Bill would require annual state tracking of economic impacts from Vermont’s energy transition

Representative Laura Sebelia introduced H.145, "An Act Relating to Reporting on the Energy Transition Economic Impacts," on Feb. 4, 2025, asking the Department of Public Service to publish an annual report that tracks economic and infrastructure indicators related to Vermont’s energy transition.

Sebelia said the bill aims to provide the state with data that answer questions constituents are asking: "How will this energy transition affect me? Will my community have the necessary infrastructure? What happens to workers in industries like delivered heating fuels?" She listed preliminary metrics the bill would track, including numbers of gas stations, numbers of heating-fuel suppliers, counts of electric-vehicle charging stations and changes in electric rates across the state.

In committee discussion, Sebelia said some of the information is already gathered but that tracking the delivered-fuels market more broadly would require additional monitoring because that sector is largely unregulated and is experiencing industry consolidation. She said she has discussed aspects of the topic with the Department of Public Service, the Public Utility Commission and the Agency of Natural Resources but had not yet received formal positions from the administration on the draft language.

Representative James asked whether the sponsor had obtained preliminary feedback from the Department of Public Service about taking on the reporting work; Sebelia replied she had "not gotten any preliminary thoughts on this specific language" but noted she has consulted officials and stakeholders over multiple years on energy issues. The sponsor characterized the bill’s goal as ensuring "no one should be left behind" during the energy transition by improving the state’s information base for policy decisions.

H.145 was introduced during the committee’s ten-minute bill-introduction period; the committee did not take testimony or vote on the bill during this session. Committee members said they expect further hearings and a chance to refine the metrics and scope before any formal vote.