50 years after the Clean Water Act became law, we should appreciate the progress we have made, while at the same time remain wide-eyed about the threats and challenges before us, and those we cannot yet see.
Tag: Brian Shupe
In appeal, Vermont Natural Resources Council says permit does not address sewage overflows in Rutland
The environmental organization claims that a new permit for the facility, issued by Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources, violates the federal Clean Water Act and Vermont law.
Supreme Court reverses course on interpretation of Act 250 in towns with no zoning
An earlier Supreme Court decision included an interpretation of Act 250 that would have changed the way the law has been administered since its inception. The new decision restores the original interpretation.
Where is Vermont’s newly approved $7.32 billion budget going?
The budget is unlike most in Vermont history because it’s built on a windfall of federal money and makes major investments in broadband, housing and other sectors.
Brian Shupe: Maintaining citizen access to Act 250
We are urging lawmakers to consider a carefully balanced package that will make Act 250 better for the environment, business, communities, and interested citizens.
Brian Shupe: Governor fails at protecting the vulnerable
Scott’s rejection of these bills begs the question of what steps, if any, he would take to protect Vermonters who are the innocent victims of toxic pollution.
Brian Shupe: In veto of toxics bill, Scott put the interests of industry before children
The veto of S.103 makes us wonder if there is any policy Governor Scott will support to address toxic pollution if the unsubstantiated concerns of some industry groups will be enough for him to veto a bill.
Zach Cockrum & Brian Shupe: A lesson from Congress on environmental action
An appropriations bill that passed with bipartisan majorities in both chambers of Congress shows that our elected officials can still craft commonsense policy that benefits the environment. Vermont’s elected officials – most importantly Gov. Phil Scott – can learn from this example.
Scott’s solution to pollution is ‘gimmickry,’ critics say
Vermont’s environmental advocates expressed disappointment in the budget’s failure to address the real cost of resolving worsening pollution in the state’s public waters.
Brian Shupe & Tom Stuessy: Outdoor recreation economy vulnerable
We must take immediate, substantial action on climate change to protect our tourism economy.
Heather Furman & Brian Shupe: Time to pass commonsense dam safety legislation
Let’s learn from Oroville and not to wait for an emergency to force us to act on dam safety.
Brian Shupe: The missing 'why' in Vermont’s energy transition
The reality is Vermonters have not had to take responsibility for generating the energy that makes our 21st century energy-intensive society work. But that’s changing.
Brian Shupe: Flood resiliency work remains
As we approach the five-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Irene, we need to be honest that more progress is critically needed.
Brian Shupe: We must slow down on oil-by-rail
Just across Lake Champlain, in New York, poorly-regulated oil trains rumble along old rail lines and bridges just yards from the shore, posing a serious threat to the lake and the communities that surround it.
