There certainly are issues with it. I personally think something like a carbon tax would be more effective, and it would better target actual sources of carbon.

There'd need to be something to limit the impact on lower income Vermonters, though (the ones least likely to have an EV or live close to where they work). I don't know what that'd look like.

True, true. I said that just because you said you'd probably be a heavy user with a family of 5, as if the additional people were directly contributing.

>Sliding scale for some means the rest will have to pick up the tab.

Yes, that's literally what a "sliding scale" is. Some pay below-average rate, others pay above-average rate.

Your concerns could be resolved by simply factoring the number of people in the residence. It would have to be for it to be fair anyway, since it's people that use electricity, not residences.

>electricity isn’t the way we contribute to climate change.

As of 2017 electricity generation accounted for 6% of CO2 emissions, which is small. But transportation and fuel (including heating) accounted for a combined 58%. If a large portion of our transportation and fuel use instead comes from electricity, our CO2 emissions from electricity will rise dramatically.

Also, a sliding scale would make wealthier individuals pay more, so your point about the high cost of living in Vermont I think is moot.

As we transition to using more electricity for EVs and such it would make sense to have some incentive to not overuse/waste electricity. If consumption increases too quickly we may have to get electricity from elsewhere (could be fossil fuels).

More generally speaking, even if something is renewable we still shouldn't waste it.

Who wants penalties for electricity use? The letter calls for sliding scale prices, not penalties.

I heard somewhere it's to make the customer "feel special" or something to that effect. That does seem to fit with their membership model, gives a feeling of exclusivity.

I think it's safe to assume that the bathroom with the urinal would still have a toilet. Since even if you have the "equipment" to use a urinal, it might not serve your needs at that moment.

I've also never (ever) seen a bathroom with literally just a urinal.

Ya, looks like what I said was incorrect. The virus can last on surfaces up to 4 weeks and immunity to a certain strain lasts between 2 months and 6 months, depending on who you ask.

I know labor is short and all, but how could it possibly take 6-8 months to get a heat pump serviced??

Also, the immunity window after recovering from it is short and the virus lives on surfaces for quite a while (weeks I think?).

So it is possible to re-infect yourself after getting over it if surfaces aren't properly and completely disinfected.

Edit: immunity after infection is more like 2-6 months and the virus can last on surfaces up to 4 weeks.

My mistake.

My point remains. Driving in that lane at 50+mph would be dangerous whether you're passing or being passed. Driving a safe speed in that lane (30-40?) would be dangerous if the passing lane was doing 50+.

>you’re gonna see a lot of this kind of thing.

What, people not passing when road conditions don't permit it? That's literally the opposite of bad driving.

The passing lane shown in OP's photo looks dangerous to drive in at the 50+mph traffic is likely moving at.

Would they wear those treads that go on the bottom of your shoes? Effectiveness varies but I've seen some nice ones at REI.

You want the ones with actual "teeth", not the ones that use coiled wire.

Edit: Apparently this has already been suggested.

Got it, thanks for the explanation. Was not familiar with "heating degree days".

What is your calculation/ what are your units? Is your chart suggesting that it's been colder the last year during those months than the 4 years prior?

I've been once or twice, it is nice. I grew up in a small town in central Vermont and when it wasn't a busy time tourist-wise the traffic was like that.

For me it's a dilemma. I don't like lots of people and traffic, but I do like living near stores/my job. Can't have it both ways unfortunately.

Then there's also the distorted view each side has of the other- as in the case of "democrats transitioning children". Who exactly is a proponent of transitioning children?

Like I said, I just want decent candidates. Half the problem is we cling to this tribe mentality of being a part of one party or the other. It's the same thing that drives people to stick with one sports team over another. Tribalism. It's bullshit.

I try to avoid that thinking, which is why I generally vote blue but will still vote for Phil Scott, because he's halfway decent. I don't care that much that he's a republican, so long as he doesn't act like the others.

Probably. What I don't think people realize is it doesn't help anything.

Even if people are stressed in other areas of their lives, getting all bent out of shape because the people in front won't do 20 over the speed limit* only adds to the person's stress. Everybody just needs to chill.

*I'm talking about aggressive drivers tailgating and lane weaving just to make minute advancements in traffic. Don't know what ails the drivers that aren't paying attention.

That isn't defensive driving, though. Defensive driving is staying alert, anticipating others actions, and not taking risks. I'd argue "going with the flow" is a part of this. Going excessively slow for the conditions can be just as risky as going excessively fast.

Riding motorcycles has taught me more about defensive driving than I've ever learned driving a car. Ride as if nobody can see you, anticipate other drivers actions. That sort of thing.

I kinda figured. To me, "wokeness" is more tolerable than the repulsive behavior I see from GOP members, but I guess that's just a matter of opinion.

Right there with ya as far as independents go. Two party system ain't working. I mean really we just need good candidates, I don't give a shit what party they affiliate with.

I mean, democrats have their faults but shit, have you seen some of the people in the GOP and what they've been trying to pass these days?? Where are the MTG's, Desantis's, and Matt Gaetz's of the Democratic party?

>too defensive

What do you mean by that? The whole polite thing is annoying (and dangerous)- "no no, you go, even though I have the right of way".

But that isn't defensive. We could use more defensive driving.

I swear aggressive driving has increased in the last couple years. Tailgating, lane weaving, blatantly not paying attention. It's all out of control, especially around Burlington/South Burlington (where I drive most).

Maybe more people here increasing congestion?

If you break traction while using your transmission as a brake, it takes a lot longer to regain traction than if the wheels lock up from braking too hard. Unless you drive a manual, like yourself, but barely anyone does these days.

Pump the brakes and don't shift down.