By James Kent
Armed with new confidence and voted in by residents hoping they’ll help make Vermont more affordable, Vermont House Republicans set their sights on controversial Act 18, the Clean Heat Standard, which most have said they seek to repeal in 2025.
Citing a report from the independent Vermont Public Utilities Commission (PUC) that Act 18 was not feasible for all low- and moderate-income households to participate in the program’s early years – and those not able to participate could face higher heating costs, Vermont House Republicans were in agreement that repealing the law was high on their agenda.
House Republican Leader, Representative Patty McCoy said, “Vermonters sent a message loud and clear in the November elections. We need to return affordability to Vermont. Our caucus is fully behind a repeal of this legislation that was enacted by the supermajority Democrats through an override of Governor Scott’s veto in 2023.”
Act 18, which Republicans say have already cost taxpayers several million dollars to set up a complicated and expensive system of fuel charges and credits, is set to return to the full Legislature in the upcoming session to approve the final regulations.
In a press release issued by McCoy on Dec. 13, she cited a report this past fall by an independent consultant hired by the Vermont Dept. of Public Service which estimated the cost of heating oil could increase anywhere from $1.79 to $4.00 per gallon. McCoy did not specify details on when such increases would take place.
While unnamed in the press release, the Vermont Dept. of Public Service did hire independent Vermont consultant Energy Futures Group, which issued a 94-page report estimating fuel prices would increase by an average of 1 to 2 cents per gallon per year from the date the program took effect until 2030.
House Republicans, who oppose the cost to consumers of the Clean Heat Standard, urge the legislature to repeal the entire law and start over with affordability foremost in mind.
McCoy added, “Not only do we need to start over with Act 18, we need to remain vigilant that it is not replaced with some other new carbon tax scheme.”
In related news, Smithsonian Magazine reported on Dec. 4 that scientists reviewing data on a new study of climate models indicated the Arctic could experience its first “Ice-Free” day by as early as 2027, which could have devastating impacts on the environment. There were no estimates provided on how such an occurrence might impact future energy prices.
