Issues

The Vermont legislature went big on climate action. Here are the details.

The Vermont legislature wrapped up its 2021 session Friday, and it was one for the history books. One big winner? Action on the climate crisis. We’ll be sharing a full recap of the legislative session soon, but first we wanted to share some highlights from the state budget. In the middle of a pandemic unlike …

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Legislature Gives Final Approval to Community Broadband Bill

Both chambers of the Vermont legislature have given final approval to H.360 aka “The Broadband Bill.” This VPIRG-supported bill represents the most significant investment in state history toward bringing world-class broadband internet service to every Vermonter—an investment made possible by federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. But perhaps as important as the funding …

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Vermont Enacts Groundbreaking Restrictions on Toxic PFAS Chemicals

Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed into law a nation-leading bill that restricts the sale of consumer products that contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS. Legislative leaders and organizations released the following statements in response. Senator Ginny Lyons, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health & Welfare noted, “Firefighters, outdoor enthusiasts, children and families understand how …

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VT Legislature Sends “Vote by Mail” Legislation to Governor

The Vermont Senate concurred in a voice vote today with House changes to S.15, legislation that will require ballots to be mailed to all Vermont voters in general elections moving forward. The policy that was put in place as a one-time emergency measure in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic. The bill will …

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VT Republicans and the Big Little Lie

On May 12th, 2021, House Republicans in Congress removed a top leader because she refused to endorse the Big Lie about the 2020 presidential election. At the same time in Vermont, dozens of elected Republicans in the state House of Representatives were busy promoting the false notion that our elections are at great risk due …

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VT House Approves ‘Vote by Mail’ Legislation

119-30 vote indicates the bill will become law this year  The Vermont House gave its strong support today to legislation that will require ballots to be mailed to all Vermont voters in general elections moving forward. This policy was put in place as a one-time emergency measure in 2020 during the early days of the …

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VT Legislature Passes First-in-Nation Restrictions on Toxic PFAS Chemicals

Today, the Vermont Legislature gave final approval to a nation-leading bill that would restrict the sale of consumer products that contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature. The Vermont Public Interest Research Group, Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), and Vermont Conservation Voters released the following statements in …

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Utilities Should be Treated as Utilities

GlobalFoundries, the largest electricity user in Vermont, recently filed for permission from the Public Utility Commission to become a “self-managed utility,” cutting off its reliance on Green Mountain Power for electricity – and requesting special treatment no other company or ratepayer in the state gets in the process.   One of the managers of the facility put it this way, “We will only be set up …

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Tell the Scott Administration: Support Equitable TCI-P!

VPIRG members have been pushing for an equitable, substantial Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P) for several years. We believe a well-designed program can boost our economy, reduce climate emission, and address inequities in our transportation systems.  In December 2020, a bipartisan group of governors and mayors from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia announced that …

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Vermont House Passes Bottle Bill Upgrade

Vermont’s House of Representatives passed an important piece of legislation on Friday that updates the state’s container redemption program known commonly as the Bottle Bill. The legislation, H.175, expands the Bottle Bill program to include wine and non-carbonated drinks like water, iced tea, sports drinks, and juice. Under the current Bottle Bill system, Vermonters pay …

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