On Monday Judge Christina Reiss rejected a motion from corporate food and chemical companies asking Vermont to stop implementation of the state’s GMO labeling law. The judge also dismissed a number of the plaintiffs’ claims including assertions that the law violates the commerce clause and was expressly preempted by federal law. Possibly the most important …
VPIRG Energy and Democracy Advocate Julia Michel (pictured, left at at a 2014 young voter turnout event) testified before the House Government Operations committee today in support of S.29 – a bill that would allow Election Day voter registration in Vermont. (Read her full testimony here.) “Throughout our nation’s history, Americans have faced legal and …
VPIRG Advocate Testifies in Support of Election Day Registration Read More »
The Vermont Senate voted 23 – 5 today to pass S.R. 7 – a resolution recognizing that climate change is real and primarily driven by human activity. By passing the resolution, the Senate also renewed Vermont’s commitment to cutting carbon emissions. The move by the Vermont Senate comes at a time when accepted climate science …
Vermont Senate Recognizes Human-Caused Climate Change Read More »
More than 200 Vermont businesses have now endorsed Energy Independent Vermont — the campaign to put a price on carbon pollution. Several Vermont business leaders spoke at a State House press conference today — saying that climate change threatens Vermont’s economy, brand, and quality of life. The business leaders – which included representatives from Adamant …
Today, S.20, a bill that allows dental therapists to practice in Vermont, passed the Senate floor on an 18 – 8 vote. This legislation, sponsored by Sen. Claire Ayer (D-Addison), Sen. Michael Sirotkin (D-Chittenden), and Sen. Jeanette White (D-Windham), will increase access to affordable, quality dental care for all Vermonters. Sponsor and Chair of the Government …
Legislation to Improve Access to Dental Care for All Passes Senate Floor Read More »
There are two months left in the 2015 legislative session and VPIRG has been working diligently this year on a number of big energy issues. Here is a short update of where those issues stand: The carbon pollution tax: Since January, we’ve been working to build support with legislators, educate interested Vermonters and line up …
Last week the Vermont Senate passed legislation to bring necessary consumer protections to the rent-to-own industry. The bill passed on a unanimous voice vote and now heads to the House of Representatives. These businesses rent out home goods such as couches, refrigerators and televisions to consumers at a premium price, giving consumers the ability to …
Rent-to-Own Bill Headed to the House of Representatives Read More »
Please join us for: Vermont Senate Hearing on Climate Science Wednesday, March 25th 9 am – 10:30 am Room 11, State House in Montpelier At a time when elected leaders in Washington, D.C. and other states are denying climate change—and even banning the terms “climate change”—Vermont’s leaders have a responsibility to recognize the scientific link …
Today VPIRG’s Environmental Health team traveled to the Department of Health in Burlington to speak at a public hearing on rules around implementation of the Toxic Free Families Act. And we weren’t alone- over 250 Vermonters and VPIRG members were with us in the form of a signed petition voicing their support for strong rules …
VPIRG and Allies Advocate for Strong Toxic Free Families Act Rules Read More »
This week the Government Operations Committee voted 4-1 to pass legislation to allow mid-level dental providers (called dental therapists) to expand the dental team in Vermont. The Committee took testimony a wide range of stakeholders including advocates, and oral health professionals from across the country. Some of the most compelling testimony came on Tuesday afternoon …
Government Operations Committee Passes Bill to Expand Access to Dental Care Read More »
