Current News

Governor Peter Shumlin today signed into law a comprehensive energy bill that will create 1,000 new jobs, save Vermonters $390 million on energy costs, and help Vermont combat climate change by putting the state on track to achieve a quarter of its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The legislation also creates an innovative new program under which Vermont utilities will help customers reduce fossil fuel use and save money on their energy bills.

“Vermont is leading America in getting energy policy right,” Shumlin said. “This bill will help us take our innovation to the next level, enabling us to create jobs, save Vermonters money, and continue to make progress combating climate change. Under this bill, Vermont will pioneer a new model where utilities will be in the business of helping customers use less energy, save money, and ensure the energy they do use is from renewable sources. That’s the future of energy in America, and it’s starting right here in Vermont.”

Today seven teams that participated in the ninth annual Way to Go! Smart Trip Challenge were honored at the State House for reducing traffic, pollution and the cost of transportation. The teams were recognized by Vermont Agency of Transportation Secretary Sue Minter for finding alternative ways to travel for two weeks this spring. Instead of driving solo, participants carpooled, car shared, telecommuted, biked, walked, or took public transportation. Master of Ceremonies, Lori Fisher of the Lake Champlain Committee, awarded Carbon Cups to the businesses, school, community and team with the highest percentage of participants and the highest carbon emission savings.

The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced today that it awarded $50,650 in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the communities it serves in Vermont. Six organizations received funding in support of activities ranging from job training and financial literacy to education and afterschool programs. Recipients included Stern Center for Language and Learning, Umbrella of St. Johnsbury, Windham Child Care Association, Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, Sara M Holbrook Community Center, and Vermont Community Loan Fund.

The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) announced Wednesday that construction on the first phases of the long anticipated Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT) is under way. By the end of summer this year, more than 33 miles – or one third of the trail – will be useable for 4-season recreation. When complete, the LVRT will span the width of Vermont 93.2 miles from St. Johnsbury to Swanton. VAST is actively seeking public support and new committee members for the trail construction and has sponsorship opportunities and additional information about how to help on its website www.lvrt.org.

Ski Vermont Gathering at Jay Peak Resort for the Vermont Ski Areas Association’s 46^th Annual Meeting, the Vermont ski industry celebrated a record breaking 2014-15 season with 4,670,903 skier and rider visits. Vermont topped the previous record from 2001 due to another record early opening with ideal conditions for the state’s enhanced snowmaking, the epic parade of snow storms that gave Vermont the most snow of any state in the continental US, and the national story of the season that Vermont was the place to be for powder. Nationally, preliminary numbers show Vermont among just a few states in the country - and the only one in the Northeast - with increased visits.

Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund As Vermont increases agricultural and food production and work towards reaching the state's Farm to Plate goals it's vital that we're taking steps to sustainably manage the natural systems - like healthy soils and clean water - which may be impacted by agricultural activities. Dairy farms make up the largest portion of agricultural land use and certain types of production have detrimental effects on Vermont lakes, rivers, and streams.

After one of the harshest winters in Vermont’s history, Representative Peter Welch (D-VT) has rallied a bipartisan coalition to ensure that LIHEAP receives enough funding to continue providing crucial support to families in need. Rep. Welch, joined by Reps. Peter King (R-NY), Lou Barletta (R-PA), and James McGovern (D-MA), has introduced HR 2194, the Energy Assistance for American Families Act of 2015, which would fund LIHEAP at $5.1 billion for the next five years.

Over the past 7 years, federal LIHEAP funding has been cut 30 percent, leaving low-income families, children, and seniors out in the cold. The bipartisan bill would provide a much needed annual increase of $1.71 billion to LIHEAP, enabling more struggling households to access this critical safety net program.

“Families should never have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table,” said Rep. Welch. “During brutal winter months, keeping the heat on is a necessity, not a luxury.”

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees and community housing advocates gathered in Wilmington Wednesday morning to celebrate National Homeownership Month and to help the Kehoe family settle into their new USDA-financed home. The Kehoe family lost their home to fire in December 2014, and used a USDA direct loan to purchase their new home in April.

“The search for a safe, affordable and decent home can be difficult for working class American families, especially in tight real estate markets like Vermont,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Ted Brady. “USDA Rural Development and its partners band together to tear down barriers to homeownership. But these systems mean nothing without hardworking and resilient homebuyers like the Kehoes, who pursued the American dream with the help of friends, community members and their families after the fire.”

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin today urged residents of their states to remain vigilant as the manhunt continues for two escapees from the Clinton Community Correctional Facility in Dannemora. Cuomo contacted Shumlin late this morning with new information suggesting the escapees initially planned to flee into Vermont after the jailbreak, although there is no evidence that the two have followed through on that plan.

“We have no indication that the individuals are in Vermont, but given this new information we are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Vermonters,” said Gov. Shumlin at a press conference at the Dannemora prison. “Everyone should be vigilant, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

by Walter Judge, Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC, June 10, 2015 Vermont was the first state in the country to sue an alleged “patent troll” for consumer protection violations.

Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing in Burlington, Vermont, will deploy this month in support of the Pacific Command Theater Security Package. Approximately 150 personnel and 10 F-16 Fighting Falcons are set to deploy to the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The TSP deployment is designed to provide the PACOM region with forces capable of a variety of operations, including disaster relief, global situational awareness, combating piracy, active defense and power projection.

"The Vermont Air National Guard is proud to answer our nation's call to provide a theater security presence in the Asia-Pacific Area of Responsibility," said Major General Steven Cray, the adjutant general. "The versatility of our Airmen to shift quickly between domestic and overseas mission sets is a testament to the strength, professionalism and readiness of our National Guard as an asset to the Total Force."

The Burlington Electric Department and Vermont Gas Systems, Inc, are teaming up to launch Burlington’s first Energy Champ Challenge efficiency program. The Energy Champ Challenge offers Burlington owners of multi-unit, residential rentals a 75 percent cost savings on weatherization upgrades to their buildings in an effort to help them prepare for a more sustainable energy future.

“This exciting partnership with Vermont Gas will offer our shared customers the opportunity to make needed weatherization upgrades to multi-unit, residential rentals, saving money for both building owners and renters,” said Neale Lunderville, General Manager of BED. “In Burlington, we are proud to source 100 percent of our power from renewable generation, but we haven’t stopped there. The Energy Champ Challenge is the next important step in our work to become a truly sustainable city through greater energy efficiency.”