Vermont’s pure heat policy faces political obstacles – the daily climate

A policy aimed at reducing Vermont reading from fossil fuel heating stopped after the election weakened democratic support, leaving their future insecure.

Nathaniel Eisen reports on Inside the climate news.

Briefly:

• The Vermont’s clean heat standard will require fossil fuel companies to finance heating efficiency projects, such as heat pump installations and insulation renovation, with an emphasis on low -income households.
• Republican governor Phil Scott opposes politics, citing high advance costs and potential increases in the price of heating. Democrats no longer have votes to cancel his veto.
• The State Committee on Utilities has found that policy will be expensive, but it is useful but recommended alternative funding approaches such as expanding fuel tax.

Key quote:

“It is a pity that the governor’s concerns were rejected and instead consumes significant money and time of taxpayers to fully develop a complex program that is not working for Vermont.”