May 6, 2022
SPEAKER KROWINSKI STATEMENT ON VETO OF BILL TO TRANSITION VERMONTERS TO CLEAN, AFFORDABLE HEAT AND SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE VERMONT’S CARBON FOOTPRINT
Montpelier, Vt. – Today, House Speaker Jill Krowinski issued the following statement:
“In establishing the Clean Heat Standard (CHS), the legislature took real action to reduce our carbon footprint and address climate change. We know that greenhouse gasses from heating homes and businesses account for roughly one-third of Vermont’s carbon pollution. The Governor’s veto of Clean Heat clearly shows that he is not committed to meeting the challenges of climate change, and the impact it will have on our state. It is especially frustrating, given that we worked with his administration to add language to the bill that addressed his concerns in the spirit of collaboration and compromise.
“The bill, H.715 - the Clean Heat Standard, is the single most consequential action we can take to reduce carbon emissions and transition our economy away from reliance on fossil fuels. The bill is structured to give Vermonters - especially low-income Vermonters - assistance and resources to transition to more efficient, cleaner heating options. At a time that we are seeing a dramatic rise in fuel prices, CHS also would reduce our vulnerability to the chaotic volatility of fossil-fuel prices.
“It is disappointing to see this bill vetoed. The Clean Heat Standard was the top recommendation of the Vermont Climate Council that we established in the Global Warming Solutions Act, and would support the climate goals we all know are needed to protect the health and well-being of Vermonters and the future stability of our economy. We will continue to have conversations over the weekend, but my plan is to hold a veto override vote next week.”
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