Governor Scott’s veto of the landmark renewable energy bill is shortsighted

Dear editor,

In a terrifying attempt to block Vermont’s environmental and economic progress, Governor Scott vetoed compromise legislation to modernize the renewable energy standard and put the state on a path to delivering 100% renewable energy by 2035.

By vetoing H.289, which was supported by nearly all of the state’s utilities, as well as a number of environmental organizations, business groups, and others, Governor Scott once again threatens our state’s progress on clean energy and essential climate action, and threatens to reduce a needed sector of jobs in clean energy. To override the governor’s veto, the Legislature must vote by a two-thirds majority at the veto session in mid-June.

This landmark legislation would be the first major update to the renewable energy standard in nearly a decade and would represent the most significant action Vermont has ever taken to reduce carbon pollution in the electricity sector. If passed, this bill would make Vermont the second state in the nation to reach 100% renewable energy, setting a precedent for clean energy progress and economic innovation. By increasing requirements for utilities to support new renewable energy projects in the region and state, H.289 would significantly reduce carbon pollution, the equivalent of permanently removing up to 250,000 cars from our roads by 2035.

“This bill was the result of a months-long stakeholder process that brought together, for the first time, environmental groups, business interests and utilities to reach a commonsense compromise that would enable Vermont to transition away from fossil fuels and toward 100% energy renewable. By vetoing this bipartisan bill, Governor Scott has once again told Vermonters that he is not interested in solving the climate crisis we face,” said Peter Sterling, executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont.

“Governor Scott has chosen to side with fossil fuel interests over the health and well-being of Vermonters,” said Lauren Hierl, executive director of Vermont Conservation Voters. “Vermont has an opportunity to lead the nation on renewable energy innovation and climate action, and we hope the Legislature will overturn this misguided veto.”

“The benefits of H.289 are clear,” said Johanna Miller, climate and energy program director at the Natural Resources Board of Vermont. “Instead, the governor’s actions leave Vermont vulnerable to the impacts of climate change by making it dependent on outdated, polluting energy sources and limiting much-needed clean energy job growth.”

“Vermonters have made it clear time and time again that solving the climate crisis must be a priority and the status quo is simply unacceptable,” said Ben Edgerly Walsh, climate and energy program director at VPIRG.

“Vermonters remember all too well last summer’s devastating flooding and smoky skies caused by the Canadian wildfires. Instead of taking action, Governor Scott decided to veto our safety, health and future,” said Vanessa Rule, co-director and lead organizer of 350VT. This veto does not reflect the will of the people.”

Supporters of H.289 will urge lawmakers to vote to override this short-sighted veto. H.289 passed the Vermont House 99-39 and passed the Senate 18-8. A two-thirds vote in each chamber is needed to override a veto, so the path to passage of the bill is slim.

It is imperative that the legislature overturns this veto. For the sake of our environment, our economy, and future generations, we urge lawmakers to take action to override the Governor’s veto of H.289 and maintain essential clean energy progress in Vermont.

Peter Sterling, Renewable Energy in Vermont.

Lauren Hierl, Vermont Conservation Voters

Johanna Miller, Vermont Natural Resources Board

Ben Edgerly Walsh, Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG)

Vanessa’s Rule, 350VT