Dear Editor,
Bill S. 230 — a bi-partisan piece of compromise legislation that empowers local communities when it comes to siting for energy projects and sets reasonable sound standards for industrial wind projects — was vetoed Monday, June 6, by Governor Shumlin. This bill had input from the governor’s office throughout the entire session, especially in the final hours of law-making, and the bill ultimately passed the house on a unanimous 142-0 vote.
I’m incredibly disappointed in the governor’s decision to veto this bill. I believe he has caved to a platoon of special interests that have, for one reason or another, been able to convince him that whatever specious reasons he might offer for this veto — they are worth overriding the unanimous will of Vermont’s elected representatives.
Attempts will be made this week to either adjust the legislation or (hopefully) override the Governor’s veto. This special session alone will cost taxpayers north of $50k and could open a Pandora’s box of issues that could keep the legislature in session for longer.
Our renewable economy is booming and Vermont should be proud that we have such a robust industry that it requires passionate debate. But I believe Mr. Shumlin is directly negating the will of Vermont(ers) with this action and I am eager to see the legislature use its constitutional authority to rebuke this veto for the obvious pandering to special interests that it is.
You can count on me,
Job Tate
State representative for Chittenden, Mendon, Killington and Bridgewater
