VERMONT LAW MAY BE MODEL FOR NORTHEAST CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAMS

Vermont has adopted a new law that designs its cap-and-trade program under the Northeast's regional greenhouse gas initiative (RGGI) to encourage investment into energy efficiency and renewables, with state officials hoping the law could set a precedent for other states as a way to implement the climate program. The law would require utilities to purchase emission credits from Vermont's public service board so the state could invest the money into efficiency and renewable projects. Industry groups have generally argued that...