Vermont H0749 revises land use and conservation laws to update definitions and goals.

Vermont H0749 amends state land use and development law to update the definition of Tier 3 areas and conservation goals. The Board will review and determine critical natural resources for inclusion in Tier 3, ensuring no disproportionate impact on municipalities. The bill sets conservation goals of 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050, including ecological reserves and biodiversity areas. It also mandates resource mapping by the Secretary of Natural Resources to guide energy projects and development permits. The bill repeals previous land conservation goals and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Vermont H0749 revises land use and conservation laws to update definitions and goals.

Vermont H0749 amends state land use and development law to update the definition of Tier 3 areas and conservation goals. The Board will review and determine critical natural resources for inclusion in Tier 3, ensuring no disproportionate impact on municipalities. The bill sets conservation goals of 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050, including ecological reserves and biodiversity areas. It also mandates resource mapping by the Secretary of Natural Resources to guide energy projects and development permits. The bill repeals previous land conservation goals and takes effect July 1, 2026.