The Deeper Dig is a weekly podcast from the VTDigger newsroom. Listen below, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Statehouse Democrats this year have advanced proposals aimed at addressing the climate crisis, and with the legislative crossover deadline looming, it’s becoming clearer which ones will make the cut and which will be punted to the next biennium.
Legislative support for a “Vermont Green New Deal” is waning, while another climate bill — the Global Warming Solutions Act — has gained momentum.
Key senators have said the “Green New Deal” bill is not a priority this year. S.311 would raise revenue for climate efforts by imposing an income tax surcharge on Vermont’s top 5% of earners.
H.688, the Global Warming Solutions Act, would enshrine the state’s emissions goals into law, giving Vermonters leverage to sue the state if it doesn’t do enough to curb pollution. The bill passed the House by a wide margin, but Gov. Phil Scott says he opposes the legal mandate, which would give the courts the authority to order action on emissions reductions.
Lawmakers have also proposed enhancements to the state’s energy efficiency programs and reforms to Act 250, the state’s 50-year-old land use law. And they’re weighing how to include Vermont in the multi-state Transportation and Climate Initiative.
Gov. Phil Scott has proposed expanding incentives for electric vehicle infrastructure and home weatherization. He is skeptical of lawmakers’ efforts to raise taxes and impose mandates. “What I proposed last year and this are actual action items,” he said earlier this month.
But given the level of support in the Statehouse for the Global Warming Solutions Act, the real debate over how to slash emissions — and how to pay for it — is likely just beginning.
On this week’s podcast, VTDigger’s Elizabeth Gribkoff breaks down the climate push in the Legislature. Plus, Jennifer Rushlow of the Vermont Law School explains how enforcing mandates under the Global Warming Solutions Act would actually work.
This post will be updated with a full transcript.
