BURLINGTON, August 24 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Wednesday will visit Crossett Brook Middle School to discuss how federal funding can help Vermont schools and public buildings install solar and renewables.
Earlier this month, Sanders announced that a number of projects he submitted to various Senate Appropriations subcommittees through the Congressionally Directed Spending process – formerly known as “earmarks” – have received initial approval, including one to bring $1 million to the state through the Vermont Public Service Department to help establish sustainable energy projects at elementary, middle and high schools, as well as state and municipal buildings.
“This funding can bring real, positive change to the state,” said Sen. Sanders. “It’s simple: the future of our planet is at stake. We must address the threat of climate change and I know Vermont can lead the way to building a clean, affordable, renewable energy system. Right now, we have an opportunity to learn from successful projects, like the solar array at Crossett Brook, and help schools and public buildings throughout the state significantly decrease their energy costs.”
In 2010, Crossett Brook Middle School was one of ten schools awarded $50,000 in federal funding secured by Sanders to install solar. The solar array not only generates electricity and helps to reduce costs, but has also been an important educational tool within Crossett Brook’s sustainability curriculum. Following this initial investment, Crossett Brook has gone on to install an additional 157 kilowatts of ground-mounted solar. Altogether, these solar projects generate the equivalent of roughly one-third of the school’s electrical needs.
In addition to visiting Crossett Brook Middle School, Senator Sanders will also be hosting a virtual climate town meeting with Vermont municipal energy committee members.
Note: Events are open to the media
Wednesday, August 25
Crossett Brook Middle School
What: Sanders will tour Crossett Brook Middle School’s solar project and will give a statement on his sustainable energy appropriations request to the media
When: Wednesday, August 25, 11:00 A.M.
Where: Crossett Brook Middle School, 5672 Vermont Route 100, Duxbury
Who: Sen. Bernie Sanders
Tom Drake, Principal of Crossett Brook Middle School
Duncan McDougall, Chair of Waterbury LEAP
Duane Peterson, Co-founder of SunCommon
Details: Event will take place outside in front of the school’s solar array
Virtual Climate Town Meeting
What: Climate Town Meeting with Sen. Sanders: A Panel Discussion and Q&A with Town Energy Committees on the federal climate investments in the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill, in partnership with the Vermont Energy & Climate Action Network (VECAN)
When: Wednesday, 25, 2:00 P.M.
Where: Virtual event hosted via Zoom
Who: Sen. Bernie Sanders
Johanna Miller, VECAN
Jeff Dexter, Sunderland Energy Committee
Allison Webster, Peacham Energy Committee
Richard Butz, Bristol Energy Committee
Details: Members of the press and the public are invited to watch the event at: https://www.facebook.com/senatorsanders
