Bill S.110 proposes significant revisions to Vermont's climate and energy laws, including the repeal of the Affordable Heat Act and the citizen suit provision of the Global Warming Solutions Act. It shifts the state's greenhouse gas reduction requirements from mandatory reductions to aspirational goals and renames the Renewable Energy Standard to the Clean Energy Standard. The bill establishes a target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by January 1, 2035, instead of specifying percentage reductions by certain dates. It also modifies the Vermont Climate Council, making it advisory and expanding its membership to include representatives from municipal governments and rural communities, with a focus on developing a Vermont Climate Action Plan that emphasizes resilience and equitable strategies for all Vermonters.

Additionally, the bill revises the Clean Energy Standard to require retail electricity providers to source energy from clean and renewable sources, expanding the definition of renewable energy to include non-greenhouse gas emitting technologies. It sets specific targets for clean and renewable energy, mandating that 63% of each retail electricity provider's annual load come from these sources by January 1, 2025, increasing to 100% by January 1, 2030. The bill introduces a Renewable Energy for Communities Program aimed at benefiting marginalized communities and emphasizes community engagement in renewable energy projects. It also establishes mechanisms for tracking and verifying environmental attributes associated with clean energy production, ensuring that Vermont's energy policies align with long-term sustainability goals.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-594, 10-578, 10-590, 10-591, 10-592, 10-593, 30-202a, 30-202b, 30-8002, 30-8004, 30-8005, 30-8006, 30-8008