News and Updates

New Poll: Nearly Three-Quarters of Vermonters Support Banning Paraquat

News and Updates, Press Releases, Toxics & Environmental Health / By

As the Vermont House Agriculture Committee prepares to consider H.739, legislation that would ban the toxic pesticide paraquat, a new statewide poll finds strong bipartisan support among Vermont voters for taking action. Scientific studies have linked paraquat exposure to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Earlier testimony from Dr. James Boyd, a neurologist with UVM …

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A masked protester face to face with a Vermont State Trooper wearing riot gear and a gas mask on Dorset St. in South Burlington.

About Last Week’s Botched ICE Raid

Elections and Government Reform, News and Updates / By

It’s difficult to put into words the level of violence, intimidation, fear, and prolonged chaos that ICE agents brought to Vermont with their bungled raid in South Burlington on March 11. It started when ICE agents misidentified a suspect and began a car chase down a busy street during morning hour rush near two schools. …

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Action Alert: Nukes & Renewables

Climate & Energy, News and Updates / By

If my appearance on Vermont Edition on Monday made one thing clear, it’s that the Scott Administration is very serious about the possible siting of a new nuclear plant in Vermont – and about weakening the Renewable Energy Standard, which currently requires all Vermont electric utilities to be 100% renewable no later than 2035. As …

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S.23, An act relating to the use of synthetic media in elections, passes in to law  

Elections and Government Reform, News and Updates, Press Releases / By

Governor Phil Scott signed S.23 into law on Thursday, legislation that sets strict rules for the use of artificial intelligence in Vermont’s elections. The new law requires that any campaign media featuring AI-generated images, audio, or video used within 90 days of an election must include a clear disclosure. It also establishes regulations on the …

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29-0 Victory for Portable Solar!

Climate & Energy, Issues, News and Updates, Solar, Take Action / By

I’m thrilled to share some incredible news from the State House: S.202, the bill to bring portable solar to Vermont, just passed the Senate with a unanimous 29-0 vote!  This is an important step forward for energy democracy in our state. For years, the clean energy revolution has felt out of reach for too many Vermonters—especially renters, condo owners, and others who can’t go …

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The Problem(s) with Paraquat

Fact sheets, News and Updates, Toxics & Environmental Health / By

Paraquat. It’s a strange word with serious consequences. Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide. So much so that consuming just one teaspoon can be fatal, and there is no antidote. Paraquat threatens the health of our farmers and nearby communities, and the evidence linking paraquat to Parkinson’s disease is clear and continues to grow.   Today, …

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VPIRG's 2026 Staff Photo in front of the State House

2026 Legislative Priorities

Climate & Energy, Consumer Protection, Elections and Government Reform, Health Care, News and Updates, Toxics & Environmental Health, Zero Waste / By

CLIMATE & CLEAN ENERGY Defend Vermont’s Climate Progress  In recent years, Vermont has passed the Global Warming Solutions Act, updated our Renewable Energy Standard to reach 100% renewable power and double the amount of new renewables that will be built in Vermont, and enacted the landmark Climate Superfund Act to finally hold Big Oil financially …

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VNRC's Dan Fingas speaking at the Protect Vermonters press conference

Advocacy Groups Urge Gov. Scott: Protect Vermonters!

News and Updates, Press Releases / By

Fair Share for Vermont, Hunger Free Vermont, Public Assets Institute, Planned Parenthood Vermont Action Fund, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV), Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC), and the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) held a press conference ahead of Governor Scott’s annual budget address to highlight the effects of H.R. 1 – the “One Big Beautiful …

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Microplastics Are a Problem.

News and Updates, Press Releases, Toxics & Environmental Health, Uncategorized, Zero Waste / By

VPIRG report provides tips for minimizing exposure this holiday season There is no place on Earth that is free from plastic pollution these days, from the highest mountaintops to the deepest ocean canyons. The problem gets worse each year and seems to peak during the holiday season when household trash rates in the U.S. increase …

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