it on his shoulder every day since. forward together. and arm. My wife did all the right things and we were soon in an Despite a huge change within ambulance. We spent a couple our political landscape, one thing hours with the fine medical staff remains constant. at our local hospital, and by 10:30 p.m. we were back home. You know well that VPIRG fights to make our shared home a cleaner, safer, more prosperous

Contact Phone 802-223-5221 Public Interest Fax 802-223-6855 Research Group Email [email protected] 141 Main Street, Suite 6 Montpelier, VT 05602 Web www.vpirg.org Twitter @vpirg Facebook facebook.com/vpirg

2 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Sen. Bernie Sanders addresses Vermonters on the State House lawn on July 1, 2016 as VPIRG canvassers look on. The address was part of a celebration of Vermont’s first-in-the-nation GMO labeling law taking effect.

About VPIRG and VPIREF Founded in 1972, the Vermont VPIRG established the Vermont democracy. The common mission Public Interest Research Group Public Interest Research and of VPIRG and VPIREF is to (VPIRG) is the largest nonprofit Education Fund (VPIREF) in promote and protect the health of consumer and environmental 1975 as its 501(c)3 outreach and Vermont’s people, environment advocacy organization in the state. education arm in order to conduct and locally based economy by As a 501(c)4 nonprofit advocacy independent research and public informing and mobilizing citizens group, VPIRG conducts non- education on the range of issues statewide. VPIRG advocates partisan public interest advocacy on which we work. Donations to and organizers use independent in support of priority public VPIREF are tax deductible. research, policy analysis, interest issues and campaigns public outreach and grassroots and seeks legislative and policy For 44 years, we have brought mobilization to design and solutions affecting Vermonters. the voice of Vermont citizens to implement effective strategies for Donations to VPIRG are not tax public policy debates concerning each of our campaigns. deductible. the environment, health care, consumer protection and Table of Contents

CLEAN ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Vermont’s Clean Energy 4 Disclosed: 10 2016 Accomplishments 14 Progress The Toxic Free Families Act Goes Into Effect MEMBERSHIP CLIMATE CHANGE ZERO WASTE Powered by You: 16 Cut Pollution. Save 6 VPIRG and the Bottle Bill: 12 Our 2016 Finances Money. by the Numbers 45 Years Defending Vermont’s Most Successful Recycling Strength in Numbers: 17 GOVERNMENT REFORM Program Recognizing Our Supporters Vermont Votes: 8 Supporters 18 Charging Ahead in 2016

ANNUAL REPORT 2016 3 Vermont’s Clean Energy Progress:

How Far We’ve Come, Where We Need to Go.

In 2016, VPIRG and our allies of nearly a decade of clean ambitious but necessary goal of In August 2016, the VPIRG helped enact Act 174 – a law that energy and efficiency progress getting at least 90% of our energy staff toured the Kingdom Community Wind site in gives towns significantly greater in Vermont. During that time our from renewable resources by the Lowell, Vermont. Vermont say in the siting of energy projects, state became one of the top 10 in year 2050. now has 18 times more wind provided they write plans that the nation for renewable energy Here’s a more detailed look at the energy and 100 times more are in concert with our state’s generation, residential solar use, solar energy than just 10 clean energy progress we’ve made renewable energy goals. This law energy savings, electric vehicle years ago. But we still have a and what we still need to do to long way to go. Clean energy establishes a framework for energy adoption, and efficiency standards. achieve our goals. (see graphic on sources like these displace planning in the years to come that Vermont was also named number page 5) the dirty fossil fuels that will bring more Vermonters into one in the nation for clean energy pollute our air and water and the process of moving our state jobs. contribute to global warming. VPIRG and our members will toward our clean energy goals. Despite this tremendous progress, continue to push for policies In some ways, passage of this there’s still much more to be that rapidly move Vermont toward these renewable law represented the culmination done if we are to meet Vermont’s energy solutions.

4 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 CLEAN ENERGY

HOW FAR WE’VE COME: HOW FAR WE NEED TO GO:

100x more solar energy than 10 years $ ago. $ $ $ $ $

Put a price on carbon pollution, speeding clean energy adoption in the heating and transportation 100 x sectors. t h a n 10 yea m o r e r s a go

Invest in energy storage to make renewables work even better with 18x more wind our grid, and save all ratepayers energy than 10 money. years ago

18 x t h a n 10 yea m o r e r s a go

Expand our Renewable Energy Standard to eventually require 100% 100% renewable Renewables electricity - and far more of it from in-state. Enough electricity SAVE saved to power Vermonters Bill the whole state for more than a year – 1 ion and save Vermont ratepayers nearly 2 $ half a billion dollars. 1 3

Reduce total energy use by one-third A renewable portfolio by 2050 by increasing Vermont’s standard which requires investments in efficiency and utilities to get 75% of their weatherization, beating back the % power from renewable Scott Administration’s push for a 75 energy by 2032 – and at nearly 10% budget cut for Efficiency least 10% from small, in- Vermont. state renewables

ANNUAL REPORT 2016 5 CutCut Pollution.Pollution. VPIRG’S Most Ambitious SaveSave Money.Money. Campaign Turns Two

More than two years and we used all of the successful now have a carbon price, and the and Vermont’s. While he wants ago, VPIRG joined with strategies and tactics from past practice is spreading worldwide to return to bygone days when allies in the business, campaigns to shape this one. because it spurs innovation in the coal was king, there are no coal energy industry, creates jobs and jobs in Vermont. Coal is bad environmental and More than 100 canvassers strengthens local economies. for Vermont’s economy and low-income advocacy knocked on nearly 100,000 doors environment. communities to form – talking to Vermonters about our Vermont has a carbon price too Energy Independent Campaign for a Clean Economy through the Regional Greenhouse Thankfully, we’re moving in and identifying thousands of new Gas Initiative, but it only the opposite direction. Vermont Vermont—a coalition supporters. covers pollution coming from has the most clean energy jobs dedicated to putting electricity generation. We need (17,000+) per capita than any Groups of climate activists and a price on carbon to expand this effort to include other state and jobs in efficiency VPIRG members in more than pollution. When emissions from our heating and and renewables are growing ten 40 towns formed to engage their we undertook that transportation sectors. times faster than the workforce as elected officials in conversations a whole. We should build on this campaign, we knew about carbon pollution pricing. success wouldn’t come success. Thousands of Vermonters traveled Of course, the fossil easy. to Montpelier or called their fuel industry hates We knew the fossil fuel industry legislators and urged them to take this idea. They would pull out all the stops to bold climate action. We saw the know it will reduce protect their profits and keep results of this pressure when the Vermonters tethered to the dirty Vermont Legislature’s Climate sales of oil and energy status quo. And in 2016 – Solutions Caucus doubled in gas as Vermonters they did exactly that. membership at the beginning of transition away Energy Independent Vermont the 2017 session. from old, polluting responded by bringing new allies Q. So what are technology to high- into the fold, pushing back on Vermonters saying tech, high-efficiency In 2016, VPIRG and our fossil fuel industry misinformation about the need for – and in many cases, partners in the Energy and organizing thousands of climate action— Independent Vermont coalition Vermonters to call for bold climate less expensive mobilized thousands of specifically putting action. alternatives. Vermonters to call for bold a price on carbon climate action from our elected leaders – specifically a price We sat down with Energy pollution? Independent Vermont Director Q. What do you see in on carbon pollution paid by the fossil fuel companies Tom Hughes to talk about where For most Vermonters, the climate the months and years who import dirty fuels into debate isn’t over whether or not the campaign stands two years in. ahead? Vermont. This effort included the climate is changing, it’s over Q. So what did the two different statewide activist what to do about it. Given the mess in Washington, trainings, house meetings Energy Independent it’s clearer than ever that climate all across the state, door-to- Economists across the political Vermont campaign do in action will have to come from door visits with thousands spectrum agree that carbon of Vermonters and a youth 2016? states like Vermont. pollution pricing is the most climate rally which drew This is one of VPIRG’s largest efficient policy to quickly reduce There’s a huge disconnect between hundreds of young Vermonters to the State House. campaigns in its 45 year history, emissions. Most industrial nations Donald Trump’s economic vision

6 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 CLIMATE CHANGE

VPIRG’S Most Ambitious Campaign Turns Two

6 Vermont Votes As other states roll back voting rights, Vermont emerges as a leader in democratic participation.

8 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 GOVERNMENT REFORM

VPIRG leads a voter will be automatically registered law allowing voters to register on “Make no mistake—these laws registration drive outside of to vote through the Secretary of Election Day. are designed to make it more the Burlington Ben & Jerry’s State’s office, unless they opt out difficult for eligible voters store on Free Cone Day in “These advancements are of the system. to participate and they can 2016. VPIRG supporters have particularly impressive when absolutely affect the outcome of helped to make Vermont a According to Paul Burns, you see how voting rights are leader in passing pro-voter elections.” Burns said. reforms including Automatic VPIRG’s executive director, it’s being restricted in so many other Voter Registration and Election hard to overstate the importance states,” Burns said. VPIRG was pleased to work Day Registration laws. of passing an automatic closely with Secretary of He was referring to the slate of registration law with such State on the AVR voter ID laws and other initiatives widespread support. legislation, and on all of the 125 to 1. passed in recent years by states recent pro-voter initiatives passed That was the final vote count “Every Democrat, Republican, looking to restrict access to the in Vermont. in the Vermont House of Independent and Progressive polls by certain voters. voted for this bill, with just one Representatives to pass the For instance – in 2011 Wisconsin exception,” said Burns. “You VPIRG-backed Automatic passed a controversial law don’t find that kind of unanimity Voter Registration (AVR) bill. requiring photo identification to in most states, especially when it That bill – which also passed vote. Some election watchdog comes to issues like improving the Senate 28-0 – was signed by groups have noted that this law access to the ballot.” the governor in 2016, making may ultimately have prevented Vermont the fourth state in the In fact – the passage of AVR 200,000 or more eligible voters nation to enact such a law. legislation in 2016 capped a flurry from participating in the 2016 Under the new law, Vermonters of recent pro-democracy victories election. Donald Trump defeated who apply for or renew their in Vermont. For instance, Hillary Clinton in that state by driver’s license at the Department Vermont instituted an easy to just 22,000 votes. use online voter registration of Motor Vehicles, and who meet voter eligibility requirements, system, and in 2015, passed a

Expanding Voting Rights: Vermont Swims Against The Current

VERMONT: MOVING DEMOCRACY FORWARD ELSEWHERE: ROLLING BACK VOTING RIGHTS

June 2015: 2011: Vermont enacts legislation allowing Vermont citizens Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi, Rhode Island, South to register to vote on Election Day. Estimates are that Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin all pass voter Election Day registration can increase turnout by 3 to 6 ID laws. Some of these states and others also add new percentage points. restrictions to voter registration and cuts to early voting.

2013: October 2015: In Shelby v. Holder, the Supreme Court strikes down Vermont rolls out online voter registration making voter major provisions of the Voting Rights Act, which registration more convenient and accessible. Voters can also prevented disenfranchisement laws for nearly 50 check their registration status, change important details like years. States that previously needed federal approval name or address, and request an absentee ballot. to make changes to voting laws, move quickly to curtail voter rights.

June 2016: 2016: Vermont becomes the fourth state to enact automatic voter registration. State officials estimate it could add 30,000 to In the first presidential election since the Shelby v. 50,000 voters to the state’s rolls. Holder decision, election watchdogs estimate that tens of thousands of eligible voters are prohibited from participating because of the recent state laws rolling back voting rights. No one wants to hear that the correlation between levels of VPIRG championed plans to water in their home is unsafe. PFOA in the blood and high address toxic chemicals in After all, that’s what they use blood pressure, decreased birth children’s products, encourage every day for drinking, cooking, weight, some immune system manufacturers to reduce their and bathing. effects, thyroid disease, kidney use of toxins, and increase well cancer and testicular cancer. water testing. These concepts But that was the news that were among those included in residents of nearly 300 The discovery of PFOA in private legislative proposals for the 2017 Bennington County homes drinking water wells served session. received after state officials as a wakeup call concerning tested their private wells for the ongoing threat posed by “If it wasn’t clear before, it sure the presence of PFOA, or industrial chemicals in our lives. is now – toxic threats aren’t p e r fl u o r o o c t a n o i c a c i d i n 2 0 1 6 . It prompted quick action by limited to industrial wastelands,” Toxics in Vermont policy-makers, who said VPIRG’s Burns. “Vermont’s PFOA belongs to a family created a working group to come air and water are at risk too. Our of chemicals used to make up with ways to better protect And we still have far too many household and commercial Vermonters from toxic chemicals. consumer products in our homes Backyards: products. The chemicals are often – including toys – that contain VPIRG Executive Director Paul found in nonstick cookware, unnecessary toxins.” PFOA Burns was appointed to the diverse stain-resistant carpets and fabrics, group, along with other business, discovered in some food packaging and fire- environmental and public health fighting foam. North leaders. The group identified Vermont’s Department of Health more than a dozen specific Bennington says that studies have found a recommendations for lawmakers.

Companies report initial data thanks to VPIRG-backed chemical disclosure law

VPIRG helped to pass the Toxic Free Families Act in 2014, which The line of stockings included characters from Frozen, Despicable Me among other things, requires manufacturers of children’s products to minions, Minnie Mouse, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Wars, Hello report whether they use one or more of 66 named toxic chemicals in Kitty, Spiderman and Sponge Bob Square Pants. their products.

Armed with this data, parents might finally be able to make informed purchasing decisions, and researchers could identify products or “As the father of a young child myself, I was companies ripe for change. alarmed by what we found,” said VPIRG After industry foot-dragging led to a delay in the first round of Executive Director, Paul Burns. “Toxic reporting, initial data became available in late 2016. While the disclosures were not made in a “user-friendly” format, we did make chemicals don’t belong in toys – period. But some interesting discoveries. they are there, and Vermont’s law will now

For instance, we learned that the popular ‘Elf on the Shelf’ holiday toy provide the best information in the country contained possible human carcinogens and a line of holiday character about what toxins are contained in which stand up stockings contained 10 chemicals of high concern to children, children’s products.” including multiple known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.

10 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Disclosed: Elf on the Shelf

With the first disclosures from the Toxic Free Families Act coming in 2016, we learned that a number of iconic and popular children’s products contained potentially hazardous chemicals – perhaps most notably the popular Elf on the Shelf.

An August 2016 disclosure showed the popular children’s holiday toy contained possible human carcinogens. The manufacturer did not identify the actual chemical of high concern to children citing confidential business information. The manufacturer’s response to the revelations included the bizarre claim that the product was “ornamental” and “not for use by children.”

ANNUAL REPORT 2016 VPIRG & the Bottle Bill: 45 Years Defending Vermont’s Most Successful Recycling Program ZERO WASTE

It was 1972. Bill would be repealed before amendments that required bottles VPIRG was there in 2011, when VPIRG & the Bottle Bill: it was ever implemented and to be truly refillable and banned we beat back a coordinated That year the Godfather set box- had already lined up lobbyists the use of plastic rings to hold campaign by the beverage giants office records, Harry Nilsson had to carry out that task. VPIRG cans together. VPIRG has been the to eliminate bottle deposit return a hit with a cover of “Without exposed this fact through its watch dog protecting the Bottle programs across the nation. You,” and five men were arrested Bottle Bill survey—and, as a Bill and pushing for greater reuse for burglarizing the DNC And we’ll be there in the years result, defending the Bottle Bill and recycling in Vermont for over headquarters at the Watergate to come, to not only defend the became an issue in that year’s four decades.” complex in D.C. Bottle Bill but to improve and gubernatorial election. That early work allowed the Bottle expand the program as well by: But it was also the birth year of The public attention caused the Bill to gain a hold and, in time, it two Vermont institutions that -Expanding the program to cover Republican candidate Luther would grow to become Vermont’s endure to this day—the Bottle Bill water bottles, juice and sports Hackett to reverse his stance on most successful recycling and the Vermont Public Interest drinks. the issue (he supported repeal) program. Research Group. and say he’d let the law have a -Stopping the giveaway of Today, Vermont recycles over 80% It’s one of those apocryphal chance to prove itself. Meanwhile, “unclaimed nickels” – the millions of the containers covered by the misunderstandings—the kind Democratic candidate, and of dollars in unclaimed deposits bill compared to about 36% for that is seemingly common in eventual winner, Thomas P. that the state gives to the beverage non-covered containers. Vermont—that the Bottle Bill Salmon supported the bill. industry every year – and instead was the first law VPIRG helped The bottles and cans recycled using the money to support Throughout the seventies, VPIRG to pass. The truth is, VPIRG was through the Bottle Bill in Vermont recycling and other state priorities. continued to work to strengthen still in its nascency when Vermont would fill up more than three the law and ensure its success. -Raising the deposit to 10 cents— enacted the popular container Empire State Buildings. Former VPIRG assistant director as Michigan and, most recently, redemption law. Leigh Seddon remembers those And throughout the growth of the Oregon have done. But the Bottle Bill was under fire Bottle Bill program, VPIRG was early fights: So, as VPIRG and the Bottle Bill from day one—and protecting this there – to educate Vermonters “It was 1974 when I first started celebrate 45 years of success in popular environmental program on the importance of the Bottle working with VPIRG on the 2017, we note that not everything from attacks by the beverage Bill, to stand up for it in the State Bottle Bill as a student at UVM. launched in 1972 has fared as industry giants was a task almost House against beverage industry The law was amended in 1975 well. The Vermont Yankee nuclear perfectly suited to the new public attacks and to fight to improve the to prod the beverage industry to plant, which began operations in interest organization. Thus law. reuse, refill, or recycle all bottles 1972, was retired in 2014! But began VPIRG’s 45-year history and cans. Many of the large VPIRG was there in 1988, when VPIRG and the Bottle Bill will defending and fighting to expand brewers, however, worked to skirt we successfully advocated to continue on—to a bigger and the Bottle Bill. the law and their containers were expand the law to include wine better future. In fact—as early as the fall of still being dumped in Vermont’s cooler containers and liquor 1972, the beverage industry landfills. In 1977, VPIRG bottles. remained confident that the Bottle returned to the legislature to get

VPIRG has fought to defend and expand Vermont’s Bottle Bill for our entire history. From our early days exposing beverage industry attempts to circumvent the law to more recent efforts to cover more containers and end the giveaway of “unclaimed nickels” – VPIRG has been a staunch advocate for the Bottle Bill for 45 years.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016 13 Our 2016 Accomplishments

It may seem difficult to reflect on 2016 without noting our present situation and the almost daily offensive on the health and well-being of our people and environment coming from Congress and the Trump administration. But 2016 was not without progress or cause for optimism. Together we accomplished a lot to move our state in a positive direction. And in fact, many of these accomplishments—which you helped achieve—put our “Brave Little State” in a unique position to fight back against the attacks coming from Washington D.C. and show the rest of the country that a different way is possible:

14 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Government Making it easier to vote: Vermont became the 4th state in the nation to adopt Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) Reform when Gov. signed H.458 into law. AVR brings voter registration into the modern era by automatically registering Vermont citizens as voters when they apply for or renew their driver’s license at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), unless they decline to register. The new law is expected to help increase voter participation, improve the accuracy of the voter rolls and save the state money. It had unanimous support in the Senate and just one vote against it in the House.

Energy and Climate Clean Energy Planning Reform: VPIRG helped pass legislation that will empower Vermont’s towns and regions to take on a greater role in Vermont’s clean energy transition and get a greater say in the siting of energy projects provided they write plans that clearly advance our state’s renewable energy and climate goals. The bill also includes a pilot that will get 2.5 MW of renewables built on places that are already developed (rooftops, gravel pits, etc.) or are designated by towns as “preferred.”

Low-Income Weatherization: VPIRG, working with our Energy Independent Vermont coalition partners, provided essential support to help pass an important increase in funding for the state’s low-income weatherization agencies. Despite their obvious success in reducing fossil fuel use and helping struggling Vermonters make ends meet, these programs have not had an increase in their state funding formula for over 20 years. This very modest increase will put people to work weatherizing homes and save Vermonters money on their energy bills.

Carbon Pollution Tax Reform: As expected in an election year, the legislature did not consider either of the carbon pollution tax bills that were drafted in the last biennium. That said, even our most ardent opponents at the climate-denying Ethan Allen Institute had to admit that we “laid some heavy ground work” for reform in 2016. Along with our partners in the Energy Independent Vermont coalition, VPIRG organized two statewide activist trainings to empower Vermonters to make the case for carbon pricing in their communities. We organized dozens of meetings across the state to build local support for the concept. And we helped business leaders and academics make the economic case for shifting taxes off of individuals and businesses and moving them onto activity we’d rather discourage — carbon pollution.

Environmental PFOA Discovery and Response: The discovery of the toxic chemical PFOA in North Bennington made it clearer than Health ever that more must be done to protect Vermonters from dangerous chemicals. In 2016 VPIRG helped pass legislation that established a committee to make recommendations to the legislature for more comprehensive toxic chemical reform. VPIRG Executive Director Paul Burns served on this committee, which made 13 such recommendations that provided the basis for toxic reform legislation considered in 2017.

Protecting our Pollinators: Seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides have been shown to be harmful to bees and other pollinators, but until now the state did not have the authority to regulate them. Legislation that VPIRG helped pass in 2016 gives the state the authority to take action to protect pollinators and our environment from treated article pesticides such as coated seeds. We also helped pass separate legislation that created a pollinator protection committee to develop recommendations on how we can better protect bees and other pollinators.

Health Care Expanding the Dental Workforce: After more than three years of work, VPIRG and our allies helped pass legislation that will allow dental therapists to offer care to Vermonters. Dental therapists will have a scope of practice that is greater than a hygienist’s, but smaller than that of a dentist, and will perform common procedures such as cleanings, fillings and routine extractions. These providers have been shown to improve access to first class care, and are already part of the dental team in more than 50 countries around the world, as well as in Minnesota and Alaska.

Expanding Contraceptive Access: VPIRG worked closely with our partners at Planned Parenthood to pass legislation that will improve access to birth control for all Vermonters. Because of this law, Vermonters are now guaranteed access to contraceptives beyond what’s included in the , including vasectomies. Women will now be able to get up to a full year’s prescription for oral contraceptives, and it will be easier to access long acting reversible contraceptives, which have been shown to dramatically reduce unplanned pregnancies.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016 15 Powered by You: Our 2016 Finances by the Numbers VPIRG experienced another tremendous year of growth, witnessing VPIRG and VPIREF combined income totaled $2,615,140 of which an increase of 16% in annual revenue. This increased investment has more than $1.55 million came from individual member donations, allowed us to advocate more effectively and more efficiently for the 37% of that coming from our monthly sustaining members. Combined issues Vermonters care about than ever before. It’s also an indication that expenses totaled $2,303,229. Program expenses and member services there’s more need than ever for an organization like VPIRG to protect accounts for nearly three quarters of our expenses. Our top priority the public interest in the face of growing challenges – from climate campaign, Global Warming Solutions, accounted for 73% of our change to money in politics, and more. program activities, and was complemented by campaigns in six other issue areas.

VPIRG VPIREF TOTAL Income $1,383,574 $1,231,566 $2,615,140 Expenses $647,506 $1,655,725 $2,303,229

57% Member Donations 2% Health Care Grants 39% 2% Elections & Govt. Reform 3% Zero Waste 4% Other 6% Toxics & Environmental 4% Consumer Protection Health

INCOME

EXPENSES 73% Programs and Memberships BY PROGRAM 11% Management 16% Fundraising

EXPENSES

73% Global Warming Solutions 10% Clean Energy

16 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 MEMBERSHIP Powered by You: Our 2016 Finances by the Numbers People Power: Recognizing Our Supporters At VPIRG, our members are our strength. and took more than 35,000 actions (signing petitions, contacting Your support and engagement helps protect the public from well- lawmakers, writing letters to the editor, etc.) Together we’re able to take moneyed special interests and advances policies that make Vermont an on some of the largest and dirtiest industries in the country and win. even better place to live. Thank you for your support. Your financial support and grassroots muscle makes VPIRG effective. Check out these profiles of a few of our standout members and see a Last year alone, VPIRG supporters made more than 50,000 donations partial list of our members on the next page.

Jen Kimmich as told by Ben Edgerly Walsh, VPIRG Climate & Energy Program Director VPIRG’s newest board trustee is a tireless advocate for working Vermonters, climate action, and environmental protection. Oh, and she and her husband John make a couple of beers you may have heard of—together, they run the Alchemist Brewery. When you meet Jen, it’s immediately clear she isn’t your typical business owner. Like most Vermont entrepreneurs she cares deeply about making a quality product, and about her employees. She’s not, however, interested in limiting herself to making the world a better place one beer or one paycheck at a time. Jen has used her position as the co-owner of one of Vermont’s most iconic businesses to passionately campaign for the issues closest to her heart. In 2011, she and John lost their pub in Waterbury to Tropical Storm Irene. Since then, she’s worked diligently for serious solutions to the climate crisis as a business leader in the campaign for a price on carbon pollution. Jen has presented at trainings, shot videos, and repeatedly testified at the State House for the Energy Independent Vermont campaign. Jen also has a keen interest in all issues surrounding working families, inequality, and poverty. She was a key voice in the State House this year on VPIRG-supported bills on paid family and medical leave in Vermont and retirement security for all Vermonters. On top of all this, she’s also the Board Chair for Main Street Alliance, is on the public policy committee for Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) and the State Workforce Development Operating Committee, and is starting a foundation dedicated to helping working Vermonters get the skills they need to thrive in today’s economy. VPIRG is thrilled to have her as a member, and now, a board member. Mariana Du Brul as told by VPIRG Field Organizer Christina Fornaciari I’ve had the wonderful pleasure of working with Mariana Du Brul this past year on the Energy Independent Vermont campaign and have witnessed her exceptional work and activism first hand. A member of VPIRG since 2012, Mariana’s activism has escalated as a response to the urgency of both climate change and the federal administration’s growing threats to people and the planet. She organized with her neighbors to meet with several legislators to advocate for a statewide price on carbon pollution, enshrining the state goal of being 90% renewably powered by 2050 into law, building the Climate Solutions Caucus, and more. Mariana has also authored multiple letters-to-the-editor that were published widely in local media. Mariana spends most of her time chasing around her two young boys, but when she can, she works on hacking back the jungle of her garden where the goal is 90% non-weeds by 2050. It’s members like Mariana that make Vermont a better place to live, work and enjoy. Ian Stokes as told by Clean Energy Advocate Sarah Wolfe On the same phone call where I asked Ian to tell me a little more about himself for this profile, I also asked him if he would be willing to submit a letter he’d composed on wind power to a local paper, and he (without hesitation) said yes. That’s what makes Ian such an excellent example of the passion and activism found across Vermont. After a career of engineering and medical research, Ian saw retirement as a huge opportunity to meet new people and develop new skills and interests. His activism on energy related issues stems from a concern over the heavy fossil fuel impact of transportation. A passionate bicycle activist, Ian serves on the Richmond Trails Committee and volunteers for Local Motion and Bike Recycle – even helping fix up someVPIRG bikes for our Summer Canvass! Ian is an advocate for diverse renewable energy sources, because he understands that along with bikes, our best transportation options for the future are electric vehicles. Combined with electric heating solutions like cold climate heat pumps, he understands that our electric load is going to increase dramatically in the coming years as we seek to reach our renewable energy goals. That’s what makes Ian particularly concerned about the recent attacks on wind energy: he knows that it will be much harder to successfully meet our energy needs with renewable energy if that critical resource is taken off the table. And Ian turns that concern into action by speaking out in writing and in person in defense of transforming our energy landscape. We are truly inspired by Ian’s consistent willingness to stand up and work for what he knows we need to do on the most critical issues facing us today. ANNUAL REPORT 2016 17 Robin Bertrand David and Shirley Dayton Mary Hadley and Steve Orzech Desiree Biesheuvel Ben De Leiris Russell Hahn and Paula Smyrski Supporters Mark Billian and Anne Brin Tom Dean and Lisa Therrien Hal Hamilton and Susan Sweitzer Diana Bingham William Delorenzi Madelyn and George Hamilton Note: While we wish we could Paul Bishop Victor Demaras Carla and Stuart Hancock thank every single member in this Black Mountain Painting LLC Kathleen Dempsey and Jonathan Clough John Hancock annual report it’s impossible to list Stuart Blood and Li Shen Anthony Depaul and Kary Bennett Jim Hand the thousands of VPIRG supporters Susan and Theodore Blood Karlene DeVine AnnMarie Harmon statewide. The generosity of those Brian and Brooks Boardman John Dewane Andrew Harper listed in this report deserves special Sean Bonnette Lori Dewing Lisa and Craig Harvey recognition. Terry Bonnette Albert and Sarah Dickerson John Haskins Marilyn and John Bookwalter Mary Jane Dickerson Bernardine Haslam Foundations & Grants Judith Boucher and James Hamilton Louise Dietzel Taggert Haslam The Alcyon Foundation Mona Bouthillier Gary Dir Bambi Hatch Blittersdorf Family Foundation Ethan Bowen Chris and Jennifer Distefano Jeffrey Hatin Boatwright Foundation, Inc Stephen and Alix Bower Neal and Sharon Donahue Deborah and Byron Haynes Canaday Family Charitable Trust Kitty Boyan John and Melinda Donnelly Gordon and Mary Hayward Clean Water Fund Kathy Brande Elizabeth Dow and Charles Morrissey Chip Hedler Concept2 Fund Frances Braun Greg Drogos Steven and Katherine Heim Educational Foundation of America Lucy Broadus Rodney and Mary Drown Peter Henry Harris and Frances Block Foundation Lori and Drew Brodeur Richard and Lynn Dube Julie Herr and Kevin Harper J.M. Kaplan Fund Shannon Broughton-Smith and Steven Smith Michael Dufel Jon Herweck John Merck Fund Scott and Lisa Brown Betsy and Jeffrey Dunham Barbarina and Aaron Heyerdahl Lintilhac Foundation Tamela and Brian Browning Michael and Mary Dunne Gerald and Amy Hiam Merck Family Fund Sue Buckholz Paula Duprat Daniel and Barbara Higgins Organic Consumers Fund Judith and Frederick Buechner Kirsten Edey and William Craig Brad Highberger Patagonia Sara Burchard Liz and Mark Edsell Denise and Brian Hill The Ruth H. Brown Foundation Ann Burke and Robert Herendeen Bill Elberty Helen Hipp Seventh Generation Foundation Anne Burling David Ellenbogen Kory Hirak State Alliance For Federal Reform of Chemical Paul Burns Julie and Rich Elmore Adrienne and Raymond Hitchcock Policy Beth Buttles-Miller and Geoffrey Miller Georgia Eltabbakh James Hoag and Lee English State Innovation Exchange Action Richard and Gail Butz Margaret Everitt Patricia Hoffman V. Kann Rasmussen Foundation, Inc Suzanne and Bruce Byers Lynne and Rand Eyberg Jon Hoguet Voices for Vermont’s Children Leslie Cadwell Matt and Lisa Fargo Joanne and John Holler INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Deborah Cafiero Andrea and Joshua C Farley Gail Holmes Clark Agnew Brandi Cahill Natalie and Ed Feilchenfeld Scott Holtz Hala Ahmad Paul and Margaret Calter Nathalie Feldman and Andy Kaplan Beth Holtzman Cheryl Aiken and John Glick Susan Campbell Baldridge Toddy and Charlotte Ferguson Peter and Mary Hood The Alchemist Brewery Claudia and Joe Candido Karen Festa Don and Allison Hooper Susan Alden Mark Carbone and Martha Erickson Kim Findlay William Hooper Judd Allen and Elaine Allen-Smith Anna Carey Anne Fines S.D. Hopper and Ann Goering Wesley Allen and Susan Busier Kenneth Carley and Kathleen King Alicia Fisk Anne and Ronald Houser Bill Allen Penelope Carlisle Fitz Fitzhenry and Erin Carroll Joann and Redd Howard Jayne Allister Yola Carlough Karen Flanagan Kathryn and Daniel Howell Pam and Angel Alvarez Peter and Gwendolyn Carmolli Emily Forbes Anna Howell Conrad and Kathy Ambrette Donna and Jake Carpenter William Forsythe and Dana Caspersen Elaine Huang Chris Anderson and Nancy Ward Arthur Carroll Susan Foster Ethan Hubbard Jody Andreoletti Anthony Castellano Mary and Murray Fraser Edith Hubbell Stephanie and Bruce Andrus Esthen Chaffee Stephanie Frederick Parker Huber Marcia Angermann Andrew Chalnick Jennie and Ben Freeman Betsey Huffman and Jeff Riley Steve Aolman Charles Chamberlain and Alejandra Lorenzo Jameson French Kurt Hughes Brad Armstrong and Lucy McKeon Sarah and Malcolm Chamberlain Anne and Walter Frey Gale Hurd Susan and John Arnold Mary Chamberlin Ouida and Bruno Fritschi Jake Hynes Peter and Michele Asch Bill Chester Carolyn and Milton Frye Kim Ireland Michael Astin Jennifer Chiodo Samuel Gagnon Woody and Ingrid Jackson Laurie Aunchman Elizabeth and Dan Chodorkoff Hoyt and Christine Gahagan Bjorn Jackson James Aurigemma and Monica Morano- Gary and Judith Choiniere Jeffrey Gaio and Alan Salit Jeff Jaffarian Aurigemma Beth Christian Bill Gardner Giovanna and Michael Jager Michael Austin and Jessica Dion Carley Claghorn and Ron Koss Heather Gautney Anne Jameson Eric Avildsen and Faith Ingulsrud Kathryn and Robert Clark Judy Geer and Dick Dreissigacker Louise and Seth Jensen Loretta Baer Virginia Clarke Rich Geidel and Nancy Braus Eric and Linda Johnson Ann Marie Bahr Robert Coates and Russell Fellows Elizabeth and Anthony Gemignani Nate and Pamela Johnson Lena and Jeffery Baird Sara Coffey Kim Geyer Robert Johnson Faye Baker and Bob Leidy Scott and Robin Coggins Christina and Peter Gibbons Becky Jones David Baker Adam Cohen Roger and Sandra Gillim Thomas and Dawn Jones-Low Daniel Ball Nancy Cohn and Jay Ross Gilmore Home Center David Juckett Phil Bannister and Basha Freudenberg Jean Condon Fred Gimson Warren Kaplan Cindy Barber Jane Conn Helen Gjessing Christina and Duke Kasprisin Corey Barnes Jay Cook Ivan Goldstein Sue Kavanagh Anna Barrett and James Rossiter Clare and Dave Coppock Michael Goodrich Friederike Keating Blair Bartlett Kyle and Lila Cornish William and Debra Gottesman Michelle Keefler Clay Bartlett Dolores Cox Daniel Goven Clarke and Cathie Keenan Colleen Bartlett Brian Crist Jon Graham and Beth Frock John Kelly and Sara Coburn Bob and Marianne Barton Sue Cromwell Walter Grant Joanna and Robert Kelly David and Sandra Batchelder Timothy Crowley Sheryl Graves Martha and Donald Kent Paul Bauers Christina and James Cullinane Linda and Thomas Gray Warren and Barry King Katherine and Walter Baumann Juliet Cuming and David Shaw Dean Gray Colette King Gideon Bavly and Catherine Antley Karen Cvitkovich Elizabeth Gray Kevin and Karen Kirkpatrick Marianne Beaudry Anne Damrosch Rosanne Greco Karen Klotz and Jerry Schneider Jeffrey and Julie Benay Sue Dandurand David Greenewalt Stephen and Linda Kornbluth Jeff Bensel Fred and Judi Danforth Jerry Greenfield and Elizabeth Skarie Martin Krag Bettina Berg and Chris Harlow Judy and John Davidson Susan Gresser and Stanley Baker Kenneth Kraus Meg Berlin Jill Davies and Nigel Hollis Jefferson Grethals Thomas Kyle and Katherine Bramhall Anne and Arthur Berndt Davison and Maura Davis Eileen and Paul Growald Dotty Kyle and Eric Brattstrom John Berninghausen and Joyce Stevens Carol Davis Hobart Guion and Abigail Faulkner Thomas and Elizabeth Lackey

18 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Wally and Judith Lafferty Ron Miller Stacy and Jory Raphael Deborah Tetreault Jo Laggis Marjorie and David Minot Diana Raphael David Thomas Siu Lam Andrew and Lisa Mitchell Alain Ratheau Mary Thome Jo Ann Lamore Joan Mollica Nancy Records Peter Thoms John Lamperti Joe and Donna Monahan Amalie Reichblin Jennifer Thuermer Michael Lamphere and Willeen Burbank Anne Montgomery Ernest Reit Janet Thygesen Christa Lancaster Celine Moore and Erik Esselstyn Piper and Alan Rexford Jessica Thyme Kevin Lane and Allison Maxfield-Lane Jesse Moore and Elizabeth Hunt Philip Rice and Beth Sawin Brian Toomey Damon Lane James and Mia Moore Susan Ritz and Ethan Atkin Karen Towle and Larry Abell Faye and David Laniel Alan Moore Meyer Robert Jacqueline Trepanier and Philip Pellerin Carl Lankin Brian Morgan Andy Robinson and Jan Waterman Leslie Tucker and Frank Deangelis Olivia Laporte Andrea Morgante Bradley and Linda Robinson Preston and Christine Turner Sara Larkin Anthony Morielli Kevin Rock and June Golato Donna and Gary Urie Timothy Larosa The Mountain Goat North Martha Rockwell Johanna Vaczy Debra Lavalley Judith Mueller Mary Rogers Barth and Elizabeth Vander Els Anne Lawson David Munford Al and Judy Romero Chris Vanderzyden Dwayne and Beth LeClair Edward Murphy Bill Roper and Barbara Ganley Julie and Paul Vest Lucas Lecours Mary Murphy Timothy and Ginger Roper Vermont Real Estate Holdings Gordon Lefavour Ed Myers Tracy and Earl Rosen The Vermont Country Store Charlie and Lynn Leighton Ursula Nadolny and Timm Harris Ray and Barbara Rouleau Winnie Vogt Joan and Helmut Lenes Terry and Ann Naumann Robert and Sue Rowell Karen and Mark Vye Gertrude and Jeanette Lepine Marianne Nealy David Ruess Elizabeth Wagner and Kelley McLean Katy Lesser Wayne Nelson Wayne and Anne Rule Paul and Jan Walker Mark and Calef Letorney Nancy Newbury-Andresen Elisabeth Russell Ray and Jeanne Walker Patricia and David Lewis Angele Nickersen and Joshua Nickerson Lesley Rust Holley Waller Judith and Brian Lewis Francis Nicosia and Ellen Oxfeld Pat and Scott Sainsbury Kimberly Wallin Crea and Phil Lintilhac John and Ann Nordmeyer Heather Salon and Adam Weinstein Janet Wallstein and Jane Dewey William Lintilhac Charlotte Norris Michael Sateia David and Kathleen Walsh David Lipkin and Josie Jordan Joan and Clayton Norton Wendy Saville and Thomas Clavelle Glenn Walter Timothy Little Honor and Duncan Norwood Barbara Sawyer James and Barbara Wanner Dawn Littlepage Carol and Gerald Noyes Annie Schlesinger Nicholas Ward William and Linell Lohsen Andrew Obrien and Christine Lamar Jim Schley and Becky Bailey Sayre Wardell Susan Lornitzo Dee Dee O’Brien Susanne Schmidt Jenny Warshow Michael Losos and Sandy Williamson Sarah O’Brien Kate Schneider Nancy Waterhouse Merrily Lovell Brian Ogilby Nancy and John Schullinger Brenda Waters and John Sollinger Jane and Derek Lowell Paul Ohlson and Mary Austin Jan Schultz Joy Waters Ken Lucci Jennifer Oldham Megan Schultz Laurie Webb Jen and Sam Lutz Rosemary Orgren Alisa Scipio Denise Webster Sarah Lyda Lee and Clark Orsky Michael and Mary Scollins Susan Wehry Howard Lynk and Elaine Moffilt Gardner Orton Kevin Scott Benjamin Wein Jill and Mark Lyons Lila and Marcus Ortuno Leigh Seddon and Ann Aspell Sarah Wesson Gary MacArthur Julia and Justin Osborne Alicia and Stuart Senghas Jane Westervelt Bruce and Lee Macduffie Shay Osler Portia Senning Jim and Tricia Westrich Betsy Macisaac Jean O’Sullivan Jenny Severance Jennifer and TJ Whalen Amy Macrellis Susan Owings Anne and Robert Shapiro David White Susan Maddern Elsie Paris Greg Sharon Johanna White Heidi and Eben Mahoney David Pariser Nora Shattuck Michael Wickenden Raymond Makol Nancy and William Parizo Sonya Shedd Roland Wilhelm Heather Mallory Joan and John Parker Del and Skip Sheldon Diane and Todd Willey Ron Manganiello and Ellen Bernstein Joseph and Alice Patalano Maria Short Keith Willey Oliver Manice Avram Patt and Amy Darley Diane and Donald Siegriest David Williams and Karen Andresen Erica Marcelino-Howard Alan and Pam Patunoff Shannon Simard Stanton and Jennifer Williams Ellen Marsden Suzanne and Meghan Paugh Teru Simon Sidney Williams Sandy and Peg Martin Russel Paul Katharine Simonds Jack Williamson Hilary Maslow Elizabeth Peabody Joseph Slakas Ruth Wilmont Douglas Mastex David Pearson Cathy and Chuck Smid Priscilla and Leonard Wilson Michelle and Mary Mathias Anthony and Patricia Pelton Marijke and Mark Smith Jason and Dena Wimette Shanna Mattson Alice Perine Valerie and Steven Smith Dave and Petra Winslow Jacqueline Mauer Lisa and Douglas Perkins Benjamin Smith Nathaniel and Martha Winthrop Linda Mazzei Sue Perreault Oakley Smith Chuck Woessner Karen Mcbride Timothy Perrin Trudy Smith Peter and Mina Wohl Philip and Stephanie McCaull Star Pfeil and Aaron Helminski Victoria Smith Dori and Jeff Wolfe Jeanne McCool Bill and Dianne Pierson Jennifer Songer Alex Wolff Jim McCracken Mary Louise Pierson Nick Spadaccini Suzy Wolski Stewart and Kristen McDermet Anthony and Sue Pietricola Charles Spence William Wood and Clare Mundell Louise McDougal Stefan Pilo Cameron and Gus Speth Laurie Wood Robert and Barbara McKay Jane Pincus Mary Ellen Sprague Hebert and James Hebert Jennifer and William Woods Claudia Mckay Melanie Pinette Douglas and Alicia Sprigg Barbara Woods Terry and Maureen McLoughlin Joseph Piscotty and Carol Maulhardt Elizabeth Squier Mollie Woods Dave McMakin Patricia Polk Marcia Stahl-Rosen and Joseph Rosen Jennifer and Christopher Wren Christopher and Patricia Mcveigh Andrew and David Porteous Lisa Steele Jean and Earl Wright Barbara McWherter Cheryl Porter Tim Steele Anne Wulffraat Shani Mekler-Gelfenbein and Drew Gelfenbein Irwin and Melissa Post Tom and Nancy Steffen Matthew and Jennifer Wyman Joerg Mellmann Jo-Ann Potter Margaret Steggerda Phil and Sarah Yates Helen Merena Andrew and Amy Powers Bill and Jane Stetson Tracie and Robert Yindra Jim Merriam and Clotilde Hryshko Frederick Pratt and Eleanor Bisbee Pratt Jonathan Stevens Amanda Young David Merves Marcia Provoncha and Richard Sprague Alison Stevenson James Young Jens and Heike Meyer Doug Pruitt Allyson Stewart Peter Young Bridgette Mignogna and June Manley Norma Pucci Susan Stillinger Paul Zabriskie Agnes Mikijaniec Amy Puchrik-Viens and Don Viens Bill Stone Jerry and Karen Miller William Purdy Noni Stuart and Bill Champagne Chris and Penny Miller Will Raap Pru and Wayne Sullivan Maria and Matthew Miller Gail Rafferty Sam Swanson and Joyce Gallimore Patti and Patrick Miller Sally and Tom Ragland and Charles Lacy Heather Miller Megan Randall Steven Taubman

ANNUAL REPORT 2016 19 Vermont Public Interest Research Group 141 Main Street, Suite 6 Montpelier, VT 05602

Year-round Staff

Paul Burns Liz Edsell Adam Maxwell Ben Edgerly Walsh Christina Fornaciari Daniel Brown Emi Cepeda Executive Director Associate Director Field Director Energy and Climate Field Organizer Clean Energy Associate Development & Program Director Operations Associate

Jack Hanson Joe Tomlinson Johanna Kati Gallagher Liston Tatum Megan Noonan Nick Esposito Communications Accounting & Human deGraffenreid Operations & Research Data Manager Government Reform Finance & Associate Resouces Administrator Environmental Coordinator Associate Administration Director Advocate

Nick Wahlers Nellie Marvel Ryan Garvey Sarah Wolfe Tom Hughes Zach Berger Zach Tomanelli Field Organizer Development Manager Consumer & Clean Energy Advocate Energy Independent Field Organizer Communications & Environmental Vermont Campaign Technology Director Associate Director Trustees Officers Trustees Richard Watts, President, Hinesburg Ashley Orgain, Burlington Jane Stromberg, Burlington Director of the Center for Research Manager of Mission Advocacy and Student, University of Vermont on Vermont; Assistant Research Outreach, Seventh Generation Jen Kimmich, Stowe Professor, University of Vermont Barbarina Heyerdahl, Montpelier Co-Founder, Alchemist Brewery Chris Miller, Vice President, South Mother, educator and activist Mark Floegel, Burlington Burlington - Social Mission Activism Biff Mithoefer, Dorset Senior Investigator, Greenpeace USA Manager, Ben & Jerry’s Author and Yoga Teacher Mathew Rubin, Montpelier Crea Lintilhac, Secretary, Shelburne Drew Hudson, Columbia, SC President, Spruce Mt. Design Director, Lintilhac Foundation Executive Director, Environmental Dr. Michael Scollins, Dori Wolfe, Treasurer, Strafford Action and Founding Partner at South Burlington Owner and Principal, Wolfe Energy PowerThru Consulting Retired Doctor of Internal Medicine Duane Peterson, Essex Junction Co-Director, SunCommon