Bill H.125 would require one‑time state report to map equity impacts of Vermont’s energy transition

A bill before the House would require a one‑time, data‑driven report to identify where benefits and burdens of Vermont’s energy transition are concentrated.

Proponents told the Natural Resources & Energy Committee that H.125 directs the Secretary of Natural Resources, in consultation with several state agencies, to compile existing data covering the previous five years and publish a report on or before Dec. 15, 2025. The bill’s text, read into the record by Ellen Tchaikowski of the Office of Legislative Counsel, lists agencies to be consulted including the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets; the Department of Public Service; the Agency of Transportation; the Department of Labor; the Agency of Commerce and Community Development; and the Department of Taxes.

The sponsor and a presenter described the measure as a mapping and analysis tool intended to surface geographic gaps and equity risks as Vermont shifts away from fossil fuels. Supporters said the bill is limited to existing data, does not require a new appropriation, and does not mandate hiring new staff.

The measure specifies a number of data points to be compiled, including: current and forecasted electric rates and the number of customers with electric vehicle rates; megawatts of distributed solar by county and any active certificated public‑good applications; number of sellers and volumes of heating fuel sales; number of homes receiving incentivized weatherization services by income level and county; new firms and workers in thermal and renewable energy trades; gasoline and diesel transportation fuel sales; the number and location of retail gasoline and diesel outlets as indicated by metered pumps; progress in electric vehicle supply equipment installation (fast chargers and Level 2) and their locations; vehicle registrations by fuel type for light, medium and heavy vehicles; and fossil fuel and electricity consumption per unit of economic output.

"On or before 12/15/2025, the Secretary of Natural Resources, in consultation with the relevant state agencies, shall publish a report that highlights existing data sources and indicators relevant to the impacts of the changing energy landscape and the distribution of benefits and burdens by region," Ellen Tchaikowski said while reading the bill language into the record.

Committee members asked whether the items were already collected and how much mapping the agencies could accomplish in the six months the bill allows. Committee discussion indicated that much of the requested information is already collected by different agencies but is not always consolidated or published together. A committee member also asked how energy‑burden metrics would be included; presenters said that some energy‑burden data exist but might be held by entities not named in the bill and could require additional coordination.

Supporters pointed to broadband rollout as an analog: competition and dense markets produced rapid service improvements, while rural areas lagged and required targeted public intervention. Proponents said H.125 is intended to surface similar patterns in energy access and workforce readiness so lawmakers and agencies can identify where to target programs or further study.

The bill is a session law provision (a one‑time report) rather than a standing reporting requirement. The committee did not take a formal vote on H.125 during the transcripted discussion.

If enacted as written, the report would include regional distribution and graphic displays of the compiled data and recommendations for additional data or future reporting requirements to support an equitable transition.