Today, Vermont’s senior U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy announced that he will not seek re-election in 2022. At this turning point for the longest-serving member in the Senate – and for Vermont – the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) and Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) laud Leahy’s legacy of environmental advocacy in Vermont and nationwide.

In particular, Leahy has shown a long-term commitment to preserving Vermont’s working landscapes and has advocated for a framework of forest and farm policies that prioritize conservation. He has also worked tirelessly to pursue the use of renewable energy and build Vermont’s green economy, while helping struggling Vermonters afford energy to fuel their cars and heat their homes. Further, his commitment to protecting and cleaning up Vermont’s waters, most significantly Lake Champlain, will leave an important and lasting impact.

“We are in deep appreciation for all that Senator Leahy has done at the federal level to conserve land and water in Vermont,” said Brian Shupe, Executive Director of VNRC. “Leahy’s advocacy has also been invaluable in efforts to maintain water quality and Vermont’s forests, including his longstanding commitment to expanding protection of the Green Mountain National Forest and privately conserved forest lands throughout the state.”

“Leahy’s work has enabled a vast array of conservation gains in Vermont that further our goals of clean water, healthy forests, sustainable and healthy communities, and action on the climate crisis” said Lauren Hierl, Executive Director of VCV. “Vermonters have benefited tremendously from Senator Leahy’s many years of service, and we look forward to further highlighting and celebrating his impressive legacy much more in the coming months.”