Good Govermont
@goodgovermont.bsky.social
Goodgovermont.substack.com. A newsletter providing climate and land-use policy analysis for the Green Mountain State. Written by Nathaniel Eisen.
Reposted by Good Govermont
Trump's DOI has moved to freeze the federal leases for 5 offshore wind projects, "essentially gutting the country’s nascent offshore wind industry"
The lease suspension incl. projects that were due to come online in 2026 & one that is already partially operating
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/c...
The lease suspension incl. projects that were due to come online in 2026 & one that is already partially operating
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/c...
Trump Halts Five Wind Farms Off the East Coast
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Trump's DOI has moved to freeze the federal leases for 5 offshore wind projects, "essentially gutting the country’s nascent offshore wind industry"
The lease suspension incl. projects that were due to come online in 2026 & one that is already partially operating
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/c...
The lease suspension incl. projects that were due to come online in 2026 & one that is already partially operating
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/c...
What will 2026 #VTPoli bring in climate, energy, & transportation policy? I asked 4 legislators for their priorities, and this is what they said: open.substack.com/pub/goodgove...
The Inaugural Good Govermont Podcast: 2026 Legislative Preview
I'm joined by leadership of the Vermont Senate and House committees on natural resources, energy, and transportation to discuss their priorities in the 2026 legislative session.
open.substack.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:44 PM
What will 2026 #VTPoli bring in climate, energy, & transportation policy? I asked 4 legislators for their priorities, and this is what they said: open.substack.com/pub/goodgove...
Vermont AG Charity Clark has joined those arguing that Governor Scott's Sept. Executive Order on housing exceeded his authority. goodgovermont.substack.com/p/vermonts-a...
Vermont's Attorney General Joins Chorus of Criticism over Recent Order from Governor
In a formal opinion, Attorney General Clark largely sided with those claiming the order exceeds Governor Scott's authority.
goodgovermont.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Vermont AG Charity Clark has joined those arguing that Governor Scott's Sept. Executive Order on housing exceeded his authority. goodgovermont.substack.com/p/vermonts-a...
A few things I found notable at today's weekly press conference with Gov. Scott: (1) In response to letter from @theclf.bsky.social, @acluvermont.bsky.social, etc, Scott doubled down on claiming legal authority to make the direct regulatory changes contained in a recent executive order.
October 23, 2025 at 12:39 AM
A few things I found notable at today's weekly press conference with Gov. Scott: (1) In response to letter from @theclf.bsky.social, @acluvermont.bsky.social, etc, Scott doubled down on claiming legal authority to make the direct regulatory changes contained in a recent executive order.
. @acluvermont.bsky.social, @theclf.bsky.social, VNRC & others issued a public letter yesterday criticizing what they call Gov. Scott's "illegal overreach" in recent executive order on housing. vnrc.org/vermont-base...
Vermont-based Democracy and Environmental Nonprofits Call Out Governor Scott’s Illegal Overreach with Recent Executive Order – Vermont Natural Resources Council
vnrc.org
October 16, 2025 at 3:01 PM
. @acluvermont.bsky.social, @theclf.bsky.social, VNRC & others issued a public letter yesterday criticizing what they call Gov. Scott's "illegal overreach" in recent executive order on housing. vnrc.org/vermont-base...
What led to the decision to roll back #Vermont building energy standards, and what didn't Gov. Scott mention in the executive order? Read on to find out. goodgovermont.substack.com/p/citing-slo...
Citing Slow Pace of Housing Construction, Vermont Governor Rolls Back Efficiency Standards for New Buildings
New buildings in Vermont will no longer need to comply with the latest building energy standards, adopted last year.
goodgovermont.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 8:02 PM
What led to the decision to roll back #Vermont building energy standards, and what didn't Gov. Scott mention in the executive order? Read on to find out. goodgovermont.substack.com/p/citing-slo...
Two pieces of encouraging news re: EV chargers: goodgovermont.substack.com/p/little-ray...
Little Rays of Hope
Two pieces of good news for electric vehicle charging
goodgovermont.substack.com
August 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Two pieces of encouraging news re: EV chargers: goodgovermont.substack.com/p/little-ray...
Kudos to Kevin @sevendaysvt.bsky.social for getting the inside scoop on why Vermont did not get a portion of its federal funds for fast EV chargers unfrozen--but 14 other states did. www.sevendaysvt.com/news/disagre...
Disagreements Between State Officials Undermined EV Funds Lawsuit
The Scott administration offered no help to the attorney general's effort to unfreeze nearly $17 million federal funding for vehicle chargers.
www.sevendaysvt.com
July 9, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Kudos to Kevin @sevendaysvt.bsky.social for getting the inside scoop on why Vermont did not get a portion of its federal funds for fast EV chargers unfrozen--but 14 other states did. www.sevendaysvt.com/news/disagre...
The sunset this Sept. for fed'l #EV tax credits in Republicans' budget bill might actually drive a short term spike in sales before a steep drop. Might need to update this piece about chargers from last week re: whether #VT does and will have enough public charging. open.substack.com/pub/goodgove...
Wait...Do We Have Enough EV Chargers?
Revisiting a surprising question raised by Gov. Scott's decision not to enforce Electric Vehicle supply mandates in Vermont, and finding an equally surprising answer.
open.substack.com
July 3, 2025 at 9:18 PM
The sunset this Sept. for fed'l #EV tax credits in Republicans' budget bill might actually drive a short term spike in sales before a steep drop. Might need to update this piece about chargers from last week re: whether #VT does and will have enough public charging. open.substack.com/pub/goodgove...
A week before Congress voted to repeal the EPA #Waiver for California's most recent clean cars and trucks rules, Vermont's Governor announced a pause in enforcement of the #EV mandates in those rules. I unpacked this in @insideclimatenews.org
insideclimatenews.org/news/2305202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/2305202...
Vermont’s Governor Delays Electric Car Mandates, Part of State’s Climate Plan - Inside Climate News
In an executive order, Gov. Phil Scott paused enforcement of EV supply mandates. The stated reasons defy the administration’s prior messaging about zero-emission vehicle goals.
insideclimatenews.org
May 23, 2025 at 3:15 PM
A week before Congress voted to repeal the EPA #Waiver for California's most recent clean cars and trucks rules, Vermont's Governor announced a pause in enforcement of the #EV mandates in those rules. I unpacked this in @insideclimatenews.org
insideclimatenews.org/news/2305202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/2305202...
[email protected] and @nrdc.org lawsuit successful in compelling USDA to restore info on climate-smart practices to website. apnews.com/article/usda...
Facing lawsuit, USDA says it will restore climate change-related webpages
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to restore webpages related to climate change after it was sued earlier this year over the deletions.
apnews.com
May 14, 2025 at 2:25 PM
[email protected] and @nrdc.org lawsuit successful in compelling USDA to restore info on climate-smart practices to website. apnews.com/article/usda...
Reposted by Good Govermont
“I continue to believe we should be incentivizing Vermonters to transition to cleaner energy options like electric vehicles,” Gov. Phil Scott said in a written statement. “However, we have to be realistic about a pace that’s achievable."
Gov. Phil Scott halts electric vehicle mandate for Vermont
Republican Gov. Phil Scott has postponed a rule that would have required 35% of all vehicles delivered to Vermont car dealers to be zero emission, starting in model year 2026.
www.vermontpublic.org
May 14, 2025 at 10:22 AM
“I continue to believe we should be incentivizing Vermonters to transition to cleaner energy options like electric vehicles,” Gov. Phil Scott said in a written statement. “However, we have to be realistic about a pace that’s achievable."
#PublicTransit in #VT continues to feel the squeeze. My deep dive on the proposed #transportation budget nearing the finish line in the state legislature. open.substack.com/pub/goodgove...
Legislature Trims Public Transit Funds at Uncertain Moment
Vermont’s transportation budget for 2025-26 nears the finish line, making modest cuts to public transit funding and letting popular EV incentive programs lapse. Federal threats also loom.
open.substack.com
May 2, 2025 at 8:32 PM
#PublicTransit in #VT continues to feel the squeeze. My deep dive on the proposed #transportation budget nearing the finish line in the state legislature. open.substack.com/pub/goodgove...
Some similarities to #VTPoli around #climatechange over in Maryland. insideclimatenews.org/news/2604202...
Maryland’s Climate Ambitions in Question After Turbulent Legislative Session - Inside Climate News
Amid budgetary and political pressure, Maryland’s latest legislative session delivered some moderate wins while weakening or delaying key mandates.
insideclimatenews.org
April 29, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Some similarities to #VTPoli around #climatechange over in Maryland. insideclimatenews.org/news/2604202...
Important piece in @propublica.org today on impacts of fed'l gov stopping its measurement of key health, envtl indicators www.propublica.org/article/trum...
Trump’s War on Measurement Means Losing Data on Drug Use, Maternal Mortality, Climate Change and More
By slashing teams that gather critical data, the administration has left the federal government with no way of understanding if policies are working — and created a black hole of information whose con...
www.propublica.org
April 21, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Important piece in @propublica.org today on impacts of fed'l gov stopping its measurement of key health, envtl indicators www.propublica.org/article/trum...
An important resource:
President Donald Trump's administration has moved to reshape federal government spending, including rescinding money that had been promised to groups in Vermont.
Vermont Public is tracking these cuts and their impacts on the state.
Vermont Public is tracking these cuts and their impacts on the state.
Tracking changes to federal funds in Vermont under the Trump administration
This table summarizes federal funding cuts in Vermont and their impacts, when known.
www.vermontpublic.org
April 7, 2025 at 2:03 PM
An important resource:
Reposted by Good Govermont
Vermont’s governor has proposed changing how the state counts greenhouse gas emissions to include carbon sequestration by forests and farms. The proposal has raised serious questions because it could decelerate Vermont’s transition off fossil fuels.
Vermont Might Change How It Accounts for Climate-Damaging Emissions. Here’s What’s at Stake - Inside Climate News
The governor’s proposal to include forests and farms in the state greenhouse gas inventory holds both promise and peril, say advocates and researchers.
insideclimatenews.org
March 31, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Vermont’s governor has proposed changing how the state counts greenhouse gas emissions to include carbon sequestration by forests and farms. The proposal has raised serious questions because it could decelerate Vermont’s transition off fossil fuels.
Out today: My latest piece for @insideclimatenews.org looks at the proposal currently before the #VT legislature to change how the state tracks greenhouse gas emissions. insideclimatenews.org/news/3103202...
Vermont Might Change How It Accounts for Climate-Damaging Emissions. Here’s What’s at Stake - Inside Climate News
The governor’s proposal to include forests and farms in the state greenhouse gas inventory holds both promise and peril, say advocates and researchers.
insideclimatenews.org
March 31, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Out today: My latest piece for @insideclimatenews.org looks at the proposal currently before the #VT legislature to change how the state tracks greenhouse gas emissions. insideclimatenews.org/news/3103202...
Reposted by Good Govermont
Gov. Phil Scott presented the Legislature with a new “climate action” proposal that would, according to environmental advocates and many Democratic lawmakers, functionally dismantle Vermont’s landmark emissions reduction law.
Scott's plan to repeal emissions mandates draws scorn from advocates
Republican Gov. Phil Scott wants to repeal Vermont's emissions reduction mandates, but some Democratic lawmakers worry his plan would set back the state's climate action plan.
www.vermontpublic.org
February 19, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Gov. Phil Scott presented the Legislature with a new “climate action” proposal that would, according to environmental advocates and many Democratic lawmakers, functionally dismantle Vermont’s landmark emissions reduction law.
Reposted by Good Govermont
A plan being considered in the Statehouse would see most Green Mountain Transit service outside of Chittenden County taken up by other service providers. In one case, though, the union representing the agency’s bus drivers has concerns.
Vermont lawmakers consider major changes to the state’s rural bus systems - VTDigger
A plan being considered in the Statehouse would see most Green Mountain Transit service outside of Chittenden County taken up by other service providers. In one case, though, the union representing th...
vtdigger.org
February 19, 2025 at 10:55 PM
A plan being considered in the Statehouse would see most Green Mountain Transit service outside of Chittenden County taken up by other service providers. In one case, though, the union representing the agency’s bus drivers has concerns.
The bill I'm told represents Gov. Scott's #VT #climate policy dropped today. Here are the highlights:
- Change GHG emissions reduction requirements to goals
- Change GHG accounting to include sinks + create new net zero by 2035 goal
- Allow for more nuclear and out of state elec. gen w/in RES.
- Change GHG emissions reduction requirements to goals
- Change GHG accounting to include sinks + create new net zero by 2035 goal
- Allow for more nuclear and out of state elec. gen w/in RES.
February 20, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Reposted by Good Govermont
Vermont's clean heat policy faces political roadblocks - The Daily Climate www.dailyclimate.org/vermont-s-cl...
Vermont's clean heat policy faces political roadblocks
A policy aimed at cutting Vermont's reliance on fossil fuel heating has stalled after election losses weakened Democratic support, leaving its future uncertain.Nathaniel Eisen reports for Inside Clima...
www.dailyclimate.org
February 5, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Vermont's clean heat policy faces political roadblocks - The Daily Climate www.dailyclimate.org/vermont-s-cl...
The proposed #cleanheatstandard in #Vermont is in peril. Why? And what does it say about the future of climate ambition in #VtPoli? Read my piece for @insideclimatenews.org to find out. insideclimatenews.org/news/0202202...
February 3, 2025 at 12:10 AM
The proposed #cleanheatstandard in #Vermont is in peril. Why? And what does it say about the future of climate ambition in #VtPoli? Read my piece for @insideclimatenews.org to find out. insideclimatenews.org/news/0202202...
I know, I know, the big story in #VtPoli today is the budget address. But I've just finished my wrap up of two key developments in #transit from the first weeks of the biennium and wanted to share.
GMT Likely to Shed Rural Transit; Dedicated Funding Unlikely this Session
Two key developments for public transit at the Legislature
open.substack.com
January 29, 2025 at 1:54 AM
Adding this to the many great previews of the #VTLeg session that kicked off today--as usual, my focus is on environmental and land-use law in #Vermont (and obscure music references).
2025 Legislative Preview
Stormwater Rules? Clean Heat Standard? Permit Appeals? Elected officials share their priorities for and thoughts on the upcoming Vermont legislative session.
open.substack.com
January 9, 2025 at 2:58 AM