The 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, and introduces new definitions while modifying the Vermont Climate Council to make it advisory and expand its membership to include representatives from municipal governments and rural communities. The Council will develop a Vermont Climate Action Plan focused on affordable initiatives to achieve net zero emissions and enhance climate resilience, emphasizing equity in climate strategies.

Additionally, the bill transitions from the Renewable Energy Standard (RES) to the Clean Energy Standard (CES), defining a "customer with low income" as someone earning at or below 80% of the area median income. It sets specific targets for clean and renewable energy, requiring retail electricity providers to achieve 63% of their annual load by January 1, 2025, and 100% by January 1, 2030. The legislation also introduces the Renewable Energy for Communities Program to develop distributed renewable generation that benefits marginalized communities, mandates tradeable renewable energy credits, and requires accurate disclosures from electricity providers regarding their energy sources. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen Vermont's climate action framework and promote a transition to clean energy while ensuring equity and affordability for all residents.

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