The Vermont Senate convened on March 29, 2024, to discuss significant legislative matters, particularly focusing on climate change and its implications for the state. The session began with a vote, where 21 senators supported a bill while 5 opposed it.

A senator from Franklin addressed the assembly, highlighting the challenges of being a leader in climate initiatives. He compared Vermont's efforts to a "mosquito" against the "giant" fossil fuel companies, emphasizing the disproportionate scale of resources. He noted that ExxonMobil's annual sales reach approximately $344.6 billion, while Vermont's budget is around $8.5 billion. The senator expressed a preference for larger states like New York or California to take the lead in climate action, suggesting that Vermont's pioneering efforts could come at a significant cost.

Following this discussion, the Senate moved to consider the bill for a third reading. The senator from Madison acknowledged the judiciary committee's work in bringing the bill forward and emphasized the importance of consulting with experts in natural resources and energy. He raised questions about the scientific basis for the calculations proposed in the bill, referencing an article by professors Callahan and Mankin on the attribution of climate change. This article discusses the challenges of linking global climate issues to local impacts, which is crucial for understanding accountability in climate litigation.

The session underscored the complexities of climate legislation and the need for robust scientific support to inform policy decisions. As the Senate continues to navigate these discussions, the implications of their decisions will be closely watched by both constituents and environmental advocates.