Senate rejects bid to fast-track repeal of Affordable Heat Act after heated floor debate

A motion to relieve the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy of S.68 — a proposed repeal of the Affordable Heat Act — and bring the bill immediately to the floor failed after extended debate and a roll-call vote.

The motion, moved by the senator from Rutland, sought to bypass the normal committee timing and have S.68 considered on the floor rapidly. The motion prompted substantial debate from members across the chamber: proponents said Vermonters wanted a swift decision; opponents, including the chair of Natural Resources and Energy and the president pro tem, argued the committee process should be respected and that less than two weeks in committee did not amount to being bottled up.

Senators speaking against the motion emphasized the role of committee hearings and testimony. The chair of the Natural Resources and Energy Committee told the Senate that S.68 was scheduled for committee consideration later in the week and said the committee had already taken testimony on related matters earlier in the…