Thursday evening’s webinar on Dr. Hsiao’s three proposed health care plans and the future of health care reform in Vermont went incredibly well. Thanks to everyone who made what was our first ever webinar possible, and everyone who called in to get the inside scoop on where health care reform in Vermont is headed.
We want a Vermont powered by clean, homegrown energy that doesn’t create radioactive waste or wreck our planet’s climate, and we want our energy dollars to stay in the state. The pilot round of the Standard Offer moved us towards that reality.
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 »
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 …
Tritium was discovered in a former drinking water well at Vermont Yankee, according to the Vermont Department of Health. The well where the tritium was found is about 360 feet deep, passing through the bedrock into the underground aquifer at the plant. The sample taken from the well revealed tritium concentration of 1,380 picocuries-per-liter. Entergy Louisiana could …
Tritium leak reaches local drinking water aquifer Read More »
America’s buildings consume more than 40 percent of our total energy, which amounts to almost 10 percent of all the energy used in the world. Much of this energy is wasted due to inadequate insulation, inefficient heating and cooling systems, and poor construction techniques. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that widespread use of today’s …
New Report: How High-Efficiency Buildings Will Save Money and Reduce Global Warming Read More »
