Policy & Planning
Desired outcomes rarely just happen by accident. Planning is essential to carefully consider the opportunities and obstacles to meeting our climate and energy goals, while good policy is essential to putting those plans into practice.
Laying the foundation for more renewable energy, innovative transportation and land use policies, and conservation and efficiency initiatives starts with planning. At the local level this involves the municipal and regional plans, while at the state level this involves the statutorily required Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP). Below, find resources about policy initiatives, and learn more about how you can be involved.
2022 Legislative Session Summary of Climate Investments & Resources – a summary of all the major climate and energy investments from the 2022 Legislative Session as well as resources for accessing this funding.
To view all publications we have on policy and planning, click HERE.
Learn how to become a more engaged and effective advocate with A Citizen’s Guide to Influencing State Policy
Initiatives & Programs
The Solutions Act (Act 153) transforms Vermont’s existing emission reduction goals into requirements and requires Vermont to create a planning process to meet these mandates.
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The passage of the Solutions Act created a 23-member Climate Council to develop a Climate Action Plan to meet the now legally mandated state greenhouse gas reduction targets.
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Learn about how your community can maximize state and federal funding, including resources and recommendations for working with municipalities to support strategic investments in cost-saving and fossil fuel-reducing projects.
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The Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP), which was recently updated, offers analysis and recommendations for achieving the state’s goal of meeting 90% of Vermont’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2050.
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Act 174 of 2016 establishes a new set of municipal and regional energy planning standards.
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Find information about how we are working to make Vermont more resilient in the face of the changes to the climate that are already underway.
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The Community Energy Dashboard helps your community shape its energy future at the local level with a powerful suite of interactive tools to set goals, track progress, map actions, share stories, and hear from trusted neighbors.
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The residential energy code includes guidelines for every energy-related aspect of the building. It has standards for everything from air sealing and insulation to programmable thermostats and energy efficient lighting. Even though the code was passed in 1997, many builders are still not aware of it or may have heard of it but are not familiar with the details. Tyler Yandow, the Zoning Administrator in Dorset, noted that educating homeowners and builders regarding code compliance has been a priority of the town through providing information with zoning paperwork. Dorset has required compliance with RBES since 2013, without it they will not issue a certificate of occupancy that is necessary for the occupants to move in.
Read more about this initiative on the Community Energy Dashboard.
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Resources
Vermont Conservation Voters
Vermont Conservation Voters works to make environmental protection a top priority for elected officials, candidates, and voters.
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Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies (VAPDA)
Find your regional planning commission at the Vermont Association of Planning and Development Agencies (VAPDA).
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Commons Energy
Commons Energy offers a total energy solution for municipalities, education and healthcare facilities, and for multifamily housing.
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Vermont Planning Information Center
VPIC is brought to you by the Land Use Education and Training Collaborative, working together to coordinate and improve the delivery of land use education and training for local land use officials in Vermont. The Collaborative is a collection of agencies and organizations that provide technical assistance and education to local land use officials in Vermont.
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