[{"_1":2,"_88":-5,"_89":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6359669,"mediaKeyId","2176200-a6dd737a27578dbe8d2d51ca74d2f0d7","parentId",2176200,"title","Committee hears bill to create voluntary salt‑management certification modeled on New Hampshire’s Green Snow Pro","audioSeconds",7023,"startMs",1743919,"endMs",8767008,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2176200-a6dd737a27578dbe8d2d51ca74d2f0d7&start=1743&end=8767","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2176200-a6dd737a27578dbe8d2d51ca74d2f0d7/thumbnail_1743919.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6359669/Vermont/Committee-hears-bill-to-create-voluntary-saltmanagement-certification-modeled-on-New-Hampshires-Green-Snow-Pro","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359669-6e8bc8d58853d2860f079120952e42b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775400433&Signature=GxBW8SZtikmjOvqIDXKxWvnWfGPaatFPBBZYGhLvgAKe5ppuqiSEk8giTfAhxcJPGNo46TXhtn2Cmbf1g0opqcpiVwDGYCQ3ZS8fQ9C2pHfLqypEpJDS-P~Q5ac2NA7TRn2x8SiGtbkZsDxWomh0KCPC08xYoUW2zN9ROguUtLHJQUG3-81DLSsp~AwBWI2G8TseKuZJy1N5sQXOH8~9DpymBt82pRB5eBrYtiKRr5h8qQdbA50vnrzMDq1-22A-bSzGbduk8DbRI7BPKus90rAm4sBrxXAYhnfDuql356ZVdlNaHT2vumpZ8R-ahgkBeWa1Z9sttuhSMjnKE7frNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","VT Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy","date","2025-01-31T16:47:01.807Z","article","Natural Resources & Energy members heard an extended briefing and discussion about a draft bill to establish a voluntary salt‑management and certification program modeled on New Hampshire’s Green Snow Pro. The bill would create a certification program for commercial and municipal salt applicators, set recordkeeping and storage requirements, direct the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR or ANR/DES equivalent in Vermont drafts) to develop salt reduction targets and a public recordkeeping database, and include a proposed appropriation to contract a third‑party vendor to run training and certification functions.

Why it matters: the measure is intended to reduce chloride (salt) pollution that state monitoring has identified in several surface waters and some groundwater wells. Chloride accumulates in water and does not “dissipate” like some other pollutants, the presenters noted; the bill aims to lower environmental impacts while preserving safe winter maintenance.

What the bill would do (as presented and discussed):
- Create a voluntary certification and training program for commercial applicators and a voluntary, separate municipal certification track (standard/advanced/expert). Certification would require passing an approved course and meeting annual renewal and reporting requirements; certified applicators would be required to keep site logs, application rates and materials used, and to keep records of arrival/departure and weather conditions for events. The presenters said the program operates primarily by encouraging adoption (a “carrot”) rather than by mandating practices.
- Offer limited liability protection for certified applicators and for property owners that use certified applicators: if applicators follow the certified best management practices (BMPs) and maintain current certification, they would generally be presumed to be in compliance with water‑quality requirements and would receive liability protection for slip‑and‑fall claims arising solely from snow/ice conditions, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional disregard of hazards. Presenters cited a 2019–2023 New Hampshire trial involving a certified contractor (Northpointe) and a management company; the jury returned a unanimous verdict for the defense and the plaintiff’s later motions were denied, illustrating the limited‑liability protection in practice.
- Require ANR to develop salt reduction targets, a publicly accessible recordkeeping database for road/salt applications, and to report annually to the legislature on salt impacts and progress. The draft also directs ANR (after consulting AOT) to adopt BMPs and to develop procedures or rules for certification by November 1, 2026 for use beginning January 1, 2027.
- Establish storage and disposal requirements for salt facilities and an expectation that uncovered salt storage facilities be brought under cover (dates discussed in the draft included targets for 2030/2035 for certain storage improvements). The draft also contemplates state grant funding to assist with storage upgrades, though specific grant programs were not defined in the meeting.
- Include reporting and enforcement language: certification may be revoked for failure to meet reporting or recordkeeping requirements; presenters and committee members discussed whether revocation and loss of liability protection, rather than large statutory penalties, is the practical enforcement mechanism. Committee members asked whether enforcement would fall under the state’s enforcement chapter (chapter 201 was cited) and what maximum penalties might look like; ANR staff said maximum statutory penalties under some enforcement chapters could be large (statutory maximums were cited as an example) and would be considered carefully to avoid deterring participation.

Fiscal and implementation points discussed:
- The draft contained an appropriation of $250,000 (presenters said it was included in the draft) for ANR to contract a third‑party vendor to run the certification training and platform; ANR staff flagged that the program is currently fee‑supported in New Hampshire and that realistic program administration in Vermont would likely require two full‑time staff, a database, and modest seed funding or grants to help municipalities or contractors purchase equipment (brine systems, calibration tools) needed to adopt lower‑salt practices.
- Committee members and staff discussed whether ANR or AOT could provide the training in‑house, the option of third‑party online platforms (New Hampshire uses a mix including a Canadian provider and UNH previously), and whether reciprocity with neighboring states would be feasible for commercial applicators.

Public‑policy and technical clarifications raised by committee members and staff:
- The presenters and committee discussed where monitoring for chloride impairment should occur (monitoring at the point where runoff first enters a water body vs. at a downstream mixing point), and how that choice affects impairment listings and responses. The draft language included a provision directing ANR to monitor where runoff first enters the water for certain compliance assessments.
- There was discussion of the difficulty of measuring program success year‑to‑year because winter severity varies; presenters described a winter severity index used in New Hampshire and stressed the need for longer time series and improved accounting to detect trends.
- Participants noted supply issues (salt availability in some recent seasons), the challenge of tracking private sector salt purchases (big portion of statewide salt use), and options for municipal aggregation or state purchasing contracts.

Status and next steps from the meeting: committee staff and ANR discussed adding a fiscal note and clarifying enforcement/penalty language so the program remains voluntary and attractive to contractors. Members signaled interest in follow‑up details on ANR’s proposed rules, the fiscal impact of administering the program, and examples from New Hampshire’s implementation.

No formal votes or enactments occurred in committee on this bill at the meeting; the presentation and discussion were informational and intended to refine the draft prior to further committee consideration.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Natural Resources and Energy-2025-01-2025 9:00 AM","oneSentenceSummary","Natural Resources & Energy members heard a briefing on a draft bill to establish a voluntary salt‑management certification program modeled on New Hampshire’s Green Snow Pro, including training, recordkeeping, limited liability for certified applicators, storage requirements and a proposed appropriation.","taxTitle","Natural Resources & Energy, SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont","taxId",48480,"location","Vermont","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6359675,"Legislative counsel reviews Vermont’s renewable energy standard tiers, post-Act 179",1599,19895,1619795,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2176200-a6dd737a27578dbe8d2d51ca74d2f0d7&start=19&end=1619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2176200-a6dd737a27578dbe8d2d51ca74d2f0d7/thumbnail_19895.jpg","/articles/6359675/Vermont/Legislative-counsel-reviews-Vermonts-renewable-energy-standard-tiers-post-Act-179","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6359675-4edef1fc42e4ea9ae4e2627493d42504/orig.mp4?Expires=1775400433&Signature=ntqNyawGV6EVd16scjYz2GS-1OZZpejGnNKL5otioitVtDvQPDTq8Yg3HGI~at1z70LRgN5L0Cply2BQ4JNR7Sthkr-eONbdCGukCH08J3Stqk3xWDHN4xHc19OtyWnEvb8Y68z~rYAtV7V4XYUHZc21lmHSyXxmiUhx982BRUagAv0FI4eDg5O4i2BvP5KYb5~gwr3k09nlnkIdXAQsscrmn8GXHQiKAaaiJSI7KMQV6VEjGCjRWp-U8Uwk1TUW39Jp7Mnu-cd5B05oDE5xoT2hnDZLL0qsHP62LNw2Apqe-OTWCB5GScvWQoajyM0mhP77RX-nWLG8np0qbSfI6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Legislative Council attorney summarized Vermont’s Renewable Energy Standard and changes made under Act 179 during the Natural Resources & Energy committee meeting on January 31. The presentation walked members through the statute’s structure, the different utility classes subject to the standard, and numerical targets and time lines tied to tiers for distributed generation, customer electrification measures and new renewable sources.

The Renewable Energy Standard (RES) requires retail electricity providers to source a defined percentage of annual load from renewable energy. The presenter said utilities may comply by owning generation, purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs), or a mix, and that the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and the Department of Public Service supply the detailed accounting and verification. The attorney highlighted that the RES is codified in 30 V.S.A. chapter 189 and that Act 179 adjusted several compliance dates and carve-outs.

Why it matters: the tiered RES shapes utilities’ procurement and customer programs and sets statewide expectations for reaching 100% renewable electricity. Utilities’ compliance paths and the statute’s carve-outs affect local generation, distributed resources and electrification programs that customers use, such as heat-pump incentives or electric-vehicle programs.

Most of the presentation explained the five tiers and the practical implications for different utility types:
- Tier 1 (total renewables): Each utility must reach an overall renewable portfolio target; the presenter said utilities were placed on schedules to reach 100% by either 2030 or 2035 depending on utility class. The attorney stated utilities must source a large portion of their annual load from renewables (the presenter cited 63% as a baseline number in current accounting) and that the statute allows banking of RECs and an alternative compliance payment as a backstop (used only once, the presenter said).
- Tier 2 (distributed generation): Distributed resources under 5 MW that are new (post‑Jan. 1, 2010) and connected to the distribution system are required to supply a rising share of load. The presenter gave the sample starting point of 5.8% in 2025 with annual increases that reach 20% by either 2032 or 2035 depending on utility class; she noted utilities may count certain older hydro resources they owned by 2024 toward this bucket in order to limit local rate impacts.
- Tier 3 (customer electrification and fossil-fuel reduction): This tier allows utilities to count verified greenhouse‑gas reductions achieved by customer electrification programs (EV incentives, heat pumps, weatherization, commercial electrification). Starting in 2025 the presenter said the tier was 7.33% of annual load and grows incrementally to 12% by 2032 for most utilities, with lower percentages for very small municipal utilities.
- Tier 4 (new renewables of any size): A carve-out requiring a share of load be met by new renewable plants sited and built after Jan. 1, 2010; the presenter described phased percentage increases and exemptions for utilities already at 100%.
- Tier 5 (low-growth requirement): For utilities already at 100% renewables, added load growth above a 2024 baseline must be met with new renewables according to a stepped schedule between 2025 and 2035.

The attorney explained definitions used in the statute: “retail electricity provider” is limited to distribution utilities (Velco is the state’s transmission utility and not subject to the retail RES targets), “renewable energy” excludes nuclear and most solid-waste incineration but includes methane from landfills and anaerobic digestion, and large hydroelectric facilities (200 MW or more) are counted as existing renewable but generally not as “new renewable” for certain tier accounting. She noted utilities were given some flexibility under Act 179 to choose compliance paths consistent with their size and ownership (investor‑owned, co‑op, municipal, or the special case GlobalFoundries).

Committee members asked operational questions about accounting and verification: the presenter said utilities file annual REC/accounting reports in March and that the Department of Public Service does verification and monitors prices; she reiterated that alternative compliance payments have been virtually unused. She also said the PUC’s rules flesh out many of the operational details and recommended consulting the PUC or the Department of Public Service for REC pricing or tight accounting questions.

The presentation closed with a reminder that some utilities—Burlington Electric Department, Washington Electric Co‑op and Swanton—were already at 100% renewable. The attorney urged committee members to direct specific technical questions about REC accounting, pricing, and verification to the Department of Public Service and PUC staff who maintain the detailed records.

The discussion was informational: no committee action or vote occurred on the RES during the session. Members said the overview would be useful background as they consider future electricity-related bills and requested follow-up briefings on PUC and Department accounting practices.

","A Legislative Council attorney gave Natural Resources & Energy members a statutory overview of Vermont’s Renewable Energy Standard, explaining the five-tier structure, recent changes under Act 179, which utilities are covered, and key dates and percentage targets for meeting 100% renewable electricity.","actionData","errors"]

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Committee hears bill to create voluntary salt‑management certification modeled on New Hampshire’s Green Snow Pro

Legislative counsel reviews Vermont’s renewable energy standard tiers, post-Act 179