In their recent commentary “When renewable energy regulations work,” the heads of several Vermont utilities claimed, “Vermonters can be proud of what has been accomplished by our state’s renewable energy standard.”
But should we really? Unfortunately, no.
While the Renewable Energy Standard framework allows utilities to say we have “lowered greenhouse gas production in our state,” they can’t say the same thing about the standard’s impact on greenhouse gases in our region.
The disconnect comes from the fact that our standard largely fails to promote new renewable development but instead — with the exception of a small requirement for new in-state renewable projects — incentivizes utilities to claim credit for renewable energy that was being generated long before the standard was created.
Since the purpose of a Renewable Energy Standard is increasing renewable generation to displace fossil fuels, other New England states’ standards cap the amount of electricity that can come from older renewables at far lower levels than we do. They know that taking credit for something that was already happening doesn’t move us forward.
Until we align our standard with other states, it won’t really reduce greenhouse gas emissions, just shift around who gets the blame for them. This is why a broad coalition of environmental groups is advocating for reforming our standard to require that 60% of our power come from new renewables built in Vermont and New England. It’s a proposal that protects Vermonters and our climate. It’s a proposal we could actually be proud of.
Jonathan Dowds
Burlington
Deputy director, Renewable Energy Vermont