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 Bills, Spring 2010
H.781 – An Act Relating to Renewable Energy
The Vermont Senate passed H.781 on May 7, the House on April 16 . Gov. Douglas signed the bill into law on June 4, 2010.
Vermont state policy encourages renewable electric energy, which is good for our economy and for our energy future. Ninety-eight percent of Vermonters would like to see more of it. The 2010 Renewable Energy Bill moves the state forward. It helps farmers, the Vermont Air National Guard, large employers like IBM, and the long-term interests of all electric ratepayers. It creates government efficiencies, simplifies renewable-generation procedures, and tailors some current renewable energy incentives.
Key items in the bill include the following:
- Without changing environmental standards, the bill makes the permitting process for renewable energy projects more predictable and efficient.
- The bill allows the Vermont Air Guard to develop a significant solar project through the simplified net-metering process.
- The bill gives much-needed price stability to the pioneering farmers in the Cow Power program.
- Existing state solar tax incentives are capped and reformed, both to determine costs to the Clean Energy Development Fund and to relax deadline-related pressures on the Public Service Board.
- The bill reduces the cost of meeting transformer efficiency standards, which will help IBM and other large employers in Vermont.
Full text of the bill here (.pdf)
Overview and summary of the bill here(.pdf)
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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
(802) 229-0099info@revermont.org
