Statement from Governor Phil Scott After Legislative Committee Blocks Housing Compromise

Montpelier, Vt. - Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement after the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (LCAR) voted against making it easier to build or revitalize homes in buffer zones on less than 3% of the total land area of Vermont, such as downtowns and existing neighborhood areas, which has been previously designated by the Legislature as a priority area for housing.

"Following months of negotiations, my Administration narrowed our original proposal, earning the support of both environmental and housing advocacy organizations. Despite that broad agreement, the legislative committee voted 5-3 against our proposed change.

"If the legislative majority cannot come together around a compromise supported by both housing and environmental advocates, it's hard to see how we'll solve Vermont's affordability crisis without having more mainstream legislators in Montpelier.

"I'd like to thank Senators Beck and Weeks and Representative Higley for their common-sense votes today. At this point, we will be assessing our options to find a path forward."