by Guy Page
A House bill co-sponsored by a Republican, a Democrat, and an independent would make mere goals of carbon emission reduction mandates.
H.52, sponsored by Reps. Jim Harrison (R-Chittenden), Jed Lipsky (I-Stowe), and Kristi Morris (D-Springfield) would have the effect of returning emissions reduction guidelines to the aspirational status they once held. Only in recent years have the emissions reductions been mandated requirements.
The bill does not address the 2020 Global Warming Solutions Act’s controversial right to sue the State of Vermont for failing to meet emissions goals.
Despite tri-partisan sponsorship, H.52 may face a tough time in House Energy and Digital Infrastructure. None of the sponsors are members. The only three Republicans are all newcomers, whereas the committee leadership is comprised of Global Warming Solutions Act and Clean Heat Standard supporters.
And speaking of dangerous man-made emissions, cigarette smoking is making a modest comeback among legislators. Not in government policy, but in practice.” Said one smoking House chair between puffs outside between the State House and the ‘Pink Lady’ Joint Fiscal Office building, “our caucus is growing.” Word is that even Health Care Committee Chair Alyssa Black (D-Westford) partakes in the semi-official smoking area. No smoking allowed indoors, of course.
And continuing in the same, sooty theme – H.48 introduced Jan. 21 would prohibit operation of a motor vehicle that has any device or equipment installed that enhances the vehicle’s ability to emit soot, smoke, or particulates; or has an exhaust system that has been modified to increase the amount of soot, smoke, or particulates emitted by the vehicle.” The bill, sponsored by Reps. Angela Arsenault (D-Williston) and Edye Graning (D-Jericho), appears to strengthen current law banning removal of anti-pollution equipment (catalytic converters etc.). It does not say whether purposely soot-making tech is currently a problem in Vermont.
Turn state buildings into affordable housing? A pair of legislators representing Montpelier City have introduced a bill that would convert (often empty/underused) state buildings into affordable housing. Conor Casey (D) and Kate McCann (D) introduced H.50 on Tuesday, Jan. 21. It’s been sent to the General and Housing Committee.
Meanwhile, Gov. Phil Scott dished details on his housing reform plan at a press conference today. It creates new housing targets for towns and cities statewide and waives Act 250 review for some areas now requiring a permit. More in VDC soon.
Funeral services for Gov. Tom Salmon will be held August 16 in Bellows Falls.
Familiar face: Diane Lanphere, the Democrat legislator from Vergennes unseated by Republican Rob North, is still working in the State House as a state employee. She’s Director of Legislative Affairs for the Green Mountain Care Board.
New face: The number of dairy farming lawmakers has declined steadily since the 1960’s. The November election saw their number grow by one: Richard Nelson (R-Derby). Raised in Derby, studied at UVM, and operating a very large farm, Nelson – a longtime selectman – ran for office at the request of Derby’s previous legislator, Brian Smith.
At the State House he’s learning a new set of chores. “I still have more fun calving cows, but I’m gaining,” he said over lunch today.