REV is the only organization dedicated solely to working toward increased renewable energy use in Vermont. One part of our work is to ensure that Vermont enact policies and legislation that promote renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE). Below, we list bills currently in the Vermont Legislature. You can follow our priority legislation on our legislative update page.
REV's Priority RE and EE Bills
H.446 – Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Act
The Vermont Senate passed H.446 on May 5, the House on May 7. On May 27, H.446 became law without the governor's signature.
If put into practice correctly, this energy bill will be a concrete tool for creating a vibrant market for many renewable-energy technologies in Vermont. Key items in the bill include:
- a standard offer for renewable energy
- clarification that thermal energy fits within the purview of the CEDF
- regulatory incentives ensuring utilities can recover permitting costs for renewable energy
- requirement that ANR reconsider its policy prohibiting wind on State lands
- improvements to residential- and commercial-building standards
- pilot downtown-community renewable-energy projects in Montpelier and Randolph
- clean energy assessment districts that would allow towns, cities, and incorporated villages to use municipal bonds to finance residential renewable-energy or energy-efficiency projects
- limitations on the power of municipalities and deeds to prohibit residential installation of renewable-energy and energy-efficiency devices, such as solar panels, residential wind turbines, and clothes lines
Full text of the bill here (.pdf).
REV's statement on the bill here (.pdf).
Gov. Douglas' statement on the bill here (.pdf).
H.152 – Biomass Energy Production
H. 152, An Act Relating to Encouraging Biomass Energy Production, was signed into law on May 26. The bill creates a biomass energy development working group to investigate and recommend fiscal and regulatory incentives for biomass energy, as well as guidelines and standards for maintaining forest health, procurement standards and other policy considerations for biomass development within Vermont.
Full text of the bill here (.pdf).
Bill would establish permitting and incentives for Vermont-based renewable energy development projects (V-BRED).
Other RE and EE Bills
H.168 – Group Net Metering Admininistrative Responsibilities
Bill would make utilities responsible for administrative tasks, including billing. Included in the omnibus energy bill now in the HCNRE.
H.282 – Tax Credits for Efficiency
Bill would provide an income tax credit for energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements to real property.
H.313 – Near-Term and Long-Term Economic Development
Sections of this bill restructure the Clean Energy Development Fund, incorporate changes to the Vermont Solar Commercial Tax Credit, and contain language incorporating the federal renewable-energy stimulus funds.
Bill would create a 6% tax credit for biomass.
Bills or Provisions REV Opposes
No bills at this time.
===========================================================================
It is important that you contact your representatives and senators to let them know the importance of legislation that supports renewable energy. Don't be shy about calling your legislators at home. They are elected by you and will be open to hearing from you.
Find legislators' contact information in the legislative directory.
Follow all Vermont bills using the bill-tracking system.
Read latest news on our legislative updates page.
P.O. Box 1036 Montpelier, VT 05601
info@revermont.org
