The Vermont House has given preliminary approval to legislation that sets requirements and deadlines for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
The so-called Global Warming Solutions Act was up for final approval on Friday.
The bill would require that by 2025 Vermont reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 26% below the 2005 amount and 80% below by 2050.
“Climate change is disrupting the Vermont way of life with shorter winters and devastating storms,” said House Speaker Mitzi Johnson on Thursday. “We must act.”
Under the bill, a Vermont Climate Council would identify and evaluate strategies and programs to reduce the emissions.
The bill also creates a program so that state agencies will consider greenhouse gas emissions when making decisions about equipment, construction and maintenance of buildings and the planning and operation of infrastructure.
“The best time to deal with climate change was 20 years ago,” said Rep. Tim Briglin, D-Thetford, chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Technology. “Today, it’s time for Vermont to take action on the climate emergency.”
Topics Climate Change
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