Resources
2015 Legislative Accomplishments
VPIRG was able to pass substantial legislation in the first half of the 2015-2016 legislative biennium and lay the groundwork for even more gains next year. We cracked through on long overdue reforms to our electoral system – including a vigorous new lobbyist disclosure law and the institution of Election Day voter registration. We ushered …
UN Report Calls for Microbead Ban
The United Nations Environment Programme has released a new report in which it recommends a ban on microplastics, including microbeads, found in personal care products. The report states, “for the last 50 years, microparticles of plastic, or microplastics, have been used in personal care products and cosmetics, replacing natural options in a large number of …
Vermont just passed a Renewable Energy Standard. Here’s what it does.
On Friday May 15th, the Vermont Senate passed H.40, the “Renewable Energy Standard” bill. Shortly thereafter the House (which had passed the bill back in March) approved the Senate’s changes, sending it to the Governor’s desk. He was been a supporter of the bill from day one, and is expected to sign it in the …
Vermont just passed a Renewable Energy Standard. Here’s what it does. Read More »
VPIRG Interns Tell Their Global Warming Stories
We asked VPIRG Interns to tell us how global warming has affected them and explain why they think we must act now to address this problem.These are testimonials from the generation who will be left to deal with the some of the still-unseen consequences of climate change if we fail to do something. Do you …
Buying Microbead Free
We’re working to pass legislation to ban microbeads in consumer products in Vermont. These beads are found in numerous varieties of home beauty products: toothpaste, facial cleanser, soap, and body wash to name a few. And even a little tube can pack a big punch when rinsed down the drain- The 5 Gyres Institute estimates that one …
Help Improve Vermont Health Connect
Right now Vermonters have an important chance to help improve 2016 Vermont Health Connect plans. The Department of Vermont Health Access has proposed increasing the out of pocket expenditure for a number of the most popular plans on Vermont Health Connect. Though many of these increases are required to keep Vermont Health Connect in line with federal …
Oral Health Care For All Coalition Calls For Licensed Dental Practitoners
Today VPIRG and allies from the Vermont Oral Health Care for All Coalition gathered at the State House to voice support for legislation that would expand Vermont’s dental workforce. S.20 and H.1 would allow Licensed Dental Practitioners to provide dental services in the state of Vermont and address dental access issues faced by Vermont. Click …
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Microbeads Bill Passes House with 140-0 Vote
This morning, advocates from Vermont’s environmental protection, business, and scientific community gathered alongside Lawmakers at the State House’s Cedar Creek room, in support of House Bill 4, Vermont’s bill to ban microbeads. Click Here to read the official VPIRG press release. House Fish and Wildlife Chairman Representative David Deen, cosponsor of H.4, commented on the …
VPIRG, Senators Urge Support for Vermont Popular Vote Amendment
On the opening day of Vermont’s legislative session, a politically diverse group of lawmakers joined VPIRG in calling for an amendment to the state Constitution so that all future leaders are elected by the people of the state. Currently, Vermont’s Constitution requires legislators to choose the winner in races for governor, lieutenant governor or treasurer …
VPIRG, Senators Urge Support for Vermont Popular Vote Amendment Read More »