Vermont's New Governor Sticking with Renewable Energy Goal

MONTPELIER, Vt. -

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.

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.

"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.

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. 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. Scott's predecessor, Democrat Peter Shumlin, set the long-term goal.