VPIRG continues to show support for the responsible development of wind power in Vermont. Wind, as one of the cleanest and environmentally responsible forms of electricity out there, must play a significant role in our clean energy future. With just the 5 permitted wind projects in the construction phase, or already built, around 58,800 Vermont homes will be powered with clean, local, renewable energy!
NOFA, Rural Vermont and Full Moon Farm are among the 83 plaintiffs in a lawsuit looking to protect Vermont farmers from corporate giant Monsanto. The lawsuit, filed in March, seeks to protect Vermont farmers from being sued by Monsanto for patent infringement. To learn more about the suit click here.
It is estimated that 70% of all packaged food sold in the United States contains Genetically engineered ingredients, yet consumers have no way choosing whether or not to buy these foods because they are not labeled. In response to growing concern about this issue Representative Kate Webb of Shelburne introduced H.722, the VT Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act, into the Vermont House of Representatives on February 1, 2012. The Act would address consumer concerns by requiring food sold at retail outlets in the state of Vermont to be labeled if it is genetically engineered, or produced with genetically engineered ingredients.
Countering a group of anti-wind activists gathered at the State House today, Vermont’s largest environmental and consumer advocacy group made clear that responsible development of our state’s renewable wind resources, both large and small, is an essential part of our clean energy future.
In the coming weeks, the legislature is considering taking big steps to realize Vermont’s clean energy future:
On Monday, Vermonters gathered outside the State House in Montpelier to thank Governor Shumlin and other state leaders for moving Vermont toward a clean energy future and for their support for retiring Vermont Yankee on schedule.
On Tuesday, the Vermont House of Representatives passed H.475, a VPIRG-backed bill that will streamline the process for Vermonters choosing to power their homes and businesses with solar and other renewable energy sources. This bill strengthens Vermont’s already nation leading renewables legislation, and builds on work VPIRG and our partners did in 2011.
U.S. District Court Judge Garvan Murtha just released his ruling in Entergy Louisiana’s lawsuit against the state of Vermont regarding Vermont Yankee. In a blow to clean energy and the public interest, Murtha sided with Entergy in striking down key sections of Vermont law.
Released on the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission case—which opened the floodgates to corporate spending on elections—this report takes a hard look at the lobbying activities of profitable Fortune 500 companies that exploit loopholes and distort the tax code to avoid billions of dollars in taxes.
Today, the second anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, Vermont lawmakers and activists are holding a press conference in support of a state resolution calling for a constitutional amendment to overturn the ruling and challenge the notion of corporate personhood.
