This week marks the end of the 2024 legislative session, and it’s been a banner year for climate and clean energy legislation! Our priority bills – Renewable Energy Standard modernization (H.289), the Flood Safety Act (S.213), the Climate Superfund Bill (S.259) and the Miscellaneous PUC bill (S.305) – are all on – or will soon head to – the governor’s desk. He has the opportunity to sign, veto, or let these bills pass into law without his signature.
Unfortunately, Governor Phil Scott has a record of vetoing important climate legislation, and, as recently reported in VTDigger, it’s anticipated he will, once again, veto some or all of these priority bills. It’s likely that we will therefore need to continue to advocate for these bills until mid-June, when lawmakers are planning to return to Montpelier to vote to try to override any vetoes (which takes a two-thirds majority).
Today’s Episode
On this week’s Climate Dispatch, we break down what happened as this year’s legislative session wrapped up, what bills passed the legislature, and what work is left to do to get these important policies over the finish line.
Call to Action
Now is the time to call Governor Scott and let him know that we need climate action! Ask him to sign priority climate bills including modernizing the Renewable Energy Standard (H.289), the Flood Safety Act (S.213), and the Climate Change Superfund bill (S.259). You can email Governor Scott or call his office at 802-828-3333.