Vermont Sierra Club Honors State Representative Curt McCormack’s long history of advocating for an accessible, equitable, and environmentally-friendly transportation system.
On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, the Vermont Sierra Club honored Burlington Representative Curt McCormack with an award for his commitment to sustainable transportation. The award was presented to Representative McCormack at a small gathering in Burlington.
Representative McCormack was selected for this award because he has effectively advocated to include transportation policy as a key strategy for addressing the climate crisis. His vision to proactively introduce transportation policy legislation – prior to the Governor’s proposed transportation bill and budget – with 2021’s Transportation Modernization Act set the course to ensure that climate measures are a priority of the transportation bill.
“Rep McCormack’s leadership in advocating for advancing public transportation, vehicle electrification, and bicycle and pedestrian safety is not just a policy debate. It is the way he lives his life,” stated Robb Kidd, Vermont Sierra Club Conservation Program Manager, “Curt also understands how working Vermonters need transportation that is affordable and accessible.”
“The Sierra Club volunteer transportation team committee was unanimous in recommending this award for Rep. McCormack.He has brought climate change considerations front and center to the transportation debate,” said David Ellenbogen, Vermont Sierra Club Chapter Transportation Team leader. “As transportation accounts for nearly 40% of Vermont’s carbon emissions and as Vermonters spend large portions of their income on transportation, it is extremely important that Vermont policymakers lead with innovative transportation solutions.”
This coming legislative session, the Sierra Club will continue to advocate for bold and equitable transportation solutions, including the advancement of vehicle electrification in light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles, electrification of transit and school buses, increased support for new and traditional transit modes, and the prioritization of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, including subsidies that make e-bikes an affordable mode of transportation. Combining the uses of existing transportation revenues with the influx of federal dollars, there is no reason not to think boldly.