FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2023
CONTACT:
Senator Chris Bray
cbray@leg.state.vt.us
Senator Anne Watson
awatson@leg.state.vt.us
Senator Becca White
rwhite@leg.state.vt.us
Ashley Moore
Chief of Staff to the Senate President Pro Tempore
amoore@leg.state.vt.us
VERMONT SENATE PASSES S.5, A BILL TO SUPPORT THE TRANSITION TO CLEANER, MORE AFFORDABLE HEATING OPTIONS FOR ALL VERMONTERS
Montpelier, VT - Today the Vermont Senate gave final approval to S.5, a bill that would support a transition to cleaner, more affordable heating options.
President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth thanked senators and members of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy for their work on this bill. “This bill is a top priority for this session,” said Senator Baruth. “The disastrous effects of climate change are all around us. Not one can deny it any longer. It’s imperative that the legislature continue making progress on meeting our climate goals and I’m grateful to the work of the committee and members of the senate for their work on this important legislation.”
This bill would create a blueprint to help Vermonters transition from their dependence on expensive, price-volatile, and polluting fossil fuel heat by requiring the fossil fuel industry to offer Vermonters cleaner, cost-saving options - such as advanced wood heat, heat pumps, and weatherization services.
Senator Bray, chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy and lead sponsor of the bill, spoke about the importance of this measure. “Vermonters are facing a heating emergency,” said Senator Bray. "Prices for heating fuels are at a record high and Vermonters need and deserve cleaner, more sustainable and cost-effective options.”
S.5 will create a blueprint for a clean energy transition for fossil fuel heating providers, requiring them to provide their customers more choices and help them stay warm with increasingly affordable, cleaner heat. This is a long-term program for the gradual transformation toward cleaner and more affordable heating options for Vermont homes and businesses.
“The status quo is not sustainable for Vermonters,” said Senator Anne Watson, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. “The upfront cost of switching heating fuels or weatherizing has been a barrier for many Vermont families who want to heat their homes with cleaner, more cost-effective options. This bill is designed to bring down those upfront costs to a rate that is accessible for all.”
"Today, my constituents cannot afford their heating fuel prices. This bill is a direct response to that reality," said Senator White, member of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy and co-chair of the Vermont climate caucus. "I want Vermonters to have a smooth landing as we transition off of fossil fuels, and this is our best opportunity to do that."
The bill will now move to the House for further consideration.
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