Legislative update: Transportation

Friends-
The House Transportation Committee is in the process of developing the annual Transportation Bill that includes funding for all transportation projects in the State of Vermont. This includes the usual roads and bridges, along with funding for rail, public transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
As we face challenges and opportunities in confronting climate change, we are also looking at provisions of the Transportation Innovation Act (H.552). We are working to incorporate many of these proposals into the Transportation Bill, to help meet the goals and recommendations of the Climate Action Plan. The Transportation Innovation Act is a comprehensive way to improve and modernize our transportation system and meet the goals of the Climate Action Plan.

“I’ve been on the transportation committee for 14 years, working to transition our transportation system. Right now we have an unprecedented opportunity to make significant progress. ”

- Rep. Mollie S. Burke (Windham 2-2)

Many of these decisions will be made after the Town Meeting break - when the legislative session resumes. Transportation is Vermont’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and we are poised to make meaningful progress on cutting carbon emissions from the transportation sector. As we make this transition, we also want to fund, create and support programs that lower transportation costs for low and moderate income Vermonters. Electrifying the transportation sector is key, and so is improving efficiency, increasing access to public transit, and supporting micro-transit programs.

Some of the programs that already exist, and that will be continued in the bill, include programs to help low and moderate income Vermonters buy new and used electric and efficient vehicles. Drive Electric Vermont offers a comprehensive list of state, utility, and federal incentive programs for electric vehicles. Mileage Smart is a program that specifically helps low income people buy used vehicles, with an incentive worth 25% of the cost of the vehicle (up to $5,000).
Since July of 2021, , all public transportation services in the State  have been operating fare-free. Pandemic related funding has helped make this possible, and we are working to continue this into the next year and beyond.

As more electric vehicles hit the road, we are working to create more electric charging station infrastructure throughout the state. Along the state highway network, at state parks and fishing and boating access areas, and at multi-unit housing sites. We are also working to electrify more state fleet vehicles. Transforming our transportation system requires innovation and creativity, and it also requires funding. Right now we have an unprecedented opportunity to take bold action to reduce emissions, to make our transportation system more resilient and more equitable. We hope to reduce people’s transportation burden while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions and meet our climate related goals.

Thank you for your support,

-Jesse
Legislative Assistant
Vermont Progressive Party

Progressives in the Media:

Mollie S. Burke:
Transportation Bill Looks to Curb Vermont's Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Heather Surprenant:
Activists Battle Weather While Urging Lawmakers to Take Swifter Action on the Climate Crisis