For a time, Vermont was building wind. Several projects brought renewable, in-state energy online, powering tens of thousands of homes and helping diversify our electricity mix. At one point, wind was poised to play a much larger role in Vermont’s clean energy future. But over a decade ago, that momentum stalled. No new utility-scale wind projects have been built since. So what happened?

Last week, one of the most debated policies in the Senate was S.325, a bill that was crafted to adjust components of Act 181 – last biennium’s Act 250 land use reform policy. As debate has ramped up both inside the building and out, it seemed like perfect timing to take a closer look at one of the most consequential policy conversations happening in Vermont right now. It’s all about protecting critical natural resources and addressing the state’s housing crisis all at once. 

Senator Anne Watson joins to discuss that bill and efforts to reduce road salt pollution and protect water quality. We also dig into the issues shaping Vermont’s future, touching on the committee’s priorities this session from the ongoing work on Act 181 and land use reform, to the broader landscape of climate and energy policy, affordability challenges, and what’s ahead as legislation crosses over from the House.

We’re doing our annual Halftime Report on the 2026 session. Dan Fingas and Justin Marsh walk through where some of the biggest environmental and democracy issues stand right now – what’s moving forward, what’s stalled, and what to watch as the second half of the session begins and the biennium winds down.

As electricity demand rises and climate deadlines tighten, nuclear power is back in policy discussions, led by Governor Scott and the Republican Party that not only calls for adding nuclear to our renewable energy standard, but also clears the way for Vermont to store nuclear waste from our state and others. Supporters of nuclear argue that it provides steady, carbon-free electricity. Critics point to high cost, radioactive waste, safety concerns, and Vermont’s complicated history with Vermont Yankee, our decommissioned nuclear plant in Vernon.

Vermont doesn’t currently have a large-scale data center proposal on the table. But lawmakers are asking a proactive question: What happens if one comes? And more importantly, does Vermont have the protections we need to ensure our environment and our energy rates aren’t affected?