… The results show strong support for renewable energy development in the state and “not taking any particular technology off the table,” said Sandy Levine of the Conservation Law Foundation. Vermont has already built three large wind farms and permitted a fourth. In doing so, the state has come up with “very successful mitigation plans”…
Aug 11
2016
2016
Jul 22
2016
2016
Environmental Activists Mourn Lake Champlain
… At first glance, it may have looked like a rally or a protest, but those part of Thursday night’s event said the demonstration serves as a vigil for Lake Champlain. “A lot of people are very frustrated and they’re concerned,” said Rebekah Weber, Lake Keeper, Conservation Law Foundation. Read more here…
Jul 6
2016
2016
Heavier Rains Are Coming – But Are Vermonters Ready?
It’s been a wet summer so far in Vermont. And, according to climate scientists, Vermonters should get used to it – more rainfall and even more intense storms are predicted as a result of our changing climate. But, just because we know what’s to come doesn’t mean Vermont is prepared to deal with it. To find…
Jun 21
2016
2016
Final Guidelines For Lake Champlain Phosphorus Pollution Levels Issued
… Vermont set phosphorus pollution levels for Lake Champlain in 2002. The EPA reopened the TMDL limits in 2011 in response to a lawsuit filed in 2008 by the Conservation Law Foundation questioning the calculations. CLF is the host organization for Lake Champlain LakeKeeper Rebekah Weber. Read more here…
Apr 11
2016
2016
Weather Woes, Climate Innovation
The region’s rollercoaster weather, with the warmest winter in recorded history, followed by frigid temperatures now, calls out for taking bold action to tackle climate change. Never-ending muddy roads and expanding potholes wreak havoc on our cars. More rain than snow makes for terrible skiing. The icy pavement and sidewalks have sent more than one…
Mar 21
2016
2016
Vermont’s Revised Standards for Managing Polluted Runoff from Farms Need More Work
By Rebekah Weber and Elena Mihaly When people think of Vermont, they often conjure up lush green pastures speckled with cows and an iconic red barn. Indeed, this bucolic landscape spans much of the state and we’re proud of it. The agriculture sector brings enormous benefits to our community (award-winning cheeses, sweet corn, and your…
Feb 3
2016
2016
CLF Takes Another Major Step Towards a Cleaner Lake Champlain
Today marks the end of a two-year process CLF initiated to address farm runoff to Lake Champlain. Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, Chuck Ross, has signed the revised decision that lays out the framework for farmers to implement Best Management Practices to help meet our clean water goals. The new program negotiated by the Agency of…
Dec 23
2015
2015
If Done Right, New Agriculture Standards Could Improve Vermont’s Water Quality
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is revising Vermont’s agricultural standards. The new Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) represent an important opportunity to transition to a sustainable agricultural system that improves water quality. Fostering environmentally sensitive practices is important because many lakes and rivers across the state are polluted, in part, due to agricultural…
Dec 10
2015
2015
A Model for the Future: Maine Looks at Alternate Ways to Boost Solar Power Adoption
The world’s focus today is on how we can de-carbonize our power supply in ways that are good for people, our planet, and our global economy. There’s no question that solar power will play a key role in our transition to a clean-energy-fueled power grid here in the U.S. – but how to best adapt that grid to absorb dramatic growth in the number of solar-powered homes and businesses remains an open question.
Dec 5
2015
2015
News From COP21: New England States and International Partners Commit to Get More Zero-Emission Vehicles On The Road
Thirteen jurisdictions – nations, U.S. states, and one Canadian province – calling themselves the “International Zero-Emission Vehicle Alliance” announced that they have jointly committed to ensure that all new car, SUV, and truck sales are zero-emission vehicles “as fast as possible, and no later than 2050.” Four of those states are right here in New England.