Vermont § 599a - Reports; rulemaking

§ 599a. Reports; rulemaking

• (a) On or before January 15, 2025, the Agency, in consultation with the State Treasurer,
  shall submit a report to the General Assembly detailing the feasibility and progress
  of carrying out the requirements of this chapter, including any recommendations for
  improving the administration of the Program. (b) The Agency shall adopt rules necessary to implement the requirements of this chapter,
  including: (1) adopting methodologies using available science and publicly available data to identify
  responsible parties and determine their applicable share of covered greenhouse gas
  emissions; and (2) requirements for registering entities that are responsible parties and issuing notices
  of cost recovery demands under the Program. (c) On or before September 15, 2025, the Secretary shall submit to the House Committee
  on Environment and the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy a report summarizing
  the Agency of Natural Resources’ adoption of the Resilience Implementation Strategy.
  The Strategy shall include: (1) practices utilizing nature-based solutions intended to stabilize floodplains, riparian
  zones, lake shoreland, wetlands, and similar lands; (2) practices to adapt infrastructure to the impacts of climate change; (3) practices needed to build out early warning mechanisms and support fast, effective
  response to climate-related threats; (4) practices that support economic and environmental sustainability in the face of changing
  climate conditions; and (5) criteria and procedures for prioritizing climate change adaptation projects eligible
  to receive monies from the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program. (d) In adopting the Strategy, the Agency shall: (1) consult with the Environmental Justice Advisory Council; (2) in consultation with other State agencies and departments, including the Department
  of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management, assess the adaptation needs and
  vulnerabilities of various areas vital to the State’s economy, normal functioning,
  and the health and well-being of Vermonters; (3) identify major potential, proposed, and ongoing climate change adaptation projects
  throughout the State; (4) identify opportunities for alignment with existing federal, State, and local funding
  streams; (5) consult with stakeholders, including local governments, businesses, environmental
  advocates, relevant subject area experts, and representatives of environmental justice
  focus populations; (6) consider components of the Vermont Climate Action Plan required under section 592 of this title that are related to adaptation or resilience, as defined in section 590 of this title; and (7) conduct public engagement in areas and communities that have the most significant
  exposure to the impacts of climate change, including disadvantaged, low-income, and
  rural communities and areas. (e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the existing authority of a State
  agency, department, or entity to regulate greenhouse gas emissions or establish strategies
  or adopt rules to mitigate climate risk and build resilience to climate change. (Added 2023, No. 122 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. July 1, 2024; amended 2025, No. 47, § 20, eff. June 5, 2025; 2025, No. 57, § 18, eff. July 1, 2025.)