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This amendment modernizes the existing Noxious Weed Quarantine, which will be renamed the Regulated Introduced Plant Species Quarantine, by establishing a clearer, science-based, and more flexible process for identifying and regulating introduced plant species of concern in Vermont. The amended rule removes the previous static list and replaces it with a responsive, flexible, and meaningful framework grounded in Pest Risk Assessment (PRA) criteria and review by an advisory group of subject-matter and industry experts. The amendment clarifies prohibited activities, updates definitions, adds best management practices (BMPs) and permitting pathways, and strengthens consistency with federal regulations by incorporating federally regulated plant species under 7 CFR § 360.200. The revised structure improves transparency, regulatory clarity, and enforceability, while supporting prevention-focused management that aligns with Vermont’s ecological, agricultural, and forestry needs.

The proposed rule amends the Vermont CO2 Budget Trading Program Rule which implements the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in Vermont. The amendments reflect revisions to the RGGI Model Rule agreed to by participating states (CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, and VT) during the most recent program review. Most notably, the proposed amendments reduce the regional carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions cap in 2027 to 69.8 million tons of CO2 from 75.7 million tons under the previous rule. Then, from 2034 through 2037, the cap will decline by 2.4 million tons of CO2 annually. The proposed amendments also revise the existing Cost Containment Reserve (CCR) to ensure availability of RGGI allowances to meet grid reliability needs and mitigate cost volatility; increase the minimum reserve price, the lowest price at which allowances may be sold at auction; eliminate the use of offset allowances; and include other miscellaneous updates.

Vermont has maintained the Hazardous Waste Management Regulations since 1980. The Regulations are being revised to better align with federal regulations and guidance regarding the management and disposal of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) bulk product waste, and to reduce the regulatory burden pertaining to the disposal of such waste in Vermont by introducing a new conditional exemption. The revisions also include a change to the management of state-listed cleanup debris generated as a result of an emergency response and cleanup actions; the revision will allow such wastes to be immediately transported from the outdoor locations where the wastes are generated to secure, indoor transfer facilities where the waste will be permitted to be temporarily stored as it undergoes waste characterization.

This addition to the Employment Security Board Rules, implements provisions of § 1340a regarding Self-Employment Assistance Program that is paid through the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The rule adds procedure for application of benefits through the Employment Assistance Program, as well as what criteria will be considered by the Commissioner in determining eligibility and whether to approve the program. It contains definitions, outlines the application process, and criteria for approval as well as termination from the program.

This rule amendment to the Vermont Wetland Rules (VWR) will provide that housing projects are an allowed use in unmapped Class II wetlands located within appropriate locations; specifically growth areas, Tier 1A or 1B designations under 10 V.S.A. §6033,and locations meeting the eligibility requirements established in 10 V.S.A § 6081(z)for an interim exemption from an Act 250 permit or amendment. It will also provide greater flexibility to allow housing construction to occur within the buffer of a mapped Class II wetland within the areas listed above. The elimination of the reconsideration process removes an interim step between permit issuance and appeal which typically takes a month. This will reduce permit and appeal processing time for housing projects throughout the state. The amendments related to the wetland maps will streamline edits. Wetland maps provide notice and regulatory certainty for developers.