We’re halfway through the 2022 legislative session in Vermont, and though our work continues to look a little different due to the ongoing pandemic, we have made significant progress across the board on our legislative priorities. From the continuing fight for Bottle Bill modernization to advancing a landmark climate legislation, read on to see where …
Today, the Vermont House of Representatives gave final passage to legislation to ban sales of 4-foot linear fluorescent tubes starting January 1, 2024, a move that would cover about 90 percent of fluorescent tube installations. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration there. Read the full release below:
Vermont is on track to become the first state in the nation to ban the sale of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) after the lighting industry conceded to state officials that better, mercury-free alternatives are now widely available. Attention now turns to the wide variety of other mercury-containing fluorescent lighting still being sold for residential and …
Coalition Calls for Phase Out of Mercury in Lighting in Vermont A new report released today by the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, the Mercury Policy Project and the Clean Lighting Coalition highlights the environmental and health risks posed when fluorescent lamps break, especially to vulnerable populations. The report provides concrete steps government, industry, consumers, and others, like …
The Vermont legislature has officially wrapped up its work for the session, and once again VPIRG’s research, member engagement, and advocacy efforts paid off. We were incredibly successful in this “virtual” session, going toe-to-toe against some of the most powerful corporate lobbyists in the state. We’re pleased to announce that a number of our top …
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 …
Vermont Enacts Groundbreaking Restrictions on Toxic PFAS Chemicals Read More »
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 …
VT Legislature Passes First-in-Nation Restrictions on Toxic PFAS Chemicals Read More »
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 …
Today, the Vermont Senate gave initial approval to legislation (S.20) to ban PFAS and other toxic chemicals from certain products. The bill is supported by firefighters, business groups, educators, public health and children’s advocates, and environmental groups. The bill will be up for its final Senate vote tomorrow, before being sent to the House for …
Vermont Senate Advances Bill to Ban Toxic PFAS Chemicals Read More »
As our State continues to grapple with the impacts of Covid-19, our elected leaders have been rightly focused on how to adequately respond to the crisis at hand. However, many do not recognize the urgent connection between toxic chemical exposure and the pandemic. For example, exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is known to …
New studies show concerning link between PFAS and COVID-19 Read More »
