In response to stakeholder concerns on the version of the House Act 250 modernization bill that was voted out of the committee last week, the House Energy and Environment Committee has taken up an amendment to that bill. It will include important provisions related to the timeline of how Act 250 changes are implemented and is based on the significant package of compromises made by stakeholders before the session in the Necessary Updates to Act 250 report. Changes in the timeline ensure that the growth and protection provisions move in concert with each other, as agreed upon by stakeholders. The Vermont Chamber remains concerned about language that would transfer the responsibility of hearing Act 250 appeals from the environmental court to the new Environmental Review Board.

Meanwhile, the Senate Natural Resources Committee took up the “Be Home” bill, S.311, this week which was passed out of the Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs Committee with changes to Act 250, local zoning, and housing programs. Builders and developers testified regarding regulatory hurdles and housing market dynamics. They emphasized the importance of regulatory clarity and streamlined processes to expedite housing construction while ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Bill sponsor Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale also testified, reiterating the need for evaluation of Act 250’s efficacy. In particular, she emphasized the need to incentivize development projects that cater to various income brackets, creating more diverse housing options, from affordable rentals to multigenerational housing.

When the House Act 250 bill makes it to the Senate, pulling them together will be a focus of the Senate Natural Resources Committee for much of the remainder of this legislative session. The Vermont Chamber will be engaged and at the table to ensure businesses are represented in this process.