War and Money - 3/15/26

Greetings!

Last week was crossover week - the time when House bills need to go to the Senate and vice versa. So it was quite busy with committees voting out lots of the bills they have been working on all session. Most of these bills are not controversial and were voted out unanimously. There is a lot of good, collaborative work being done by the legislature that you will likely never hear about. For instance, in my committee we passed a bill that will govern how data centers can be sited in Vermont. Huge data centers are being built across the country to power AI, often at high costs to local electric ratepayers and water systems (water is often used for cooling). That won’t happen in VT if this bill becomes law.  

War and Money - 

Before I get to a few of the more interesting bills, I want to take a moment to comment on how our federal government is once again negatively impacting Vermont. The ill-conceived war with Iran, which was carried out without an end game, without a plan to evacuate Americans from the middle east or how to keep oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz is raising gas and oil prices for Vermonters. We are now paying almost $2 million more PER WEEK for gas than we were before the war. Data here. Obviously, if the war continues for weeks there will be many knock on effects of rising prices across the board, supply chain delays, and systemic financial market risk. More importantly, our Vermont National Guard has been deployed to engage in the war efforts. We are praying for their safe return. 

Energy Policy -

The volatility of fossil fuel prices is a major reason for legislation and policies to foster the transition to electrification. While electricity rates in New England are some of the highest in the country, Vermont has the lowest in NE and they are very stable because the electric sector is highly regulated and we have long-term contracts. I pay about $1.20/gallon equivalent to charge my electric vehicle. It hasn't changed since the war broke out. On the other hand, my heating fuel oil has increased almost $1/gallon (22.8%) since the war started! We saw the same volatility when the war in Ukraine got rolling, including natural gas. So many Vermonters are just getting by as it is - the volatility inherent in global energy markets is a risk we cannot afford when there are cost-effective alternatives. 

Combating Federal Overreach - 

Sticking with the federal theme, the House passed H849 - “An act relating to a civil action for damages for interference with State or federal constitutional rights by any government official.” This bill is an attempt to give citizens a path to restitution if their constitutional rights are violated. It was timely given the ICE actions in South Burlington this week. If this bill makes it through the Senate and is signed by the Governor, it will almost certainly be challenged in Federal court. More here. Along similar lines, the Senate passed a bill to make it mandatory for all law enforcement officials to display identification and illegal to wear a face covering. The House will take this up shortly. Interesting times. 

Act 181 Changes - 

As I mentioned at town meeting, Act 181 from 2024, which reformed the long-standing Act 250 land use statute, has some serious problems that need to be addressed. I am a part of the Rural Caucus which is pushing hard for delay and reform. The legislative effort on this was initiated in the Senate with S325, a bill that adjusts many timelines for implementing parts of Act 181 until after the 2027 legislative session (next June) so communities, planners, and state agencies have the time needed to do the work carefully and transparently. Of particular note is the delayed implementation of the “road rule” changes until 2030, giving municipalities and regional planners additional time to understand how road construction could trigger Act 250 review under the updated system. The bill also extends temporary housing provisions that streamline Act 250 permitting for housing in designated centers and growth areas through 2030.

The Senate bill will go to the House Environment Committee whose chair basically wrote the original 181 and is averse to changes. I might be sending out a call to action in a few weeks to get you to help pressure House leadership to act on this bill. It is important to slow down implementation of 181 and do it right, with proper input from impacted Vermonters. 

An Opportunity for Input -

We need to hear from you! The public is invited to share their top issues affecting rural Vermont with the Rural Caucus. We’re looking for actionable ideas and insights from rural Vermonters as to what can be done legislatively. Let your voices be heard and share your perspective that will guide the work of the Rural Caucus in the upcoming session and beyond. 

When: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 5:30-7:00 pm

Where: VT State House, Room 10 & Online via Zoom

Who: Vermonters with constructive ideas to share

It would be most helpful for us to hear about concrete policy recommendations to address the challenges rural communities face. Participants will have 2 minutes each, so please be focused and concise in your remarks. Due to time, capacity will be limited to 45 people. Sign up here to participate: https://forms.gle/dVbWyi5N6ZDMRF6t7 The meeting zoom link will be emailed to participants and the Rural Caucus email distribution list.