Vermont H 651: An act relating to the Commissioner of Financial Regulation and an annual supervision and regulation report

Bill Text

BILL AS INTRODUCED H.651
2026 Page 1 of 2

VT LEG #386328 v.1
H.651 1
Introduced by Representative Morrow of Weston 2
Referred to Committee on 3
Date: 4
Subject: Public service; Department of Public Service; Public Utility 5
Commission; new gas and electric purchases, investments, and 6
facilities; certificate of public good; energy; renewable energy 7
Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to eliminate 8
aesthetic considerations as part of the certificate of public good permit that is 9
required for new energy projects. 10
An act relating to aesthetics review for new energy projects 11
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont: 12
Sec. 1. 30 V.S.A. § 248(b) is amended to read: 13
(b) Before the Public Utility Commission issues a certificate of public good 14
as required under subsection (a) of this section, it shall find that the purchase, 15
investment, or construction: 16
* * * 17
(5) With respect to an in-state facility, will not have an undue adverse 18
effect on aesthetics, historic sites, air and water purity, the natural 19
environment, the use of natural resources, and the public health and safety, 20

BILL AS INTRODUCED H.651
2026 Page 2 of 2

VT LEG #386328 v.1
with due consideration having been given to the criteria specified in 10 V.S.A. 1
§§ 1424a(d) and 6086(a)(1) through (8) 6086(a)(1)–(8) and (9)(K), impacts to 2
primary agricultural soils as defined in 10 V.S.A. § 6001, and greenhouse gas 3
impacts. 4
* * * 5
Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE 6
This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026. 7