H 651

 BILL AS INTRODUCED  H.651
 2026  Page 1 of 2
1H.651
2 Introduced by Representative Morrow of Weston
3 Referred to Committee on
4 Date:
5 Subject: Public service; Department of Public Service; Public Utility
6Commission; new gas and electric purchases, investments, and
7facilities; certificate of public good; energy; renewable energy
8 Statement of purpose of bill as introduced: This bill proposes to eliminate
9 aesthetic considerations as part of the certificate of public good permit that is
10 required for new energy projects.
11    An act relating to aesthetics review for new energy projects
12 It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:
13 Sec. 1. 30 V.S.A. § 248(b) is amended to read:
14    (b) Before the Public Utility Commission issues a certificate of public good
15 as required under subsection (a) of this section, it shall find that the purchase,
16 investment, or construction:
17***
18(5) With respect to an in-state facility, will not have an undue adverse
19 effect on aesthetics, historic sites, air and water purity, the natural
20 environment, the use of natural resources, and the public health and safety,
                                                                       VT LEG #386328 v.1
BILL AS INTRODUCED  H.651
2026  Page 2 of 2
1 with due consideration having been given to the criteria specified in 10 V.S.A.
2 §§ 1424a(d) and 6086(a)(1) through (8) 6086(a)(1)–(8) and (9)(K), impacts to
3 primary agricultural soils as defined in 10 V.S.A. § 6001, and greenhouse gas
4 impacts.
5***
6 Sec. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE
7    This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
                                                                 VT LEG #386328 v.1