On Wednesday January 19th Vermont’s expert consulting team, led by Harvard economist Dr. William Hsiao, will release three design options for the future of health care in our state. On January 20th VPIRG is teaming up with Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, Families USA and Governor Shumlin’s top health care advisor to give you the inside scoop on those plans.
We are on the edge of making the biggest decision about Vermont’s energy future in the past 40 years. The choice to repower Vermont with renewable energy resources or commit to an additional 20 years of Vermont Yankee will determine the legacy we leave future Vermonters.
Last spring, VPIRG successfully advocated for an e-waste law that requires manufacturers to pay for an electronics recycling program in Vermont, including free and convenient collection programs in every county across the state. The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has drafted their plan and took public comment — including many from our VPIRG members — in December.
Tobacco related illnesses remain the single most preventable cause of death and disease in Vermont, killing more people than alcohol, AIDS, car accidents, illegal drugs, murders and suicides combined. Treating these illnesses costs the state $223 million per year. Luckily, there is one proven method for reducing the number of smokers – raise the price …
The Electronics Take Back Coalition has partnered with Annie Leonard and the Story of Stuff team on a new “Story of Electronics” film. The film tells the story of how electronics are really “designed for the dump” and are not made to last or be recycled. Follow the link to see all of the …
Great documentary on the way we deal with E-Waste Read More »
This December there will be two conferences held both here in Vermont and in our nation’s capital to discuss and forge plans going forward for energy policy. The first conference is happening this Saturday, December 4 — VPIRG is co-hosting the annual Community Energy and Climate ActionConference where Governor Elect Shumlin will be taking …
Two amazing conferences in December on Energy Policy Read More »
Dangerous or toxic toys can still be found on America’s store shelves, Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) announced today in its 25th annual Trouble in Toyland report. VPIRG’s report reveals the results of laboratory testing for toxic chemicals and identifies toys that pose choking hazards. In addition, the report includes guidance for avoiding common …
Last Saturday, over 200 Vermonters came together in Randolph for the 5th annual Environmental Action Conference. At the conference, people attended workshops ranging from Launch a New Era of Vermont Energy Policy to Working with the media. In addition, addresses were given by state leaders in the environmental movement such as Governor Elect Shumlin and …
5th annual Environmental Action Conference a huge success Read More »
It happened again, Vermont Yankee sprang a serious radioactive leak, forcing the plant to shut down. It’s clear that no matter how many leaks they have, no matter how unsafe Yankee becomes, Entergy is going to charge full steam ahead. New legislators were elected from around that state last week, and old ones re-elected. …
Vermont Yankee springs new leak, forced to shut down Read More »
On election day, Vermonters voted overwhelming in favor of the constitutional amendment that would allow 17 year olds to vote in the primaries if they turn 18 by the general election. Vermont now stands with 18 other states around the country in a continuing effort to increase voter participation and instill the democratic process …
