Act 250 in its current state, despite its many strengths, is not equipped to meet all of today’s challenges, chief among them climate change. That's why in 2020, VNRC advanced a carefully balanced package to make Act 250 better for the environment, business, communities, and interested Vermonters.
This bill presented a reasonable, balanced approach to ensuring that Act 250 adequately protects Vermont’s environments and communities, culminating decades of our work with partners to this goal. This legislation passed but was vetoed by Governor Scott. Still, we continue our work to modernize Act 250 for future generations.
What is Act 250?
Historic downtowns, stunning views, and active working lands are quintessentially Vermont. So, too, is Act 250, the legislation that has guided development in the state since 1970, with the goals of safeguarding our farms and forests from sprawl, protecting our natural resources, and helping our towns balance growth with community health and safety.
Act 250 is an environmental review and permitting process that regulates development in Vermont by reviewing the largest development projects for their potential impacts on the surrounding area. There are ten criteria used to evaluate a project, related to issues such as water, transportation, and conformance with local and regional plans.
Act 250 is administered by the Natural Resources Board (NRB), an independent entity in the Executive Branch of Vermont State government. NRB’s primary function is to administer Act 250. Read more at the NRB website.
How has Act 250 shaped Vermont?
There are many ways the Vermont you know and love today has been shaped by Act 250. Here are just a few:
- Wonder why Vermont has managed to limit big-box sprawl? Act 250 has played a major role.
- Along with other state policies, Act 250 has helped minimize real estate speculation in Vermont, making our state less vulnerable to economic downturns.
- Act 250 has protected vital wildlife habitat, such as bear habitat and deer wintering areas, helping to ensure that we have healthy wildlife populations in Vermont.
- Act 250 has provided a voice for Vermonters in helping shape significant projects that include major ski area expansion, quarrying, major housing developments, and industrial development.
Act 250 News
Three Things: Legislative Updates as we head into the second half of the session!
Three things: Protecting our waterways from toxics, smart growth housing, and an opportunity to help shape transportation!Stay informed, connected, and engaged—three things. Bill on updating program that allows the use…
House Advances Bill to Support Smart Growth & Affordable Housing, Healthy Forests, and Working Lands
Montpelier – Today, the Vermont House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to pass S.234, a bill that takes a significant step toward improving Act 250, Vermont’s comprehensive statewide land use law. The vote…
Getting Act 250 Back on Track
This is a commentary from Jon Groveman, Policy and Water Program Director, Vermont Natural Resources Council, published in the Rutland Herald and the Williston Observer. Montpelier — Vermont’s Act 250,…