VPIRG

The Truth About Toxic PFAS Chemicals—and How Retailers Are Responding

News and Updates, Reports, Toxics & Environmental Health / By

Recent headlines like “95 Million Americans Have PFAS-Laced Drinking Water” underscore the alarming prevalence of toxic PFAS chemicals—also known as “forever chemicals”—in our food, bodies, and environment. From drinking water contamination to game meat consumption advisories, the evidence is clear: PFAS are a widespread problem and a threat to human health.  What’s less clear—until now—is …

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VPIRG Celebrates Enactment of “Climate Superfund” in New York State

Climate & Energy, News and Updates, Victories / By

Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) congratulated New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) for signing the Climate Change Superfund Act into law on Thursday. The new law establishes a cost recovery program that requires the fossil fuel companies that have contributed most significantly to the buildup of greenhouse gas pollution in …

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‘Tis the Season for Less Plastic

News and Updates, Press Releases, Reports, Toxics & Environmental Health, Zero Waste / By

VPIRG report provides consumers with tips for avoiding excessive and potentially toxic plastic packaging and products this holiday season. Nowhere on Earth is free from plastic pollution these days, from the highest mountaintops to the deepest ocean canyons. The problem gets worse each year and seems to peak during the holiday season when household trash …

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About the Affordable Heat Act (S.5)

Climate & Energy, Efficiency & Electrification, Heat Clean, News and Updates / By

The Affordable Heat Act (S.5) is a policy designed to help ensure that every Vermonter can access cleaner, more affordable heat — not just those who already have the resources to do so. In 2023, the Vermont Legislature passed S.5, commencing a comprehensive two-year process to explore, shape and consider implementing a “clean heat” thermal …

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Climate Superfund Law Enacted; Vermont Becomes First State to Hold Big Oil Financially Responsible for a Fair Share of Climate Damages

Climate & Energy, News and Updates, Press Releases / By

Legislation authorizing the State of Vermont to recoup financial damages caused by climate change from major fossil fuel companies became law yesterday when Governor Phil Scott failed to sign or veto the bill during the constitutionally-mandated five-day consideration period. The enactment of S.259, the Climate Superfund Act, marks a new era in the effort to …

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Governor Scott’s Veto of Landmark Renewable Energy Bill is Short-Sighted

Climate & Energy, News and Updates, Press Releases / By

Montpelier, VT — In a dismaying attempt to obstruct Vermont’s environmental and economic progress, today Governor Scott vetoed compromise legislation aimed at modernizing the Renewable Energy Standard and setting the state on a path to delivering 100% renewable electricity by 2035.  By vetoing H.289, which was supported by nearly all of the state’s electric utilities, …

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2024 Legislative End of Session Update 

Bottle Bill, Climate & Energy, Consumer Protection, Elections and Government Reform, News and Updates, Toxics & Environmental Health, Zero Waste / By

CLIMATE & CLEAN ENERGY  Climate Superfund Act (S.259)  Following a hugely successful summer of canvassing in support of making the world’s largest fossil fuel companies pay their fair share to Vermont for the cost of the climate crisis to our state – and a fall of building support for the idea with events in every …

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Vermont Senate Passes Modernized Renewable Energy Standard

Climate & Energy, News and Updates, Press Releases / By

On May 7, the Vermont Senate passed H.289, to modernize the Renewable Energy Standard and set Vermont on a path to delivering 100% renewable electricity across all the state’s utilities by 2035.  This would make Vermont only the second state to meet that critical benchmark, and would significantly increase the requirements for Vermont utilities to …

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VPIRG Hails Passage of Vermont Data Privacy Act

Consumer Protection, News and Updates, Press Releases / By

The Vermont Public Interest Research Group hailed the passage of a comprehensive consumer data privacy bill Saturday. The bill, H.121, passed after a series of back-and-forth amendments between the House and Senate in the final days of the legislative session. VPIRG called the legislation a win for consumers, while recognizing that the final bill includes …

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Climate Superfund Act Passes Vermont Legislature, Heads to Governor Phil Scott

Climate & Energy, News and Updates, Press Releases / By

The Vermont Senate gave final approval today to landmark legislation that holds the largest fossil fuel companies financially accountable for a portion of the costs of climate change. On a voice vote, senators approved final passage of the Climate Superfund Act (S.259). Earlier this month, 106 of the 150 members of the House of Representatives …

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