PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
June 3rd, 2016
Contact: Rep. Don Turner 802-373-5960
House Republicans Call on Governor and Speaker to Support S. 230
Montpelier, Vt – Republican House Leadership was notified by Speaker Smith yesterday that Governor Shumlin is considering a veto of S. 230. At the end of the session the Governor threatened a veto of this bill if modifications were not made to his liking by the committee of conference. They complied, and now he is threatening to veto again. Understanding its importance to Vermonters, Republicans agreed to suspended rules for this bill at the end of the session. The changes the Governor requested were made and the final bill was a very modest attempt to restore some regional and local control in renewable energy projects and set commercial wind turbine noise standards.
Shumlin’s proposed veto angers House Republicans who worked tirelessly throughout the session looking out for the best interests of the citizens of Vermont. Mike Hebert (R-Vernon), a ranking member in the House Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, does not support the proposed Shumlin veto. “Changing the bill is unacceptable and we should vote to override the veto.” Hebert said.
After consulting with members who serve on the committee of jurisdiction, Turner commented “I informed Shap Smith, Speaker of the House that House Republicans would be unlikely to support any further watering down or modifications of the bill. This bill passed the House on a 142-0 vote and I encouraged Smith to support our work by supporting a veto override.”
“Further, I have spoken to some of the proponents of this bill who spent days at the Statehouse during the session and they agree that if the Governor’s changes are approved, there is really nothing left worth saving in this bill.” said House Minority Leader Don Turner R- Milton.
For the last six years the Democrats under single party rule have had total control of the process and failed to deliver a meaningful bill to protect our constituents and our communities from unwanted projects.
I strongly encourage the Governor and Speaker Smith to support the Legislatures work and let this bill become law. If modifications need to be made they can be addressed next session.
Vermonters deserve better!
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/06/04/house-republicans-call-on-shumlin-and-smith-to-support-s-230/