During a recent Burlington city council meeting, community members voiced strong support for a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating building emissions, a critical step towards the city’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030.

Jacob Griffin, a student and former policy research intern, emphasized the importance of maintaining robust building emission reduction requirements, citing successful policies in cities like Cambridge and Seattle. He argued that Burlington's current proposal, which affects only 279 buildings out of over 11,000, is a necessary measure to align with broader climate goals and should not be weakened.

Abby Phillips, a long-time resident and University of Vermont student, echoed Griffin's sentiments, urging the council to adopt aggressive climate policies. She expressed concern that previous climate commitments had not been met and called for the council to fulfill its promises to constituents. Phillips highlighted the potential for Burlington to lead in climate action, urging council members to listen to the community's overwhelming support for strong environmental policies.

Other residents, including Alexander Heron and Kat Terrell, reinforced the call for the ordinance, framing it as a vital step in combating climate change and setting a precedent for sustainability in the region. They noted that effective measures, such as regulating building emissions, could significantly reduce the city’s carbon footprint and inspire further action.

The meeting underscored a collective urgency among Burlington residents for decisive climate action, with many expressing hope that the city could become a model for environmental responsibility. As the council considers the ordinance, the community remains engaged and vocal about the need for strong policies to address the climate crisis.