Cleaning up dirty salvage yards
October 25, 2009
Vermont is known for its pristine landscapes, yet an unknown number of junkyards litter our state with abandoned cars, stockpiled tires, and the dangerous pollution they produce. Many salvage yards are properly operated and maintained, but many others are endangering our waterways and the health of nearby communities.
Reducing the cost of staying warm, and spearheading renewable energy
September 1, 2008
After a gubernatorial veto in 2007 and a hard fought battle that summer, the tide turned in 2008. With VPIRG’s support, legislators passed S.209, the Vermont Energy Efficiency and Affordability Act. This bill will save Vermonters millions of dollars through heating and energy efficiency projects. It also spearheads the creation of new renewable energy generation in...
Helping reform Catamount Health
September 1, 2008
VPIRG helped continue reform Catamount Health in 2008. The bill passed gave an “amnesty period” for people with pre-existing conditions who signed up for Catamount Health before November 1, 2008. The bill also allows Vermonters who are currently in insurance plans with a deductible of $10,000 or more to access Catamount right now. Finally, the state will seek...
Getting lead out of our lives
September 1, 2008
Passed in 2008, S.152 is one of the most comprehensive lead product safety bills in the country. It limits lead in children’s projects, phases out lead in certain other consumer products including plumbing fixtures and non-residential paints and primers, and requires warnings to be posted at points of sale for products that could contain lead.
Making mammograms affordable
September 1, 2008
In 2008 VPIRG helped pass a bill ensuring that no woman with health insurance in Vermont will have to forego a mammogram due to concerns over cost. Due to deductibles and co-pay requirements, some women have been faced with having to pay up to $300 for the procedure. Under this new law, deductibles will no longer apply to mammogram procedures and co-pay costs will be...
Making manufacturers responsible for mercury thermostats
September 1, 2008
In 2008 Vermont became the second state in the nation to require manufacturers to share responsibility for the proper disposal of mercury-containing thermostats. Thermostat manufacturers are required to pay a $5 bounty to Vermonters who turn in mercury-containing thermostats to be recycled.
Ensuring affordable colon cancer screenings
September 1, 2008
Following last session’s success with making mammograms more affordable, H.24 makes similar progress with colon cancer screenings. This law ensures that no one who is at-risk for colon cancer and has health insurance in Vermont will have to forego a screening due to concerns over cost. Capping co-pay costs at $100, in these tough economic times, this...
Holding Vermont Yankee accountable to Vermonters
September 1, 2006
In 2006, VPIRG was instrumental in passing Act 160, which ensures that the Vermont legislature will have an up or down vote on whether or not Vermont Yankee will be allowed to apply for a license to operate after 2012. This act made Vermont the first state in the country where the state legislature has the power to prevent the relicensing of a nuclear power plant,...
Important steps on global warming
September 1, 2006
In 2006, VPIRG worked hard to get two important global warming bills enacted into law. The first set limits on how much pollution we can produce and required state government to consider the impact on global warming when considering where decisions like where our power comes from or how our communities will grow. The second ensured that Vermont's participation in a...
Catamount Health and chronic care management
September 1, 2006
In 2006 VPIRG supported the Health Care Affordability, which established Catamount Health. The legislation was an effort to move one step closer to universal health care for all Vermont citizens, and hammers out needed reforms to health care within the state. The legislation will also improve how health care is delivered to chronically ill patients by establishing a...
