By John Herrick, Vermont Digger.
A proposed remake of the state’s renewable energy program cleared its first major hurdle Tuesday with broad support from a panel of lawmakers.
After three weeks of deliberation, the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee voted 10-1 to pass H.40, a bill requiring utilities to sell renewable power and incentivize fossil fuel consumption reductions by their customers.
Special report on renewable energy plan.
This bill aims to avoid a potential rate increase under Vermont’s current program and reduce greenhouse gas emissions coming from all energy sectors, including heating and transportation.