Permitting Truth: A Two-Pronged Assault on Vermont's Environment

May 2009

The 2009 legislative session began with a real eye-opener for Vermonters who care about the environment. Governor Douglas came out of the gate in his fourth inaugural address with a proposal to sabotage Vermont’s landmark land use and development law — Act 250. Essentially asserting that Act 250 and other environmental permitting are a hindrance to economic development — when leading economists and the state’s own facts say otherwise — the governor proposed eviscerating the state’s best tool to protect the environment.

VNRC has been working closely with legislative leaders and administrative officials throughout the session to address this issue, including working to eliminate the most damaging proposals and to limit the scope of permit changes specifically to economic stimulus projects. VNRC continues to be wary of efforts to use the economic downturn as a reason for loosening our environmental protections. 

For much more information, click on the links below to read about this two-pronged assault on Vermont's environment. These proposals are evolving everyday. For the most up-to-date status on these efforts, please contact VNRC's Brian Shupe at 802-223-2328 ext. 114 or bshupe@vnrc.org.

The Facts vs. Governor Douglas - Talking Points

Just the Facts on Act 250

Editorial by VNRC's Executive Director Elizabeth Courtney

2008 Vermont Natural Resources Board Annual Report

Brattleboro Reformer Editorial: 'Fixing' Act 250

My Turn: Douglas Taking Vermont on a Race to the Bottom - Op-Ed by VNRC's Brian Shupe - March 30, 2009


Please help ensure these shortsighted ideas are stopped dead in their tracks. Find out more and TAKE ACTION here. Contact your legislators and the Governor today and ask them not to gut Act 250 and other environmental permitting.