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H 159

An act relating to repealing the Renewable Energy Standard

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Richard Bailey and 23 co-sponsors

Bill repeals Vermont's Renewable Energy Standard, eliminating legal requirements for utilities to source increasing percentages of electricity from renewable sources.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 159

Legislative bill overview

H 159 would repeal Vermont's Renewable Energy Standard, which currently requires utilities to source increasing percentages of electricity from renewable sources. The bill eliminates this mandate that has guided Vermont's electricity generation toward wind, solar, and hydroelectric power for the past two decades.

Why is this important

Vermont's Renewable Energy Standard has been a cornerstone of the state's climate and energy policy, directly shaping investment in renewable infrastructure and electricity pricing. Repealing it would represent a significant reversal in state energy policy with implications for carbon emissions targets, utility planning, and residential/business electricity costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Climate commitments: Vermont has established broader climate goals; repealing the RES could conflict with state carbon reduction targets and public climate pledges
  • Utility investment and costs: Utilities have made long-term renewable investments based on the RES; sudden repeal could strand assets or require rate adjustments
  • Economic development: Vermont has built renewable energy industries (particularly solar and wind); repeal could impact jobs and related economic activity in those sectors
  • Consumer impact: Renewable electricity costs have changed over time; unclear whether repeal would lower rates, as fossil fuel prices and grid dynamics also affect pricing
  • Political alignment: Four Republican and one Democrat sponsor suggest potential bipartisan concerns, but likely differ on reasons (cost control vs. other motivations)

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

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