Right now, all across the country, Americans are protesting in response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. VPIRG stands in solidarity with those demanding justice and working to address systemic racism. The killing that sparked the demonstrations this week happened in Minneapolis, Minnesota. But the systemic racism and broken criminal justice …
VPIRG stands in solidarity with those demanding justice Read More »
In a huge win for the health of Vermont’s people and environment, the Vermont Senate unanimously passed S.295 today, a bill banning PFAS in certain products including firefighting foam, carpets/rugs, and food packaging. The term ‘PFAS’ refers to a very large (and ever growing, with more research being done all the time) class of chemicals …
The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare many sobering realities. It has exposed the dire consequences of failing to listen to science and experts. It has highlighted that the communities most impacted by the coronavirus are also most at risk of experiencing climate disasters. It has also exposed extreme inequalities in safeguards for our communities and demonstrated that …
The role of the Global Warming Solutions Act in a resilient recovery Read More »
Last week VPIRG and a coalition of allies sent the following letter to Governor Phil Scott and Secretary of State Jim Condos calling on them to immediately institute a vote-by-mail system in Vermont. The letter was accompanied by a petition signed by just over 1,180 Vermonters in support of this policy. This comes at a …
VPIRG and Allies Send Vote-By-Mail Petition to Governor; SOS Read More »
Event Details: Thursday, April 2, 2020, 12:30pm VPIRG Board Member and UVM student Anna Marchessault talks with Jon Erickson, VPIREF Board Member and Professor of Sustainability Science and Policy at the University of Vermont, Rubenstein School about the economics of the COVID-19 pandemic and how to use the current upheaval as an opportunity to craft …
WEBINAR: Building a Resilient and Equitable Economy in the wake of COVID-19 Read More »
Event Details: Wednesday, April 1, 4pm VPIRG’s Maeve Power facilitates this conversation with Jenna Koloski (Vermont Council for Rural Development), Carrie Baker Stahler (Green Mountain United Way), Rebecca Sanborn Stone (organizer in the White River Valley), and Monique Priestly (organizer in the Upper Valley). Tune in for information on how communities across Vermont are coming …
WEBINAR: Community Organizing & Volunteer Opportunities around COVID-19 Read More »
The Vermont Senate voted today to adopt a number of temporary emergency reforms to facilitate the functions of government and democracy during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include changes to Vermont’s open meetings law and to elections, which could include a vote by mail process. The legislation (H.681) was negotiated during a series of teleconference meetings …
VPIRG Supports Measures to Keep Government Working; Elections Safe Read More »
You may have heard some buzz recently about SunCommon’s Climate Action Film Festival, featuring short films from near and far profiling inspiring individuals and communities working to take action to address the climate crisis. Many screenings have already taken place across the state, and several more were planned for the coming weeks. In light of the COVID-19 …
Climate Action Film Festival Goes Digital in Response to COVID-19 Read More »
The VT Legislature is back from Town Meeting break and it’s crossover week, which means legislation needs to move this week if it’s to have a chance of being enacted this year. VPIRG director Paul Burns and Vermont Conservation Voters director Lauren Hierl came together to give an update on where several key pieces of …
Environmental Health Crossover Update & Call to Action Read More »
In a HUGE win for climate action, the Global Warming Solutions Act, H.688, passed through the House of Representatives this afternoon in a 105-37 vote, sending it to the Senate with a strong message of support. (Check out how your rep voted here!) The success of the Solutions Act in the House comes after months of …
Global Warming Solutions Act Passes on House Floor Read More »
