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 treacherous weather), I’ve been more aware of salt usage on roads and walkways thanks to S.218, a bill that would establish a voluntary program to educate and certify vendors applying salt commercially. That bill’s lead sponsor, Senator Anne Watson (D/P-Washington), is chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee and my guest on this week’s Democracy Dispatch.
Senator Watson joined me to discuss that bill and efforts to reduce road salt pollution and protect water quality. We also dig into the issues shaping Vermont’s future, touching on the committee’s priorities this session from the ongoing work on Act 181 and land use reform, to the broader landscape of climate and energy policy, affordability challenges, and what’s ahead as legislation crosses over from the House.
As we head into the final stretch of the biennium, Senator Watson reflects on the challenges of stepping into the chair role and what gives her optimism about the path forward.
Before I go and see if my sprouting tulips have made any more progress, I’ll leave you with a final plug for our mid-session webinar happening this Wednesday, March 25, at 12PM Noon. It’s a great opportunity to get a run-down of where our priority policies are and how you can engage yourself in the process. Registration is still open.