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Bringing Down the High Cost of Prescription Drugs
In 1999 VPIRG led the fight to lower prescription drug prices. We built a
statewide coalition of activists and advisors comprised of seniors,
consumers, people with disabilities, people with AIDS, cancer patients
and others; drafted first-in-the nation legislation aimed at capping drug
prices; and have worked closely with state law makers and grassroots
activists as the bill moves through the Legislature. In addition, VPIRG
initiated a regional coalition that has led to the introduction of
similar legislation in other New England states.
Keeping Vermont's Kids Safe From Toxic Exposure at School
In 1999 VPIRG continued our work to protect school kids from exposure to
toxic chemicals. The practice of spraying pesticides in school buildings,
the use of harsh chemical cleaning products, toxic art and laboratory
supplies, and toxic construction and furnishing materials all expose
Vermont school children to potentially dangerous compounds. VPIRG worked
with school officials, parents and indoor-air experts to develop
statewide policies to protect school children from toxic exposures. The
"School Environmental Health" bill, which is now in the Legislature, is a
direct result of VPIRG's efforts. In 1999 VPIRG community outreach
efforts included working directly with Vermont schools, helping them to
resolve air quality problems.
Protecting Vermont's Land and Water From Toxic Pesticides
In 1999 VPIRG continued its award-winning survey of frog deformities in
Vermont. Once again, activists found high deformity rates. Frogs are
considered excellent indicators of environmental health. Much recent
research points to links between frog deformities and pesticides. This
fact, together with the growing body of evidence linking widespread
pesticide use and human health problems, underscores the need to reduce
pesticide use in Vermont. In 1999 VPIRG, together with other pesticide
activists, convinced legislators to draft a bill that strengthens the
state's commitment to pesticide use reform. VPIRG also continued
community outreach efforts in this area, serving as a resource to
citizens, including apartment and condominium residents fighting to
eliminate the spraying of toxic pesticides in and around their buildings.
Stopping the Spreading of Toxic Sewage Sludge on Vermont's Soil
In 1999 VPIRG published On the Ground: The Spreading of Toxic Sludge in
Vermont. The report alerted Vermonters to the dangerous disposal of
sewage sludge (the end-product of treating sewage waste). This sludge is
contaminated with heavy metals and other toxics. Yet communities are
encouraged to spread it on Vermont fields and open spaces as a means of
disposal. As a result of VPIRG's education campaign, towns across Vermont
are considering banning or restricting the spreading of sludge within
their borders. The state of Vermont is also considering tighter
regulation of sludge disposal in response to VPIRG 'S advocacy efforts.
SPRAWL
Raising Awareness and Promoting Solutions to Sprawl Developoment In
Vermont
In 1999 VPIRG summer canvassers visited over 30,000 households to talk
with Vermonters about the causes of sprawl development. Many factors
encourage sprawl, but one of the biggest culprits is the way in which
Vermont spends tax dollars. Infrastructure (such as roads and sewer
lines) and tax subsidies given to businesses dramatically impact how and
where buildings are. constructed. In 1999 VPIRG laid the groundwork for
changing the way Vermont's public funds are spent. As a founding member
of the Vermont Transportation Alliance, VPIRG also worked with local
communities to fight poorly planned highways and increasing truck
traffic; and to promote transportation alternatives.
Saving Money, Conserving resources & Reducing Air Pollution
In 1999 VPIRG was instrumental in passing legislation that created the
nation's first "Energy Efficiency Utility" to help businesses and
individuals reduce power consumption. The far-reaching effect of this
measure will be to save ratepayers money, significantly lower
air-pollution emissions, create more local jobs and keep money in
Vermont.
Defending the Nation's Toughest Campaign Finance Law
In 1999 VPIRG continued our defense of Vermont's landmark campaign
finance law, which passed in 1997. The reform establishes the strictest
campaign laws in the country, and VPIRG has organized a coalition of
intervenors to strengthen the state's case. With a recent US Supreme
Court ruling upholding contribution limits, it appears that our efforts
to reinvigorate democracy may be the next test for the high court. In
doing so, VPIRG may help to change campaign finance laws across the
nation.
Blocking a Bad Deal for Vermonters
In 1999 VPIRG continued to highlight the serious dangers posed by this
aging nuclear power plant. In an effort to show that the plant should be
closed on economic grounds, VPIRG hired an independent economist to
evaluate the sale of Vermont Yankee to an international firm that has no
ties to Vermont. These findings clearly show that the sale will cost
ratepayers money and that the most fiscally prudent approach is to shut
down the plant immediately. At year's end, VPIRG was continuing to work
with legislators to stop the sale and bring about Yankee's closing in the
near future.
Making Vermont an rBGH-Free Zone
In 1999 VPIRG initiated a campaign to get rBGH-induced milk out of
Vermont's schools. The genetically-engineered bovine growth hormone,
which elevates milk production in cows, is linked to a host of
problems including: health problems in cows; additional pressure on
small Vermont dairy farms; and human cancers. With the support of parents
and school administrators, VPIRG launched an educational campaign to help
Vermont school boards make their schools rBGH-free zones. One school has
already achieved this goal and six more schools are in the process of
doing so.
Responding to Emergencies As They Arise
In 1999 VPIRG responded to situations that arose swiftly and demanded
immediate action. VPIRG organized Vermonters to protest test burns of
toxic waste by International Paper across the lake in New York, to turn
away a proposed factory farm in North Hero, and fight potential pesticide
pollution from a proposed golf course atop Mt. Mansfield, among other
actions. VPIRG also waged a campaign against the sale of Ben &
Jerry's to a multinational corporation, which gained international
attention while spotlighting the importance of local ownership to
Vermont's economy.
Thank You Activists
VPIRG wants to thank activists in all walks of life and every corner of
the state whose letters, phone calls and attendance at rallies, meetings
and other events are the backbone of VPIRG‘s accomplishments.
Special Thanks...
VPIRG would like to offer special thanks to the following people for giving
generously of their time, ideas and resources, and in doing so making VPIRG a more effective organization: Jim Gerard, Jeffrey Hollender, Crea
Lintilhac, Biff Mithoefer, Duane Peterson, Mathew Rubin, and Charles and Judith Scott.
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