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 (like our weekly Dispatch from the State House on Climate Action) on Facebook.
Vermont Natural Resources Council and the Vermont League of Cities and Towns recently submitted a letter summarizing their shared position on H.663, an act relating to municipal land use regulation of accessory on-farm businesses. Read the full letter here.
January 22, 2018 Update
Despite consensus in Vermont from the highest levels of state government on down that we must tackle the challenge of climate change, our state’s carbon pollution is rising. Our rhetoric far outpaces our actions.
“We were encouraged to hear Gov. Scott note in his State Budget Address the importance of clean water, climate action, and investing in the future of Vermont,” said Brian Shupe, Vermont Natural Resources Council Executive Director. “However, we are deeply concerned that his statements lacked specificity or commitment to putting adequate resources behind these important initiatives. Vermont can not build our clean energy economy on small steps and half measures, and we won’t continue to build the state’s economy – much less address our climate and energy goals – on such timid policies and programs.
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 projects.
Nomination forms are now available for the 2018 Arthur Gibb Award for Individual Leadership. This annual award is presented to a Vermont resident who embodies Arthur Gibb’s leadership skills and ability to balance competing interests in crafting innovative solutions, and who has made a lasting contribution to moving smart growth policies forward in their community, region or across the state.
VNRC is praising a decision by DEC to withdraw a proposed rule that would have imposed restrictions on the use of non-motorized boats on Great Hosmer Pond in Craftsbury, Vermont. DEC drafted the rule last year and indicated its intention to formally move the proposal through the rulemaking process.
The Vermont Natural Resources Council is seeking applications for its 2018 Small Grants for Smart Growth Program.
The grant program, launched this year, provides seed money for community-based, local initiatives related to Smart Growth including: (1) advocacy for better land use through municipal planning, regulations, or advocacy in the permit process; (2) initiatives in the following areas provided they relate to Smart Growth: transportation; housing; conservation, including agriculture, forestry, and historic preservation; downtown and/or village center development or revitalization.
The $18.7 million in VW Mitigation Trust funds present an exciting opportunity for Vermont to move toward a cleaner transportation system. Done right, we can reduce energy and greenhouse gas emissions while also improving public health and strengthening our communities.
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has granted the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) Petition to designate the LaPlatte River Marsh as a Class I wetland. The decision puts the LaPlatte River Marsh one step closer to having the highest level of protection in Vermont.
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