News & Updates
Democracy Dispatch Podcast
Climate Dispatch
Latest News
Climate Dispatch: Jun 7: Senator Baruth Debriefs the Session
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...
Climate Superfund Law Enacted; Vermont Becomes First State to Hold Big Oil Financially Responsible for a Fair Share of Climate Damages
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...
Governor Scott’s Veto of Landmark Renewable Energy Bill is Short-Sighted
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...
Climate Superfund Act Passes Vermont Legislature, Heads to Governor Phil Scott
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...
Climate Dispatch: End of Session Debrief
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) and...
Vermont Legislature Passes Nation-Leading Bill to Protect Vermonters from PFAS and Other Toxic Chemicals
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. The...