This bill modifies how Vermont's energy efficiency utility can use existing funds to support greenhouse gas reduction projects, allowing the use of thermal energy and process fuel funds for programs that reduce fossil fuel use regardless of a customer's current fuel source. It also requires regional planning commissions to submit draft regional plans to the Department of Public Service for enhanced energy compliance reviews and changes the telecommunications planning cycle from every three years to every five years. Additionally, the bill abolishes the Telecommunications and Connectivity Advisory Board. These changes aim to expand funding flexibility for energy efficiency programs, streamline regional planning processes, and adjust telecommunications oversight structures.
This bill transfers authority for permitting ground-mounted solar arrays from the Public Utility Commission to local municipalities in Vermont. It requires that applicants provide public notice of their applications, including to neighboring landowners, at least 15 days before a public hearing is held. The change directly affects local governments, solar developers, and property owners near proposed solar projects. By moving permitting power to municipalities, the bill aims to give local communities more control over solar development decisions.
This bill requires landlords in Vermont to clearly advertise which utilities and costs are the tenant's responsibility versus those included in the rent. Landlords must also document this information directly within the residential rental agreement to ensure transparency. Additionally, the bill mandates that landlords provide individual metering for utilities whenever possible, or ensure that tenant utility costs accurately reflect their actual usage. These changes directly affect residential rental agreements by standardizing how utility information is presented and calculated.
H.863 imposes a $0.30 fee on retail deliveries (like online orders shipped to Vermont) that are subject to sales tax, collected by vendors and listed separately on receipts. It permits municipalities to levy a local tax on gasoline and diesel fuel sales and allocates funds to transportation programs including electric vehicle incentives, public transit coordination, and creating pollinator habitats along roads. The bill also requires public EV charging stations to accept credit cards and provide real-time availability, and mandates a study on electric bicycle safety. These provisions aim to fund infrastructure improvements, support clean energy transitions, and enhance transportation equity.
H.851 proposes three pilot programs: (1) Incentivizing existing gas stations to install EV charging stations and add amenities like food, rest areas, and showers for travelers; (2) Creating incentives for public transit riders (e.g., discounts or prizes) and exploring autonomous vehicles to expand service frequency and hours; and (3) Establishing a state-operated rideshare service for on-demand transportation across Vermont, funded by its own revenues to support existing transit agencies. The bill directly affects gas station operators, EV drivers, public transit users, and Vermont’s transit agencies. Key provisions include station upgrades, rider rewards, autonomous vehicle trials, and a new state rideshare program. All changes are structured as temporary pilot programs within the Agency of Transportation.
H.796 requires all publicly available electric vehicle charging stations (EVSE) to accept multiple payment methods, including credit cards. It mandates clear display of all fees - such as parking charges for remaining at the station after charging - and real-time status updates showing availability. The bill also requires compliance with additional rules set by Vermont's Secretary of Transportation to ensure reliable service. These changes directly affect EVSE operators and drivers using public charging infrastructure.
This bill eliminates aesthetic considerations from the review process for new energy projects in Vermont. It amends the law requiring the Public Utility Commission to evaluate projects for "undue adverse effect on aesthetics" when issuing a certificate of public good. The change directly affects developers of new energy facilities (like solar or wind projects) and the Commission's approval process. Other factors, such as environmental impact, historic sites, and public health, remain part of the review. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026.
This bill requires Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources to create a new statewide system for tracking greenhouse gas emissions. It directly affects fuel suppliers (for transportation and heating) and businesses across all sectors, mandating them to report detailed data on fuel types and volumes sold, broken down by sector (transportation, residential, commercial, industrial) and county. The law establishes a formal reporting program to compile this data, aiming to streamline requirements and align with other state and federal programs. The agency must draft these rules by March 2027 and has $800,000 appropriated for development and staff time.
H.767 proposes a temporary eight-year pause on several key climate change programs in Vermont, including the Renewable Energy Standard (requiring 100% renewable electricity by 2030), the Clean Heat Standard, and the Global Warming Solutions Act. The bill would halt enforcement of these laws, directly affecting Vermont residents (particularly low- and moderate-income households facing energy costs), utilities, and landowners subject to current regulations. Its key mechanism is a moratorium to evaluate the combined impacts of these programs on housing affordability, energy costs, and private property rights. The bill states this pause is necessary to balance environmental goals with economic realities before continuing implementation.
H.593 requires the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to approve any agreement the Department of Public Service (DPS) enters into for interregional electricity transmission projects. This applies when the DPS negotiates deals involving electricity transmission between regions, such as those affecting Vermont’s connections to New England’s grid. The bill aims to ensure these agreements align with Vermont’s energy policies and protect ratepayers from financial harm. The change amends Vermont law to add this PUC approval step for regional transmission agreements.
