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State Profile

Vermont’s environment enjoys a reputation of a beautiful, largely rural state with a clean environment. Climate change, however, threatens Vermont's natural heritage and traditions. Farming, sugaring, skiing, and tourism are at risk as a result of rising temperatures.

Clean and affordable energy is a key to mitigating climate change. Vermonters strongly support the development of renewable energy from a combination of wind, solar, biomass, and small hydroelectric plants.

Additionally, we need to expand energy efficiency opportunities. Tremendous untapped potential exists for reducing fossil fuel consumption, along with heating bills, by improving the energy efficiency of our homes and businesses.

Preserving the vitality and character of Vermont's communities and working landscapes – now under strong development pressures -- will require expanding local and state-wide land conservation programs. Keeping downtown areas healthy needs the investment of more state resources in town and village centers. Financial incentives that subsidize sprawl should be redirected to support redevelopment of old and vacant buildings. 

Safeguarding invaluable water resources for the next generation of Vermonters demands a clear commitment to clean up Lake Champlain. The lake provides drinking water for more than 200,000 people, annually generates hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism revenue, and offers priceless recreational opportunities for Vermonters. But phosphorus pollution from sewage treatment plants, agricultural runoff, stormwater discharges, and the resulting noxious algae blooms are impairing this invaluable resource. Acre for acre, paved land contributes more pollution to Vermont's waters than farmland. Despite this fact, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources stormwater policy makes it easier, in many cases, for developers to pave over farms than to build in already-developed areas. This policy should be corrected.

Ensuring that environmental laws protect Vermont's clean air, clean water, and landscapes requires that they are enforced consistently and transparently. 

Working together, we can conserve Vermont's exceptional natural heritage for the pleasure and benefit of future generations.

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