Environment

introduced · Vermont · House Jan 22, 2026

H 758: An act relating to banning the use of rodenticides

H.758 would ban the use and sale of all rodenticides in Vermont, including first- and second-generation anticoagulants (like warfarin) and nonanticoagulants (like bromethalin). This prohibition applies to all residents and commercial applicators, covering both physical and online sales. The bill allows limited exemptions for agricultural emergencies, environmental crises, or public health risks when no alternative pest control methods exist. It directly affects anyone who uses or sells rodenticides in Vermont, aiming to protect humans, pets, and wildlife from poisoning risks documented in the bill’s findings.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans rodenticides to reduce chemical pollution, protect non-target wildlife, and strengthen environmental regulations without significant exemptions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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vetoed · Vermont · Senate May 15, 2026

S 218: An act relating to reducing chloride contamination of State waters

S.218 establishes a voluntary certification program for commercial salt applicators to reduce chloride pollution in Vermont's waters. It requires the Secretary of Natural Resources to develop training and best management practices for applying salt and alternatives, focusing on minimizing salt use while maintaining road safety, with mandatory record-keeping for application details. Certified commercial applicators and municipal employees who complete the new training curriculum would have a legal defense against liability claims for damages caused by snow or ice hazards if they followed the program's guidelines. The bill aims to protect water quality without compromising public safety during winter maintenance.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes voluntary certification program to reduce chloride pollution in Vermont waters via mandatory training, record-keeping, and minimizing salt use, directly targeting pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 30, 2026

H 843: An act relating to monitoring of municipal wastewater discharges

H 843 requires Vermont's municipal wastewater treatment facilities (pollution abatement facilities) to monitor for pesticides and pharmaceuticals in their discharges. The bill mandates annual monitoring of the top 80% of pesticides and pharmaceuticals most commonly used in Vermont, as determined by the Secretary of Environmental Conservation. Facilities must comply with these monitoring requirements starting July 1, 2026. This directly affects all municipal wastewater systems handling discharges into state waters.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates monitoring of pesticides/pharmaceuticals in wastewater discharges to control pollution, strengthening environmental oversight per bill's specific requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 216: An act relating to ecological restoration projects on waters of the State

S 216 requires Vermont's Secretary of Natural Resources to create a general permit for ecological restoration projects on state waters by December 1, 2027. This streamlined permit would replace the current complex, multi-agency review process that delays projects like dam removals, river rehabilitation, and floodplain restoration. The bill directly affects water restoration projects and state agencies (Natural Resources, Environmental Conservation, and Fish and Wildlife) by establishing a faster, more efficient approval system. It aims to reduce costs and accelerate projects that address degraded river systems, flood risks, and habitat loss, as noted in the bill's findings. The permit process will be developed in coordination with stakeholders to prioritize ecological restoration needs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill streamlines permitting for ecological restoration projects (dam removal, river rehab), directly advancing environmental protection and conservation of state waters.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Wildlife

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passed both · Vermont · House May 29, 2026

H 740: An act relating to the greenhouse gas inventory and registry

This bill requires Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources to create a new statewide system for tracking greenhouse gas emissions. It directly affects fuel suppliers (for transportation and heating) and businesses across all sectors, mandating them to report detailed data on fuel types and volumes sold, broken down by sector (transportation, residential, commercial, industrial) and county. The law establishes a formal reporting program to compile this data, aiming to streamline requirements and align with other state and federal programs. The agency must draft these rules by March 2027 and has $800,000 appropriated for development and staff time.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates statewide greenhouse gas emissions tracking for fuel suppliers and businesses, directly supporting climate action and reducing fossil fuel dependence through data-driven policy.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates statewide tracking of greenhouse gas emissions to inform environmental policy and reduce emissions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 13, 2026

H 651: An act relating to aesthetics review for new energy projects

This bill eliminates aesthetic considerations from the review process for new energy projects in Vermont. It amends the law requiring the Public Utility Commission to evaluate projects for "undue adverse effect on aesthetics" when issuing a certificate of public good. The change directly affects developers of new energy facilities (like solar or wind projects) and the Commission's approval process. Other factors, such as environmental impact, historic sites, and public health, remain part of the review. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRemoves aesthetic barrier for solar/wind projects, streamlining approvals without altering environmental/health factors.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRemoves aesthetic barrier for renewable energy projects (solar/wind) while retaining environmental impact review, facilitating clean energy development that aligns with environmental goals.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Utility Regulation

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 13, 2026

H 652: An act relating to wastewater discharges from landfills

H.652 prohibits all landfill leachate discharges - whether treated or untreated - from entering the Lake Memphremagog watershed. This includes direct discharges from landfills or transfers to wastewater treatment facilities within the watershed. The bill targets PFAS-contaminated leachate, citing studies showing Lake Memphremagog has the highest PFOS levels in Vermont (2.8 ppt) and fish with PFAS at 1,000 ppt. It directly affects landfill operators and wastewater facilities in the watershed, banning any discharge that could harm the lake’s water quality or public health.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits PFAS-contaminated landfill leachate discharges into Lake Memphremagog watershed, directly reducing pollution and protecting water quality per cited environmental data.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Waste Management Water Quality

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introduced · Vermont · House Jan 14, 2026

H 679: An act relating to emergency management in flood-prone municipalities

This bill requires the state to provide financial assistance to Vermont municipalities affected by flooding, covering emergency response costs, temporary housing, and infrastructure repairs while waiting for federal reimbursement. It creates two new programs: a Voluntary Buyout Program offering full market value for flood-prone properties and a Homeowner Assistance Program funding elevation, relocation, or flood-resilient rebuilding of homes. The bill also authorizes state agencies to provide technical support and grants for infrastructure upgrades like bridge modifications, culvert improvements, and stormwater management systems in flood-prone areas. These provisions directly benefit local governments and homeowners in communities vulnerable to flooding.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes flood-resilient rebuilding programs and buyouts in flood-prone areas, directly addressing climate change adaptation and environmental hazard protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality Tags Emergency Management

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 314: An act relating to a fee for posting land enrolled in the Use Value Appraisal Program

This bill (S 314) adds a $1.00 annual fee per acre for land enrolled in Vermont's Use Value Appraisal Program that is posted against hunting, fishing, or trapping. It directly affects landowners who participate in the program and choose to restrict public access for recreation. The fee, collected when land is posted under 10 V.S.A. § 5201, must be deposited into the Fish and Wildlife Fund. The bill amends existing law to require this surcharge and clarifies reporting requirements for landowners who post their land after enrollment. The change takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdds $1.00 annual fee per acre to fund Fish and Wildlife Fund, directly increasing state revenue allocation for conservation programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill imposes $1/acre fee on land restricting recreation access, deposits funds into Fish and Wildlife Fund, directly funding conservation efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Wildlife

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introduced · Vermont · Senate Jan 6, 2026

S 171: An act relating to the Clean Fuels Program

This bill requires Vermont's Environmental Conservation Commissioner to establish low carbon fuel standards for gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels. It mandates a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of fuel energy by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels), covering all fuels used in transportation. Key mechanisms include a credit-trading system for compliance, exemptions for importers below 500,000 gallons annually, and specific ASTM standards for biodiesel blends (B6-B20 and B100). The rules must consider other states' standards, evaluate safety/environmental impacts, and ensure fuel quality.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates 10% GHG reduction in transportation fuels via low carbon standards, biodiesel requirements, and credit-trading system, advancing clean energy transition.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 10% GHG reduction in transportation fuels by 2030 via low carbon standards, credit-trading system, and ASTM biodiesel requirements, directly advancing climate goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates low carbon fuel standards for transportation fuels, requiring 10% GHG reduction by 2030, directly advancing sustainable transportation through emissions targets and biodiesel standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation

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