About

History

In fall 2020 the Williston Selectboard adopted a comprehensive energy plan as an amendment to the Town Plan. This detailed document provides items for the Town to consider and explore in shaping the community’s energy future and curbing the impacts of climate change. In addition, the plan contains provisions for renewable energy facility siting in Town, which will receive substantial deference when any facilities are considered by the State Public Utilities Commission. Developing the plan was made possible by many months of dedicated work by the ad hoc Energy Plan Task Force, Planning Commission and town staff providing support. The Williston Energy Committee was established in 2022.  Staff support is provided by Melinda Scott, Energy and Community Development Planner. 

Mission & Goals

Mission: To create a community powered by renewable, locally produced and owned energy, fed by town farms, housed in efficient homes with an environmentally responsible transportation system, all sustained by a vibrant, local economy and social network. We believe our resources are finite; and that we are an integral part of nature.  

Goals: The 2016 State of Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP) and Vermont Statute set ambitious statewide energy goals: • To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a 50% reduction below 1990 levels (8.59 MMTCO2e)  by 2028, and 75% reduction below 1990 levels by 2050 . • To reduce total energy consumption per capita by 15% by 2025 and by more than 33% by 2050. • To meet 25% of remaining energy needs from renewable sources by 2025, 40% by 2035, and 90% by 2050.  

Meeting the State goals at the local level will require ambitious action to transform the way Williston uses and produces energy. This transformation will enhance the health and vigor of the Town’s local economy and long-term affordability for residents. To do so, the Williston Energy Committee will increase public awareness of energy issues, assess local energy use, and identify opportunities for conservation, energy source conversion, and renewable energy generation. 

The Williston Energy Committee's role in achieving the town's objectives is primarily to:

1) Educate Williston citizens, town government, Champlain Valley School District (CVSD) and private businesses about the economic and environmental value of transitioning from a fossil-fuel vehicle society. 

2) Act to decrease transportation energy demand by promoting electric vehicles, increasing the awareness of and supporting the use of public transit, walking/biking infrastructure, carsharing, and ridesharing.  

2) Take an active role in drafting  bylaw amendments that support energy efficiency, conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation. 

3) Make recommendations to the Planning Commission and Selectboard regarding incorporation of energy efficiency measures into capital improvement program.