Ever since the US Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in 2010, the flood gates have been officially open to massive corporate spending and dark money in elections. Dark money spending hit an all-time high of $1.9 billion in 2024, and that record is expected to be broken this year. But now, states have identified a …
A Federal Court sided with Vermont voters in a September 17th decision to dismiss a US Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit seeking Vermont’s complete voter file. This marks the 24th loss for the DOJ in cases seeking state voter rolls, containing voter’s drivers license numbers, partial Social Security numbers, and other private information. The Vermont …
The Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) kicked off its “Democracy Vermont” summer outreach campaign today at an event at Roosevelt Park in Burlington. VPIRG is among the most well-known public interest advocacy organizations in the state, and each summer sets out to connect with tens of thousands of Vermonters at their homes. This summer’s …
VPIRG launches “Democracy Vermont” summer outreach campaign Read More »
CLIMATE & ENERGY Passing the nation’s strongest regulations on AI data center development VPIRG led the effort to strengthen and pass H.727, which Gov Scott ultimately vetoed despite hundreds of VPIRG members and other Vermonters urging him to side with Vermont ratepayers over Big Tech. The bill would have ensured Vermonters don’t wind up paying …
It’s difficult to put into words the level of violence, intimidation, fear, and prolonged chaos that ICE agents brought to Vermont with their bungled raid in South Burlington on March 11. It started when ICE agents misidentified a suspect and began a car chase down a busy street during morning hour rush near two schools. …
Governor Phil Scott signed S.23 into law on Thursday, legislation that sets strict rules for the use of artificial intelligence in Vermont’s elections. The new law requires that any campaign media featuring AI-generated images, audio, or video used within 90 days of an election must include a clear disclosure. It also establishes regulations on the …
S.23, An act relating to the use of synthetic media in elections, passes in to law Read More »
CLIMATE & CLEAN ENERGY Defend Vermont’s Climate Progress In recent years, Vermont has passed the Global Warming Solutions Act, updated our Renewable Energy Standard to reach 100% renewable power and double the amount of new renewables that will be built in Vermont, and enacted the landmark Climate Superfund Act to finally hold Big Oil financially …
CLIMATE & CLEAN ENERGY Protecting Vermont’s Climate Progress from Rollbacks One of the most important outcomes of the 2025 legislative session was the successful defense of Vermont’s foundational climate policies. From the beginning of the year, attacks on climate action have come hard and fast from both President Trump and Governor Phil Scott. While many …
Vermonters have made it clear that the status quo just isn’t working. At VPIRG, we’ve never been real big on preserving the status quo anyway. Our work to protect Vermont’s people, environment, & democracy will continue in 2025. From guarding our online privacy to ensuring the safety of our food and products, we’re seeking progress …
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 …
