On March 16-17, the Vermont House passed H.715 – the “Clean Heat Standard” (CHS) bill – and sent it to the Senate. The bill directs the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to create and distribute “clean heat credits” to various persons that reduce fossil fuel combustion emissions by 1) improving the energy efficiency of homes and buildings or 2) switch heating systems from fuel oil and natural gas to electric heat pumps, pellet stoves, and biofuels. Fuel distributors will be required to earn or purchase unspecified amounts of these credits. Failure to comply will trigger PUC-imposed fines on non-complying parties.