We recently heard that Governor Phil Scott is considering vetoing the environmental justice bill, S.148, which passed with overwhelming tri-partisan support in both the Senate (28-1) and House (109-31). In this last week of the legislative session, and with reports that they will not hold a session where they could override his veto, he can enact or kill this bill with the stroke of a pen.
Please call the Governor’s office at (802) 828-3333 or email today to urge him to sign the environmental justice bill into law.
That’s why we need as many people as possible to make their voices heard in support of this important justice policy. Please call the Governor’s office at (802) 828-3333 or email today to urge him to sign the environmental justice bill into law.
Vermont would already be one of the last states in New England to enact an environmental justice law to promote fairness and equity in the way we make decisions, distribute resources, and invest in communities across the state. To be clear, the Governor’s Administration has been in the room throughout the past several months as the legislature worked on this bill. The idea that he would veto this essential legislation is egregious, but entirely in line with his recent vetoes of other critical justice and environmental bills.
Governor Scott has already torpedoed the biggest climate bill considered this year, the clean heat standard, with his veto pen, adding to his record for gubernatorial vetoes against the public interest. If you can, call his office at (802) 828-3333 or email here to ensure the environmental justice bill does not meet the same fate.
You can help Vermont take this vital first step to ensure that the most vulnerable in our communities are not left behind in our work to promote a healthy and habitable environment for all.