Vermont Considers Shifting Energy Standards From Renewable to 'Clean'

State officials weigh moving away from renewable energy requirements to focus on carbon-free sources like nuclear power.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Vermont is considering changing its energy standards to focus on 'clean' energy sources rather than just renewable ones. This could allow nuclear power, which is not considered renewable, to count towards the state's energy goals. The change is aimed at saving utilities around $5 million per year that they currently spend on renewable energy credits to meet the state's 100% renewable target by 2030.

Why it matters

The proposed shift in Vermont's energy policy highlights the ongoing debate around what qualifies as 'clean' energy, with nuclear power's carbon-free generation being weighed against concerns over radioactive waste management. This decision could have significant implications for the state's energy mix and costs for consumers.

The details

Under Vermont's current renewable energy standard, most utilities are required to source 100% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. However, about 20% of the state's electricity currently comes from nuclear power, which is not considered renewable. To meet the renewable standard, utilities have been spending around $5 million per year on renewable energy credits. To save this cost, Governor Phil Scott wants to change the standard to focus on 'clean' energy sources, which would include nuclear power.

  • Vermont's current renewable energy standard requires 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
  • Vermont Yankee nuclear power station was decommissioned in the past, sparking debate over nuclear waste storage.

The players

Phil Scott

The Governor of Vermont who is proposing the shift from renewable to 'clean' energy standards.

Kerrick Johnson

The commissioner of Vermont's public service department, who discusses the tradeoffs of different energy sources.

Amrit Pandey

A professor at the University of Vermont who notes concerns about nuclear waste management.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's accurate to say any energy source has its drawbacks, whether it's mining for the materials you need for solar panels or evs, you know, the rare earths, all the challenges.”

— Kerrick Johnson, Public Service Department Commissioner (WCAX)

“It is clean in that sense because it's not releasing, per se, as a process of producing electricity, carbon in the atmosphere. That being said, when the fuel is used, you have spent fuel, and I think that's where there are a lot of questions on how best to manage that.”

— Amrit Pandey, UVM Professor (WCAX)

What’s next

A bill is currently before the Vermont legislature that proposes creating a committee to study the possibility of building a new nuclear facility in the state.

The takeaway

Vermont's potential shift from renewable to 'clean' energy standards highlights the ongoing debate around what qualifies as environmentally-friendly power generation. This decision could have significant impacts on the state's energy mix, costs, and management of nuclear waste.