Welcome back to the Climate Dispatch! With policy crossover behind us, things are moving fast in Montpelier, and there’s a lot to be excited about. Our champions in both chambers are working hard to advance the climate and clean energy legislation Vermont needs, and the next two weeks will be critical.

Today’s episode

Today, we’re thrilled to be joined again by Representative Kathleen James (D-Manchester), Chair of the House Energy & Digital Infrastructure Committee. Chair James walks us through the latest on H.727, which just landed in the House Ways & Means Committee. This important bill would give the state the tools needed to regulate data center deployment — protecting Vermont ratepayers and our natural environment from unchecked energy demand and environmental harms. She also gives us an update on H.740, the greenhouse gas emissions reporting program, which is in the House Appropriations Committee, where we’re asking appropriators to find the $500,000 needed to get it off the ground. 

Finally, Chair James shares a quick update on S.202, which, after already passing the Senate, the House Energy & Digital Infrastructure Committee has taken testimony on all week. This “portable solar bill” would let Vermonters plug small solar devices into their homes and start generating their own clean power easily and for a low cost. The goal: Plug in and save, safely!

Call to Action

With so much happening this week, now is the time to tune in and catch up on the details!  Next Wednesday, March 25th, at noon, VNRC will be hosting a Mid-Session Legislative Update webinar. Sign up today to learn which bills are moving, what’s not, and what’s needed.

Thanks so much for your continued support and efforts to protect our people, communities, and planet! 

Sincerely, 

Johanna Miller & Dan Fingas 

PS: As Chair James notes, the data center and GHG emissions reporting program bills are likely to hit the House floor next week. Please stay tuned for calls to action. We will need your help to ensure we move priority bills forwar