In the summers of 2023 and 2024, Vermont towns were inundated with flood waters after severe storms but better protections could help safeguard communities. Photo: Vince Franke
The Problem
In July 2023, devastating floods swept through Vermont, destroying homes and businesses and upending lives. The flooding of two years ago repeated again and again — in December 2023 and July 2024. Each time, thick layers of muck washed through towns, burying roads, bridges, and mobile home parks. As communities dug out of muddy waters, they uncovered a harsh reality: Vermont was experiencing more frequent flooding fueled by climate change, and the state’s outdated laws were inadequate at protecting residents.
Vermonters faced a huge psychological toll and physical danger from the floods. Two died, and more than 100 people had to be rescued in the 2024 floods. In addition, the financial costs of repeated flooding mushroomed. Estimates for total damages for the summer 2023 floods alone were $600 million, with the state shelling out at least $410 million to repair damage. The state was failing to prepare for the mounting flooding problem, and urgent action was needed.
CLF in Action
Across New England, extreme weather is causing similar flooding, whether in coastal towns, hillside hamlets, or the heart of major cities. With heavy rains and high tides, more New England communities must prepare to withstand an onslaught of increasingly powerful storms caused by climate change. Adapting to climate change means preparing our communities for these changing conditions. We must ensure that our built (like buildings and roads) and natural (like parks and wetlands) systems can withstand and bounce back from extreme weather. That means making sure people can rebound, too.
In Vermont, this charge is why CLF joined our partner organizations in pushing lawmakers to pass a comprehensive law that protects communities from the disasters fueled by our changing climate.
Progress
Last summer, a victory! CLF supporters and members joined other Vermonters who have repeatedly grappled with rising waters to push the Vermont Legislature to pass the “Flood Safety Act” into law. The bill intends to design policies to reduce the likelihood of future flooding by enhancing public safety, lessening the impacts and costs of flood damage, and safeguarding waterways and natural resources from the escalating impacts of climate change. It also promotes clean water, biodiversity preservation, and recreational opportunities that support local economies.
Next Steps
With the Flood Safety Act on the books, Vermonters will have more robust protections against flooding. Enhanced river corridors and wetlands will absorb floodwaters, and the increased biodiversity, improved water quality, and recreation opportunities will benefit both Vermonters and visitors.
Although the law has been passed, we’re not abandoning ship. We’ll remain on the case to ensure that the Flood Safety Act is enforced, increasing the likelihood that Vermont’s communities and infrastructure will stay intact after the next extreme weather event.
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