When he was running for governor, Phil Scott made a point of saying that “Listening is more important than talking; and actions speak louder than words.” He added that “By genuinely listening to Vermonters, I have found that constituents have the best ideas…”1 But in a social media post last week, Gov. Scott summarily dismissed …
On Wednesday night 65 people crowded into the banquet room of the Kingdom Taproom in St. Johnsbury to offer varying perspectives on how the Governor’s newly formed Climate Action Commission should address the climate crisis here in Vermont. Of the 65 people present, 37 provided comments to the four commissioners in attendance. Over half of …
Climate Activists Demand a Price on Carbon Pollution in St. Johnsbury Read More »
On Monday August 7th, the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) passed with broad bipartisan support a resolution (starts pg. 42) urging Congress to fully fund the Department of Energy’s (DOE) appliance efficiency standards program. The resolution, which passed with broad bipartisan support, was sponsored by Vermont Representative Curt McCormack (Chittenden-6-3), who co-chairs the NCSL …
The Vermont Public Interest Research Group announced today that it is going to federal court to urge review of two rules recently proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the 2016 Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act. The petitions challenge final rules issued by the EPA concerning how the agency will prioritize chemicals for safety …
VPIRG and Allies Sue Trump EPA Over New Toxics Rules Read More »
While much attention has rightfully been focused on Congress’ and the president’s efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, Vermonters still have important health care concerns to address here at home. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont and MVP Health Care have recently proposed rate hikes of 12.7% and 7.7% respectively to their …
Did you know that some of Shaws’ products contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and parabens? New research found toxic chemicals that can harm our families in numerous products, such as sensitive skin body wash and kids’ bubble bath, sold by Albertsons, parent company of Shaw’s. Will you join us for an event at the Shaw’s …
On Friday, July 7th, the Public Utility Commission (PUC), formerly known as the Public Service Board, rejected the Scott Administration’s recommendation of an 8% cut to Efficiency Vermont’s budget. Instead, they chose to adopt the recommendation put forth by the organization that runs Efficiency Vermont, the Vermont Electric Investment Company (VEIC). This is essentially a …
Commission Rejects Scott Administration’s Proposed Efficiency Cut Read More »
In May 2017, the Public Service Board issued a final proposed rule on sound from wind turbines. Unfortunately, they chose to ignore the clear evidence and issue a rule that, if approved, will functionally take wind off the table as a viable resource here in Vermont. VPIRG has been involved in this proceeding since its …
Today, Gov. Phil Scott signed into law S. 8, an ethics and government reform bill. So, what does the new law do? Addresses the revolving door by prohibiting legislators and executive officers from working as a lobbyist for one year after leaving office. Bans certain pay to play practices by prohibiting holders of large sole …
In front of a large crowd on Thursday at the Northern Stage theater in White River Junction, Governor Scott signed into law S.135, a bill that creates a state-administered retirement program. As part of a larger economic development bill that supports rural and downtown development, Section C of the legislation authorizes the Treasurer’s Office to implement …
