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Bill

H 226

An act relating to conducting a Clean Heat Standard study

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Mrowicki

The bill directs a formal study to evaluate the feasibility, design options, and impacts of a Clean Heat Standard in Vermont, informing future policy decisions.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure
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Bill Summary · H 226

Summary of Bill H.226 (2025-2026) – Vermont

Purpose and intent

  • H.226 proposes to study the development and implications of a Clean Heat Standard (CHS) in Vermont. The Clean Heat Standard concept typically aims to require reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from home heating and other thermal energy uses by setting performance targets for fuels and heat substitutes, potentially through a credit and obligation framework or other regulatory mechanisms.
  • The bill is framed as a study rather than immediate implementation, with the goal of informing policy decisions on whether and how a CHS could be designed and applied in Vermont.

Key provisions and changes

  • Commission/Committee study: The bill directs a formal examination of the feasibility, design options, and impacts of establishing a Clean Heat Standard in Vermont. This includes evaluating:
    • Legal and regulatory structure needed to implement a CHS.
    • Economic implications for households, businesses, and public programs.
    • Potential pathways for achieving decarbonization of home heating (e.g., electrification, clean fuels, energy efficiency, and heat pump adoption).
    • Administrative requirements, oversight, and data needs.
    • Equity considerations and impacts on low-income ratepayers or vulnerable populations.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Likely includes opportunities for input from relevant stakeholders (e.g., utilities, energy providers, environmental groups, consumer advocates, and state agencies) to inform the study findings and recommendations.
  • Timeline and deliverables: The bill would establish a schedule for completion of the study and reporting of findings to the legislature, outlining milestones, interim updates, and a final report with conclusions and potential legislative options.
  • No immediate regulatory implementation: At this stage, the bill does not enact a CHS or impose new obligations on energy suppliers; rather, it creates a formal review process to assess viability and design.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies: Agencies involved in energy, environmental protection, public service regulation, and administration would participate in the study and provide data (e.g., Department of Public Service, Department of Environmental Conservation, possibly the Public Utility Commission).
  • Utilities and energy providers: Would contribute information and face potential implications in the study regarding how a CHS might affect rate design, program offerings, and compliance mechanisms.
  • Vermonters, especially heating customers: While not imposing new duties today, the study could influence future policy affecting heating costs, energy choices, and access to clean heating options.
  • Stakeholders and the public: Expect opportunities for comment and participation in the study process.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: On February 14, 2025, H.226 was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure.
  • Next steps: The committee will conduct the study, solicit testimony, gather data, and produce a report with findings and recommendations. The exact deadlines and reporting dates would be set by committee procedures and any subsequent amendments.

Observations

  • The bill is focused on due diligence and policy exploration rather than immediate regulatory changes.
  • The emphasis is on evaluating how a Clean Heat Standard could be designed to meet decarbonization goals while considering economic and equity impacts, and on informing future legislative decisions.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to how CHS proposals have been structured in other states or provide a glossary of terms commonly associated with Clean Heat Standards.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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