News & Updates

The Vermont Public Interest Research Group announced today that it is going to federal court to urge review of two rules recently proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the 2016 Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act. The petitions challenge final rules issued by the EPA concerning how the agency will prioritize chemicals for safety ...

The Vermont Public Interest Research Group’s Executive Director Paul Burns released the following statement concerning the violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia that left at least three people dead and 19 injured: VPIRG denounces the acts of violent terrorism perpetrated by white supremacist groups in Charlottesville over the weekend. Our thoughts are with those who ...

While much attention has rightfully been focused on Congress’ and the president’s efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, Vermonters still have important health care concerns to address here at home. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont and MVP Health Care have recently proposed rate hikes of 12.7% and 7.7% respectively to their 2018 ...

Did you know that some of Shaws’ products contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and parabens? New research found toxic chemicals that can harm our families in numerous products, such as sensitive skin body wash and kids’ bubble bath, sold by Albertsons, parent company of Shaw’s. Will you join us for an event at the Shaw’s in ...

Last week the entire canvass traveled to Windham county to engage with Vermonters in the South-East corner of Vermont. A staff of nearly 100 canvassers, field managers, directors, and administrative staff spent the week working out of Fort Dummer State Park and expanding VPIRG’s reach to 38 towns in the area. Despite the long hours, ...

On Friday, July 7th, the Public Utility Commission (PUC), formerly known as the Public Service Board, rejected the Scott Administration’s recommendation of an 8% cut to Efficiency Vermont’s budget. Instead, they chose to adopt the recommendation put forth by the organization that runs Efficiency Vermont, the Vermont Electric Investment Company (VEIC). This is essentially a ...

In May 2017, the Public Service Board issued a final proposed rule on sound from wind turbines. Unfortunately, they chose to ignore the clear evidence and issue a rule that, if approved, will functionally take wind off the table as a viable resource here in Vermont. VPIRG has been involved in this proceeding since its start ...

Last week, as elected leaders, organizations and businesses gathered at ECHO to announce the formation of the Vermont Climate Pledge Coalition – we were there to greet those leaders and urge them to #WalkTheWalk when it comes to climate action. “Right next to the news conference announcing the climate coalition at the ECHO Center on Burlington’s ...