Legislative Scorecard

Name District Party 2023 Score Lifetime Score
Baruth, Philip Chittenden-Central District Democratic
Progressive
100% 94%
Bray, Christopher Addison District Democratic 100% 97%
Brock, Randy Franklin District Republican 14% 40%
Campion, Brian Bennington District Democratic 100% 100%
Chittenden, Thomas Chittenden-Southeast District Democratic 86% 86%
Clarkson, Alison Windsor District Democratic 100% 97%
Collamore, Brian Rutland District Republican 29% 25%
Cummings, Ann Washington District Democratic 100% 97%
Gulick, Martine Chittenden-Central District Democratic 100% 100%
Hardy, Ruth Addison District Democratic 100% 100%
Harrison, Wendy Windham District Democratic 100% 100%
Hashim, Nader Windham District Democratic 100% 100%
Ingalls, Russ Essex District Republican 0% 14%
Kitchel, Jane Caledonia District Democratic 57% 69%
Lyons, Virginia "Ginny" Chittenden-Southeast District Democratic 100% 99%
MacDonald, Mark Orange District Democratic 100% 96%
Mazza, Dick Grand Isle District Democratic 71% 76%
McCormack, Dick Windsor District Democratic 100% 96%
Norris, Robert Franklin District Republican 43% 28%
Perchlik, Andrew Washington District Democratic
Progressive
100% 100%
Ram Hinsdale, Kesha Chittenden-Southeast District Democratic 100% 100%
Sears Jr., Dick Bennington District Democratic 71% 76%
Starr, Robert Orleans District Democratic 14% 44%
Vyhovsky, Tanya Chittenden-Central District Progressive
Democratic
100% 100%
Watson, Anne Washington District Democratic 100% 100%
Weeks, David Rutland District Republican 29% 29%
Westman, Richard Lamoille District Republican 14% 50%
White, Becca Windsor District Democratic 100% 94%
Williams, Terry Rutland District Democratic 14% 14%
Wrenner, Irene Chittenden-North District Democratic 57% 57%
Name District Party 2023 Score Lifetime Score
Andrews, Julia Milton, Westford Democratic 100% 100%
Andriano, Joseph Orwell, Shoreham, Whiting, Hubbardton, Sudbury Democratic 60% 60%
Anthony, Peter Barre Democratic 100% 97%
Arrison, John Baltimore, Cavendish, Weathersfield Democratic 100% 100%
Arsenault, Angela Williston Democratic 100% 100%
Austin, Sarah "Sarita" Colchester Democratic 100% 100%
Bartholomew, John L. Hartland, West Windsor, Windsor Democratic 100% 100%
Bartley, Ashley Fairfax, Georgia Republican 20% 20%
Beck, Scott Kirby, St. Johnsbury, Concord Republican 40% 47%
Berbeco, Daisy Winooski Democratic 100% 100%
Birong Jr., Matthew Addison, Ferrisburgh, New Haven, Panton, Vergennes, Waltham Democratic 100% 92%
Black, Alyssa Essex Democratic 100% 100%
Bluemle, Tiffany Burlington Democratic 100% 100%
Bongartz, Seth Arlington, Manchester, Sandgate, Sunderland Democratic 100% 100%
Bos-Lun, Michelle Brookline, Rockingham, Westminster Democratic 100% 100%
Boyden, Lucy Cambridge, Waterville Democratic 100% 100%
Brady, Erin Williston Democratic 100% 100%
Branagan, Carolyn Fairfax, Georgia Republican 40% 47%
Brennan, Patrick Colchester Republican 0% 21%
Brown, Jana Richmond Democratic 100% 100%
Brownell, Nelson Pownal, Readsboro, Searsburg, Stamford, Woodford Democratic 60% 73%
Brumsted, Jessica Shelburne, St. George Democratic 100% 92%
Burditt, Thomas Clarendon, Rutland, Wallingford, West Rutland Republican 20% 25%
Burke, Mollie S. Brattleboro Progressive 100% 98%
Burrows, Elizabeth Hartland, West Windsor, Windsor Democratic
Progressive
100% 94%
Buss, Tesha Plymouth, Reading, Woodstock Democratic 100% 100%
Campbell, R. Scott Kirby, St. Johnsbury, Concord Democratic 100% 100%
Canfield, William Benson, Fair Haven, West Haven Republican 20% 40%
Carpenter, Melanie Belvidere, Hyde Park, Johnson, Wolcott Democratic 80% 80%
Carroll, James Bennington, Pownal Democratic 100% 96%
Casey, Conor Montpelier Democratic 100% 100%
Chapin, Ela East Montpelier, Middlesex Democratic 100% 100%
Chase, Heather Athens, Chester, Grafton, Windham Democratic 100% 100%
Chase, Seth Colchester Democratic 100% 96%
Chesnut-Tangerman, Robin Rupert, Middletown Springs, Pawlet, Tinmouth, Wells Democratic 100% 98%
Christie, Kevin "Coach" Hartford Democratic 100% 94%
Cina, Brian Burlington Democratic 100% 100%
Clifford, Paul Rutland Republican 20% 20%
Coffey, Sara Guiford, Vernon Democratic 100% 93%
Cole, Esme Hartford Democratic 100% 100%
Conlon, Peter Cornwall, Goshen, Leicester, Ripton, Salisbury Democratic 100% 100%
Corcoran, Timothy R. Bennington Democratic 80% 83%
Cordes, Mari Bristol, Lincoln, Monkton, Starksboro Democratic 80% 93%
Demar, Allen "Penny" Enosburgh, Montgomery Republican 0% 0%
Demrow, Carl Corinth, Orange, Vershire, Washington Democratic 100% 92%
Dickinson, Eileen St. Albans Republican 0% 21%
Dodge, Leonora Essex Democratic 100% 100%
Dolan, Katherine "Kari" Duxbury, Fayston, Moretown, Waitsfield, Warren Democratic 100% 100%
Dolan, Karen Essex Junction Democratic 100% 100%
Donahue, Anne B. Berlin, Northfield Republican 60% 59%
Donnally, Kate Belvidere, Hyde Park, Johnson, Wolcott Democratic 100%
Durfee, David Glastenbury, Shaftsbury, Sunderland Democratic 100% 100%
Elder, Caleb Bristol, Lincoln, Monkton, Starksboro Democratic 80% 93%
Emmons, Alice M. Springfield Democratic 100% 98%
Farlice-Rubio, Bobby Barnet, Ryegate, Waterford Democratic 100% 100%
Galfetti, Gina Williamstown, Barre Republican 0% 0%
Garofano, Rey Essex Democratic 100% 100%
Goldman, Leslie Brookline, Rockingham, Westminster Democratic 100% 100%
Goslant, Kenneth Northfield, Berlin Republican 20% 19%
Graham, Rodney Chelsea, Williamstown Republican 20% 23%
Graning, Edye Jericho, Underhill Democratic 100% 100%
Gregoire, James Bakersfield, Fairfield, Fletcher Republican 40% 33%
Hango, Lisa Berkshire, Franklin, Highgate, Richford Republican 20% 25%
Harrison, James Chittenden, Killington, Mendon, Pittsfield Republican 20% 39%
Headrick, Troy Burlington Progressive
Democratic
80% 80%
Higley, Mark Eden, Coventry, Irasburg, Jay, Lowell, Newport, Troy, Westfield Republican 20% 28%
Holcombe, Rebecca Norwich, Sharon, Strafford, Thetford Democratic 100% 100%
Hooper, Robert Burlington Democratic 100% 89%
Hooper, Philip Jay Granville, Braintree, Brookfield, Randolph, Roxbury Democratic 100% 96%
Houghton, Lori Essex Democratic 100% 98%
Howard, Mary E. Rutland Democratic 100% 95%
Hyman, Noah South Burlington, Williston Democratic 100% 100%
James, Kathleen Arlington, Manchester, Sandgate, Sunderland Democratic 100% 100%
Jerome, Stephanie Brandon Democratic 100% 96%
Kornheiser, Emilie Brattleboro Democratic 100% 100%
Krasnow, Emilie South Burlington Democratic 100% 100%
Krowinski, Jill Burlington Democratic P 99%
Labor, Larry Averill, Avery's, Brighton, Canaan, Lemington, Lewis, Norton, Warner's, Warren's, Charleston, Holland, Morgan Republican 20% 10%
LaBounty, Dennis Lyndon, Newark, Sheffield, Sutton, Wheelock Democratic 60% 60%
Lalley, Kate Shelburne, South Burlington Democratic 100% 100%
LaLonde, Martin South Burlington Democratic 100% 97%
LaMont, Saudia Elmore, Morristown, Stowe, Woodbury, Worcester Democratic 100% 100%
Lanpher, Diane Addison, Ferrisburgh, New Haven, Panton, Vergennes, Waltham Democratic 100% 94%
Laroche, Wayne Berkshire, Franklin, Highgate, Richford Republican 20% 10%
Leavitt, Josie Alburgh, Grand Isle, Milton, North Hero, South Hero Democratic 100% 100%
Lipsky, Jed Stowe Independent 20% 20%
Logan, Kate Burlington Progressive
Democratic
80% 80%
Long, Emily Marlboro, Newfane, Townshend Democratic 100% 98%
Maguire, Eric Rutland Republican 20% 20%
Marcotte, Michael Eden, Coventry, Irasburg, Jay, Lowell, Newport, Troy, Westfield Republican 20% 37%
Masland, James Norwich, Sharon, Strafford, Thetford Democratic 100% 98%
Mattos, Christopher Milton, Georgia Republican 20% 28%
McCann, Kate Montpelier Democratic 60% 60%
McCarthy, Michael St. Albans City Democratic 100% 100%
McCoy, Patricia Ira, Poultney, Wells Republican 0% 26%
McFaun, Francis "Topper" Williamstown, Barre Republican 0% 46%
McGill, Jubilee Bridport, Middlebury, New Haven, Weybridge Democratic 100% 100%
Mihaly, Marc Calais, Marshfield, Plainfield Democratic 100% 100%
Minier, Brian South Burlington Democratic 100% 100%
Morgan, Michael Alburgh, Grand Isle, Milton, North Hero, South Hero Republican 0% 13%
Morris, Kristi Springfield Democratic 100% 100%
Morrissey, Mary A. Bennington, Pownal Republican 40% 33%
Mrowicki, Michael Dummerston, Putney Democratic 100% 97%
Mulvaney-Stanak, Emma Burlington Progressive
Democratic
60% 80%
Nicoll, Logan Mount Holly, Ludlow, Shrewsbury Democratic 80% 89%
Notte, William Rutland Democratic 100% 88%
Noyes, Daniel Belvidere, Hyde Park, Johnson, Wolcott Democratic 100% 98%
Nugent, Kate South Burlington Democratic 100% 100%
O'Brien, John Turnbridge, Royalton Democratic 80% 93%
Ode, Carol Burlington Democratic 100% 97%
Oliver, Thomas Sheldon, Swanton Republican
Democratic
20% 20%
Page, Woodman Newport Republican 20% 28%
Pajala, Kelly Andover, Londonderry, Weston, Winhall Independent 100% 84%
Parsons, Joseph Groton, Newbury, Topsham Republican 20% 16%
Patt, Avram Elmore, Morristown, Stowe, Woodbury, Worcester Democratic 100% 100%
Pearl, Henry Cabot, Danville, Peacham Democratic 60% 61%
Peterson, Arthur Clarendon, Rutland, Wallingford, West Rutland Republican 0% 6%
Pouech, Phil Hinesburg Democratic 100% 100%
Priestley, Monique Bradford, Fairlee, West Fairlee Democratic 100% 100%
Rachelson, Barbara Burlington Democratic 100% 94%
Rice, Mike Danby, Dorset, Landgrove, Peru, Mount Tabor Democratic 100% 100%
Roberts, Tristan Halifax, Whitingham, Wilmington Democratic 100% 100%
Sammis, Jarrod Castleton Republican 20% 20%
Satcowitz, Larry Granville, Braintree, Brookfield, Randolph, Roxbury Democratic 100% 100%
Scheu, Robin Middlebury Democratic 100% 100%
Shaw, Charles "Butch" Pittsford, Proctor Republican 20% 43%
Sheldon, Amy Middlebury Democratic 100% 100%
Sibilia, Laura Readsboro, Searsburg, Stamford, Dover, Somerset, Wardsboro, Whitingham Independent 80% 74%
Sims, Katherine Albany, Craftsbury, Glover, Greensboro Democratic 100% 100%
Small, Taylor Winooski Progressive
Democratic
100% 100%
Smith, Brian Derby Republican 40% 29%
Squirrell, Trevor Jericho, Underhill Democratic 100% 100%
Stebbins, Gabrielle Burlington Democratic 100% 100%
Stevens, Thomas Bolton, Buels Gore, Huntington, Waterbury Democratic 80% 96%
Stone, Mary-Katherine Burlington Democratic
Progressive
100% 100%
Suprenant, Heather Barnard, Bridgewater, Hartford, Pomfret Progressive
Democratic
100% 100%
Taylor, Curt Colchester Democratic 100% 96%
Taylor, Chris Milton, Georgia Republican 20% 20%
Templeman, David Barton, Brownington, Westmore Democratic 80% 80%
Toleno, Tristan Brattleboro Democratic 100% 94%
Toof, Casey St. Albans City Republican 0% 17%
Torre, Dara Duxbury, Fayston, Moretown, Waitsfield, Warren Democratic 100% 100%
Troiano, Joseph "Chip" Hardwick, Stannard, Walden Democratic 100% 100%
Walker, Matt Swanton, Sheldon Republican 20% 10%
Waters Evans, Chea Charlotte, Hinesburg Democratic 100% 100%
White, Kirk Bethel, Hancock, Rochester, Stockbridge Democratic
Progressive
100% 100%
Whitman, Dane Bennington Democratic 100% 100%
Williams, Jonathan Barre Democratic 100% 100%
Williams, Terri Lynn Burke, Bloomfield, Brunswick, East Haven, Ferdinand, Granby, Guildhall, Lunenburg, Maidstone, Victory Republican 20% 16%
Wilson, Charles Lyndon, Newark, Sheffield, Sutton, Wheelock Republican 0% 0%
Wood, Theresa Bolton, Buels Gore, Huntington, Waterbury Democratic 100% 100%

House Bills

H.40 – Renewable Energy Standard Bill (3rd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill established a cutting-edge renewable portfolio standard that sets requirements for generating more of our energy from renewable sources, including community-scale renewables. It also created an innovative program, known as the “transformation tier,” that requires utilities to help customers save energy through efficiency measures, fuel switching, transportation efficiency programs, and more.

Status: Enacted; House vote 121-24.

H.40 – Amendment to Strip Renewable Energy Standard’s “Transformation Tier”

Pro-environment vote: NO

This amendment would have removed the section of the renewable energy standard bill that created the innovative and money-saving “transformation tier,” the tier that would require utilities 
to achieve reductions in energy use through efficiency measures and other programs to help Vermonters reduce fossil fuel use. This amendment was defeated in the House.

Status: Amendment failed; House vote 42-99.

H.4 – Ban on Microbeads (3rd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This legislation banned plastic microbeads from personal care products. These synthetic plastic beads are added to face washes, shampoos, soaps, and more. They also pollute our waterways and accumulate toxic chemicals that are then ingested by fish and introduced into the food chain. These microbeads can be replaced with safe, natural alternatives. H.4 passed the House unanimously but was never taken up in the Senate because related federal legislation was enacted in the interim.

Status: Passed House 140-0; no action in the Senate.

H.35 – Water Quality Bill (3rd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill established new requirements for major sources of water pollution, including farms, roads, and parking lots. It also authorized new enforcement tools, created a Clean Water Fund, and dedicated nearly $8 million per year in new revenue to cleanup efforts. Though success of this legislation will be determined by how strongly the new regulations are implemented and enforced, the bill creates an important opportunity to make meaningful progress toward cleaning up Lake Champlain and other waters across the state.

Status: Enacted; House vote 133-11.

H.35 – Amendment to Strip Funding from Water Quality Bill

Pro-environment vote: NO

This amendment to the Water Quality Bill removed language related to establishing new funding for water cleanup efforts – an increase to the property transfer tax – and instead attempted to dedicate money already allocated to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to water quality efforts. This amendment, had it passed, simply moved around existing revenue and would have created a budget shortfall.

Status: Amendment failed; House vote 40-100.

H.R.13 – Resolution on Divesting from Fossil Fuels

Pro-environment vote: YES

The House passed a resolution urging the State of Vermont to divest its pension investment portfolio from stocks that contain holdings in coal and stock in Exxon Mobil, in part because Exxon Mobil deliberately misled the public and its investors on the risks of global warming.  Further, the resolution was intended to acknowledge the urgency of climate change and that – since the planet must move off fossil fuels – investments in these energy sources pose a “stranded asset” risk.

Status: Passed; House vote 76-57.

H.552 – Critical Habitat for Vermont Endangered Species Bill (2nd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This legislation updated the state’s endangered and threatened species act to allow for better recovery planning and to authorize the designation of critical habitat. Overall, the bill added much-needed tools to better protect the state’s most vulnerable plant and animal species.

Status: Enacted (language added to H.570 in the Senate); House vote 111-26.

H.789 – Forest Integrity Bill (2nd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill encouraged better local and regional planning for intact, healthy forests and wildlife habitat. It added the goals of maintaining forest blocks and habitat connectivity to town and regional planning; took steps to maintain rural working lands; called for a study group to examine ways to help landowners plan for the long-term ownership of their forests; and created a committee to recommend potential revisions to Act 250 and municipal bylaws to protect contiguous areas of forestland from fragmentation and promote habitat connectivity.

Status: Enacted (language added to H.857 in the Senate); House vote 105-29.

S.230 – Renewable Energy Siting Bill (2nd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill took important steps forward in expanding the local and regional energy planning process to ensure the state is on track to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals, while improving the ability of communities to plan for and influence energy siting decisions. S.230 also created incentives for solar projects located on rooftops, parking lots, landfills, and other places Vermonters have identified as areas where they would like to see renewable energy development occur.

Status: Enacted (then vetoed by the Governor; “clarified” bill, S.260, enacted in its place); House vote 142-0.

S.260 – “Clarified” Renewable Energy Siting Bill (rules suspension to take up the bill)

Pro-environment vote: YES

The Governor vetoed S.230 due to concerns identified after its enactment that, as drafted, the temporary sound standard for wind projects in the bill was more stringent than the Legislature intended to adopt, and because $300,000 in funding for community energy planning was inadvertently left out of the bill. The House voted on whether to take up a revised version of the bill to fix these problematic provisions.

Status: Motion to suspend rules failed; House vote 79-52; but bill eventually taken up and enacted on a voice vote.

S.103  – Protecting Vermont Children from Toxic Chemicals (Veto Override)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This legislation would have updated the Chemicals of High Concern in Children’s Products program to make it easier for the state’s Commissioner of Health to propose rules to identify harmful chemicals that pose a risk to children’s health, and restrict the use of dangerous chemicals in children’s products sold in Vermont.

Status: Enacted by Legislature, but VETOED by Gov. Scott; House vote 94-53 (a veto override requires two-thirds of members present to vote in support).

S.197 – Holding Toxic Polluters Accountable for Medical Monitoring Expenses (House Committee on Judiciary amendment)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill would have ensured that a corporation who releases a toxic contaminant that results in elevated levels of that harmful chemical in a Vermonter’s body would be responsible for paying the cost of medical visits and testing to screen for the potential harm these chemicals can cause. Currently, these costs are borne by Vermonters who are victims of toxic pollution, who cannot sue for damages until a disease linked to the chemical manifests, and in some cases, taxpayers are footing the bill.  

Status: Enacted by Legislature, but VETOED by Gov. Scott; House vote 92-45.

H.410 – Improving Energy Efficiency Standards for Appliances (3rd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill established new energy efficiency standards for 16 appliances including computers and monitors, commercial dishwashers, portable air conditioners, and others. These improved energy efficiency standards will save energy and save Vermonters money.

Status: Enacted; House vote 137-4.

H.R.15 – Resolution Affirming Vermont’s Commitment to Meeting Our Climate and Clean Energy Goals

Pro-environment vote: YES

This resolution expressed concern for the U.S.’s withdrawal from the global Paris Climate Accord, and affirmed Vermont’s commitment to meeting our climate and clean energy goals, as well as our enrollment in the U.S. Climate Alliance – a group of states committed to remaining on track to achieve the emissions reductions targets in the Paris Climate Accord.

Status: Resolution passed; House vote 105-31.

H.576 – Improving Stormwater Regulations (3rd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This legislation increased jurisdiction over projects that require stormwater permits in Vermont – jurisdiction was expanded from projects that create 1-acre of impervious surface (paved area) to projects that create 0.5-acre of impervious surface. This requirement will allow the State of Vermont to address stormwater pollution from a wider array of sources and better protect water quality in Vermont’s streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.  

Status: Enacted; House vote 125-12.

S.260 – Clean Water Funding Bill (House Committee on Ways & Means amendment)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This amendment would have established a long-term funding source for clean water projects across the state by increasing the “rooms and meals tax” – the tax paid when renting a room or on restaurant and bar bills – by 0.25%. This provision would have raised millions of additional dollars to help meet our state’s obligation to invest in cleaning up and protecting state waters.

Status: Amendment passed the House but was stripped from the Senate version of the bill; House vote 84-55.

H.233 – Maintaining Intact, Healthy Forests (House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish & Wildlife amendment)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill would have added new criteria requiring that projects going through Act 250 be designed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts related to fragmentation of the state’s highest priority forest blocks and habitat connectivity areas. This bill would have helped Vermont to maintain intact, healthy forests.

Status: Passed the House, but stalled out in the Senate; House vote 85-61.

H.926 – Protecting Forests & Outdoor Recreation

(Vote scored: concur with Senate proposal of amendment)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill is a pared-down version of Act 250 modernization that passed the House earlier in the year, but contains important provisions to better protect forest blocks and wildlife habitat for projects going through Act 250, help maintain working lands, and create a new program that aims to improve environmental review, planning, and maintenance of trail networks.

Status: Passed the House 93-56

S.348 – Safe Elections

(Vote scored: Shall the Bill Pass)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill grants full authority to the Secretary of State to mail all registered voters a ballot for this year’s General Election in November, while maintaining in-person voting options. This legislation will help ensure all Vermonters can safely, securely and easily vote this year, despite the ongoing pandemic.

Status: Passed the House 115-29

H. 926 – Act 250 Modernization

(Vote scored: Third reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill strengthens environmental protections in Act 250 by better protecting forest blocks, ecologically-sensitive areas, river corridors, and by better addressing climate change. The bill promotes smart growth by reducing sprawling development while supporting development in our compact downtowns, villages, and neighborhoods.

Status: Passed the House 88-52

H.688 – Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA)

(Vote scored: veto override)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

The Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) will turn Vermont’s climate goals into requirements. The Solutions Act establishes a Climate Council and requires the state to develop and implement a plan that will reduce climate-damaging pollution, grow jobs, help rural and low-income people, and build more resilient communities across Vermont.

Status: House voted 103-47 to override Gov. Scott’s veto.

S.37 – Holding toxic polluters accountable for medical monitoring expenses

(Vote scored: Concurrence with House version)

Pro- Environment vote: YES

This bill would hold large polluters accountable for the harm caused by toxic chemical releases. The bill provides two important legal tools to address toxic pollution. The first legal remedy allows Vermonters to hold polluters accountable for the costs of medical monitoring required as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals. The second legal remedy provided by S.37 would allow state government to hold the companies that make dangerous chemicals liable for the harm they cause to Vermont’s air, land, and water. Unfortunately, despite the bill passing the Legislature, it was vetoed by Governor Scott. VCV will be pushing for a veto override vote when the Legislature reconvenes.

Status:Enacted by Legislature but VETOED by Gov. Scott; Senate vote 19-11.

S.55 – Protecting children from toxic chemicals

(Vote scored: Second reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES 

This bill updates the Toxic-Free Families Act (Act 188) to collect more consumer-friendly information on which toxic chemicals are being used in children’s products, while also improving the process for identifying harmful chemicals and phasing them out of use in children’s products sold in Vermont.

Status:Enacted; Senate vote 25-5.

S.113 – Reducing the use of single-use plastic products

(Vote scored: Third reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill restricts single-use plastic bags at the point of sale; bans plastic stirrers such as used for coffee or tea; requires that plastic straws only be offered on demand; and bans the use of expanded polystyrene foam (what is often called Styrofoam). The bill also establishes a Working Group to look at how to better address other single-use plastic products that are polluting our environment and threatening public health.

Status:Enacted; Senate vote 30-0.

H.439 – Increasing the investment in low-income weatherization programs

(Vote scored: amending the bill as recommended by the Committee on Ways & Means)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill would have increased the long-term investment in the existing, highly successful low-income weatherization programs, which help Vermonters save money, while having more comfortable and healthier homes. The bill would have increased the existing fuel tax on heating oil, propane, kerosene, and other dyed diesel fuel, and the revenue generated would have helped some of Vermont’s most vulnerable families weatherize their homes.

Status:Passed the House, but alternative short-term funding proposal was enacted instead; House vote 81-60.

S.37 – Amendment to make it harder for Vermonters to hold toxic polluters accountable for medical monitoring expenses

(Vote scored: amendment offered by Rep. Beck and others)

Pro-Environment vote: NO

This amendment would have added barriers to Vermonters trying to hold a polluter accountable for the costs of medical monitoring they require due to toxic exposure. Corporate lobbyists pushed hard for this language, since it would have tilted the legislation toward helping polluters rather than victims of toxic contamination. The amendment ultimately failed.

Status: Amendment failed; House vote 55-87.

S.40 – Testing and cleanup of lead contamination in drinking water of schools and child care facilities

(Vote scored: Concurrence with proposal of amendment)

Pro-Environment vote: YES 

This bill requires testing for lead contamination in drinking water in all Vermont schools and childcare facilities. The bill sets a standard for acceptable lead levels (4 parts per billion) that is more protective than the federal EPA, and requires remediation of any lead contamination found above that level. Importantly, the Legislature also allocated funding to ensure the initial testing and remediation happens quickly and consistently across the state.

Status: Enacted; House vote 138-3.

S.49 – Testing and regulating toxic PFAS contamination in public drinking waters and surface waters

(Vote scored: Second reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill requires the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to develop drinking water and surface water standards for PFAS chemicals, to ensure Vermonters’ water is healthy and safe. PFAS is the class of toxic chemicals that were discovered in Vermont drinking water wells, and pose significant threats to public health and the environment.

Status:Enacted; House vote 135-1.

S.96 – Long-term clean water funding

(Vote scored: Concurrence with proposal of amendment)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

The bill significantly increases the resources available for clean water projects across the state. It dedicates a portion of the existing rooms and meals tax to the Clean Water Fund, estimated at raising an additional $12 million or so per year when fully implemented. It also creates a new regional distribution model that aims to incorporate local knowledge and expertise, and improved on-the-ground oversight of projects.

Status:Enacted; House vote 126-14.

H. 715 – Clean Heat Standard

(Vote scored: Veto override)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to incentivize a clean energy transition for fossil fuel companies. This bill will help Vermonters – particularly those with lower incomes – heat their homes and buildings with access to more cost-effective, efficient, cleaner and more local heating solutions.

Status: House failed to override Gov. Scott’s veto 99-51.

S.148 – Environmental Justice

(Vote scored: Amending the bill as recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources, Fish, and Wildlife)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to require State agencies to incorporate environmental justice into their work, establish an Advisory Council on Environmental Justice within the Agency of Natural Resources, and require the creation of an environmental justice mapping tool. This bill will be an important step towards achieving meaningful community engagement in environmental decisions – particularly among overburdened communities and vulnerable populations.

Status: Enacted; passed the House 109-31.

S.20 – Ban on toxic PFAS chemicals

(Vote scored: Second Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to ban toxic PFAS chemicals from food packaging, firefighting foam, ski wax, and carpets and rugs. This bill will help protect people from exposure to harmful chemicals when using these products, and will help protect our environment and water by reducing the amount of PFAS-containing products in our waste stream.

Status: Enacted; passed the House 145-0.

S.234 – Modernize Act 250

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to update Vermont’s state land use law, Act 250, with provisions to maintain intact forests, promote working forests, and support smart growth housing development.

Status: Passed the House 99-43, but was VETOED by Gov. Scott.

H.606 – 30 by 30

(Vote scored: Amending the bill as recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources, Fish, and Wildlife)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to promote community resilience and biodiversity protection by establishing a state goal of conserving 30% of our land by 2030, and 50% by 2050, and requiring the Agency of Natural Resources to develop a plan to achieve these goals.

Status: Passed the House 98-42, but was VETOED by Gov. Scott.

H. 697 – Current Use

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to strengthen the Use Value Appraisal Program (often called “Current Use”) by increasing the amount of forest land that is eligible for enrollment. This bill will help alleviate the pressure of property taxes to convert old forests to more intensive uses and align the program with the goals of the state’s Climate Action Plan by promoting old forests that help mitigate climate change.

Status: Enacted; passed the House 99-40.

H.175 – Modernize Bottle Bill

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to expand the Bottle Bill to cover additional beverages like bottled water and wine bottles. This would keep an estimated 100 million more bottles and cans out of Vermont’s landfills and off roadsides every year. This bill would increase recycling and create green jobs, and is another step forward in our work to reduce plastic pollution.

Status: Passed the House 99-46, but stalled out before final enactment.

S.15 – Universal Vote by Mail

(Vote scored: Second Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES 

A bill to implement universal mail-in voting for all general elections in Vermont, which would help make it easier for all eligible Vermonters to vote.

Status: Enacted; passed the House 119-30.

S.100 – Smart Growth Housing

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill that helps address the housing crisis by encouraging more housing in our downtowns and village centers, while also maintaining the economic and ecological vitality of our working and natural lands.

Status: Passed the House 135-11

S.5 - Higley Amendment – Amendment to Undermine State’s Climate Pollution Reduction Commitments

Pro-Environment vote: NO

A proposed amendment to S.5 to have struck a key provision of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2020, thereby rolling back the state’s commitment to reducing climate pollution in line with the Paris Climate Accord.

Status: Amendment Failed 103-41

S.5 – Affordable Heat Act

(Vote scored: Veto Override)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill that will require the fossil fuel heating industry to offer Vermonters more affordable, efficient, and clean heating options – such as heat pumps, weatherization services, or advanced wood heat — and requires that the majority of residential clean heat services go to low- and moderate-income Vermonters.

Status: Veto Overridden (107-42)

H.158 – Modernize Bottle Bill

(Vote scored: Veto Override)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to expand the Bottle Bill to cover additional beverages like bottled water and wine bottles. This would keep an estimated 100 million more bottles and cans out of Vermont’s landfills and off roadsides every year. This bill would increase recycling and create green jobs, and is another step forward in our work to reduce plastic pollution.

Status: Veto Overridden (112-32)

H.126 – Biodiversity Conservation (30 by 30)

(Vote scored: Amending the bill as as recommended by the Committee on Environment and Energy)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill seeks to address the dual challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change by setting a goal of conserving 30% of our land by 2030 and 50% by 2050, and requires the creation of a statewide conservation plan that would include an inventory of conserved land, and the necessary conservation approaches to maintain a resilient Vermont, including natural and working lands.

Status: Passed the House 108-36.

Senate Bills

H.40 – Renewable Energy Standard Bill (3rd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill established a cutting-edge renewable portfolio standard that sets requirements for generating more of our energy from renewable sources, including community-scale renewables. It also created an innovative program, known as the “transformation tier,” that requires utilities to help customers save energy through efficiency measures, fuel switching, transportation efficiency programs, and more.

Status: Enacted; Senate vote 22-6.

H.40 – Amendment on Energy Siting in Renewable Energy Standard

Pro-environment vote: NO

This amendment, related to siting renewable energy projects, would have made it much more difficult to advance well-sited solar and other renewable projects. It was offered in the final days of the legislative session without adequate vetting in the committee process. This amendment failed to pass. However, H.40 as enacted created a task force, environmental study, and other provisions to examine potential ways to improve the siting process for solar projects.

Status: Amendment failed; Senate vote 10-19.

H.35 – Water Quality Bill (3rd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill established new requirements for major sources of water pollution, including farms, roads, and parking lots. It also authorized new enforcement tools, created a Clean Water Fund, and dedicated nearly $8 million per year in new revenue to cleanup efforts. Though success of this legislation will be determined by how strongly the new regulations are implemented and enforced, the bill creates an important opportunity to make meaningful progress toward cleaning up Lake Champlain and other waters across the state.

Status: Enacted; Senate vote 27-2.

S.139 – Amendment to Strip
 Toxic-Free Families Act Improvements

Pro-environment vote: NO


This amendment removed language from a public health bill that sought to make improvements to the process
 for assessing and regulating toxic chemicals in children’s products, as established in the 2014 Toxic-Free Families Act (Act 188).

Status: Amendment passed; Senate vote 16-15.

S.R. 7 – Global Warming Resolution

Pro-environment vote: YES

This resolution acknowledged the threat posed by human-induced climate change, and Vermont’s commitment
 to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, including the need for Vermont to take steps now to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Status: Resolution passed; Senate vote 25-5.

S.230 – Renewable Energy Siting Bill (2nd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill took important steps forward in expanding the local and regional energy planning process to ensure the state is on track to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals, while improving the ability of communities to plan for and influence energy siting decisions. S.230 also created incentives for solar projects located on rooftops, parking lots, landfills, and other places Vermonters have identified as areas where they would like to see renewable energy development occur.

Status: Enacted (then vetoed by the Governor; “clarified” bill S.260 enacted in its place); Senate vote 25-3

S.230 – Amendment that Stripped Balance from Energy Siting Bill

Pro-environment vote: NO

This amendment would have removed the essential balance of the energy siting bill by giving towns veto authority over energy projects – projects that constitute a public good – rather than giving towns substantial deference through local planning as long as towns and regions are contributing to the state’s meeting its renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Status: Failed; Senate vote 6-19

S.230 – Veto Override of Energy Siting Bill

Pro-environment vote: NO

This vote sought to override the Governor’s veto of the energy siting bill, which was due to concerns identified after its enactment that, as drafted, the temporary sound standard for wind projects in the bill was more stringent than the Legislature intended to adopt, and because $300,000 in funding for community energy planning was inadvertently left out of the bill.  The veto override failed, and ultimately the “clarified” version of the bill was enacted.

Status: Failed; Senate vote 8-20

S.260 – “Clarified” Renewable Energy Siting Bill (2nd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill simply reinstated S.230, but with revised language on several key provisions that more accurately reflected legislative intent. In particular, it clarified language related to wind sound standards and reinstated $300,000 in funding to support community energy planning.

Status: Enacted; Senate vote 27-2

S.103 – Protecting Vermont Children from Toxic Chemicals (Veto Override)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This legislation would have updated the Chemicals of High Concern in Children’s Products program to make it easier for the Commissioner of Health to propose rules to identify harmful chemicals that pose a risk to children’s health, and restrict the use of dangerous chemicals in children’s products sold in Vermont.

Status: Enacted by Legislature, but VETOED by Gov. Scott; Senate vote 22-8.

S.197 – Holding Toxic Polluters Accountable (3rd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill would have helped ensure that polluters, rather than impacted Vermonters or taxpayers, would pay the costs for harms such as property damage, medical monitoring expenses, or health care costs associated with an illness due to toxic chemical contamination caused by the user of a toxic substance. The Senate version of the bill included a ‘strict liability’ provision to allow the state and Vermonters to hold polluters accountable for harm without having to prove negligence in how toxic chemicals were handled – just that the company was responsible for releasing the dangerous chemical and is therefore responsible for any harm caused. The ‘strict liability’ provision was stripped by the House, but they did pass a provision to hold polluters accountable for medical monitoring expenses.

Status: Enacted by Legislature, but VETOED by Gov. Scott; Senate vote 17-13.

H.410 – Improving Energy Efficiency Standards for Appliances (Concurrence with House amendment)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill established new energy efficiency standards for 16 appliances including computers and monitors, commercial dishwashers, and portable air conditioners, among others. These improved energy efficiency standards will save energy and save Vermonters money.

Status: Enacted; Senate vote 25-4.

S.52 – Amendment Undermining Enhanced Energy Planning Law

Pro-environment vote: NO

This amendment would have undermined the enhanced energy planning and siting law, Act 174, a program which aims to ensure that municipal and regional energy plans will, collectively, put us on track to meet our state’s goal of 90% renewable energy by 2050. Under existing law, towns and regions with approved energy plans would be given substantial deference in energy siting decisions before the Public Utilities Commission. This amendment would have stripped the requirement that plans be in compliance before granting this “substantial deference,” fundamentally undercutting the balance the program seeks to create. Without ensuring that towns and regions are all doing their part towards our renewable energy goals, we will not be able to make the progress we need to achieve them.

Status: Amendment failed; Senate vote 10-20.

S.120 – Banning Corporate Campaign Contributions (2nd reading)

Pro-environment vote: YES

This bill would have banned corporations from donating directly to candidates in Vermont for the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Auditor of Accounts, Attorney General, State Representative or State Senator. Only individuals, political committees, or political parties could directly donate to campaigns. While corporations can still donate to political action committees, including SuperPACs, this would have been a positive step forward in limiting the amount of corporate money in campaigns for public office in Vermont.

Status: Passed the Senate, stalled in the House; Senate vote 23-7.

S.285 – Amendment to Allow State to Collect Unclaimed Bottle Deposits

Pro-environment vote: YES

This amendment updated the state’s bottle deposit law to authorize the state to collect any unclaimed deposits. With this provision, Vermont joined the majority of states with bottle bill programs in collecting this unclaimed property, rather than allowing beverage corporations to collect it. Ultimately the legislature adopted language to send this money – estimated at $1.5 to $4 million per year – to the state’s Clean Water Fund.

Status: Enacted by Legislature; Senate vote 19-11.

H.559 – Amendment to Strip Citizen Rights of Action to Help Enforce Clean Water Laws

Pro-environment vote: NO

This amendment would have stripped a provision to allow Vermont citizens to bring lawsuits if the state is not enforcing clean water laws. The provision would have required that the state be notified, and given the state time to respond and enforce clean water laws. If enforcement did not happen, a lawsuit could proceed. Citizen rights of action are a key tool used to enforce federal environmental laws, and many states have these provisions. Unfortunately, this language was ultimately pulled from the clean water legislation that was enacted.

Status: Amendment was defeated in the Senate, but the citizen rights of action provision was later stripped from the bill; Senate vote 11-18.

H.904 – Amendment to Support Intact, Healthy Forests (Vote to suspend the rules)

Pro-environment vote: YES

H.904 would have added new criteria to require that projects going through Act 250 be designed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate fragmentation of the state’s highest priority forest blocks and habitat connectivity areas. Senator Starr moved to strip the fragmentation language. This vote was for a suspension of the rules to allow the Act 250 and forest fragmentation language to remain in the bill, but the vote to suspend the rules was defeated and the language was pulled from the bill.

Status: Amendment failed, so fragmentation language was stripped from the bill; Senate vote 15-12 (rules suspension requires support from three-quarters of members present).

S.337 – Energy efficiency updates

(Vote scored: third reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill takes steps toward updating our energy efficiency utilities so they can focus more resources on cutting climate pollution – and therefore help more Vermonters access efficient, affordable, and clean heating and transportation options.

Status: Passed the Senate 28-2

H.926 – Protecting Forests & Outdoor Recreation

(Vote scored: third reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill is a pared-down version of Act 250 modernization that passed the House earlier in the year, but contains important provisions to better protect forest blocks and wildlife habitat for projects going through Act 250, help maintain working lands, and create a new program that aims to improve environmental review, planning, and maintenance of trail networks.

Status: Passed the Senate 26-3

H.688 – Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA)

(Vote scored: Veto override)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

The Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) will turn Vermont’s climate goals into requirements. The Solutions Act establishes a Climate Council and requires the state to develop and implement a plan that will reduce climate-damaging pollution, grow jobs, help rural and low-income people, and build more resilient communities across Vermont.

Status: Senate voted 22-8 to override Gov. Scott’s veto.

S.348 – Safe Elections

(Vote scored: Second reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill grants full authority to the Secretary of State to mail all registered voters a ballot for this year’s General Election in November, while maintaining in-person voting options. This legislation will help ensure all Vermonters can safely, securely and easily vote this year, despite the ongoing pandemic.

Status: Passed the Senate 21-7

S.40 – Testing and cleanup of lead contamination in drinking water in schools and child care facilities

(Vote scored: Third reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES 

This bill requires testing for lead contamination in drinking water in all Vermont schools and childcare facilities. The bill sets a standard for acceptable lead levels (4 parts per billion) that is more protective than the federal EPA, and requires remediation of any lead contamination found at or above that level. Importantly, the Legislature also allocated funding to ensure the initial testing and remediation happens quickly and consistently across the state.

Status:Enacted; Senate vote 29-0.

S.49 – Testing and regulating toxic PFAS contamination in public drinking water supplies and surface waters

(Vote scored: Third reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill requires the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to develop drinking water and surface water standards for PFAS chemicals, to ensure Vermonters’ water is healthy and safe. PFAS is the class of toxic chemicals that were discovered in Vermont drinking water wells, and pose significant threats to public health and the environment.

Status:Enacted; Senate vote 29-0.

H.63 – Increased investments to help more Vermonters weatherize their homes

(Vote scored: Concurrence with House version)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill will invest several million additional short-term dollars into weatherizing more low- and moderate-income Vermonters’ homes, helping improve comfort, health, and energy efficiency of those homes. The bill also requires analysis by the Public Utility Commission to look at a longer-term approach to expanding the scope of energy efficiency programs – a key component of achieving the state’s climate commitments.

Status:Enacted; Senate vote 29-0.

H.715 – Clean Heat Standard

(Vote scored: Amending the bill as recommended by Committee on Natural Resources and Energy)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to incentivize a clean energy transition for fossil fuel companies. This bill will help Vermonters – particularly those with lower incomes – heat their homes and buildings with access to more cost-effective, efficient, local heating solutions.

Status: Passed the Senate 23-7; but was ultimately VETOED by Gov. Scott.

S.148 – Environmental Justice

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to require State agencies to incorporate environmental justice into their work, establish an Advisory Council on Environmental Justice within the Agency of Natural Resources, and require the creation of an environmental justice mapping tool. This bill will be an important step towards achieving meaningful community engagement in environmental decisions – particularly among overburdened communities and vulnerable populations.

Status: Enacted; passed the Senate 28-1.

S.20 – Ban on Toxic PFAS Chemicals

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro- Environment vote: YES

A bill to ban toxic PFAS chemicals from food packaging, firefighting foam, ski wax, and carpets and rugs. This bill will help protect people from exposure to harmful chemicals when using these products, and will help protect our environment and water by reducing the amount of PFAS-containing products in our waste stream.

Status: Enacted; passed the Senate 30-0.

S.113 – Medical Monitoring

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to hold toxic polluters accountable for the costs of medical monitoring that is necessary because of exposure to a harmful chemical. The bill also allows the State to seek compensation from chemical manufacturers to help clean up chemicals like PFAS from our wastewater treatment plants, water supply systems and lakes, ponds, rivers and streams.

Status: Enacted; passed the Senate 30-0.

H.175 – Modernize Bottle Bill

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to expand the Bottle Bill to cover additional beverages like bottled water and wine bottles. This would keep an estimated 100 million more bottles and cans out of Vermont’s landfills and off roadsides every year. This bill would increase recycling and create green jobs, and is another step forward in our work to reduce plastic pollution.

Status: Passed the Senate 17-11, but stalled out before final passage.

S.51 – Ban on Corporate Contributions

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES 

A bill that prohibits corporations from making direct contributions to political candidates in the state.

Status: Passed the Senate 22-8, but stalled out in the House.

S.15 – Universal Vote By Mail

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to implement universal mail-in voting for all general elections in Vermont. This policy will help make it easier for all eligible Vermonters to vote.

Status: Enacted; passed the Senate 27-3.

H. 158 – Modernized Bottle Bill

(Vote scored: Veto Override)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill to expand the Bottle Bill to cover additional beverages like bottled water and wine bottles. This would keep an estimated 100 million more bottles and cans out of Vermont’s landfills and off roadsides every year. This bill would increase recycling and create green jobs, and is another step forward in our work to reduce plastic pollution.

Status: Veto Sustained (17-13)

H.126 – Biodiversity Conservation (30 by 30)

H.126 – 30 by 30

(Vote scored: Second Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

This bill seeks to address the dual challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change by setting a goal of conserving 30% of our land by 2030 and 50% by 2050, and requires the creation of a statewide conservation plan that would include an inventory of conserved land, and the necessary conservation approaches to maintain a resilient Vermont, including natural and working lands.

Status: Passed the Senate 20-7

S.25 – Banning PFAS in cosmetics, textiles, and turf

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill that restricts PFAS and other toxic chemicals in cosmetic and menstrual products, and bans PFAS from textiles and athletic turf fields.

Status: Passed the Senate 24-0

S.100 – Smart Growth Housing

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill that helps address the housing crisis by encouraging more housing in our downtowns and village centers, while also maintaining the economic and ecological vitality of our working and natural lands.

Status: Passed the Senate 27-2

S.42 – Fossil Fuel Industry Divestment

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill that takes steps to divest State pension funds from investments in the fossil fuel industry.

Status: Passed the Senate 22-8

S.32 – Ranked Choice Voting

(Vote scored: Third Reading)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill that will expand ranked choice voting, including implementing it for Presidential primaries in 2028, exploring implementation for additional statewide races, and authorizing local governments to implement it without requiring legislative approval.

Status: Passed the Senate 23-7

S.5 – Affordable Heat Act

(Vote scored: Concurrence)

Pro-Environment vote: YES

A bill that will require the fossil fuel heating industry to offer Vermonters more affordable, efficient, and clean heating options – such as heat pumps, weatherization services, or advanced wood heat — and requires that the majority of residential clean heat services go to low- and moderate-income Vermonters.

Status: Passed the Senate 20-10.

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