About
Global Warming Solutions Act
In 2020, the Vermont Legislature passed the Global Warming Solutions Act (Act 153 as Enacted), which created legally binding emission reduction requirements.
The Act was created in response to concerns around Vermont’s changing climate and the magnitude of what must be done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change on Vermont’s landscape.
The Act requires Vermont to reduce greenhouse gas pollution to 26% below 2005 levels by 2025. Emissions would need to be 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% below by 2050.
In addition to the emission reductions required by the statute, the law also directs the Council to consider opportunities for long-term carbon sequestration through, and strategies for helping Vermont communities prepare for the impacts of climate change.
What is the Climate Council?
The 23-member Vermont Climate Council was established by the Vermont Legislature. They are responsible for drafting the state's first Climate Action Plan by December 1, 2021, and updating the Plan every four years thereafter.
What is the Vermont Climate Action Plan?
The Vermont Climate Action Plan aims to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help protect Vermont communities and landscapes from the greatest risks of climate change, and create new clean energy industry and jobs.
More specifically, the Climate Action Plan includes strategies to:
1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation, building, regulated utility, industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors;
2. Encourage smart growth and related strategies;
3. Achieve long-term sequestration and storage of carbon and promote best management practices to achieve climate mitigation, adaption, and resilience on natural working lands;
4. Achieve net zero emissions by 2050 across all sectors;
5. Reduce energy burdens for rural and marginalized communities;
6. Limit the use of chemicals, substances, or products that contribute to climate change; and
7. Build and encourage climate adaptation and resilience of Vermont communities and natural systems.
The Climate Action Plan serves as a guide for the Vermont Legislature in setting policy that supports climate change solutions for Vermonters and Vermont's landscape. You can find the Climate Action Plan, adopted by the Climate Council on December 1, 2021, here.