On April 10, VNRC’s Energy & Climate Program Director Johanna Miller sent the following letter to Senate Appropriations members — who are considering the House-passed budget — in response to learning that the Scott Administration made a recommendation to strip the few remaining dollars in the Clean Energy Development Fund. Read the letter below.
S.103 protects the health of Vermonters by requiring chemical testing of new wells and requiring companies to disclose concerning chemicals in their products. Send a letter to the Governor urging him to sign this legislation!
Montpelier – Yesterday the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reversed the agency’s previous decision to increase federal fuel efficiency requirements, known as the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. The efficiency standards would have required cars to reduce polluting emissions for model years 2022-2025. These standards were adopted in 2012, after intensive analysis and with support of automakers. Existing standards have led to transportation innovation and accelerated the progress of electric and hybrid electric vehicles. (more…)
Montpelier – The Vermont House gave final approval yesterday to a bill (S.103) that better protect children against potentially dangerous toxins in children’s products and establish a testing protocol for certain drinking water wells.
It’s difficult to keep up with the many absurdities coming out of the Trump administration, but near the top of the heap for me is the recent news that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has overhauled its process for determining whether new chemicals — used in everything from household cleaners and industrial manufacturing to children’s toys — pose a serious risk to human health or the environment.
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. (more…)
On March 2, lawmakers passed a critical mid-session mark – crossover. Crossover is the deadline where all bills – except money bills, which get one more working week – need to move out of their committee of jurisdiction. If the jurisdictional committee doesn’t move a bill, it either needs to get a special exemption from the rules committee or be attached to a bill that is moving – or it dies for the year.
Originally published by The Times Argus
The gulf between words and action on the part of the Scott administration is a growing concern among those focused on environmental issues.
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 the Carbon Costs Coalition. This multi-state coalition is focused on reducing carbon emissions, ensuring equity in policy proposals, developing market-based solutions, creating resilient local and regional economies, and improving public health.
When Governor Scott established a Climate Action Commission in July 2017, he charged the 21 members he appointed with recommending at least three short term actions that Vermont could move on quickly to address climate change. The Vermont Natural Resources Council applauded his decision, and I welcomed the opportunity to serve on that Commission with its diverse and committed members.
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