U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz says changing the way the country gets its energy is critical due to the climate, the economy and national security.
Moniz made the comments Friday at an energy summit at Middlebury College attended by the three members of Vermont's congressional delegation and Governor Peter Shumlin.
Moniz says without efforts to roll back climate change, Super Storm Sandy, which hit the New York area in 2012, could look like child's play compared to future storms.
Vermont officials told Moniz about the state's efforts to reduce energy use with innovative programs.
Moniz also heard from a small group of protesters upset with a proposal to run a natural gas pipeline south the Rutland and under Lake Champlain to a New York paper mill.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.