Burlington, VT – Green Mountain Power has received a Rising Star Award from the Vermont Clean Cities Coalition.
GMP was the only Vermont organization and one of six in New England to be honored for its efforts in cutting carbon emissions, reducing the use of petroleum, and promoting and using alternative fuels to power its vehicles. The other honorees are: The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management of Kingston, RI; New Bedford, Mass; Scarborough, Maine; Yale University and the University of New Hampshire.
The Vermont Clean Cities Coalition presented the award to Green Mountain Power, which provides electricity to nearly three-quarters of Vermont and has the state’s third largest fleet. GMP was commended for its use of biodiesel, electricity, and propane in its on- and off-road vehicles, its active replacement and retirement of inefficient vehicles, and its comprehensive carpooling program to reduce single occupancy vehicles.
In addition, Green Mountain Power installed more than 20 electric vehicle charging stations across the state last year and is invested in helping increase the number of electric vehicles on the road in Vermont.
“We are proud to honor GMP for being a leader in petroleum reduction practices and investing in a greener fleet,” said Abby Bleything, Vermont Clean Cities coordinator. “Among other efforts, GMP represents the largest fleet of electric vehicles in the state and runs all of its diesel vehicles on biodiesel blends. The Coalition felt highlighting the efforts of GMP would encourage others to take major steps in this area. GMP is a shining example of how companies can invest in reducing the environmental impact of their fleets. This effort is a part of the company’s greater mission of expanding the use of renewable fuels and energy efficient practices in Vermont. Green Mountain Power was a natural choice for this award.”
“We are so honored to receive this recognition,” said Kristin Carlson, Chief Communications Executive at Green Mountain Power. “As a B Corp we are committed to doing good work for the environment, and we are partnering with customers on a new energy future that changes how power is used and delivered. Moving our own vehicle use and helping our customers conveniently move to greener vehicles is an important part of that future.”
The award took place at GMP’s offices in Colchester, with representatives from Senator Sanders’ office, Representative Welch’s office, the Vermont Clean Cities Coalition and Green Mountain Power.
The Northern Stars of the Northeast program was originally funded through a U.S. Department of Energy grant that identified barriers to the proliferation of alternative fuels and how to remove them. There are nearly one hundred Clean Cities Coalitions around the country whose purpose is to help reduce the use of petroleum, cut emissions, and promote alternative fuel options. The program is supported by nine Northeastern Clean Cities Coalitions including Maine Clean Communities, Granite State Clean Cities, Ocean State Clean Cities, Massachusetts Clean Cities, Vermont Clean Cities, Norwich (CT) Clean Cities, Greater New Haven (CT) Clean Cities, Capitol Region (Albany, NY) Clean Cities, and Greater Long Island Clean Cities and is just one of the ways that these Coalitions promote the use of alternative fuels in fleets.
More information on the Northern Stars program can be found on the Vermont Clean Cities Coalition website at http://www.uvm.edu/vtccc/northern-stars/.
Abby Bleything
University of Vermont
(802) 656-9123
[email protected]
www.uvm.edu/vtccc