Apr 6, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General
Wind turbines from the Kingdom Community Wind project on Lowell Mountain seen from Route 100 looking east from Lowell on Saturday, September 26, 2020. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger For a time, Vermont was building wind. Projects like Deerfield, Kingdom Community...
Mar 30, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General
photo courtesy of Northwest Regional Planning Commission Last week, one of the most debated policies in the Senate was S.325, a bill that was crafted to adjust components of Act 181 – last biennium’s Act 250 land use reform policy. As debate has ramped up both...
Mar 23, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General
Rock salt from the Vermont Agency of Transportation’s stockpile in Colchester Photo by Kevin McCallum ©️ Seven Days Happy spring!? Let’s be realistic, we are still several weeks away from the first buds and blooms. This winter (and especially after this weekend’s...
Mar 16, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General
The Vermont legislative session has reached its “crossover” deadline. Crossover is the point where policy bills must pass out of their chamber’s committee of origin to stay alive. That makes it the perfect moment to check in on how things are going under the Golden...
Mar 2, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General
Crews from NorthStar tear down a section of the water cooling towers at the decommissioned Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon in 2019. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger As electricity demand rises and climate deadlines tighten, nuclear power is back in policy...
Feb 26, 2026 | 2025, Core Issues, General, Legislative Session, Press Release
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) released the Vermont Congressional delegation’s scores for the League of Conservation Voters’ 2025 National Environmental Scorecard, which highlights our state’s leaders’ work to protect our environment and democracy. Since...
Feb 23, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General
Rep. Laura Sibilia (I-Dover), speaks on the House floor in February 2020. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Artificial intelligence is booming. Cloud computing is expanding. And across the country, massive data centers are being proposed and built at a rapid pace. These...
Feb 16, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General
Pictured above is a postal sorting cabinet living a second life. It was then taken from a Deconstruction Works site in Williamstown, MA and repurposed as a cafe bar at Flat Iron Exchange in Rockingham, VT Our economy is built on extraction and disposal. We mine it,...
Feb 9, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General
You don’t have to be paying close attention to notice that our state treasurer, Mike Pieciak, is seemingly everywhere. Whether you’re scrolling on socials, at a community event, watching the news, or cleaning out your inbox – Treasurer Pieciak is omnipresent....
Feb 4, 2026 | 2026, Democracy Dispatch, General, Sustainable Communities
A week ago today, I stood behind advocates, citizens, and legislators at a press conference in the State House calling on the passage of a suite of bills that would tax the richest Vermonters. After the passage of H.R. 1, states have been left to foot the bill for...
Jan 26, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session, Toxics
Like Senator Martine Larocque Gulick (D-Chittenden-C), a few months ago I had never heard about paraquat. And perhaps you, loyal Democracy Dispatch readers, are also scratching your heads wondering what in the world I am writing about. No, it’s not some exotic fruit...
Jan 23, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, General, Press Release
After almost a decade at the helm of our state government, Governor Phil Scott’s budget address laid bare the fact that Vermont is, in many ways, worse off than it was ten years ago when he came into office. Instead of offering a proactive vision, innovation, or...
Jan 19, 2026 | 2026, Climate, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, General, Legislative Session
For Vermonters who care deeply about the environment and climate, the 2024 election was a setback. And nationally, I think the term ‘setback’ doesn’t do justice to the grim reality. Our national partner, League of Conservation Voters, recently published a...
Jan 14, 2026 | 2026, Core Issues, Press Release
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) has released the 2026 Environmental Common Agenda, which lays out this year’s top legislative priorities for the Vermont environmental community. VCV releases the Common Agenda every January when the legislature convenes in...
Jan 12, 2026 | 2026, Climate, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, General, Legislative Session
Legislators are asked to do a lot, show up for so many issues and find solutions on behalf of many organizations and causes. For newer legislators, this can be really overwhelming. Where will they focus their time and attention? How do you balance it all and learn...
Jan 12, 2026 | 2026, General, Legislative Session, Press Release
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) will present this year’s VCV Environmental Rising Star Awards to Representative Chloe Tomlinson (P/D-Winooski) and Representative Dara Torre (D-Moretown). The VCV Environmental Rising Star Award is presented bi-annually to newer...
Jan 7, 2026 | 2026, Climate, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, General, Legislative Session
photo: Lauren Hierl (executive director, Vermont Natural Resources), Justin Marsh (political director, Vermont Conservation Voters), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT-At Large) in the Vermont State House in February 2023. Photo by Ben Sarle. Happy new year! A...
Oct 31, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Being Halloween, you might think I’d be writing about the scary reality our state faces with thousands of Vermonters eyeing the end of SNAP (food stamps) benefits, healthcare, and heating assistance thanks to the Trump administration and his party’s congressional...
Jun 12, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
The 2025 legislative session has concluded, and thus, so has this season of the Democracy Dispatch. Joining me on the podcast is our executive director, Dan Fingas. We discuss the outcomes of the 2025 legislative session in Vermont, focusing on climate, environmental,...
May 21, 2025 | General
A Video Project by Helena Zuckerman As I near the culmination of four years at the University of Vermont, where I’ve pursued a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, I’ve been reflecting on the profound impact this...
Apr 28, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Sen. Alison Clarkson in the Cedar Creek Room at the State House in Montpelier, Friday, February 23, urging fellow legislators to BACK THE FRAP by supporting the Flood Recovery Assistance Program (FRAP) provisions in the Flood Omnibus Bill that is being proposed...
Apr 21, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
At the start of the 2023 legislative session, VCV launched the Democracy Dispatch podcast to accompany its weekly emails that recapped the state house updates to our members. Frankly, I was new in my role and not fully confident I could communicate about the work we...
Apr 14, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Rep. Kate Logan being arrested for civil disobedience in Washington D.C., March 2025 As political scientist and historian, Howard Zinn, said, “Protest beyond the law is not a departure from democracy; it is absolutely essential to it.” When I heard...
Apr 7, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Rep. Emily Carris Duncan // photo by Wild Hand Ah, remember the 2024 Election? Personally, I try not to. We already had many environmental champions choose not to seek reelection to the Vermont legislature, and then a handful of incumbents lost their contested...
Mar 31, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Rep. Chea Waters Evans (center) with Attorney General Charity Clark (left) and Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas (right), Oct. 2022 // photo courtesy A healthy environment relies on a healthy democracy. Sometimes people find it surprising when they...
Mar 24, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Sen. Becca White with chair of Senate Transportation, Sen. Rich Westman (R-Lamoill) (Jan. 11, 2025), photo by Rep. Matt Birong (D-Vergennes) In my neck of the woods, access to public transportation is going in reverse. Recently, Green Mountain Transit cut...
Mar 17, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
We’ve officially reached crossover – the time when bills in the legislature must exit their original chamber before swapping with the other. That deadline was last Friday for most bills but those that have financial provisions get an extra week this week to move...
Mar 3, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Jordan Heiden with guests Jane Stromberg and Justin Marsh (Feb. 25, 2024), photo by Elijah Kushen, VPIRG Tomorrow, March 4th, is Town Meeting Day. It’s a day about as identifiably Vermont as things like cheddar cheese on apple pie, maple syrup, or stick season....
Feb 28, 2025 | 2024, Core Issues, General, Legislative Session, Press Release
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) released the Vermont Congressional delegation’s scores for the League of Conservation Voters’ 2024 National Environmental Scorecard, which highlights our state’s leaders’ work to protect our environment and democracy. Since...
Feb 25, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Vergennes Union High School’s Green Team, now led by Quincy Sabick, collected 10,000 pounds of non-recyclable soft plastic to create this bench The song “The Greatest Love of All” (written by Linda Creed and recorded and made famous by George Benson in...
Feb 18, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Justin Marsh donating the remainder of their 2012 campaign balance to Kesha Ram Hinsdale on August 2, 2016 I met Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale (D-Chittenden-SE) a decade ago after admiring her from afar for years. Then she was a young, outspoken, progressive state...
Feb 10, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Governor Phil Scott speaks during his weekly press conference on June 11, 2024. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Confession time: I’ve voted for Phil Scott before. I guess it’s maybe not a bold confession since the majority of Vermonters have voted for him too...
Feb 3, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Will Greer When I was 23, fresh out of college, I chose to run for the Vermont Legislature. I had no clue what I was really doing, but looking back now and having worked in several election cycles since, that’s pretty common for a first time candidate. With a...
Jan 27, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Matthew Vigneau I’ve always been into maps. In the backseat pocket of any car I rode in as a kid, chances are there was a well-loved Vermont Atlas & Gazetteer, often complete with a bent cover and some crinkled pages. I loved following along on travels,...
Jan 23, 2025 | General
We’re just a few days into President Donald Trump’s second term and his administration is shaping up to pose significant threats to climate progress. As promised, the Trump administration announced plans on day one to loosen environmental regulations in favor of...
Jan 20, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Rep. Kathleen James speaks on the House floor in 2024 Last week we unveiled the 2025 Environmental Common Agenda, which outlines priorities for environmental policy in Vermont among 19 partner organizations. We started off with a webinar hosted by VECAN,...
Jan 16, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Press Release
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) has released the 2025 Environmental Common Agenda, which lays out this year’s top legislative priorities for the Vermont environmental community. VCV releases the Common Agenda every January when the legislature convenes in...
Jan 13, 2025 | 2025, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Dan Fingas (left) with Senator Anne Watson, canvassing in Barre, October 2024 We’re back! With a new year comes a new legislative session and a new season of the Democracy Dispatch email and podcast. And this year’s new legislative session is also the start of...
Jan 6, 2025 | General, Press Release
After a thorough executive search, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced today that Dan Fingas has been selected as the organization’s new executive director. Fingas will officially begin his role on January 6th, 2025. VCV is excited for this new chapter, as it...
Nov 26, 2024 | General, Press Release, Toxics
VPIRG report provides consumers with tips for avoiding excessive and potentially toxic plastic packaging and products this holiday season. Nowhere on Earth is free from plastic pollution these days, from the highest mountaintops to the deepest ocean canyons. The...
Nov 13, 2024 | Elections, General
There was a lot on the line this election. Donald Trump has repeatedly pledged to roll back a wide range of protections for our environment, our democracy, and our liberties. And now, a week later, we are collectively processing the potential tidal wave of changes...
Sep 25, 2024 | Elections, Press Release
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Charity Clark for Attorney General of Vermont. During her tenure as Attorney General, Clark has been an effective leader on issues aligned with Vermont Conservation Voters’ mission, championing...
Sep 5, 2024 | Elections
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Mike Pieciak for State Treasurer of Vermont. During his tenure as State Treasurer, Pieciak has been an effective leader on issues aligned with Vermont Conservation Voters’ mission, championing...
Aug 14, 2024 | Elections, Press Release
Yesterday’s Primary Election saw candidates running on strong climate action platforms overwhelmingly win their races across Vermont. Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) endorsed candidates facing primary challenges in races in all corners of the state. 95% of...
Jul 26, 2024 | 2023, 2024, General, Legislative Session
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) has released the Vermont Environmental Scorecard for the 2023-2024 legislative session. The Scorecard is a tool developed by VCV to help Vermonters track legislators’ voting records on key environmental issues in the latest...
Jul 12, 2024 | Elections, General
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) has released its first set of endorsements this election season for candidates for the Vermont Legislature. This initial round of VCV endorsements focuses on legislative candidates who have demonstrated strong environmental leadership...
Jul 9, 2024 | Elections
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of David Zuckerman for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. During his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, and his nearly twenty years of service in the Vermont House and Senate, David Zuckerman has been a...
Jun 18, 2024 | General
As the legislative session for 2023/2024 comes to a final close, we are celebrating big wins for environmental and climate policies. Yesterday, the Legislature voted to override the Governor’s vetoes of landmark legislation to modernize Act 250, update the Renewable...
Jun 13, 2024 | General
As we wrap up the 2024 legislative session, we have a lot of progress to celebrate. At the beginning of the biennium in January 2023, we were coming out of a huge election that brought dozens of new lawmakers to Montpelier and a pro-environment supermajority. Vermont...
Jun 10, 2024 | 2024, Climate
This year, the Vermont Legislature worked hard to address the climate challenges we are experiencing. Flood safety, making Big Oil pay for climate disasters, modernizing Vermont’s renewable energy standard, allowing thermal energy networks, banning PFAS, protecting...
May 31, 2024 | 2024, Climate, Legislative Session, Press Release
MONTPELIER – Legislation authorizing the State of Vermont to recoup financial damages caused by climate change from major fossil fuel companies became law today when Governor Phil Scott failed to sign or veto the bill during the constitutionally-mandated five-day...
May 23, 2024 | 2024, Climate, Legislative Session, Press Release
Montpelier, VT — In a dismaying attempt to obstruct Vermont’s environmental and economic progress, today Governor Scott vetoed compromise legislation aimed at modernizing the Renewable Energy Standard and setting the state on a path to delivering 100% renewable...
May 10, 2024 | 2024, Climate, Core Issues, General, Legislative Session, Press Release
Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Senate gave final approval today to landmark legislation that holds the largest fossil fuel companies financially accountable for a portion of the costs of climate change.On a voice vote, Senators approved final passage of the...
May 10, 2024 | Climate, Climate Dispatch, Legislative Session
This week marks the end of the 2024 legislative session, and it’s been a banner year for climate and clean energy legislation! Our priority bills – Renewable Energy Standard modernization (H.289), the Flood Safety Act (S.213), the Climate Superfund Bill (S.259)...
May 7, 2024 | 2024, Press Release
Montpelier, VT — Today, the Vermont Legislature passed legislation (S.25) to ban per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) and other toxic chemicals from personal care products, and to ban PFAS from apparel, cookware, artificial turf, and children’s products....
May 7, 2024 | 2024, Climate, Climate Dispatch, Legislative Session
It’s been a big week for climate action! Both the House and Senate floors were busy with votes on climate and energy bills. As we draw close to the end of the session, many of our priority bills will soon be on their way to the Governor. On Thursday, the House voted...
May 6, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
Photo: Senator Dick McCormack speaks on the floor of the Senate at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Feb. 20, 2024 (photo by Glenn Russell, VTDigger) Guests: Sen. Dick McCormack On this week’s episode of Democracy Dispatch, we have a conversation with Senator Dick...
May 3, 2024 | Press Release
Montpelier, VT – Today, the Vermont House voted to pass S.213, the Flood Safety Act. This bill takes important steps to reduce flood risk across Vermont, at a critical time when flood-related disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe. The bill will now head...
Apr 26, 2024 | Climate
More and more Vermonters are looking to save money and cut planet-warming emissions On Earth Day, Efficiency Vermont partnered with Rewiring America to launch a new online tool to help people understand the signficant suite of financial support they can potentially...
Apr 26, 2024 | Climate, Climate Dispatch
This week, the Senate Natural Resources and Energy committee held a special Monday committee hearing to debate and vote out the modernized Renewable Energy Standard bill (H.289) and did so on a 4-1 committee vote. The bill will now move through the Senate Finance and...
Apr 22, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, Legislative Session
Photo: Williston polling place (courtesy of Vermont Business Magazine) Guests: Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, State Treasurer Mike Pieciak On this week’s episode of Democracy Dispatch, we welcome back to the podcast two statewide elected officials....
Apr 19, 2024 | 2024, Climate, Climate Dispatch
This week, we saw lots of movement in our priority climate bills! The House Committee on Environment and Energy passed three priority bills: the Climate Superfund Act (S.259), the Miscellaneous Public Utility Commission (PUC) bill (S.305) and the Flood Safety Act...
Apr 15, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, Legislative Session, Toxics
Photo: landfill in Coventry, VT (photo by CSWD) Guests: Gretchen Salter, Anthony Iarrapino Between Big Oil and toxic chemicals, it’s time we clean up our act! Just as the Vermont House passes S.25, a bill that would ban PFAS and other harmful “forever” chemicals...
Apr 12, 2024 | General
This week in the State House there has been lots of movement on many important climate, clean energy and resilience bills, including the House Environment and Energy Committee taking up the Flood Safety Act (S.213) and the miscellaneous Public Utility Commission bill...
Apr 10, 2024 | Press Release
Montpelier, VT — Today, the Vermont House advanced legislation (S.25) on a strong voice vote to ban per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) and other toxic chemicals from personal care products and menstrual products, and to ban PFAS from apparel, cookware,...
Apr 8, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, Legislative Session
Photo: Howard Block in Bellows Falls, VT Guests: Kathy Beyer, Cora Smith, Rep. Jonathan Williams On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I’m joined by our 2024 legislative intern, Cora Smith. We talked about her role and the interests that emerged...
Apr 5, 2024 | 2024, Press Release, Toxics
Montpelier, VT — Today, the Vermont House Committee on Human Services unanimously passed legislation (S.25) to ban per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) and other toxic chemicals from personal care products and menstrual products, and to ban PFAS from...
Apr 1, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, Legislative Session
Photo: America Votes State Summit 2024 Guests: Rep. Amy Sheldon On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I recap my time in Washington, D.C. last week attending the America Votes State Summit. I give an overview of my time there, some initiatives...
Mar 29, 2024 | Climate, Climate Dispatch
Another BIG week in the State House! As you probably remember, last week the House passed the modernized Renewable Energy Standard (H.289), and the Senate passed the Flood Safety Act (S.213). Today, the Senate is following that up by voting to advance the Climate...
Mar 29, 2024 | Climate, Legislative Session, Press Release
Montpelier, VT – Today, the Vermont Senate voted overwhelmingly (21-5) to advance S.259, the Climate Superfund Act, which would ensure that Vermonters are not left shouldering the full cost of climate disruption. Following another vote Tuesday, the bill will head to...
Mar 25, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, Legislative Session, Toxics
Photo: South Burlington housing development (Glenn Russell) Guests: Kati Gallagher, Catherine Dimitruk, Attorney General Charity Clark On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I’m joined by Kati Gallagher, Sustainable Communities Program Director at...
Mar 22, 2024 | Climate, Climate Dispatch
This week we had important victories in both the House and Senate as the Flood Safety Bill (S.213) passed the Senate on a tripartisan 24-4 vote, and the Renewable Energy Standard bill (H.289) passed the House on a 99-39-11 vote! Both bills will now head to committees...
Mar 21, 2024 | 2024, Climate, Legislative Session, Press Release
Montpelier, VT – Today, the Vermont House of Representatives passed H.289, to modernize Vermont’s Renewable Energy Standard. The bill would put Vermont on track to achieve 100% renewable electricity across all the state’s utilities by 2035, which would make Vermont...
Mar 20, 2024 | 2024, Climate, Legislative Session, Press Release
Montpelier, VT – Today, the Vermont Senate voted in strong, bi-partisan support of S.213, the Flood Safety Act (24-4-2). This bill takes important steps to reduce flood risk across Vermont, at a critical time when flood-related disasters are becoming more frequent and...
Mar 20, 2024 | General
Article republished with permission from the League of Conservation Voters __________________________ “Trust Yourself and Your Intuition” as a Leader, Says Vermont State Rep. Esme Cole An alum of LCV’s governance training program reflects on her first year in...
Mar 18, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Democracy Dispatch, Legislative Session, Toxics
Guest: Seventh Generation participate in a climate protest outside of Burlington City Hall Guests: Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Kristin Warner, Kate Ogden, Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I’m joined by Senator Kesha Ram...
Mar 18, 2024 | Press Release
Effort to Hold Big Oil Accountable Clears Key Hurdle MONTPELIER, VT – A key legislative committee approved the Climate Superfund Act, S.259, today. With a unanimous, tripartisan vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced this landmark legislation. Sen. Dick Sears...
Mar 15, 2024 | General
It’s crossover! This is an important time in the legislative calendar. It’s the deadline when bills need to pass out of their policy committees to stay on track for passage (in its simplest form). Bills will be “crossing over” to the other chamber soon, which means we...
Mar 4, 2024 | 2024, Climate, Core Issues, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Forests, Legislative Session, Sustainable Communities, Toxics, Water
Guest: Lauren Hierl On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, Lauren Hierl joins for our annual halftime report on the eve of the legislative crossover (when House bills need to be moved to the Senate, and vice versa). This year, the crossover deadline...
Mar 1, 2024 | Climate Dispatch
Momentum continues to build around the Vermont Climate Superfund Act (S.259). The Senate Judiciary committee heard from the Agency of Natural Resources, Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark, and State Treasurer Mike Pieciak this week and all had favorable things to...
Feb 28, 2024 | 2023, Core Issues, General, Legislative Session, Press Release
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) released the Vermont Congressional delegation’s scores for the League of Conservation Voters’ 2023 National Environmental Scorecard, which highlights our state’s leaders’ work to protect our environment and democracy....
Feb 26, 2024 | 2024, Democracy Dispatch, Elections
Photo: Joan Shannon and Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (Courtney Lamdin/Seven Days) Guests: Joan Shannon, Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Sen. Chris Bray Vermont’s most populous city, Burlington, is renowned for its progressive values and commitment to sustainability. With the upcoming...
Feb 23, 2024 | Climate Dispatch
On Wednesday, the Flood Safety Act (S.213) was passed out of the Senate Natural Resources & Energy Committee on a unanimous 5-0 vote. It will now move to Senate Finance and then Senate Appropriations before heading to the floor for a vote by the full Senate. In...
Feb 21, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Legislative Session, Press Release
Montpelier, VT – Today, the Vermont Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Energy voted 5-0 to advance S.213, the Flood Safety Act. This bill takes important steps to reduce the risk of future flooding and strengthen our communities’ resilience. After the...
Feb 20, 2024 | 2024, General, Legislative Session, Press Release
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) presented this year’s VCV Environmental Rising Star Awards to Senator Anne Watson (D/P-Washington) and Representative Mike Rice (D-Dorset). The VCV Environmental Rising Star Award is presented bi-annually to first-term legislators who...
Feb 19, 2024 | 2024, Democracy Dispatch
Photo: The west entrance of the State House (Glenn Russell / VT Digger) Guests: Conor Kennedy, Ashley Moore, Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale The Vermont Legislature has about 100 staffers, compared to states like Massachusetts and New Jersey who have close to 1000, according...
Feb 16, 2024 | Climate Dispatch
In today’s Climate Dispatch, we talk with the Chair of the House Transportation Committee, Rep. Sara Coffey, and VNRC’s Sustainable Communities Program Director, Kati Gallagher, about the work underway to incorporate climate-friendly, multi-modal transportation...
Feb 12, 2024 | 2024, Democracy Dispatch
Photo: A VPIRG volunteer redeeming a bottle (courtesy of VPIRG) Guests: Marcie Gallagher, Rep. Julia Andrews On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I chat with Marcie Gallagher, an environmental advocate with VPIRG, who joins the podcast to discuss...
Feb 9, 2024 | Climate, Climate Dispatch
Welcome back to the Climate Dispatch! This week we saw important movement on the bill to modernize Vermont’s Renewable Energy Standard, H.289, as it was voted out of the House Environment & Energy Committee on a 9-1-1 vote! We anticipate the bill will make a...
Feb 5, 2024 | 2024, Democracy Dispatch
Photo: Sen. Lyons, photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger Guests: Sen. Ginny Lyons, Rep. Esme Cole, Rep. Dara Torre On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I chat with Senator Ginny Lyons (D-Chittenden Southeast) and Representative Esme Cole (D-Hartford),...
Feb 2, 2024 | Climate Dispatch
Welcome back to the Climate Dispatch! This week was once again chock-full of important testimony on H.289, the Renewable Energy Standard modernization bill, S.213, a climate resilience bill to better protect wetlands and river corridors and enhance dam safety,...
Jan 29, 2024 | 2024, Democracy Dispatch
Photo: The Climate Solutions Caucus and advocates, spring 2023 Guests: Sen. Rebecca White, Rep. Gabrielle Stebbins, Rep. Robin Chesnut-Tangerman On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I have a conversation with Senator Rebecca White (D-Windsor) and...
Jan 26, 2024 | 2024, Climate Dispatch, Core Issues, General, Legislative Session
Welcome back to the Climate Dispatch! This week, the Governor presented his budget and legislators started moving their first bills out of committee. While the Governor didn’t spend much time focusing on flood recovery or climate action in his remarks, fortunately the...
Jan 23, 2024 | 2024, Democracy Dispatch
Photo credit: Pelletier Dam (Castleton, VT) by Gabe Bolin Guests: Karina Dailey, Rep. Amy Sheldon Dams exist in almost every Vermont community. Some of us may pass them on our daily commute, some of us may live near them, use the reservoirs created by them, receive...
Jan 19, 2024 | 2024, Climate Dispatch, Core Issues, Legislative Session
Another legislative week has flown by, with many important conversations happening about our climate and energy priorities. On today’s Climate Dispatch we talk with Senator Anne Watson, Vice Chair of the Senate Natural Resources & Energy committee about the...
Jan 16, 2024 | 2024, Climate, Press Release
Lawmakers introduced legislation today to create a Vermont Climate Superfund Program which would require major fossil fuel companies to reimburse the State for a share of the environmental and infrastructure damage caused by climate change. One hundred and seven...
Jan 15, 2024 | 2024, Democracy Dispatch
Photo credit: Kelly Fletcher (Vermont News & Media) Guests: Sen. Anne Watson, Rep. Mike Rice, Sen. Christopher Bray This week we unveiled the 2024 Environmental Common Agenda, coalescing the priorities of a record 19 environmental organizations into one...
Jan 12, 2024 | 2024, Climate, Climate Dispatch, Legislative Session
Welcome back to the Climate Dispatch. We’ve had a busy week at the State House and we’re excited to share the highlights with you. On Wednesday, 19 environmental organizations came together to share the 2024 Environmental Common Agenda. Clean energy, climate...
Jan 10, 2024 | 2024, Core Issues, Press Release
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV), the non-partisan political action arm of Vermont’s environmental community, announced the release of the 2024 Environmental Common Agenda. This document serves as a comprehensive guide outlining this year’s top...
Jan 8, 2024 | 2024, Democracy Dispatch, General
photo: Bennington Banner Guests: Rep. Dan Noyes, Rep. Kelly Pajala Vermonters up and down the Green Mountains were impacted by devastating flooding that occurred the week of July 10th. A few weeks after the climate event, I walked the streets of Johnson with...
Jan 4, 2024 | Climate Dispatch
The 2024 Vermont legislative session has officially commenced. 2023 was a year of catastrophic weather events for Vermont, and that leaves the Legislature with a lot of work to do to help our communities recover and become more resilient. In our inaugural weekly...
Oct 17, 2023 | Elections, General
Leadership Education and Development (LEAD)-Vermont is pleased to be offering an electoral candidate training for Vermonters interested in running for elected office or interested in supporting local candidates. This training series is being co-hosted by Vermont...
Jul 31, 2023 | Democracy Dispatch, General
Guests: Rep. Dan Noyes, Sen. Alison Clarkson, Rep. Katherine Sims, Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale As Vermonters begin week four of clean up from the devastating flooding that occurred the week of July 10th, we hear from four legislators from across Vermont as they share...
Jul 17, 2023 | General
Volunteer Opportunities: State of Vermont Volunteer: To volunteer with recovery efforts on behalf of the State of Vermont, you can register here. Town of Waterbury Community Response Google Form: Request assistance or offer your support as a volunteer for the town of...
May 26, 2023 | 2023, Democracy Dispatch, General
On the Season Finale of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski discusses her role as Speaker, and House leadership’s priorities both currently and with an eye on the second and final year of the biennium. After passing the Affordable Heat...
May 11, 2023 | Climate, General, Press Release
Montpelier – Today, in a decisive vote of 107-42, the Vermont House of Representatives voted to override Governor Phil Scott’s veto of S.5, the Affordable Heat Act. The veto override vote comes on the heels of the Vermont Senate’s 20-10 vote to override the veto,...
May 10, 2023 | 2023, General, Press Release, Sustainable Communities
Montpelier – The Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) and Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) applaud the passage of S.100, the “Housing Opportunities Made for All” bill, by the Vermont House of Representatives on a 135-11 vote today. The bill is now headed back to...
May 9, 2023 | 2023, Climate, Core Issues, General, Press Release
Montpelier – Today, in a significant step forward for Vermont’s commitment to addressing climate change and delivering cleaner, affordable heating options to Vermonters, the Vermont Senate voted 20-10 to override Governor Phil Scott’s veto of S.5, the Affordable Heat...
May 9, 2023 | 2023, Forests, General, Press Release
Montpelier – Today, in a major win for the protection of Vermont’s forests, wildlife and rural community resilience in the face of climate change, the Vermont Senate voted 20-7 to advance H.126, an act related to community resilience and biodiversity protection. The...
May 8, 2023 | 2023, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, General
S1, E17 (May 8, 2023): How Wisconsin Organized Voters to Combat Attacks on Democracy Guests: Seth Hoffmeister, Rep. Seth Bongartz Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ Deputy Director, Seth Hoffmeister joins the podcast from the 2023 LCV Conservation Voters Movement...
May 5, 2023 | 2023, Climate, Climate Dispatch, General
Late yesterday, Governor Scott vetoed S.5, the Affordable Heat Act, after months of hard work by the Legislature to carefully design a program that delivers cleaner, more affordable, healthier heating choices to all Vermonters. The bill is now headed back to the...
May 4, 2023 | 2023, Climate, General, Press Release
Montpelier – A coalition of business, environmental, and equity-focused organizations today called on the Vermont Legislature to override Governor Phil Scott’s veto of S.5, the Affordable Heat Act. This veto comes right on the heels of the Scott Administration’s...
May 1, 2023 | 2023, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, General, Toxics
S1, E16 (May 1, 2023): Addressing Legislative Pay Guests: Rep. Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, Sen. Ruth Hardy Representative Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (P/D-Burlington) speaks about proposed legislation that would incrementally increase the pay and benefits that legislators receive...
Apr 28, 2023 | 2023, Climate, Climate Dispatch, Forests, General, Toxics
It’s been a busy week in the Vermont Senate with lots of significant progress on many priority climate and environmental policies! We’re joined by Senator Becca White and VPIRG’s Marcie Gallagher to give you an update on all of the exciting developments. As we shared...
Apr 24, 2023 | 2023, Climate, General, Press Release
Montpelier – Yesterday, in a significant step towards climate action, the Vermont House of Representatives passed S.5, the Affordable Heat Act, on a 98-46 roll call vote on second reading and today, on final reading, they advanced the bill back to the Senate. This is...
Apr 24, 2023 | 2023, Climate, Democracy Dispatch, General
S1, E15 (Apr. 24, 2023): All About the Affordable Heat Act Guests: Rep. Gabrielle Stebbins, Sen. Anne Watson We examine the Affordable Heat Act, S.5, with co-chair of the Vermont Legislature’s Climate Solutions Caucus, Representative Gabrielle Stebbins (D-Burlington)....
Apr 19, 2023 | 2023, General, Press Release, Toxics
Montpelier – Today, Vermont elected officials, local business leaders, and advocates gathered at the State House to call for swift action to advance legislation (S.25) that restricts PFAS and other toxic chemicals from cosmetic and menstrual products, and bans PFAS...
Apr 17, 2023 | 2023, Democracy Dispatch, General
S1, E14 (Apr. 17, 2023): The MENA Caucus Guests: Sen. Nader Hashim, Rep. Golrang “Rey” Garofano, Rep. Mary-Katherine Abdel-Ghany Stone, and Rep. Dara Torre Senator Nader Hashim (D-Windham), Representative Golrang “Rey” Garofano (D-Essex), and Representative...
Apr 13, 2023 | 2023, General, Press Release, Water
Dear Chairs Sheldon and Bray: The undersigned organizations, together as the Water Caucus, write to share our priorities as the 2023 legislative session reaches its final weeks. You can see a range of important water issues highlighted in Vermont’s 2023 Environmental...
Apr 10, 2023 | 2023, Climate, Democracy Dispatch, General, Toxics
S1, E13 (Apr. 10, 2023): Being Green While Making Green Guests: State Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Rep. Laura Sibilia State Treasurer Mike Pieciak was elected as our 31st State Treasurer last November after completing his “Road to Victory” – taking part in the 251(+1)...
Apr 4, 2023 | 2023, General, Press Release, Toxics
Montpelier – Today, the Vermont Senate voted on a unanimous voice vote to advance legislation (S.25) that restricts PFAS and other toxic chemicals from cosmetic and menstrual products, and bans PFAS from textiles and artificial turf athletic fields. The bill will be...
Apr 3, 2023 | 2023, Democracy Dispatch, General
S1, E12 (Apr. 3, 2023): A Conversation with Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman Guest: Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman, is currently serving as our state’s 84th lieutenant governor, returning for a third term after one biennium...
Mar 30, 2023 | 2023, Democracy, Elections, General, Press Release
Montpelier, VT – Today, the Vermont Senate voted 23-7 on Second Reading in favor of legislation to put ranked choice voting in place for Vermont’s 2028 Presidential Primary. The vote included support from Democrats, Republicans, and Progressive Democrats. The bill...
Mar 27, 2023 | 2023, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, General
S1, E11 (Mar. 27, 2023): Protecting and Expanding Democracy Guests: Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Rep. Gabrielle Stebbins Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas speaks with Justin a few months into her transition to the role after an incredible 18-year...
Mar 23, 2023 | 2023, Forests, General, Press Release
Montpelier – Today, in a major win for the protection of Vermont’s forests, wildlife and community resilience in the face of climate change, the Vermont House of Representatives voted 108-36 to advance H.126, an act related to community resilience and biodiversity...
Mar 20, 2023 | 2023, Climate, Democracy Dispatch, General
S1, E10 (Mar. 20, 2023): The Environmental Role of the Attorney General’s Office Guests: Attorney General Charity Clark, Sen. Christopher Bray Attorney General Charity Clark is our state’s 28th AG, and the first woman to ever be elected to the position. In a candid...
Mar 17, 2023 | 2023, General, Press Release, Toxics
Montpelier, VT –– Today, the Vermont Senate Committee on Health and Welfare unanimously passed legislation (S.25) to ban PFAS and other toxic chemicals from products including personal care products, textiles, and artificial turf fields. The bill is supported by...
Mar 14, 2023 | 2023, General, Press Release, Toxics, Water
Underscores Need for Further Action to Restrict Use of PFAS Chemicals Montpelier – Today, the federal Environmental Protection Agency proposed its first national drinking water standards for six of the thousands of PFAS chemicals. The proposal would regulate two of...
Mar 6, 2023 | 2023, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
S1, E9 (Mar. 6, 2023): 2023 Halftime Report Guest: Lauren Hierl Move over, Rihanna. We’ve got our own Halftime Show! With the legislature on break for Town Meeting Day, it seemed like the opportune time to sit down with Lauren Hierl, executive director, Vermont...
Feb 28, 2023 | Elections, General
Vermont Conservation Voters released the Vermont federal delegation’s scores for the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) 2022 National Environmental Scorecard, highlighting our state’s leaders’ tremendous action to protect our environment and democracy, and build a...
Feb 27, 2023 | 2023, Democracy Dispatch, General, Sustainable Communities, Toxics
S1, E8 (Feb. 27, 2023): Banning PFAS and Toxic “Forever” Chemicals Guests: Rep. Dane Whitman, VNRC’s Kati Gallagher Rep. Dane Whitman (D-Bennington) speaks about policy banning harmful PFAS and toxic “forever” chemicals from several items. His work on this effort last...
Feb 20, 2023 | 2023, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, General
S1, E7 (Feb. 20, 2023): Is Serving in the State House Sustainable? Guests: Rep. Saudia LaMont, Sen. Rebecca White Rep. Saudia LaMont (D-Morristown) speaks about her experience as a freshman legislator and how the reality of serving differed from her perception while...
Feb 17, 2023 | 2023, Climate, Core Issues, General
Montpelier – Today, in a huge victory for climate action and addressing Vermont’s second largest source of climate pollution – the thermal heating sector – the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee voted 5-0 to advance the Affordable Heat Act (S.5). This...
Feb 13, 2023 | 2023, Democracy Dispatch, General
S1, E6 (Feb. 13, 2023): Vermont’s Love/Hate Relationship with Act 250 Guests: Rep. Amy Sheldon, Rep. Kristi Morris Act 250 is Vermont’s land use and development law, enacted in 1970 at a time when Vermont was undergoing significant development pressure. The law...
Feb 6, 2023 | 2023, Democracy Dispatch, Forests, General
S1, E5 (Feb. 6, 2023): Roaring Twenties: Three Young Lawmakers’ Reflections Guests: Rep. Larry Satcowitz, Sen. Becca White, Rep. Jay Hooper, Rep. Lucy Boyden The Vermont Legislature boasts six members who are in their 20s. That number nearly doubles when looking at...
Jan 30, 2023 | 2023, Democracy Dispatch, General, Sustainable Communities, Toxics
S1, E4 (Jan. 30, 2023): Looking Back on 15 Years of Environmental Justice Guests: Sen. Ginny Lyons, Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale (D/P-Chittenden Southeast) takes a look back at the environmental justice legislation that inspired her to run for the...
Jan 23, 2023 | 2023, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, General, Legislative Session
S1, E3 (Jan. 23, 2023): Accessibility from State Trails to the State House Guests: Rep. Seth Bongartz, Rep. Elizabeth Burrows Justin has a conversation with Rep. Elizabeth Burrows (D/P-West Windsor) about her proposed bill that would make state-owned and managed...
Jan 16, 2023 | 2023, Democracy, Democracy Dispatch, Elections, General
S1, E2 (Jan. 16, 2023): Freedom & Unity: A Graphic Guide to Civics and Democracy in Vermont Guests: Sen. Anne Watson, Susan Clark Justin speaks with Susan Clark about her contributions to Freedom and Unity: A Graphic Guide to Civics and Democracy in...
Jan 12, 2023 | 2023, Climate, Core Issues, Democracy, Forests, General, Legislative Session, Press Release, Sustainable Communities, Toxics, Water
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) has released the 2023 Environmental Common Agenda, which lays out this year’s top legislative priorities for the Vermont environmental community. VCV releases the Common Agenda each legislative session in partnership with other...
Jan 9, 2023 | 2023, Democracy Dispatch, General
S1, E1 (Jan. 9, 2023): The Winooski Dome Proposal Project of 1979 Guests: Rep. Amy Sheldon, Rep. Taylor Small Rep. Taylor Small (P/D-Winooski) talks about the Winooski Dome Proposal Project of 1979, a PFAS bill set to be taken up this session, and climate priorities...
Dec 1, 2022 | Uncategorized
We hope you can join us virtually for the 15th Annual VECAN (Vermont Energy & Climate Action Network Conference)! This year’s conference is FREE and open to everyone, thanks to the support of our generous sponsors. Learn more and REGISTER HERE Kicking off...
Nov 21, 2022 | Uncategorized
State Joins Coast-to-Coast Movement to Adopt Zero-Emission Vehicle Regulations Vermont moved forward with two key regulations to address pollution from transportation in the state: the Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) II program and the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT)...
Nov 9, 2022 | Uncategorized
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV)-endorsed candidates won a decisive majority (86%) of their races on Election Day, including 4 statewide officers, 20 state senators, and 89 state representatives. Voters made a clear statement by overwhelmingly electing...
Nov 9, 2022 | Elections, General, Press Release
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV)-endorsed candidates won a decisive majority (86%) of their races on Election Day, including 4 statewide officers, 20 state senators, and 89 state representatives. Voters made a clear statement by overwhelmingly electing candidates who...
Oct 25, 2022 | Uncategorized
Justin Marsh, VCV’s Political Outreach Director, has deep roots in Vermont, particularly in Lamoille County. They live on their family’s farm in Cambridge, where many generations have and continue to work the lands. Since 2012, Justin has served on the Cambridge...
Sep 28, 2022 | Uncategorized
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) has announced its endorsements of pro-environment candidates running in the 2022 General Elections. As a non-partisan organization, VCV has a long history of endorsing candidates from across the political spectrum who share the...
Sep 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Mike Pieciak for Vermont’s next Treasurer. Mike Pieciak grew up in Vermont, and most recently served as the Commissioner of the state’s Department of Financial Regulation,...
Aug 10, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – In Tuesday’s primary elections, candidates prioritizing bold climate action and a healthy environment consistently won their races. Voters came out strong for Vermont Conservation Voters-endorsed candidates—resulting in 3 statewide wins, 7 wins in the...
Aug 8, 2022 | Uncategorized
At the end of July, Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Manchin reached a deal on a new reconciliation package known as the Inflation Reduction Act, which has now passed through the Senate. While it’s disappointing that the package includes some giveaways to the...
Aug 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
The final installment of our Summer Session Deep Dive on Climate Series As we move towards an electrified transportation future, it’s important to remember that not everybody wants, needs, or can afford a personal electric vehicle – and we can and must do far...
Jul 28, 2022 | Uncategorized
Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Joe Manchin made a surprise announcement that brings a much needed sigh of relief — the Senate has reached an agreement to add the ‘Inflation Reduction Act of 2022’ to the reconciliation bill, which will make...
Jul 21, 2022 | Uncategorized
Part of our Summer Session Deep Dive on Climate Series As Vermont continues to work toward a notable reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions, we’re going to need to make a big transition away from gas-guzzling cars to cleaner modes of transportation. The good...
Jul 19, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Sarah Copeland Hanzas for Vermont’s next Secretary of State. Sarah Copeland Hanzas has a long and impressive record of public service. She has served as House Majority Leader, Chair...
Jul 15, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Brenda Siegel for Governor of Vermont. Brenda Siegel has made meaningful change in Vermont through her work in the housing sector, in response to the opioid epidemic, and through...
Jul 14, 2022 | Uncategorized
Part of our Summer Session Deep Dive on Climate Series As Vermont works to tackle reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions, more and more residents will need access to affordable, reliable, and accessible clean electricity. Fortunately, this legislative session...
Jul 12, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) has released its first set of endorsements this election season for candidates for the Vermont Legislature. These candidates are all in races in the August 9th Primary Elections. Through its endorsements, VCV...
Jul 11, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT — Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Charity Clark for Vermont’s next Attorney General.Charity Clark is a lawyer and mother who grew up in Southern Vermont in a family of small-town grocers. Clark has worked for nearly...
Jul 7, 2022 | Uncategorized
Position: Vermont Conservation Voters Political Outreach Director Status: Permanent, full-time Location: Flexible (within VT), with ability to be in Montpelier regularly Schedule and Compensation: Full-time position with total salary and benefits package of...
Jul 7, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – On July 6, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) and Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) co-hosted a virtual candidate forum with the five candidates who are competing for three seats in this summer’s Democratic primary in the newly redrawn...
Jul 7, 2022 | Uncategorized
This legislative session brought massive, historic investments totaling $80 million for low- and moderate-income Vermonters interested in weatherizing their homes. The last decade has seen dramatic improvements in how we insulate buildings—weatherization means...
Jul 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of David Zuckerman for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. During his previous tenure as Lieutenant Governor, and during his nearly twenty years of service in the Vermont House and Senate,...
Jun 30, 2022 | Uncategorized
Part of our Summer Session Deep Dive on Climate Series Vermont communities interested in reducing their energy bills and cutting climate pollution have something to celebrate. H.518, the Municipal Energy Resilience Initiatives bill is now law,...
Jun 30, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) released a deeply troubling decision that sides with coal companies and their allies, and takes away the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s power to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from...
Jun 30, 2022 | Uncategorized
The 2021-2022 Legislative Biennium is one for the history books, with lawmakers scrambling to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and working remotely for a large portion of both sessions. Given these unusual dynamics, how much progress did lawmakers make on...
Jun 29, 2022 | Uncategorized
Five candidates are competing for three seats in this summer’s Democratic primary in the newly redrawn Washington County State Senate district. Please join Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) and VPIRG for a Zoom debate on Wednesday, July 6, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m....
Jun 28, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Along with more than 100 environmental and community groups around the US, the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) has signed on to a United States Supreme Court brief in a case that will determine which waters will receive protection under the...
Jun 16, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – During periods of heavy rainfall when the volume of wastewater exceeds the capacity of the combined sewer system, raw sewage has been discharging into the Otter Creek watershed. These discharges are called combined sewer overflows...
Jun 15, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – The Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions (AVCC) has awarded 2022 Tiny Grants to conservation commissions in the following towns: Bethel, Mt. Holly, Georgia, Monkton, Burlington, and Marshfield. Tiny Grants is an AVCC initiative that...
Jun 14, 2022 | Uncategorized
Significant Dollars in Diverse, Needed Programs Provide a Foundation Upon Which to Build Montpelier – The Vermont Legislature crafted and Governor Phil Scott recently signed the FY23 budget, H.740, committing to unprecedented investments in climate action...
Jun 10, 2022 | Uncategorized
Measures are a good start in reducing transportation emissions. Montpelier – A broad coalition of environmental leaders applaud the transportation investments included with the enactment of the Fiscal Year 2023 Transportation Bill, H.736, and the Fiscal Year 2023...
Jun 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
VNRC, VPIRG and Vermont Conservation Voters Celebrate H.518’s Enactment Montpelier – The Legislature crafted and yesterday Governor Phil Scott signed H.518, the Municipal Energy Resilience Initiatives Bill into law, setting the stage for $45 million in...
Jun 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
On June 2, 2022 Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) and Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) hosted our 2022 Congressional Forum. Watch below to hear from the leading candidates for Congress who shared their priorities and vision for Vermont and the country.
May 31, 2022 | Uncategorized
Will address environmental harms disproportionately affecting many communities Montpelier – A diverse coalition of environmental justice leaders celebrated the enactment of the state’s first-ever environmental justice law, which earned Vermont Governor Phil...
May 27, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier — Today, Governor Phil Scott signed a bill to expand Vermont’s Use Value Appraisal (“Current Use”) Program (H.697). The bill will create a new subcategory in Current Use called “reserve forestland” which will allow landowners to manage unique,...
May 27, 2022 | Uncategorized
Excerpted from an article by Emma Cotton in VTDigger: “Vermont’s current use program, which provides landowners with a lower property tax rate for undeveloped land, is set to see a new category that allows landowners to prioritize conservation. With few...
May 25, 2022 | Uncategorized
Bill Takes Important Steps to Improve Climate-Resilience and Ensure More Equitable Access to our Waters Montpelier – Yesterday, Governor Phil Scott signed H.466, a bill that addresses surface water withdrawals and interbasin transfers of water. This bill...
May 23, 2022 | Uncategorized
On May 18th, VCV co-hosted a virtual climate debate with our partners, Vermont Public Interest Research Education Fund (VPIREF), Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club, Rights & Democracy and Renewable Energy Vermont. Candidates discussed their positions on a wide...
May 17, 2022 | Uncategorized
Governor Scott has a unique opportunity to give a significant boost to forest management and protection policy in the coming weeks. The Vermont General Assembly is sending several bills to the Governor’s desk that, when together,...
May 12, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – After the Vermont House narrowly failed to override the Governor’s veto of the Clean Heat Standard (H.715) on a 99-51 vote, Vermont has once again delayed essential climate progress. The Clean Heat Standard – a performance-based approach that would...
May 6, 2022 | Uncategorized
June 2, 2022 (RSVP Below) Please join Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) and Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) for our 2022 Congressional Forum. You will hear from the leading candidates for Congress who will share their priorities and vision for Vermont and the...
May 5, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Today, the Vermont Senate passed legislation to protect biodiversity and improve climate resilience (H.606). The bill passed on a unanimous voice vote. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature. This policy was a recommendation of the...
May 4, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Today, the Vermont House took a critical step forward in addressing a long history of undue environmental injustice by passing Vermont’s first statewide Environmental Justice bill, S.148, with a strong vote in support. The bill will next go back to the...
Apr 28, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Today, the Vermont Senate voted to advance the Clean Heat Standard bill (H.715) for further development by the Public Utility Commission, after adding a disappointing amendment that weakened the law by requiring it to be endorsed again in the 2024...
Apr 8, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier — Today, the Vermont House advanced a bill (S.113) that holds corporate polluters responsible for ongoing harm to Vermonters caused by toxic chemical exposure. The bill also authorizes the State to sue manufacturers of dangerous chemicals that harm...
Mar 25, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Today, the Vermont House of Representatives passed the FY23 budget, H.740, with unprecedented investments in climate action and resilience, which will help Vermonters reduce their energy costs, their reliance on expensive and polluting fossil...
Mar 25, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Today, the Vermont Senate took a critical step forward in addressing a long history of undue environmental harm by advancing Vermont’s first statewide Environmental Justice bill, S.148, with a unanimous voice vote on second reading of the bill. The bill...
Mar 22, 2022 | Uncategorized
Position: Vermont Conservation Voters Organizing Fellow Status: One year contract position Location: Flexible (within VT) Schedule and Compensation: full-time position with total salary and benefits package of $45,000 Reports to: Executive Director About...
Mar 17, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Today, in an important step forward for long-overdue progress on the climate crisis, the Vermont House of Representatives advanced H.715, the Clean Heat Standard, with an incredibly strong vote of 96-44. The Clean Heat Standard – the single largest...
Mar 16, 2022 | Uncategorized
Statement from:Robb Kidd, Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club,Ben Edgerly Walsh, Vermont Public Interest Research Group,Johanna Miller, Vermont Natural Resources CouncilDale Azaria, Conservation Law FoundationLauren Hierl, Vermont Conservation VotersJordan Giaconia,...
Mar 8, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Today the Vermont House of Representatives passed legislation (H.697) to update the state’s Use Value Appraisal Program (also known as Current Use) to better protect forests and help mitigate climate change. The bill passed third reading on a vote...
Feb 2, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT — Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) released the 2022 Environmental Common Agenda, a guide to this year’s top legislative priorities for Vermont’s environment and communities. This year’s Common Agenda highlights that we are in a time of...
Feb 2, 2022 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, the Vermont Senate gave initial approval to a bill (S.113) that will help Vermonters harmed by toxic contamination. The bill removes an unfair legal barrier they face when they attempt to hold corporate polluters responsible for the harm they...
Dec 1, 2021 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT — Earlier today, Vermont’s Climate Council adopted the state’s first-ever statutorily required Climate Action Plan. Established by the Global Warming Solutions Act passed by the Vermont Legislature last year, the 23-member Vermont Climate...
Nov 19, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the strongest climate bill in United States history. Thank you Rep. Peter Welch for your tireless leadership and for supporting this transformative legislation. We commend you for listening to environmental groups,...
Nov 15, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today, Vermont’s senior U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy announced that he will not seek re-election in 2022. At this turning point for the longest-serving member in the Senate – and for Vermont – the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) and Vermont Conservation...
Oct 28, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today, after so many Vermonters and people across the nation called, knocked on doors, and demanded action, the President has finally announced a framework with the strongest action the United States has ever taken to combat the climate crisis. This framework...
Oct 20, 2021 | Uncategorized
Have you ever thought about running for office? It’s hard to believe, but the 2022 elections are just around the corner – starting with Town Meeting Day in March – and now is the time to think about how you can get involved. Leadership Education and...
Jul 27, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today’s episode It’s been a while! In this week’s Climate Dispatch, VNRC’s Johanna Miller and VCV’s Lauren Hierl provide a high-level overview of what’s happening with the Vermont Climate Council, a quick look forward to the 2022 legislative session, and a peek...
May 28, 2021 | Climate Dispatch
Today’s episode We’re one week out from the adjournment of the 2021 legislative session. This year, policy makers made unprecedented investments in climate action—and so much more! Today we’re joined by VPIRG’s Climate and Energy Program Ben Edgerly Walsh for an...
May 21, 2021 | Climate Dispatch
Today’s episode Today we are joined by Rebecca Ramos from the Necrason Group, who has been following the ins and outs of the budget process all year. As the Legislature wraps the FY 2022 budget, which includes an unprecedented $250 million investment in climate...
May 21, 2021 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – The Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) and Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) applaud the Vermont Legislature for making historic investments in climate action, clean water, affordable housing, broadband, and other critical programs that...
May 19, 2021 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed into law a nation-leading bill that restricts the sale of consumer products that contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS. Legislative leaders and organizations released the following statements in response....
May 18, 2021 | Uncategorized
The Vermont Senate concurred in a voice vote today with House changes to S.15, legislation that will require ballots to be mailed to all Vermont voters in general elections moving forward. The policy that was put in place as a one-time emergency measure in 2020 during...
May 11, 2021 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT — Today, the Vermont House of Representatives, on a strong tri-partisan vote (119-30), gave initial support to a bill (S.15) that expands universal vote-by-mail to all general elections going forward. The House will take a final vote tomorrow, and...
May 11, 2021 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, the Vermont Legislature gave final approval to a nation-leading bill that would restrict the sale of consumer products that contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature. Conservation Law...
May 4, 2021 | Uncategorized
(MONTPELIER, VT) – Today, Vermont’s House of Representatives gave unanimous initial approval to a bill that would restrict the sale of consumer products that contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS. After final approval, the bill will head back to the Senate, where they...
May 4, 2021 | Uncategorized
Vermont firefighters, educators, public health and children’s advocates, businesses, and environmental groups urge you to vote to support S.20 to ban PFAS and other toxic chemicals from consumer products and firefighting foam. PFAS chemicals are...
Mar 19, 2021 | Uncategorized
We’re still in the midst of “crossover” time when bills need to move out of either the Vermont House or Senate to stay on track for potential enactment this year. We saw forward progress on several VCV priority bills this week! Bills passed the Senate that will better...
Mar 17, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today, the Vermont Senate gave initial approval to legislation (S.20) to ban PFAS and other toxic chemicals from certain products. The bill is supported by firefighters, business groups, educators, public health and children’s advocates, and environmental groups. The...
Mar 5, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today, lawmakers and people impacted by toxic PFAS contamination came together to call for lawmakers to support legislation that will help Vermonters access medical monitoring for diseases linked to toxic exposure. Bennington Senators Dick Sears and Brian Campion...
Feb 26, 2021 | Uncategorized
This week, several VCV priority bills advanced through key committees. These bills will better protect wetlands, expand the Bottle Bill, and implement mail-in voting during all general elections. Read the details below! Meanwhile, the Vermont Climate Council...
Feb 18, 2021 | Uncategorized
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) shared the results of the 2020 National Environmental Scorecard from the League of Conservation Voters (LCV). The Scorecard is a valuable tool for evaluating the environmental voting records of every member of Congress, and is...
Feb 12, 2021 | Uncategorized
This week, the Vermont Legislature continued working on a range of VCV priority issues, including weatherization, clean transportation, and wetland protections. Meanwhile, the Vermont Climate Council is still accepting nominations for participants on its...
Feb 10, 2021 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT — Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) is pleased to announce this year’s VCV Lifetime Achievement Award winner: former State Representative Mary Sullivan of Burlington, Vermont, who retired in 2020. The VCV Lifetime Achievement Award is presented...
Feb 5, 2021 | Uncategorized
This week, Vermont Conservation Voters released the 2021 Environmental Common Agenda of legislative priorities. Check it out here! We worked with a growing list of partners to develop this year’s priorities. The Common Agenda focuses on...
Jan 22, 2021 | Uncategorized
This week, we were excited to watch the Inauguration of Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President. We were inspired to see the barriers broken by Vice President Harris as the first Black, South Asian, and woman elected to serve in that role. ...
Jan 8, 2021 | Uncategorized
NATIONAL NEWS This week, our attention was of course drawn to our nation’s Capital, where we watched with outrage as armed white supremacists violently stormed the U.S. Capitol Building, spurred on by the President. We watched as law enforcement failed to meet the...
Nov 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT — Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV)-endorsed candidates won an overwhelming majority (84%) of their races on Election Day, including five statewide officers, 20 state senators, and 86 state representatives. “VCV’s endorsed candidates...
Sep 28, 2020 | Uncategorized
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Vermont Attorney General TJ Donovan for re-election. “Attorney General TJ Donovan has fought for a clean, healthy environment in Vermont and nationally,” said Lauren Hierl, Executive Director of...
Sep 17, 2020 | Uncategorized
Vermont’s House of Representatives successfully voted to override Governor Scott’s veto of the Global Warming Solutions Act today. The bill will require Vermont to reduce its climate-damaging emissions while simultaneously creating jobs, improving community...
Sep 15, 2020 | Uncategorized
Bill Would Cut Climate Pollution and Strengthen Vermont Communities September 15, 2020 (Montpelier, VT) — Governor Scott has vetoed the Global Warming Solutions Act, which was overwhelmingly passed by both the Vermont House and Senate. The historic climate bill...
Sep 10, 2020 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT — Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos for re-election. “Secretary of State Jim Condos has successfully worked to make Vermont one of the easiest states in the nation in which...
Sep 9, 2020 | Uncategorized
Bill moves to Governor with overwhelming legislative support Vermont’s House of Representatives passed the Global Warming Solutions Act today with 102 votes. The historic climate bill requires Vermont to reduce its climate-damaging emissions while simultaneously...
Sep 8, 2020 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT — Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Molly Gray for Lieutenant Governor. “Molly Gray will bring to the Lieutenant Governor’s office a compelling vision focused on building stronger and more resilient communities...
Aug 25, 2020 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of David Zuckerman for Governor of Vermont. While serving as Lieutenant Governor, and during his nearly 20-year tenure in the Vermont House and Senate, David Zuckerman has been a...
Aug 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT — Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Beth Pearce for Vermont State Treasurer. “Treasurer Beth Pearce has been a strong advocate for Vermont’s environment, particularly clean water funding and climate...
Aug 6, 2020 | Uncategorized
This commentary is by Lauren Hierl, Executive Director of Vermont Conservation Voters Like so many aspects of our lives, the 2020 legislative session in Vermont has been unprecedented. For the first time, lawmakers figured out how to do committee work and hold votes...
Aug 6, 2020 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – A new report released today by the Vermont Public Interest Research and Education Fund (VPIREF, an arm of VPIRG), Vermont Conservation Voters, the Mind the Store campaign, Toxic-Free Future, and other partners found that nearly half of all take-out...
Aug 3, 2020 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT — Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Vermont Auditor Doug Hoffer for re-election. “Auditor Doug Hoffer has used his office to bring transparency and accountability to the state government on a range of issues,...
Jul 24, 2020 | Uncategorized
Yesterday the U.S. House passed the Great American Outdoors Act, which permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The Senate passed this legislation in June. For the first time, full and permanent funding of LWCF has passed both chambers of...
Jul 10, 2020 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its first set of endorsements this election season for candidates for the Vermont Legislature. These candidates are all in races in the August 11th Primary Elections. Through its endorsements,...
Jun 25, 2020 | Uncategorized
(MONTPELIER, VT) – A coalition of business and environmental organizations released the following statement today after the Vermont Senate overwhelmingly voted to approve the Global Warming Solutions Act. The groups commend President Pro Tem Tim Ashe, Majority Leader...
May 22, 2020 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT — Today, the Vermont Senate passed legislation (S.295) to ban PFAS and other toxic chemicals from certain products. The bill is supported by firefighters, business groups, educators, public health and children’s advocates, and environmental...
Apr 30, 2020 | Uncategorized
See our recent letter to Governor Scott and Secretary of State Condos calling for safe, accessible elections this year: Dear Gov. Scott and Secretary Condos, We appreciate your efforts to prioritize the health and well-being of Vermont’s people at this difficult...
Apr 16, 2020 | Uncategorized
Today, VCV along with a coalition of organizations together representing tens of thousands of Vermonters, wrote to our federal delegation. We wrote to express gratitude for their leadership in crating critical emergency response measures to the public health, social,...
Apr 9, 2020 | Uncategorized
Vermont Conservation Voters and partners sent a letter to the House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish & Wildlife on April 9, 2020 expressing opposition to the suspension of recycling programs, and more, in Vermont. Find the full letter below. Dear Chair Sheldon...
Apr 7, 2020 | Uncategorized
Vermont environmental advocates sent a letter yesterday to Governor Phil Scott thanking him for his efforts to address the unprecedented COVID-19 emergency, and urging him to uphold environmental and public health protections during the crisis, along with...
Mar 30, 2020 | Uncategorized
Dear Vermont Conservation Voters community, Here at VCV, we’re thinking of you all, and hope this message finds you well despite the rapid and disorienting changes to our state and world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We know our lives and communities are...
Mar 12, 2020 | Uncategorized
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 12, 2020 Contact: Lauren Hierl, Vermont Conservation Voters, lhierl@vermontconservationvoters.org, (860) 670-2629 Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) released the 2019 National Environmental Scorecard from the League of...
Mar 4, 2020 | Uncategorized
Position: Vermont Conservation Voters Electoral Intern Status: Temporary Paid Internship Supervisor: VCV Political Outreach Associate Summary Vermont Conservation Voters – a non-partisan, non-profit statewide...
Feb 7, 2020 | Uncategorized
Climate change threatens Stowe’s economy and way of life. On February 11, Stowe Rep. Rep. Heidi Scheuermann voted NO on the Global Warming Solutions Act (H.688), a critical climate change bill that requires the state to create and implement a plan that will...
Feb 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
Today, VCV and partner groups were proud to release Vermont’s 2020 Environmental Common Agenda, your guide to this year’s top legislative priorities for the environment, at a reception at the Vermont State House. The Common Agenda represents the priorities...
Feb 5, 2020 | Uncategorized
Today, we wanted to share with you a somewhat atypical report that Vermont Conservation Voters partnered on called A 2020 Vision for Vermont (the “Vision”). Check it out here! The Vision represents the work of a range of organizations – many of whom we don’t...
Jan 14, 2020 | Uncategorized
30 Vermont Groups Present a 2020 Plan for Climate Action in the Vermont Legislature Montpelier, VT – Today at the Vermont State House, 30 Vermont organizations representing business, youth, poverty alleviation, public health, environment and other diverse interests...
Jan 10, 2020 | Uncategorized
Global Warming Solutions Act will slash greenhouse gas emissions (MONTPELIER, VT) – Today, as youth leaders crowded the State House demanding bold climate action, Vermont legislators took up a bill designed to slash greenhouse gas emissions and confront the...
Dec 17, 2019 | Uncategorized
Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) Proposed Framework Would Result in Meaningful, Though Partial, Progress in Tackling Transportation-Related Climate Pollution Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont joined other New England and mid-Atlantic states, along with...
Dec 12, 2019 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Polling released yesterday showed strong support for a wide range of actions to cut Vermont’s climate pollution – and a dramatically increased level of concern among Vermonters about global warming. Among the results: 76% of Vermonters said they are...
Nov 25, 2019 | Uncategorized
Join us for a one night screening of feature film Dark Waters starring Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, and Tim Robbins December 10th at 6pm Roxy Cinemas222 College St.Burlington, VT 05401 Cost: FREE First Come, First Served – Limited Seating Available Reserve your...
Nov 15, 2019 | Uncategorized
Members of the Vermont Climate Solutions Caucus are organizing a series of climate policy discussions all over the state to bring more Vermonters into the conversation and get their input on this vital issue. Join your local representatives and members of...
Sep 19, 2019 | Uncategorized
This Friday, across the planet and across Vermont, young people will be taking a stand, calling for long-overdue action to combat the growing climate crisis. As organizations who have long pushed for the State of Vermont to do its part on global warming, we honor,...
Jun 21, 2019 | Uncategorized
Now that the Governor has officially signed – or vetoed – VCV’s priority environmental bills, we wanted to share an update on where we landed. A number of notable environmental bills passed the Legislature and were signed by the Governor this year,...
Jun 20, 2019 | Uncategorized
Late yesterday, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed into law a bill (S.55) that he had previously blocked as both governor and lieutenant governor in its earlier iterations. The law is designed to better protect children from toxic chemicals in products that are made...
Jun 17, 2019 | Uncategorized
Today Governor Scott vetoed a bill that would have helped victims of toxic contamination by allowing Vermonters to seek medical monitoring expenses from the polluter that released toxic chemicals. The bill also would have authorized the State of Vermont to sue...
Jun 7, 2019 | Uncategorized
Bennington, VT — Today, lawmakers and Bennington residents impacted by toxic PFAS contamination called on Governor Phil Scott to sign legislation (S.37) to help Vermonters access medical monitoring for diseases linked to toxic exposure. View the video footage of...
May 24, 2019 | Uncategorized
On Wednesday Vermont’s Legislature passed S. 40, a landmark bill regulating lead in school and childcare center drinking water. After some tense debate between legislators in the House and Senate, a conference committee reached a final decision to set the action level...
May 22, 2019 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Vermont legislators have raised the bar when it comes to regulating the scourge of single-use plastics, advocates say. A bill (S.113) with overwhelming legislative support was sent to Gov. Phil Scott today. It takes aim at plastic bags, straws, drink...
May 21, 2019 | Uncategorized
Today, the Vermont Senate voted to help Vermonters exposed to toxic chemicals by approving legislation, S.37. This bill holds polluters accountable for medical monitoring costs that are due to toxic exposure. This bill would allow a Vermonter with high levels of a...
May 17, 2019 | Uncategorized
It’s been a busy week at the State House, with some exciting progress on our priorities. The Legislature will be back next week, aiming to wrap up their business for the year. Here are a few highlights: The House voted in strong support of a bill to help Vermonters...
May 16, 2019 | Uncategorized
Contact: Jon Groveman, Vermont Natural Resources Council, jgroveman@vnrc.org, 802-249-7736 Lauren Hierl, Vermont Conservation Voters, (860) 670-2629, lhierl@vermontconservationvoters.org Montpelier, VT – Today, the Vermont House voted to protect Vermont families by...
May 11, 2019 | Uncategorized
As you can probably tell from the action alerts this week, there was a lot of important activity on our priority environmental bills at the State House! Here are a few brief highlights: The House voted in strong support of new, dedicated clean water funding The House...
May 10, 2019 | Uncategorized
The Vermont House of Representatives has taken a major step towards establishing long-term funding for clean water. Long-term water funding is required by the Vermont Clean Water Act, Act 64 of 2015, and is needed to restore water quality in Lake Champlain and Lake...
May 3, 2019 | Uncategorized
The legislative session is starting to wind down, which means we need to work harder than ever to ensure our environmental priorities make it over the finish line! A lot of our bills are still in play — here are a few quick highlights from this week: hundreds of young...
Mar 19, 2019 | Uncategorized
The Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV), in partnership with the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC), has an exciting opportunity for an outgoing person who wants to have a significant impact on the future of Vermont. We are looking for a motivated person to help...
Mar 14, 2019 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, the Vermont Senate passed a bill (S.37) that helps Vermonters who have been harmed by toxic chemical contamination and face increased medical expenses, reduced property value, and other harms as a result of chemical contamination. Last year,...
Mar 11, 2019 | Uncategorized
Many VCV priority bills remain in play at the State House. We’re getting closer to the “crossover” deadline when bills need to pass through either the House or Senate to stay alive for this year. We continue advocating for action on our top goals — including...
Feb 8, 2019 | Uncategorized
This week at the Vermont State House, testimony continued on numerous environmental initiatives. We continued advocating for our top goals this year — including long-term clean water funding, climate action, better protections from toxic chemicals, and...
Feb 1, 2019 | Uncategorized
As we wrap up the fourth week of the legislative session, testimony continues and bills are starting to take shape. We continue to educate lawmakers about our top goals for the year — including long-term clean water funding, climate action, better protections...
Jan 25, 2019 | Uncategorized
It’s the third week of the legislative session. Committees are digging in on testimony about priority issues. We continue to educate lawmakers about our top goals for the year — including long-term clean water funding, climate action, better protections from...
Jan 23, 2019 | Uncategorized
Coalition of 25 Diverse Groups Unveils Shared Priorities and Recommendations for Climate Action in 2019 Today, a coalition of 25 organizations – representing youth, low-income, business, public health, environment and others –outlined a platform of policy priorities...
Jan 18, 2019 | Uncategorized
We’re in the second week of the legislative session. Committees are getting up to speed on the issues they’ll be wrestling with, and priorities are being set. We’re working hard to educate lawmakers about our priorities for the year — including clean water...
Jan 11, 2019 | Uncategorized
The 2019 Vermont legislative session kicked off this week. The new legislators and statewide officers have been sworn in. Committees have been assigned. And we’re working hard to connect with lawmakers and share our priorities for the year – including clean...
Jan 7, 2019 | Uncategorized
The 2019 Vermont legislative session gets underway this week, and we wanted to give you a preview of some of the top environmental issues we will be advocating for this year. These include legislation related to clean water, climate action, better protections from...
Dec 20, 2018 | Uncategorized
We have a plan for taking action on climate in 2018-19. Find it here. Help us make sure Vermont takes these steps forward. Ask your lawmakers to #ActOnClimateVT! Sign up to receive the VNRC/VCV Climate Dispatch, our weekly Facebook Live video update, in your inbox....
Nov 7, 2018 | Uncategorized
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) is pleased to announce that in its priority electoral races, pro-environment candidates won 28 out of 33 hotly contested seats in the 2018 elections. Further, an overwhelming majority of Vermont Conservation Voters-endorsed candidates...
Oct 23, 2018 | Uncategorized
Election Day is 2 weeks away! Are you ready? Here are all the ways you can get involved in VCV’s election efforts, from preparing at home to helping us get out the word. Study up: Who should you vote for? Last week, we shared our list of 2018...
Oct 19, 2018 | Uncategorized
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) released its complete slate of pro-environment endorsements for candidates running for the Vermont State Legislature. Find out which local candidates were endorsed at: VermontConservationVoters.com/elections. “VCV is pleased to...
Oct 12, 2018 | Uncategorized
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Vermont Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman for re-election. In his term as Lieutenant Governor, and during his nearly 20-year tenure in the Vermont House and Senate, David has demonstrated...
Oct 3, 2018 | Uncategorized
Today, the Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) Board of Directors announced its endorsement of Christine Hallquist for Governor, following a candidate interview and detailed review of Hallquist’s positions on VCV’s priority environmental issues. Governor Phil Scott did...
Sep 20, 2018 | Uncategorized
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce for re-election. Treasurer Pearce has been a staunch advocate for investing in clean water, climate resilience, and energy improvements for Vermont’s changing...
Sep 17, 2018 | Uncategorized
Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan for re-election. “Attorney General Donovan has demonstrated strong leadership on environmental issues since taking office in 2017, and VCV is confident that he...
Mar 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – The Vermont House gave final approval yesterday to a bill (S.103) that better protects children against dangerous toxic chemicals in children’s products and requires new drinking water wells to be tested for certain harmful contaminants. The bill was...
Mar 29, 2018 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – In the absence of federal leadership, and building on a string of clean energy policy wins in states across the nation, Vermont Conservation Voters is joining with the national League of Conservation Voters and other state affiliates in the...
Mar 21, 2018 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, the Vermont Senate passed a bill (S.197) that helps Vermonters who have been harmed by toxic chemical contamination and face increased medical expenses, reduced property value, and other harms as a result of the chemical contamination. ...
Mar 14, 2018 | Uncategorized
I would like to express my appreciation to Senators Dick Sears and Brian Campion for introducing and working for passage of legislation (S.197) that would provide legal recourse for Vermonters directly affected by the release of toxic contaminants into the...
Mar 12, 2018 | Uncategorized
This Town Meeting Week, we’re at the mid-point of the 2018 legislative session, and want to provide an update on where top priority VCV legislation stands: CLEAN WATER: #CleanWaterVT A bill related to how to fund long-term clean up of state waters (S.260) has...
Feb 27, 2018 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, Vermont – Vermont Conservation Voters today released the Vermont delegation’s scores on the League of Conservation Voters’ (LCV) 2017 National Environmental Scorecard. The Scorecard is the primary yardstick for evaluating the environmental records of every...
Feb 23, 2018 | Uncategorized
Five Ways You Can Make Your Voice Heard in Support of Clean Water: Contact your legislators via email, a handwritten note, or give them a quick call. Ask them to support long-term clean water funding, and share why you care about clean water. Find...
Feb 2, 2018 | Uncategorized
In the fifth week of the legislative session, lawmakers are continuing to take testimony and we’re starting to see some progress on several issues we are prioritizing. Many environmental initiatives continue to receive attention – and we continue to advocate for...
Jan 31, 2018 | Uncategorized
Focus on growing jobs, helping all participate in the clean energy transformation Montpelier, VT – Sen. Chris Pearson, Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Rep. David Deen, and advocates from the Energy Independent Vermont Coalition today announced Vermont’s participation in...
Jan 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
We can no longer take clean water for granted. Pollution from farms, development, and wastewater has impaired many of our waterways, some of which no longer meet our basic water quality standards. Without adequate short and long-term funding, pollution will continue...
Jan 26, 2018 | Uncategorized
Recently, Facebook made changes to their News Feed that makes it more challenging for our friends and members to see our posts on Facebook. We frequently post articles here on our website, but also share original content and urgent updates on Facebook. If you’d...
Jan 26, 2018 | Uncategorized
In the fourth week of the legislative session, lawmakers have been taking testimony and started voting on several bills we’re following. Environmental initiatives remain front and center – and we continue to work to build support for enacting clean water...
Jan 24, 2018 | Uncategorized
On Jan. 24, 2018, Vermont Conservation Voters and partners released the 2018 Vermont Environmental Common Agenda of legislative priorities at a reception in the Cedar Creek room of the Vermont State House. The Common Agenda is collectively shaped by a range of...
Jan 23, 2018 | Uncategorized
New policy will harm children’s health by delaying disclosure of toxics For Immediate Release (January 22, 2018) [Burlington, VT] — Parents, advocates, and concerned residents spoke out today in downtown Burlington to demand that Governor Scott stop delaying the...
Jan 23, 2018 | Uncategorized
“The solutions Governor Scott proposed in his budget address for climate change and clean water fall dramatically short of what we need to take on the challenges Vermont faces,” said Lauren Hierl, Vermont Conservation Voters Political Director....
Jan 19, 2018 | Uncategorized
In the third week of the legislative session, lawmakers have been taking testimony and started voting on several bills we’re following. Environmental initiatives remain front and center – and we continue to work to build support for enacting clean water funding,...
Jan 19, 2018 | Uncategorized
Business, municipal, and environmental leaders came together today to express shared support for long-term clean water funding via a parcel fee, and the establishment of a Clean Water Authority to collect and distribute those funds to on-the-ground clean water...
Jan 12, 2018 | Uncategorized
In the second week of the legislative session, legislators continue to set their priorities for the year. We already know that environmental initiatives will be in the forefront. VCV is continuing to work to ensure that clean water funding, toxic chemical reforms,...
Jan 8, 2018 | Uncategorized
In his State of the State speech last week, Governor Phil Scott said that “Vermonters expect us to follow through on our promises.” And we do. Whether it’s providing long-term, stable funding for clean water, taking substantial action on climate,...
Jan 5, 2018 | Uncategorized
It’s a new year and the start of the 2018 legislative session. This week, legislators are setting priorities for the year. Some arereporting it will be a contentious year, but one thing is already clear: environmental initiatives will be front and center. VCV is...
Jan 3, 2018 | Uncategorized
From Lauren Hierl, VCV Political Director I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year! This week, legislators return to the State House for the 2018 legislative session. Since 1982, VCV has advocated for sound environmental and conservation...
Dec 29, 2017 | Uncategorized
As 2017 comes to a close, I wanted to share with you a few reflections and resolutions for the new year. This past year has been hard. We’ve seen unprecedented rollbacks of protections for our water, air, and public lands, and proposals to decimate funding for...
Dec 21, 2017 | Uncategorized
Submit comments to the Scott administration here. To the surprise of many, a recent Agency of Natural Resources report showed that Vermont’s statewide greenhouse gas pollution emissions are rising. Given all the impressive work we’ve done developing clean local...
Dec 12, 2017 | Uncategorized
For Immediate Release: December 8, 2017 Contact: Paul Burns, VPIRG, 802-793-1985 Lauren Hierl, VCV, 860-670-2629 Scott administration rule change favors industry over kids Montpelier – In a surprise move late Thursday, the administration of Gov....
Nov 30, 2017 | Uncategorized
Across the country, people like you are stepping up and saying: enough is enough. We deserve better protections from toxic chemicals in our drinking water and products in our home. In Vermont, we’re lucky to have a broad base of support for toxic reform...
Nov 20, 2017 | Uncategorized
From Lauren Hierl, VCV Political Director If you’re like me, you probably dread opening up the latest newspaper or your favorite online news outlet. It’s hard to read about the most recent federal assault on clean air, or climate action, or undermining...
Nov 7, 2017 | Uncategorized
As voters in many parts of the country head to the polls today, we will be anxiously awaiting the results – and what those results will mean for the future of our country. A strong democracy depends on engaged citizens who vote, and who are willing to advocate for the...
Oct 25, 2017 | Uncategorized
Our partners the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC), a non-profit environmental advocacy organization founded in 1963, is seeking a part-time Office Associate to join our team in Montpelier. This half-time position will provide general office support with...
Oct 12, 2017 | Uncategorized
From Lauren Hierl, Vermont Conservation Voters’ political director The health of our children is at stake. That may sound hyperbolic, but the evidence is clear – despite many advancements in the field of children’s environmental health, today’s children face an...
Oct 12, 2017 | Uncategorized
Montpelier – Governor Phil Scott, along with numerous elected officials across the country, declared October 12th Children’s Environmental Health Day. Environmental health organizations, medical professionals, business leaders, and members of the public gathered today...
Aug 23, 2017 | Uncategorized
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Clean Water Will Take New Investments and More Protective Regulations By Lauren Hierl, Political Director, Vermont Conservation Voters Governor Scott and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources have declared this “Clean Water Week” in Vermont....
Jun 6, 2017 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters called on Governor Scott to sign the budget that passed both the Vermont House and Senate with overwhelming support earlier this year. VCV is concerned about a veto’s potential negative impacts on environmental and...
Mar 16, 2017 | Uncategorized
Please join us for Clean Water Day on Wednesday, March 29th at the Vermont State House. We are bringing people together from across the state to celebrate our waters, and to call on our lawmakers to invest in this invaluable resource. RSVP for Clean Water Day! At 8:30...
Feb 23, 2017 | Uncategorized
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, February 23, 2017 Contact: Lauren Hierl, Vermont Conservation Voters, lhierl@vermontconservationvoters.org Vermont Conservation Voters Announces Federal Delegation Scores from LCV’s 2016 National Environmental Scorecard Vermont...
Feb 23, 2017 | Uncategorized
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 23, 2017 Contact: Lauren Hierl, Vermont Conservation Voters, lhierl@vermontconservationvoters.org Shaina Kasper, Toxics Action Center, shaina@toxicsaction.org Lawmakers Respond to PFOA Contamination by Working to Better Safeguard...
Feb 3, 2017 | Uncategorized
News Release — Vermont Conservation Voters February 3, 2017 Contact: Lauren Hierl, Vermont Conservation Voters Political Director, lhierl@vermontconservationvoters.org Montpelier, VT – State Senator Brian Campion and Representative Amy Sheldon received the Vermont...
Jan 31, 2017 | Uncategorized
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 31, 2017 Contact: Lauren Hierl, Vermont Conservation Voters Political Director, lhierl@vermontconservationvoters.org Vermont Conservation Voters to Release Environmental Common Agenda of 2017 Legislative Priorities VCV and partners to...
Nov 10, 2016 | Uncategorized
Friends, As we wrap our heads around the implications of the national election results for our environment and our country, I wanted to take a moment to update you on the results of Vermont’s elections, and where we go from here. At the federal level, we continue to...
Nov 7, 2016 | Uncategorized
At times, this election season has seemed like it would never end – but we’re almost there, and now is the most important part! Tomorrow is Election Day, and voter turnout is expected to be high, so make sure you have your plan in place to vote. Depending on where you...
Oct 27, 2016 | Uncategorized
By Bill McKibben I’ve been in Pennsylvania and Ohio the last few weeks, following Bernie’s advice by giving speeches and registering young voters in an effort to beat Donald Trump. Thinking about national politics all day has been toxic—by now it’s clear that America...
Oct 18, 2016 | Uncategorized
Digital Scorecard gives voters easy access to legislators’ voting records on climate change, water quality, and other key environmental issues addressed by the 2015-2016 Legislature Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) released a new, interactive...
Oct 12, 2016 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) released its complete slate of pro-environment endorsements for candidates running for the Vermont State Legislature. The incumbent candidates endorsed by VCV have strong environmental voting records, both in...
Sep 30, 2016 | Uncategorized
Vermont Conservation Voters Endorses TJ Donovan, Jim Condos, and Doug Hoffer Montpelier, VT – Today, Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of TJ Donovan for Attorney General, Jim Condos for Secretary of State, and Doug Hoffer for Auditor....
Sep 8, 2016 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Vermont Conservation Voters today announced its endorsement of David Zuckerman for Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. “David Zuckerman has been a long-time champion working to protect Vermont’s air, water and land,” said Lauren Hierl, Political Director...
Aug 10, 2016 | Uncategorized
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) is pleased to announce its endorsement of Sue Minter for Governor of Vermont. Of the two major gubernatorial candidates, Minter has the strongest position on climate change and has a long track record of safeguarding Vermont’s natural...
Aug 10, 2016 | Uncategorized
VCV-endorsed candidates won big yesterday. Sue Minter secured the democratic nomination for Governor, and 14 out of 15 House and Senate candidates endorsed by VCV won their primary races. In the high-profile Governor’s race, Vermont Conservation Voters played a key...
Aug 10, 2016 | Uncategorized
Check out our video supporting Sue Minter for Governor....
Aug 9, 2016 | Uncategorized
If you need any help finding your polling place, click here to find everything you need – polling locations, hours, and so on. VCV has endorsed a short initial list of pro-environment candidates: Sue Minter as Democratic Nominee for Governor SENATE Christopher Pearson...
Aug 2, 2016 | Uncategorized
Contact: Lauren Hierl, Political Director, Vermont Conservation Voters, lauren@vermontconservationvoters.org Montpelier, VT – Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) announced its endorsement of Sue Minter for Democratic nominee for Governor of Vermont. The decision to...
Apr 5, 2016 | Uncategorized
Read the full letter here: Letter on VPIC Divestment Subcommittee
Jan 27, 2016 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT – Today, leading environmental groups came together to release the 2016 Environmental Common Agenda of legislative priorities for 2016. Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) developed the Environmental Common Agenda, which represents the priorities...
Nov 19, 2015 | Uncategorized
Today, a key committee approved a rule that will require companies to report to the state if they’re using certain toxic chemicals in children’s products they sell in Vermont. The rule was proposed by the Department of Health, and implements a key provision in the...
Feb 26, 2015 | Uncategorized
Montpelier, VT– Vermont’s Congressional delegation received high marks today from the National League of Conservation Voters for their pro-environment voting records in LCV’s 2014 National Environmental Scorecard. The delegation’s voting record stands in sharp...
