Committee backs bills to preserve local energy choices, allow municipalities to opt out of CLCPA mandates

The Ways and Means Committee on Sept. 11 voted to endorse two pieces of legislation intended to preserve local energy choice and to allow municipalities to opt out of portions of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The committee approved a resolution asking state legislators to support a House bill, requested through a congressman\'s office, and a separate resolution supporting a state Senate bill to permit local opt‑outs from CLCPA mandates. Legislator Harris introduced the request from the congressman\'s office and said the House bill would “prohibit states from hindering people from making their own decisions on, their energy choices.” Harris told the committee the intent is to protect the ability of individuals, businesses and municipal entities to use fuels such as natural gas, propane, pellet, oil, soapwood and wood where applicable. On the Senate bill, Harris said the measure would allow municipalities to opt out of mandates and benchmarks established under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. He cited local concerns that CLCPA requirements to use all‑electric heating and cooling in new construction could raise costs and complicate projects, saying the county is already experiencing higher projected costs for a proposed new Department of Public Works facility. Committee members spoke in favor of both measures. One member said the mandates could disproportionately affect elderly residents who rely on non‑electric heating sources and could raise costs for both electric and remaining gas customers. The committee approved both resolutions by voice vote. The committee did not record bill numbers, specific legislative sponsors beyond the mention of a congressman\'s office, or any statutory amendments. The resolutions request that the county\'s state legislative delegation support the House and Senate bills described at the meeting; they do not, by themselves, change county law or appropriations.