BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - The Burlington City Council is considering an ordinance that would require all rental housing units to be weatherized.
Supporters say the measure will improve the quality and comfort of rental units, lower tenants’ utility costs and help the city achieve its climate goals by reducing the use of energy and greenhouse gas emissions, WCAX-TV reported.
Existing incentives are available for weatherization. Rental owners would be reimbursed by the city for up to 75% of the cost, with a cap at $2,500.
“People are cold in the winter, it’s drafty, it’s not healthy and it’s just not a good quality of life situation, but it’s also an economic burden and it’s also a huge waste of fossil fuels,” said City Councilor Jack Hanson, a progressive.
A limited number of available contractors would slow the work, councilors warned. The council is scheduled to vote on the ordinance at its March 22 meeting.
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