Legislature Overview

The Vermont State Legislature plays an integral part in natural resource management and protection. The 150 House Representatives and 30 Senators are constantly crafting legislation that effects the quality of Vermont's environment. The Vermont Natural Resources Council is regarded as the leader on environmental issues at the State House. VNRC staff members represent the only environmental advocacy organization that provides a daily presence to offer expertise on a broad spectrum of issues.

Vermont is fortunate to house a wonderfully open government in which organizations, special interests, and regular Vermonters all have easy, inviting access to legislators and the legislative process. VNRC has been a part of this citizen friendly legislative process for 40 years. Throughout VNRC's history, we have been responsible for passage of some of Vermont's landmark environmental laws. And, in what seems to be a growing trend, VNRC spends countless hours, days, weeks, and months fighting to stop legislation that would undermine the quality of Vermont's environmental laws.

Vermont has been slow to move from the more congenial, laid back atmosphere at the State House to one that mirrors the presence of slick, high dollar contract lobbyists who fill state houses across the country. But things in Vermont are changing. Business lobbyists outnumber environmental advocates at the State House by a nine to one ratio, and that gap is growing. It has become more important than ever for Vermonters to help support VNRC's legislative presence through membership and contributions. The future of Vermont's environmental quality is counting on it.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Governor Jim Douglas
109 State Street, Pavilion
Montpelier, VT 05609-0101
PHONE: (800) 649-6825 or (802) 828-3333
TTY: (800) 649-6825 or (802) 828-3345
FAX: (802) 828-3339

Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
115 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633-5401
PHONE: (802) 828-2226
FAX: (802) 828-3198
EMAIL: bdubie@leg.state.vt.us