Hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) for natural gas is having a devastating effect on nearby states like New York and Pennsylvania and across the border in Quebec. While Vermont’s natural gas reserves have been left untapped, it may only be a matter of time before the oil and gas industry looks to exploit our resource.
New law makes Vermont the first state to ban fracking
May 16, 2012
Gov. Peter Shumlin made Vermont the first state in the nation to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas when he signed H.464 into law on May 16, 2012.
Vermont Bans Fracking
May 4, 2012
The Vermont House of Representatives voted 103-36 today to give final passage to legislation that will make Vermont the first state in the nation to ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas.
Now Available: Video from Fracking Forum
April 23, 2012
On March 28, 2012, over 250 local activists, community members, and legislators filled the ballroom at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier to join a discussion on the implications of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” for natural gas in Vermont. VPIRG co-hosted a public forum alongside VNRC, and 350.org bringing International, and local experts to tell their stories. The panelist included Bill McKibben – author, environmentalist and Schumann Distinguished Scholar, Middlebury College, Paul Burns – Executive Director, VPIRG, Wes Gillingham – Program Director, Catskill Mountainkeepers, a leading anti-fracking group in NY, Tracy Bach – Professor of Law, Vermont Law School, and Ginny Lyons – Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee.…
VPIRG Works to Ban Fracking in Vermont
January 13, 2012
VPIRG is working to make Vermont the first state in the nation to ban the drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing. Hydrofracking, or fracking as the practice is also known, can be extremely hazardous to the environment and a danger to public health for a number of reasons. This issue has recieved extensive media attention recently due to these serious concerns.
Bills to Watch in 2012 – Clean Energy
January 10, 2012
Our advocates are following these bills and we’ll keep you posted on opportunities to take action. Find the bill language by clicking the title.