Vermont Conservation Voters presented this year’s Environmental Rising Star Awards to Representatives Gabrielle Stebbins of Burlington and Dane Whitman of Bennington. The awards are given biannually to first-term legislators who have stepped up and been effective champions of VCV priority issues.
Stebbins was cited for her work with Hinesburg-based Energy Futures Group, her service as chair of the Burlington Electric Commission, and her previous role as executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont, along with her years working on river restoration and as a park ranger. She serves on the House’s Committee on Transportation.
“Rep. Stebbins is a force — and a force for good,” said Johanna Miller, energy and climate program director at the Vermont Natural Resources Council, VCV’s partner organization. “For the past year and a half, her impact on the House Transportation Committee has been significant. She has been a key leader in helping to proactively drive a more clean, affordable, multimodal and equitable transportation system.”
Whitman, a member of the House Committee on Human Services, was lauded for playing a key role in the passage of a nation-leading bill that bans toxic PFAS chemicals in a range of products, including firefighting foam, food packaging, ski wax and carpets and rugs. He did extensive research, helped shape a strong bill during the committee process, and ultimately presented the bill on the floor, which garnered unanimous support.
“From starting an Earth Allies club in high school to starting a socially and environmentally responsible landscaping and garden design business, Rep. Whitman has always prioritized caring for the environment,” said VCV Political Outreach Director Shelden Goodwin.