This week Governor Scott signed into law a bill (S. 30) which sets a schedule for phasing out the use of Hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, statewide. HFCs are an entirely man-made class of chemicals used primarily for cooling and refrigeration. Though originally introduced as an alternative to ozone-depleting substances, HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases that contribute …
Governor Scott Signs Hydrofluorocarbons Bill Into Law Read More »
We’re excited to announce that Vermont just enacted the best single-use plastics law in the nation! VPIRG has been leading the charge for bold legislation to address plastic pollution, and now Governor Phil Scott has responded by signing S.113, which represents the toughest anti-plastics legislation yet on the statewide level. S.113 bans troublesome plastic carryout …
Weatherizing Vermont’s old housing stock is an essential element of any plan to address our state’s rising greenhouse gas emissions. But the benefits of weatherization extend beyond curbing carbon emissions – other perks include the potential for decreased energy bills, improved health, and more investment in Vermont’s economy. Since heating accounts for a sizable portion …
Today Governor Scott signed into law a landmark bill protecting against lead in school drinking water. The move is being celebrated by environmental advocates across the state. “There’s really only one kind of water we should be giving our kids in schools and child care centers, and that’s unleaded,” commented Paul Burns, Executive Director of …
Governor Signs Bill Protecting Against Lead In School Drinking Water Read More »
Last month, Vermont legislators passed the most far-reaching statewide legislation in the nation to address the problem of single-use plastic pollution. Today, legislative champions of that bill joined with advocacy groups to urge Gov. Phil Scott to sign the legislation. The bill (S.113), had overwhelming support in both the Senate (30-0) and the House (120-24). …
Neonicotinoid insecticides threaten bees all over the Green Mountain State – which has serious implications for all of us. For instance, the UN just published a sobering report that highlights how crucial biodiversity is and how human activity, like the use of pesticides, is hurting biodiversity around the world. Just as concerning is the fact …
Governor Scott Signs Neonic Restriction Bill Into Law Read More »
Legislation to better protect kids from toxics is now on its way to Governor Scott’s desk for consideration following the Legislature’s final passage of S.55 on May 22. If signed into law, the legislation will grant the Commissioner of Health greater authority to protect kids from dangerous chemicals in children’s products and collect better information on …
Bill to Get Toxics Out of Children’s Products Sent to Governor Read More »
On Wednesday Vermont’s Legislature passed S. 40, a landmark bill regulating lead in school and childcare center drinking water. After some tense debate between legislators in the House and Senate, a conference committee reached a final decision to set the action level for remediation at 4 parts per billion. They also pledged to set aside …
Legislators Pass Nation’s Strongest Lead Testing Bill Read More »
Vermont legislators have raised the bar when it comes to regulating the scourge of single-use plastics. S.113 – the single-use plastics bill – with overwhelming legislative support was sent to Gov. Phil Scott Wednesday. It takes aim at plastic bags, straws, drink stirrers and expanded polystyrene. “Single-use plastics like bags, cups, containers and straws are …
VT Lawmakers Approve Nation’s Strongest Anti-Plastic Pollution Legislation Read More »
The canvass is off to an exciting start! Our team is growing rapidly, reaching more doorsteps and members each day. We have been knocking on doors in Essex, Randolph, Vergennes, Panton, Waltham, New Haven, Marshfield, and Plainfield, talking to Vermonters about our campaign to stop single use plastics. In the first three weeks of canvassing, …
