Vermont Just Passed a 100% Renewable Electricity Mandate: What This Means for Our Green Future

Vermont has made a significant legislative stride in moving towards renewable energy. The newly passed bill mandates a transition so that all electricity provided by the state’s utilities originates from renewable sources by the year 2035.

This legislation, recognized as H.289 or the update to the Renewable Energy Standard, has achieved a level of backing that shields it against potential veto. It was enacted with a decisive majority, illustrating the strong support it garners from numerous stakeholders, including electricity providers and those involved in the development of renewable resources.

Despite Vermont’s current status as one of the states with the lowest carbon footprint in its electricity generation, it remains tethered to the New England power grid, which primarily relies on natural gas. Therefore, Vermont still has an indirect reliance on fossil fuel energy.

Key elements of the bill include:

• Doubling of In-state Renewables: A mandate for Vermont utilities to commission more locally produced renewable energy, aiming for renewables to represent 20% of the energy they distribute.

• Regional Renewable Energy: Vermont utilities are also tasked with supplying their customers with renewable energy sourced from the broader area, which may in the future encompass offshore wind projects.

• Utility Specific Targets:

  • Green Mountain Power, which serves the majority of Vermont’s customers, must reach an additional 20% of renewable provision by 2035.
  • Other Vermont utilities are tasked with attaining an incremental 10% by the 2035 deadline.

• 100% Renewable Electricity Requirement: All utilities in Vermont, with varying deadlines, are required to supply electricity solely from renewable sources, with Green Mountain Power and Vermont Electric Coop holding a 2030 deadline, and others aiming for 2035.

In line with Vermont’s environmental commitment, the state is a participant in the US Climate Alliance. This confirms their pledge to adhere to the objectives of the Paris Agreement, independent of the federal government’s stance.

Local activists and environmental groups echo the sentiment that this legislation is a critical initial step towards addressing the urgency of climate change. They advocate for further action, emphasizing the necessity for community-driven renewable initiatives that respect ecological and farmland integrity while being economically fair.

To facilitate the adoption of solar power, Vermont residents are encouraged to consider solar installation with battery storage to enhance energy resilience.