Center for American Progress

The Impacts of Climate Change and the Trump Administration’s Anti-Environmental Agenda in Vermont
Fact Sheet

The Impacts of Climate Change and the Trump Administration’s Anti-Environmental Agenda in Vermont

Vermont is under increasing threat from climate change, with one $1 billion extreme weather event occurring in 2018.

A large pickup truck exits the Taftsville Covered Bridge in Woodstock, Vermont, January 2019. A recent report found that gas emissions in the state have increased by 16 percent from 1990 levels. (Getty/John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe)

Just in the past three years, the Trump administration has attempted to roll back at least 95 environmental rules and regulations to the detriment of the environment and Americans’ public health. Moreover, the administration refuses to act to mitigate the effects of climate change—instead loosening requirements for polluters emitting the greenhouse gases that fuel the climate crisis. This dangerous agenda is affecting the lives of Americans across all 50 states.

In 2018, Vermont experienced one severe storm. The damages of this event led to losses of at least $1 billion.

Impacts of climate change

Extreme weather

Temperature

Impacts of the Trump administration’s anti-environmental policies

Climate

  • In March 2020, the Trump administration announced its final rule to overturn Obama-era fuel efficiency standards for cars. These weakened fuel standards will lead to higher greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions and will cost Vermont residents $61.7 million
  • The Trump administration is attempting to gut climate considerations from major infrastructure projects by eliminating the “cumulative impact” requirement of the National Environmental Policy Act. This is concerning because Vermont’s economy relies heavily on its agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries—all of which are highly dependent on climate and weather conditions.
    • Agriculture: According to a 2015 report, agriculture, commercial fishing, forestry, and related businesses had an economic impact of $6.6 billion and supplied 36,994 jobs in Vermont.
    • Tourism: In 2017, the tourism industry in Vermont generated an economic impact of more than $2.8 billion and supported nearly 32,204 jobs, accounting for roughly 10 percent of all jobs in the state.
    • Outdoor recreation: The outdoor recreation industry in Vermont generates 51,000 direct jobs and $5.5 billion in consumer spending.

Toxics

To read the personal stories of Americans affected by climate change and the impacts of the Trump administration’s anti-environmental policies in your state, visit OurEnvironment.org.

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