As the end of the legislative session approaches, we’re pleased to share that key climate and clean energy priorities have continued to advance in the State House this week. Early on Thursday, the Senate voted unanimously to advance S.202, the plug-in solar bill. Importantly, they included a backstop provision to preserve appliance efficiency standards in the face of federal rollbacks. H.727, the data center siting bill, also advanced on a 26-3 vote on 2nd reading on the Senate floor today. If enacted into law, this bill would put important guardrails around potential large-scale data centers in Vermont to protect ratepayers and communities. In other good news: H.740, the greenhouse gas emissions reporting program, also advanced on a 2nd reading vote in the Senate, though it still needs an appropriation to implement the program. H.740 would achieve a top priority of the Climate Action Plan, as it is foundational to guide good energy planning and policy design to cut pollution and achieve energy cost-savings for Vermonters. (For more info, dive deeper into the bills that we’re still watching here.)
Today’s Episode
In today’s Dispatch, we’re joined by Rep. Mollie Burke of Brattleboro who has sat on the House Transportation Committee since she began her legislative tenure 18 years ago. Recently, Rep. Burke announced her retirement, wrapping her career as a consistent advocate for bold climate action, transportation affordability, and investing in working families.
During our conversation, Rep. Burke reflects on the significant progress Vermont has made and her hopes for the work moving forward: continued collaboration across parties, investment in cost-saving, renewable solutions, and strong action to make Vermont more resilient and affordable. Listen to what Rep. Burke has to say and join us in thanking her for her leadership and service!
Call to Action
As Rep. Burke noted, we need more environmental champions in the legislature to help Vermonters cut energy costs and further climate action. As VCV’s Dan Fingas notes, there’s opportunity ahead. May 28th marks the candidate filing deadline for the Vermont Legislature. With this date only two weeks away, VCV is rolling out a candidate endorsement questionnaire for legislative candidates.
Also VCV and our partners are hosting a series of candidate forums. Next up are two Democratic Primary forums for the Governor’s race.
On Tuesday, May 26, you can join Democratic primary candidates in the race for Governor, Amanda Janoo and Aly Richards, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at the Colchester Meeting House to hear their visions for the role with questions from the audience and sponsoring organizations. Register here.
The second is on Wednesday, June 17 in Vergennes for a public forum from 6:00-7:30 at the Vergennes Opera House. Register here.
Thank you for your continued support and we’ll see you next week!
Sincerely,
Johanna Miller, VNRC & Dan Fingas, VCV