Lawmakers in Vermont voted overwhelmingly this week to approve a bill requiring all state utilities to reach 100% renewable energy by 2035 — and becoming the 24th U.S. state to have set targets to adopt 100% carbon-free power.
The bill cleared both chambers Tuesday with strong veto-proof majorities, all but guaranteeing it will survive any override attempt by Republican Gov. Phil Scott.
Scott and his administration have previously criticized the bill, primarily over its high price tag and short compliance time frame, which they fear will not give utilities the time needed to transition to 100% renewable resources.
Asked this week whether Scott would override the bill, Jason Maulucci, Scott’s spokesman, said the governor has not yet made a final decision.
The new bill, H.289, requires Vermont utilities to double the amount of new renewable energy resources built in-state. It also sets a faster compliance time compared to many…
