Climate policy critics, advocates converge at Statehouse

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) — Both supporters and critics of Vermont’s Clean Heat Standard turned out at the Statehouse Wednesday.

The policy is part of the Affordable Heat Act passed in 2023, which requires fossil fuel wholesalers in Vermont to reduce emissions to meet state targets.

A study by state regulators found it will cost energy users about a billion dollars to switch to greener sources of heat. Now, the policy faces headwinds following GOP election gains in November and Governor Scott’s affordability agenda.

“Time and time again they raise taxes and pass mandates that are impossible to meet, and now they want to drive up the costs. Well, they’ve driven and they’re driving up the costs of heating our homes,” said JT Dodge, who joined critics of the policy at the Statehouse.

“This problem is huge and it needs policy solutions. So, I’m asking legislators to please keep up the momentum. We need to remain courageous and strong,” said Beth Zigmund, another attendee.

A GOP bill to repeal the Affordable Heat Act is in committee, but Democratic leaders have indicated they do not intend to roll back the law.

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