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Vt. lawmakers briefed on energy plan

Montpelier, Vermont - November 10, 2011

Vermont lawmakers were briefed on the Comprehensive Energy Plan by the Shumlin administration in Montpelier Thursday.

Hours before that briefing opponents gathered in the Statehouse to discuss concerns for Vermont's energy future. Gov. Peter Shumlin wants to change the way Vermont produces energy by turning to resources like sun, wind and water. Opponents say that plan does not appropriately balance the costs and benefits to Vermont's economic climate.

"We believe the state does not need new renewable energy mandates. We have a clean portfolio, there's no reason to think we'll lose our leading status in terms of renewable energy," said William Driscoll of Associated Industries of Vermont.

The Shumlin administration's draft plan assumes Vermont Yankee will not be a part of the state's energy future, something opponents of the plan would also like to see change.