Governor of Vermont Vetoes Bill Mandating Utilities to Obtain All Renewable Energy by 2035

Vermont Governor Phil Scott vetoed a bill on Thursday that would have required state utilities to obtain all renewable energy by 2035, citing concerns over potential cost increases for ratepayers.

The legislation would have mandated the largest utilities to meet the renewable energy goal by 2030, making Vermont the second state with such an ambitious timeline if passed into law.

In his veto message to the Legislature, Governor Scott stated, “I don’t believe there is any debate that H.289 will raise Vermonters’ utility rates, likely by hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Currently, Vermont utilities are required to purchase 75% renewable energy by 2032.

The Legislature has the opportunity to override the governor’s veto during a special session next month.

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Baruth, a Democrat, criticized Governor Scott and his party for being resistant to policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependence.

Governor Scott expressed concern that the Democratic-controlled Legislature often overlooks the unintended consequences of their proposed bills, leading to more harm than good.

Despite sharing similar priorities with the Legislature, Governor Scott highlighted the differing approaches in achieving their goals.

“I would prefer to reach agreements before bills reach my desk to avoid a veto altogether,” he stated.