Top Posts
Earthquake hits Northern Iran amid tensions with Israel
Flash Flood: Ogun appeals to residents not to...
VP seeks collaboration to tackle Illegal migration, climate...
Fashion brands accused of shortcuts on climate pledges
BRICS countries develop shared position on climate finance
Europe launches climate change commission
Macron rebukes climate change deniers Ahead of Nice...
Zulum, others urge FG to accelerate N80bn rehabilitation...
Group Advocates Stronger Policies To Mitigate Climate Change
Death toll from Mokwa flood rises to 153
EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World
World

Vermont governor threatens to veto climate bill for being too expensive

by Segun Ogunlade April 29, 2023
written by Segun Ogunlade April 29, 2023
547

A bill passed by the Legislature that aims to help the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging Vermonters to move away from fossil fuels to heat their homes could be vetoed by Republican Gov. Phil Scott.

Scott said in a statement released on Friday that the legislation would give too much authority to the unelected Public Utilities Commission and could end up punishing Vermonters who are least able to afford to switch, albeit he shares the goal of the Affordable Heat Act, known as S.5.

“For these reasons and more, I will veto S.5, and I’m asking Vermonters, even the many who have already contacted their legislators, to make their voices heard and ask their representatives and senators to sustain this veto,” he said.

The final approval of the bill on Thursday and the promised veto now sets up a showdown with Democratic lawmakers. They have a veto-proof majority in both the House and Senate, but it’s unclear if all would vote to override.

Scott vetoed similar legislation last year, and an override failed by one vote in the House.

Read also: Climate change activists plan protest at White House correspondents’ dinner

Earlier this week, House Speaker Jill Krowinski accused Gov. Scott and others of spreading misinformation about the bill, especially that Vermonters would soon be unable to afford to heat their homes whereas the legislation is intended to provide relief from increases in fuel costs and create incentives to help low- and moderate-income residents weatherize their homes and diversify how they heat them.

“The rulemaking process and future legislative debate will give Vermonters multiple venues and additional opportunities to share feedback, ask questions, and help shape the final product. This bill will not only help Vermont mitigate the impact of climate change in our state, but it will also lower costs and keep prices at a consistent level, allowing Vermonters to afford to heat their homes.”

The Affordable Heat Act grew is coming at the back of a legislation passed in 2020 that requires Vermont to reduce greenhouse gas pollution to 26% below 2005 levels by 2025. Emissions would need to be 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below by 2050.

Public Utility Commission, which would develop and implement clean heat programs designed through a public process, will oversee and carry out the provisions of the law.

The bill says the final rules to implement the program must be submitted to the Legislature by January 2025, and progress reports must be provided in February 2025 and on final submission.

Story was adapted from AP.

Climate changeEnvironmentUS
0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
admineconai

previous post
Climate change activists plan protest at White House correspondents’ dinner
next post
European Commission, EIB announce funds worth €18bn to boost investments in climate action

Related Posts

Fashion brands accused of shortcuts on climate pledges

June 12, 2025

BRICS countries develop shared position on climate finance

June 12, 2025

Europe launches climate change commission

June 12, 2025

Macron rebukes climate change deniers Ahead of Nice...

June 9, 2025

Scientists say nearly 40% of the world’s glaciers...

June 3, 2025

German court dismisses climate case against RWE

May 28, 2025

WHO Climate Change action plan approved

May 28, 2025

Report: World likely to breach 1.5°C limit in...

May 28, 2025

At Bonn climate talks, Brazil demands early deals...

May 23, 2025

Guterres raises alarm over rapid Himalayan glacier melt

May 17, 2025

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Bloglovin
  • Vimeo

@2021 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Eco-Nai+

EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World