TOWN MEETING DAY RESULTS

an unprecedented supermajority of Democrats and Progressives in the Legislature gives the bill better odds.

The bill was one of the top recommendations of the Climate Action Plan, which outlines strategies to meet Vermont’s legally binding emissions reduction requirements. It’s projected to drastically reduce emissions that come from heating and cooling Vermont’s buildings.

Committee members have heard from more than 50 witnesses on the bill, according to Sen. Chris Bray, D-Addison, the chair.

As the lawmakers tallied votes, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, D/P-Chittenden-Central, paid a visit to the committee room.

“I just wanted to personally thank the committee,” he said. “This is a huge lift, I understand. I have been amazed at your intensity and your focus, and I am just eternally grateful that you have stuck to the task.”

So far this session, much of the debate has centered around whether the bill would be expensive for Vermonters. Julie Moore, secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, has argued that Vermonters may face a choice between expensive up - front costs to install clean heat measures and an expected bump in fossil fuel heating prices — though it’s nearly impossible to determine how big that bump might be. Lawmakers have considered Moore’s self-described “back-of-the-envelope” math to be inaccurate.

Cost was among the topics of conversation during a discussion Friday morning with Xusana Davis, executive director of the state’s Office of Racial Equity, who was testifying before the committee. Sen. Becca White, D-Windsor, said the bill is designed to address the high upfront costs of clean heat.

“I kind of see this bill as the response to that. … Vermonters in that situation, myself included, can’t outlay $5,000 for a cold climate heat pump tomorrow,” White said. “But this program creates the marketplace to have incentives so that those upfront costs become far less, and we also have a workforce that develops to lower the costs.”

Environment and climate groups are generally split on their assessment of the bill. Some have expressed concerns that the bill would incentivize Vermonters to adopt biofuels as a form of clean energy, which could increase “(greenhouse gas) emissions, threaten the health of marginalized communities, and harm crucial ecosystems,” several environmental groups wrote in a press release about the bill. They include Stop VT Biomass, Slingshot and Standing Trees.

Other environmental organizations, such as the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, the Vermont Natural Resources Council and Vermont Sierra Club, along with groups such as Rights and Democracy and Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, strongly support the bill.

Davis, whose testimony focused on equity components of the legislation, said her office was pleased with many of the bill’s components. But she encouraged the committee to strengthen and reconsider other parts.

“Are you prepared to sign off on the bill, in terms of its equity, or do you have some recommendations for us?” Sen. Dick McCormack, D-Windsor, asked Davis.

“I don’t think that the bill, in its current version, quite meets the mark on equity,” Davis responded. “Simple things can be done to bring it closer, but at the end of the day, I think that the implementation is really going to be where we’re seeing what the commitment really is.”

Her concerns, among others, included whether the bill includes enough funding, ensures Vermonters who don’t speak English can understand and access the program, properly defines low and moderate incomes and allows policymakers to understand demographic data associated with energy burdens in the state.

Lawmakers engaged in conversation about whether to address Davis’ concerns in the bill before their vote, or whether to address them down the line in the legislative process. Davis warned committee members not to let equity provisions slide.

The committee may propose amendments with new equity recommendations when the bill hits the Senate floor.

Flying Redhawks

Wolves take down ‘Hawks in overtime

CLOCKWISE (l to r): CVU’s Brady Jones and South Burlington’s Lucas Van Mullen race for the puck during the Redhawks’ overtime loss to the Wolves on Feb. 15 at Cairns Arena. Harper Anderson makes his presence known as he pushes the fast break down the rink. CVU’s Zach Vincent and South Burlington’s Andrew Chandler do battle for control of the puck along the boards. CVU’s goalie Jason Douglas makes a save at his chest.

The Williston Recreation and Parks Department is located at the Annex Building at 7878 Williston Rd. For online program registration, visit www.willistonrec.org. For department information, email recreation@willistonvt.org or call 876-1160.

OPEN HOUSE AT THE R.E.C. ZONE

The Rec Department will be having an open house at the new rental space, “The R.E.C. Zone — Recreate, Explore, Create” at 94 Harvest Lane, on Saturday, March 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Come see the space, meet instructors and participate in demonstrations.

SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAMS AND CAMPS

Registration is now open for all spring/summer programs and camps. Be sure to check out offerings at www.willistonrec.org and register. Early registration is encouraged as some programs and camps fill fast. The camp grid is available on the site to help plan your children’s summer of fun.

Family Programs

REHABGYM 1ST ANNUAL WILLISTON COMMUNITY 5K

Ages 12-plus. Saturday, May 13, 9:30 a.m. The goal for this event is to bring the community together, support local businesses and organizations and enjoy the spring weather. The course is accessible, and adaptive athletes are encouraged to participate. Registration is open at www.willistonrec.org.

BEGINNERS ELECTRONICS AND PROGRAMMING WITH ARDUINO MICROCONTROLLERS

Ages 10-plus. You will be introduced to the world of building small electronic projects that can be controlled by microcontrollers. Basic principles of electronics and programming will be explored.

Registration deadline is March 1. Instructor: Bryan Serinese

DANGEROUS GIRLS

Ages 14-plus. This is a women-only cardio-kickboxing class that combines strength and conditioning with practical combat skills. Learn trips and throws, bounce to Beyoncé, hit hard, laugh a lot. Instructor: ONTA Studio

Active Agers

JAZZERCISE CARDIO SCULPT

Ages 18-plus. Low-impact classes incorporate dance cardio with strength training to sculpt and tone your muscles. Whether you’re looking for physical results or a way to relieve stress and feel your best.

Single-, five- and 10-class passes are available. Instructor: Kit Sayers

SENIOR FITNESS

Ages 50-plus. Senior Strength will work your upper and lower body strength as well as your balance and core. Modifications are shown and participants are encouraged to work within their abilities while socializing and having fun. Instructor: Toni Kunker

JUBO

Ages 50-plus. Learn to play the four-hole ocarina the easy way. Jubo is a new music methodology for all who want to learn an instrument quickly. Jubo is a lightweight pendant whistle with four holes that allows one to master music quickly. Instructor: Wayne Hankin

CHAIR YOGA INTRO

Ages 50-plus. This two-class intro is an opportunity to try out the program. If mobility, balance or confidence restrictions are a barrier for movement, a chair is an excellent tool to support therapeutic activity. Instructor: Zach Wilson, Fyzical Williston

Adult Programs

ALL LEVELS YOGA INTRO

Ages 18-plus. This two-class intro is an opportunity to try out the program. Yoga postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation are the focus, with emphasis on injury prevention and appropriate progression/modification. Instructor: Zach Wilson, Fyzical Williston

FYZICAL WILLISTON YOGA PASS

The rec department is partnering with Fyzical Williston on a four-visit punch pass offer to try their All Levels and Chair Yoga programs. Register for your pass at www.willistonrec.org and receive your pass at your first visit.

SANGHA STUDIO YOGA PASS

The rec department is collaborating with Sangha Yoga Studio to offer a five-class pass. Use the pass for one or multiple different types of programs within a 30-day period. Visit www.willistonrec.org for more information and to purchase a pass.

PRE-SCHOOL/ YOUTH/TEEN PROGRAMS

KINDERMUSIK

Ages 0-5. Classes provide a playful, supportive environment for children and their caregivers to play together with music, dancing, singing, exploring instruments and more. Different levels are offered for age groups.

Instructor: Rachel Smith

YOUTH LACROSSE

Grades K-8. Registration is now open. Early registration deadline is March 5. Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport that combines the power of football and hockey and the endurance of soccer and basketball. The kindergar- ten and grades 1-2 programs are coed, and the grades 3-8 programs offer separate boys and girls teams. Volunteer coaches are needed.

FUN WITH CIRCUS SKILLS

Grades 3-8. Join this funfilled and exciting low-risk program focusing on circus skills: juggling (balls, clubs, rings and scarves), low stilt-walking, unicycling, flower sticks, diabolo, balance skills and more. Instructor: Rob Crites

KNITTING

Grades 3-8. This program offers the basics for first-timers, as well as provides early and intermediate knitters with specific how-to and help with projects. All materials are provided.

Instructor: Christine Heavner, Owner Knitting Circle

NINJA KIDS INTRO

Age 4-8 or 7-11. The playbased curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being.

Instructor: ONTA Studio

NINJA TEENS INTRO

Age 9-15. The play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being.

Instructor: ONTA Studio

The American Red Cross helps prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Please consider supporting the Red Cross by making a financial donation, giving blood at a local blood drive, becoming a volunteer or learning a lifesaving skill to keep your home or workplace safe.

Next Week: Phases of the moon