Some have already been vetoed, one of those is an updated renewable energy standard.
Some have already been vetoed, one of those is an updated renewable energy standard.
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Some have already been vetoed, one of those is an updated renewable energy standard.
It’s now been two weeks since Vermont’s legislative session wrapped, which means a steady flow of bills are on the way and hitting Gov. Phil Scott’s desk.
Some have already been vetoed; one of those is an updated Renewable Energy Standard.
The Scott administration said it feels these changes are going to hurt ratepayers and they proposed a better plan after going through an 18-month engagement process.
“Who is it serving? And so you look at it, and you realize that the folks that are going to benefit most from this legislation are folks who get paid to invest capital and who can pass those costs onto consumers,” said June Tierney, the commissioner of the Department of Public Service.
The bill, as passed by the legislature, requires most retail electricity providers to be on 100% renewable energy by January 2030. Global Foundries and municipal providers must adhere to the same standard by 2035.
It also requires Vermont to find ways to produce more renewable energy in the state.
Those in support of the bill say it would reduce carbon emissions to the equivalent of taking 240,000 cars off the road each year, and would help reduce climate change while also saving Vermonters money in the long term.
The standard will cost up to $450 million for Vermont ratepayers over the next 11 years.
“If Vermont can take a step for a minimal rate impact that reduces pollution equivalent to taking almost a quarter million cars off the road, that is an important thing we can do today to fight climate change,” said Peter Sterling, the executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont.
To override, the Senate will need two more yes votes, and the House will need one yes vote to hit the two-thirds majority required.
Another bill that was vetoed that has been getting people talking is one that would ban a certain pesticide used in agriculture.
Supporters say it’s crucial because it will help the state’s pollinator population, which they say is declining.
Certain uses of neonicotinoid pesticides, such as sprays, will be banned in 2025, and neo-nic treated crop seeds will be banned in 2029.
Dairy farmers have been against this bill because neo-nic treated seeds are how they feed their cattle.
Scott has called the bill “more anti-farmer then pro-pollinator” and says it’s a part of his job to look at all aspects of bills and who they affect.
Scott also said in his veto letter that pollinator populations are rising, according to national data, but supporters say that’s just not the case after their research.
That bill did make it through both chambers with a veto-proof majority.
A bill Scott did sign into law is the state budget, which is significant because the budget has been vetoed often in recent years. This year’s budget comes in at $8.6 billion.
Scott said he isn’t thrilled with some of the fee increases, and there’s new base spending in the budget that will impact future budgets. However, he said he feels it does more good than harm and shows compromise is possible in Montpelier.
“We worked on a deal; something we could live with, something they could live with. They had to give up a lot as well, so it can be done and not everyone gets what they want, but usually that’s when a deal makes sense,” Scott said.
The veto session is set for June 17.
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