Green Mountain Times

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) recently conducted a webinar for its members to discuss Vermont Senate Bill 5, known as the Affordable Heat Act. The bill is estimated to impose a cost of at least $1.2 billion on taxpayers, translating to an approximate 70-cent per gallon tax on heating fuels.

NFIB State Director Shawn Shouldice led the discussion with guest speaker Matt Cota, founder of Meadow Hill Consulting. They provided insights into the potential impacts of the bill and strategies for small business owners to oppose it.

Matt Cota warned, “If S.5 becomes law, it will cost Vermonters more than $2 billion in order to meet the mandates of the Global Warming Solutions Act in just the thermal sector. It will add at least 70-cents to a gallon to heating oil, kerosene and propane, which will be about $500 more that the average business in additional heating costs.”

The webinar was accessible free of charge for all NFIB members.

Cota has extensive experience navigating Vermont's political and regulatory landscape. He has served various roles including South Burlington City Council member and operations committee chair of the Green Mountain Transit Authority. Additionally, he is known for his work with Split the Ticket Fund, delivering over 100,000 gallons of free heating fuel to those in need in Vermont.