Welcome back to the Climate Dispatch! As the legislative session continues into its third month, we want to reflect on the meaningful progress we’ve already made towards advancing renewables and fighting the climate crisis in the face of turbulent headwinds caused by our federal and state administrations. 

This week, we’re joined by Ben Edgerly Walsh, VPIRG’s Climate & Energy Program Director, who overlays some of these accomplishments, like passing S.202 through the Senate to allow Vermonters to use plug-in portable solar systems, and H.710 through the House to change the definition of “Single Plant” in statute to allow co-location of large solar facilities – Smart Growth for Solar! Ben and Dan also discuss the upcoming crossover deadline – the date where all House bills move to the Senate for consideration and vice-versa – and which bills we expect to move once the deadline hits. 

Today’s Episode

Some of the bills we’re paying close attention to include H.727, which would place sensible safeguards on the growth of data centers in Vermont; H.740, which would create a greenhouse gas emissions reporting program within the Agency of Natural Resources; and H.600 and its companion bill in the Senate S.191, which would uphold Biden-era efficiency standards for appliances sold in Vermont. We’re also working to hold the line on S.323 which would restrict solar development on agricultural land, and many other short-sighted attempts to restrict access to the clean, affordable energy that we know all Vermonters deserve.  As we head into the latter half of this legislative session, make sure to stay tuned for more updates on these important bills.  

With Town Meeting Day next week, you won’t hear from us until legislators return to the State House the week after next. We look forward to catching up with you then!

Call to Action

Next week is Town Meeting week, when legislators take the time to reconnect with constituents mid-session and Vermonters from across the state cast a ballot in their local elections. These days, nothing matters more than making your voice heard at the local level. Make sure you’re ready with a plan to vote and make your voice heard in your community! Click here to check your registration status with the Secretary of State’s office before heading to the polls, and check your polling location here. 

Thank you for staying engaged in the fight for a better future!