Vermont Senate Bill S0306

Vermont 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

An act relating to changes to the Clean Heat Standard

Impact

The implementation of this bill is expected to impact state laws concerning energy regulation and public services significantly. It amends existing statutes to ensure that clean energy measures are more integrated within the framework of the state’s energy policy. Specifically, it aims to provide clearer guidelines on the responsibilities of designated delivery agents and how they will operate in compliance with the Clean Heat Standard. This is part of a broader effort to facilitate a transition to cleaner energy solutions in Vermont.

Summary

Bill S0306 proposes several amendments to the existing Clean Heat Standard legislation in Vermont. The primary aim is to enhance and clarify how the program is administered, ensuring that compliance measures are effectively communicated and implemented across relevant entities. The bill lays out provisions for annual registration of entities involved in clean heat measures, the designation of default delivery agents by the Commission, and streamlining rulemaking processes associated with the Clean Heat Standard program.

Contention

Notably, certain points of contention might arise from stakeholders concerned about the effectiveness and feasibility of enforcing these newly structured compliance measures. Critics may argue that the changes could lead to increased bureaucracy or fail to adequately address the specific needs of various localities in implementing clean heat measures. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of public engagement in the rulemaking process, especially how the bill addresses requests for language assistance and public comment periods.