Three Things: This week, we’re reflecting on rebuilding from yet another flood, welcoming new staff, and recapping our recent trip to DC.
Stay informed, connected, and engaged—three things.
Flood Recovery: Rebuilding and Preparing for the Future
Last week as we looked back on a year of recovery efforts from the 2023 floods, another deluge brought widespread destruction to towns across Vermont. Rivers spilled over their banks once again, and neighbors banded together to dig out of the mud. As climate change progresses, extreme weather events like this will only become more commonplace. While we rebuild, we will continue to advocate for policies that build resiliency of our communities in the face of an uncertain future. The Flood Safety Act, one of our major wins from last year’s legislative session, will be a crucial piece of these efforts, as will updates to the Renewable Energy Standard and the Climate Superfund Act. As proud as we are of these accomplishments, there is still much more work to be done. We’ll be pushing for climate policy that protects Vermonters and helps shape a better future for everyone in our state during this time of recovery and beyond. Learn more about our climate action work here.
Welcoming Communications Associate Maggie Richardson
We’re excited to welcome a new member to the team, Communications Associate Maggie Richardson! Maggie joins the team with a marketing background in both nonprofit and e-commerce spaces, along with a passion for tracking the latest trends on social media. She is a University of Vermont alum with a dual degree in English and Environmental Studies and is excited to get back to her roots of environmental advocacy work. Her passions beyond marketing include hiking, cycling, vintage shopping, and hanging out with her two adorable cats, Cosmo and Theo. She’s looking forward to bringing her communications expertise to VNRC’s social media channels, newsletters, and more. Stay tuned for new content across our communications channels and maybe even an appearance from VNRC on TikTok!
VCV Advocacy Day in DC
On a recent trip to Washington DC, our Sustainable Communities Program Director Kati Gallager and Climate Action Coordinator Dan Fingas met with League of Conservation Voters partners from across the country. The team met with staff from Vermont’s Congressional delegation to discuss how we can swiftly and equitably spread new investments in climate action and environmental justice from Congress and the Biden administration across Vermont communities. These conversations are ongoing, so stay tuned! In the meantime, check out the Rewiring America Incentive Calculator to see how much money you can get in clean energy incentives in Vermont.
Arthur Gibb Award – Nominations Due Friday, July 19
PS – We’re still accepting nominations for the Arthur Gibb Award for Sustainable Community Leadership. If you know a Vermont resident making lasting contributions to their town, region or state and is dedicated to building healthy, equitable communities, head to our site to find the nomination packet. Submissions are due by Friday, July 19: https://vnrc.org/awards/