Vermont's New Governor Sticking with Renewable Energy Goal

Vermont 90% Renewable Energy Goal drives clean power, solar projects, and green jobs, advancing climate targets through technology innovation, grid upgrades, and energy storage while boosting economic development and keeping young talent in-state.

Vermont's new Republican governor said Monday he would stick with his Democratic predecessor's long-term goal of getting 90 percent of the energy needed in the state from renewable sources by 2050, aligning with national conversations about 100% clean electricity by 2035 set at the federal level.

But Gov. Phil Scott, highlighting the construction of a new solar power project in the parking lot of a Montpelier food cooperative, said he believed new technology would be needed to make it happen amid proposals for a tenfold increase in U.S. solar power in the coming years nationwide.

"When you look at projects like this and the way we've changed over the last decade in that regard I think it can be accomplished, but we're going to have to have some help in technology changes," Scott said, noting that New York's solar progress highlights regional momentum.

While helping to inaugurate the "Solar Canopy" developed by the Waterbury-based SunCommon, Scott said the business fits in well with the top goal of his new administration, economic development, as states like Rhode Island pursue 100% renewable electricity by 2030 to drive growth. He said it also creates jobs that keep young people from leaving the state.

For several years, Vermont has been working toward some of the most aggressive renewable energy goals in the country, alongside neighbors as Maine targets 100% renewable electricity by statute. Scott's predecessor, Democrat Peter Shumlin, set the long-term goal.

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