By Guy Page

Even with this week’s repeal of Vermont’s controversial Clean Heat Standard, H.740, the fuel registry bill, would still eventually impose new energy costs on Vermonters and should be either tabled by lawmakers or vetoed by Gov. Phil Scott, a leading Vermont energy advocate said this week.

Matt Cota of Meadow Hill Advocacy, which represents energy retailers and other business interests, said the latest version of the bill continues to create new mandates and costs despite removing the Clean Heat Standard program itself.

“Killing the Clean Heat Standard is symbolic. The fuel dealer registry is not,” said Cota, who also serves as a member of the Vermont Climate Council.

Cota argued the overall legislation “is creating more problems than it solves” and accused lawmakers of attempting to attach the fuel registry to the repeal of the Clean Heat Standard in a way designed to pressure the governor.

The fuel dealers’ registry is a precursor to any future state scheme to impose carbon taxes on fossil fuels, Cota said. 

“The gambit is: let’s repeal the CHS and put it into something the governor doesn’t like,” Cota said. “I think most Vermonters can see through that.”

The Clean Heat Standard, enacted in 2023, has faced sustained criticism from fuel dealers, Republicans, and affordability advocates who warned it could raise heating costs for Vermonters. It is regarded as a key reason for the 2024 Red Wave that eliminated the Democrat supermajority. Lawmakers this year moved to repeal the program amid concerns over implementation costs and political opposition.

However, critics of H.740 say the Senate version retains provisions that would still expand state oversight and regulatory requirements for fuel dealers and energy businesses.

Candidates declare 2026 run for office – As the 2026 election season ramps up, Vermont Secretary of State’s office has published a live list of candidates running for office is available online. VDC will publish a partial listing of declared candidates tomorrow, and will continue coverage thru and after the May 28 filing primary deadline.

Transportation Bill passes House – S.326, the House miscellaneous transportation bill, passed the House yesterday. Speaker Jill Krowinski and Transportation Chair Matt Walker (R-Swanton) in a statement yesterday described the impact of the bill:

“We are asking the DMV to update the annual inspection manual to prioritize safety issues and provide relief from minor maintenance requirements. We are tightening accountability on trucks illegally passing through Smuggler’s Notch and on snowmobiles using VAST trails without a permit and clarifying the illegality of individuals intentionally altering a Vermont license-plate. Additionally, we are requiring use of a personal flotation device while boating in winter and tightening regulations on motorcycle exhaust systems that affect ambient noise.”