MONTPELIER — An independent representative’s campaign for speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives is gaining more traction. 

“As Vermont’s legislative session nears, 21 Democratic, Progressive, and independent lawmakers have pledged support for Rep. Laura Sibilia’s candidacy to become Speaker of the Vermont House,” Lucy Rogers, campaign chief, said in an announcement. “This movement signals a call for change in leadership following significant electoral shifts in November.” 

The election for the speaker is scheduled for Wednesday, the opening day of the next legislative session. Democrat Rep. Jill Krowinski is seeking reelection. 

The announcement follows an article in VTDigger entitled, “A significant number of legislators tell VTDigger they back Laura Sibilia’s bid for speaker of the Vermont House.” She would need at least 75 votes to win and 55 Republicans are entering the House this week, the outlet reported. 

“Our numbers tell us that if the Republicans join their Democratic, independent and Progressive colleagues who are voting for change, I’m going to win,” Sibilia said in a statement. 

VTDigger reported, “That so many members outside the Republican caucus plan to support Sibilia’s bid suggests her support is broader than has been previously reported — and could potentially lead to a close outcome. It also underscores how the GOP caucus, even without a majority of House seats, could well determine the next speaker in what would be an early flex of its increased power.”

Sibilia lives in Dover and represents the Windham-2 district. She joined Legislature in 2014 after defeating incumbent John Moran for the seat. 

On Dec. 27, Sibilia officially notified the secretary of state of her candidacy for speaker of the House. With two candidates, the election is expected to be conducted by secret ballot.

“I believe in a leadership style that prioritizes openness, collaboration, and respect,” Sibilia said in a statement after filing the notice. “This campaign is about creating a culture in the House that is grounded in transparency, fairness and trust — qualities that are essential for us to meet the moment and deliver results for Vermonters.”

Sibilia also expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support and advice she has received throughout her campaign, saying that she’s “inspired by conversations with members from across the political spectrum.”

“Your insights have strengthened my commitment to building a legislature where every member’s expertise and talents are valued,” she said. 

Her campaign emphasizes “transparency, collaboration, and accountability, with a focus on making progress addressing Vermont’s most pressing issues,” according to a news release. 

In a recent newsletter, Sibilia said her nomination for speaker was debated in the House Democratic Caucus in December. She wasn’t present but described appreciating “the courage and thoughtfulness of those who supported me.”

“Ultimately, the caucus chose not to nominate a non-Democrat by a vote of 60-18,” she said. “I respect the Democratic Caucus’ decision but also see the debate as a sign that more legislators are open to the inclusive, coalition-driven leadership I am offering.”

Heading into the next legislative session, Sibilia said she’s “continuing my work to bring people together and make progress for Vermont.”

The US Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute – representing the biggest fossil fuel companies in the world – are suing the State of Vermont over its new law requiring fossil fuel companies to pay a share of the state’s damage caused by climate change.

The lawsuit, filed last Monday in the US District Court for the District of Vermont, asks a state court to prevent Vermont from enforcing the law passed last year. Vermont became the first state in the country to enact the law after it suffered over $1 billion in damages from catastrophic summer flooding and other extreme weather.

Vermont’s Attorney General’s Office said as of Friday, Jan. 3, they had not been served with the lawsuit.

The lawsuit argues that the U.S. Constitution precludes the act and that the federal Clean Air Act preempts state law. It also claims that the law violates domestic and foreign commerce clauses by discriminating “against the important interest of other states by targeting large energy companies located outside of Vermont.”

The Chamber and the American Petroleum Institute argue that the federal government is already addressing climate change. Because greenhouse gases come from billions of individual sources, they claim it has been impossible to measure “accurately and fairly” the impact of emissions from a particular entity in a specific location over decades.

“For too long, giant fossil fuel companies have knowingly lit the match of climate disruption without being required to do a thing to put out the fire,” Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, said in a statement. “Finally, maybe for the first time anywhere, Vermont is going to hold the companies most responsible for climate-driven floods, fires and heat waves financially accountable for a fair share of the damages they’ve caused.”

The complaint is an essential legal test as more states consider holding fossil fuels liable for expensive global warming-intensified events like floods, fires, and more. Maryland and Massachusetts are among the states expected to pursue similar legislation, modeled after the federal law known as Superfund, in 2025.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed a similar climate bill into law – the Climate Change Superfund Act- on Dec. 26, pointing to the need to fund climate adaptation projects.

Downtown Montpelier, Vermont was under water on Monday, July 10, 2023 caused by the flooding of the Winooski River.
(Photo: John Tully for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Heavy Rains Cause Catastrophic Flooding In Southern Vermont
(Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

Flooding is seen in downtown Montpelier, Vermont
(Photo: John Tully for The Washington Post via Getty Images)