MONTPELIER - The Vermont House today gave final approval to H.688 , the Global Warming Solutions Act, on a vote of 102-45. The House concurred with the Senate proposal of amendment and the bill will now be sent to the Governor.
“Climate change is one of the most critical issues impacting our future,” said House Speaker Mitzi Johnson (D-South Hero). “This bill converts goals for greenhouse gas emission reductions into requirements, establishes a planning process to achieve the emissions reduction requirements, and defines a 'Cause of Action' that allows citizens to hold their government accountable for action. The Global Warming Solutions Act ensures accountability and resiliency for our future. Climate change is real, the climate crisis is here, and Vermonters cannot afford to wait any longer to address it.”
“The Global Warming Solutions Act is about protecting Vermont’s most vulnerable citizens and communities,” added Representative Tim Briglin (D-Thetford), Chair of the House Committee on Energy & Technology. “It’s about planning for increasingly severe weather events, and preparing for the opportunity and transition to a clean energy economy. It’s about state government being accountable to Vermont citizens. If we have learned anything from the pandemic of the last six months, we know hope is not a strategy. Neither is fear. The climate crisis is upon us. We need to plan. We need to prepare. And, we need our government to be accountable.”