Permit Reform

Permit reform remains part of the discussion in Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs Committee. The committee is working on a broad set of economic stimulus ideas, including permit reform. They are especially concerned with making sure federal stimulus dollars are utilized quickly and efficiently. The Committee has been working overtime in an attempt to move this legislation, Once Senate Economic Development does pass the bill out it will likely move to Senate Natural Resources and Energy next.

Clean Energy Assessment Districts (S54) and (H.161)

These are two companion bills one originating in the senate and one in the house both with the same intent. The bills propose to allow towns, cities, and incorporated villages to incur indebtedness or otherwise finance projects relating to renewable energy or energy efficiency undertaken by owners of real property within the boundaries of the municipality.

Both of these bills were discussed in there respective bodies this week. Senate Natural Resources and Energy took testimony of the Senate version, while House Government Operations took up the house version.

The proposal would allow homeowners to receive, in essence, small loans to perform energy efficiency upgrades on there homes, however many issues have arisen surrounding this proposal, and lawmakers are grappling to find alternatives and solutions to try and make this a viable program.

Stormwater fees (H.259)

This legislation will create a new stormwater discharge fee. For a new discharge or an expansion of an existing discharge of stormwater into an impaired watershed this fee would apply. The fee would be $30,000 per acre of impervious surface. The monies garnered from the fee would be used to fund stormwater treatment and control projects.

Town Meeting Week

Next week is Town meeting week. VAR would like to encourage all our members to participate in your town meetings and events, and be sure to vote. The legislature is off for the next two weeks and will not be meeting in Montpelier. This provides for the perfect opportunity to reach out to them and let them know how you feel about the issues. Be a participant, and remember the government that affects us most is local government.