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Apr 4, 2023

Two Things: A Groundbreaking Toxics Protection Bill and Fantastic Floodplains

Two things: a groundbreaking bill to protect Vermonters from PFAS and other toxic chemicals, and a new artist’s work on display at the VNRC office! 

Stay informed, stay connected—two things.

Vermont Senate Votes to Advance Bill to Protect Vermonters from PFAS and other Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics, Textiles, and Turf

Today the Vermont Senate voted to advance S.25, which would restrict the use of toxic chemicals like PFAS in personal care products, menstrual products, textiles, and artificial turf. This bill takes important steps to protect Vermonters’ health and our environment from these harmful chemicals, targeting specific areas of consumer products that are major sources of exposure and environmental contamination, including:

  • Banning a list of 14 chemicals and chemical classes from personal care products and period products 
  • Banning PFAS from all textiles, including apparel 
  • Banning PFAS from artificial turf fields

From production of the chemicals, to their transport, their use in products, and disposal in our landfills, toxic chemicals pose threats to communities throughout their lifecycle. Read more about this important win for public health and environmental protection in a press release from our partner organization, Vermont Conservation Voters, here.  

VNRC Presents: Fantastic Floodplains by Gretchen Alexander – This Friday from 4:00-8:00pm

Join us at our office – 11 Baldwin St. in Montpelier – this Friday, April 7th from 4-8:00pm for the next iteration of Montpelier Art Walk with a series of work by Gretchen Alexander. Gretchen draws on over twenty years as a river ecologist to inspire her art. Primarily working in acrylics and watercolor, her work ranges from representational to conceptual with the common thread of exploring the interconnectedness of the natural world. From Gretchen: “I carry forward a passion for aquatic ecosystems and a desire to share my perspective on the importance and beauty of these sensitive ecosystems, as well as to visually convey the natural processes that govern them.” Learn more here – we hope to see you there! 

A Quick Note

With crossover week behind us, we’re officially past the halfway mark of this legislative session. If you’ve been wondering where things stand on many priority climate bills currently under consideration, join members of the Act on Climate Vermont coalition this Wednesday, April 5, from 12-1:00pm, for a webinar to update you on where things stand.