Entergy sues Vermont
Monday morning, executives from Entergy, Vermont Yankee’s corporate owner, decided to go back on their word yet again and sue the state of Vermont, claiming Vermont doesn’t have the right to weigh in on Vermont Yankee’s future.
News and Updates
ANR taking comments on ATV usage
With warmer weather here and the snow quickly disappearing, many of us are looking forward to getting outside to enjoy Vermont’s spectacular natural environment. Unfortunately, some of our state’s pristine, protected state lands are at risk of being damaged and degraded by the use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
Health Care Bill passes Senate Health Care committee
The Senate Health Care Committee passed the health care bill 5-0 Wednesday, beating back the worst amendments that would have given far more power to insurance companies and jeopardized this rare opportunity we have to ensure that every Vermonter has access affordable health care.
Midwifery Bill passes Senate!
Late April 6th, the Senate voted overwhelming in favor S.15, which guarantees coverage for midwifery services in Vermont. The bill will end the discrimination against expecting mothers who would prefer to have their child in the comfert and supportive environment of their own home but currently have to pay for home birth out of pocket, in addition to their monthly private insurance premium.
PACE Bill passes the House of Representatives
On Tuesday, April 5, the House of Representatives passed a bill that will make renewable energy and energy efficiency projects more affordable to Vermonters. The bill, H.155, makes important changes to the Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, program that was originally passed in 2009.
Health Care passes the House 89 to 47
On Thursday March 24th, the House of Representatives passed Vermont’s comprehensive health care reform bill H.202 in a 89-47 vote. This bill is the first step on the path towards a health care system that is universal, affordable, transparent – and fair. Everyone participates, and most importantly, everyone would be covered.
VPIRG releases Clean Heat report
Over the past five years, VPIREF has released three major reports addressing the challenges and opportunities in determining Vermont’s energy future. These reports provided insights into the economic challenges and environmental impacts of energy use in Vermont and identified solutions that could help Vermont build a clean energy future.
House voting on Health Care Reform
The Vermont House of Representatives is debating Vermont’s comprehensive health care reform bill (H.202), and will likely vote on it on Thursday March 23rd. In the next few hours there will be attempts to stall the bill, and there will be amendments introduced to weaken it.
Important vote on mercury lamp recycling
The benefits of fluorescent bulbs in terms of energy efficiency are tremendous, and VPIRG supports their continued use. However, fluorescent bulbs also contain mercury, a known neurotoxin that can build up in our bodies and the environment. As the demand for energy efficient lighting increases, it’s imperative that Vermont have an effective recycling infrastructure in place.
Senate voting on safer, greener schools
Late last week the Senate Education committee passed a bill (S.92) to protect Vermont’s children from harmful cleaning chemicals in schools. The bill will require schools in Vermont to use safer, green cleaning supplies, and is headed to the full Senate for a vote.