This is the tale of two different Vermonts – one of which you’ve likely heard of, and one of which you may not have. The first Vermont is the one that’s repeatedly been named the “greenest” state in the U.S. The quality of our environment, our actions to protect it,…
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Today, Governor Scott signed into law the most significant set of policies in years to expand and improve broadband internet access throughout the state. H.513 – the VPIRG-backed broadband expansion bill – increases the funding needed to boost state government support for local internet startups and establishes a state revolving…
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Late yesterday, Governor Scott signed into law a bill (S.55) that he had previously blocked as both governor and lieutenant governor in its earlier iterations. The law is designed to better protect children from toxic chemicals in products that are made specifically for kids. The new law makes important changes…
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This week Governor Scott signed into law a bill (S. 30) which sets a schedule for phasing out the use of Hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, statewide. HFCs are an entirely man-made class of chemicals used primarily for cooling and refrigeration. Though originally introduced as an alternative to ozone-depleting substances, HFCs are…
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We’re excited to announce that Vermont just enacted the best single-use plastics law in the nation! VPIRG has been leading the charge for bold legislation to address plastic pollution, and now Governor Phil Scott has responded by signing S.113, which represents the toughest anti-plastics legislation yet on the statewide level.…
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Weatherizing Vermont’s old housing stock is an essential element of any plan to address our state’s rising greenhouse gas emissions. But the benefits of weatherization extend beyond curbing carbon emissions – other perks include the potential for decreased energy bills, improved health, and more investment in Vermont’s economy. Since heating…
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Today Governor Scott signed into law a landmark bill protecting against lead in school drinking water. The move is being celebrated by environmental advocates across the state. “There’s really only one kind of water we should be giving our kids in schools and child care centers, and that’s unleaded,” commented…
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Last month, Vermont legislators passed the most far-reaching statewide legislation in the nation to address the problem of single-use plastic pollution. Today, legislative champions of that bill joined with advocacy groups to urge Gov. Phil Scott to sign the legislation. The bill (S.113), had overwhelming support in both the Senate…
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Neonicotinoid insecticides threaten bees all over the Green Mountain State – which has serious implications for all of us. For instance, the UN just published a sobering report that highlights how crucial biodiversity is and how human activity, like the use of pesticides, is hurting biodiversity around the world. Just…
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Legislation to better protect kids from toxics is now on its way to Governor Scott’s desk for consideration following the Legislature’s final passage of S.55 on May 22. If signed into law, the legislation will grant the Commissioner of Health greater authority to protect kids from dangerous chemicals in children’s products…
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