Bill > H0062

This bill proposes to significantly modify Vermont's approach to climate change policy by repealing key elements of the Global Warming Solutions Act. Specifically, the bill eliminates the Vermont Climate Council and removes mandatory greenhouse gas reduction requirements, replacing them with non-binding goals. The legislation changes language in several existing state statutes to transform greenhouse gas emissions targets from "requirements" to "goals," which reduces their legal enforceability. The bill also repeals the Department of Environmental Conservation's Low Emission Vehicle and Zero Emission Vehicle Rules, effectively weakening the state's regulatory framework for reducing carbon emissions. State agencies will no longer be strictly mandated to consider greenhouse gas emissions in their decision-making processes, but are instead encouraged to do so "whenever practicable." The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a transition period for state agencies and stakeholders to adjust to the new, less stringent climate policy approach.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.62