08/02/2024
Figuring the Fee From Vermont Fuel Dealers Newsletter this mornig!
The news dropped last week that it will take $17.3 billion in incentives over the next 25 years to get Vermonters to use less heating oil and propane. The taxpayer-funded study also revealed that $7 billion is needed between now and 2030, which is $1.4 billion per year. The stakes are real. Vermont will likely be sued again for violating the Global Warming Solutions Act if emissions don’t decline quickly. If lawmakers decide that Vermonters who use heating oil and propane should be paying for the program, the numbers are eye-popping. Vermonters purchase about 200 million gallons of fuel oil and propane per year. $1,400,000,000 divided by 200,000,000 gallons = $7. This is beyond comprehension. This is a ludicrous number. Even the biggest supporters of a Clean Heat Standard understand that a $7 per gallon fee on heating fuel is dangerous to the health and safety of Vermonters. Indeed, lawmakers and lobbyists who supported the ironically named “Affordable Heat Act” are already beginning to backpedal, saying the consultant overestimated how much money is needed. The next draft of the study will likely indicate more work can be done with less money. But maybe not. The $17.3 billion figure doesn’t even cover the cost of compliance and enforcement. A revised analysis — and price tag — is due in September.
While the fee will be finalized soon, lawmakers won’t decide until January whether Vermonters who use heating oil and propane should pay the fee. Whether that happens depends on who gets elected in November.
Who voted for this law? Check out the list here. https://www.affordableheat.org/votedyes
Who voted against it? That is here. https://www.affordableheat.org/votedno
Want to send a message to anyone running for office? Take two minutes to sign this online petition opposing a Heat Fee. And encourage everyone you know to do the same. https://www.affordableheat.org/petition/index
