H.740, introduced by Representative James, aims to enhance the authority of the Agency of Natural Resources in Vermont to collect data for the greenhouse gas inventory and registry. The bill amends 10 V.S.A. § 582 to allow the Secretary to adopt rules for implementing greenhouse gas emission reporting programs, ensuring consistency and streamlining reporting requirements. Notably, the Secretary is required to create a comprehensive reporting program that includes all emission sources, particularly fuel suppliers, who must provide information on the types and volumes of fuels sold across various sectors and counties.

Additionally, the bill mandates that by March 1, 2027, the Secretary of Natural Resources must submit proposed final rules for greenhouse gas reporting to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules. It also appropriates $800,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2027 to support the drafting of these rules, the development of a greenhouse gas emission source database, and staff time dedicated to data collection. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-582