News from VLCV
With our ear to the State House and the environmental community, the Vermont League of Conservation Voters shares news alerts, press releases and more via this site and VLCV e-News.
Subscribe to VLCV e-News to keep up to date on the latest happenings in your county and beyond.
BIG $$ in VT Politics
182 Days Until Election-Day
Dear,
This is a critical election for Vermont's environment and the VT LCV will be working hard to help ensure a GREEN Governor is elected on November 2, 2010.
Vermonters that care about our natural resources know that we have our work cut out for us this election cycle. Beyond the traditional anti-environment interests that will make large political contributions in support of their candidates, Vermont is likely to witness a spending spree like never before. The out-of-state corporate owners of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant have reportedly vowed to "spend all the corporate cash it needs to evict the current Senate and install one more to its liking." The Free Press - March 17, 2010
And it's doubtful that they will stop at the Senate!!
Almost 7,500 Vermonters will receive this email. If just 1/4 were to contribute $25 or $2 a month, the VT LCV would raise roughly $50,000 to fight back against Entergy Louisiana and the in state special interests that do not value Vermont's environment.
The VT LCV is the only environmental organization in Vermont that can work directly with candidates who believe it is time to retire Vermont Yankee as scheduled, that know that clean water, working forests and farms, and clean energy are critical to Vermont's future.
But we can't do this work without your support. Please click on the link below and contribute generously to the VT LCV so we can help ensure our endorsed candidates are victorious on November 2nd!
Thank you for all that you do for Vermont's environment and thank you for supporting the VT LCV.
Sincerely,
Todd Bailey
Executive Director, VT LCV
PS - Keep an eye out for several informative documents that the VT LCV will be releasing during the election cycle. Each is intended to help you determine who the GREEN candidates truly are.
- Responses to our candidate questionnaire from the gubernatorial candidates
Conserving Vermont
Each month VLCV hosts a public access program called Conserving Vermont. The program is a half hour interview with a variety of elected officials and Vermonters working to protect our environment. This month's guest was senator Tim Ashe.
Senator Ashe discusses all the budget implications on conservation and the importance of passing H.446 the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill.
Please take a moment to watch the program.
E-News and Alerts Archive
VLCV Runs First-Ever TV Ad as Election Day Nears
October 27, 2008
The Vermont League of Conservation Voters is running a television ad for the first time in our history. Governor Jim Douglas' record on the environment is far below the standards that his predecessors established. VLCV believes that Vermonters deserve to know the truth about the Governor's failure to maintain our reputation as a national leader on environmental issues. It is his lack of leadership on these critical issues that has led to VLCV making the decision to take this step.
Governor Douglas has repeatedly worked against conservation efforts, has voiced strong opposition to wind farms in Vermont, was against purchasing the Connecticut River Dams, and the cornerstone of his environmental policy, Clean and Clear, is failing to deliver the promised results. Yet Governor Douglas continues to tell Vermonters how "proud" he is of his environmental achievements. VLCV does not believe that working against renewable power, against conservation, and against clean water is anything to be proud of.
We hope that once you have seen our ad, that you will ask Governor Douglas to work to regain Vermont's place as a national leader on the environment. Tell him that we do not want to drop any further down in the national rankings when it comes to energy efficiency and we certainly do not want the EPA to take away our right to administer our own clean water programs.
Ask him why he is against using public money to buy a source of clean, abundant energy that we could easily rely on for the next 100 years, but he has no problem using a similar amount of public money to clean up a nuclear power plant owned by an out-of-state corporation?
The Connecticut River Dams sold for $535 million. The Decommissioning fund is estimated to be $600 million short and Vermonters are now responsible for that shortfall due to the governor's veto of S.373, Full Funding of Decommissioning Costs of a Nuclear Plant.
If you have any questions about any of these issues or Governor Jim Douglas' positions on other environmental issues please feel free to call VLCV at 802-224-9090 or email info@vlcv.org.
Please be sure to tell your friends to watch our ad on WCAX during the evening or morning news or send them a link to our website so they can view it online.
Visit YouTube to comment, embed and link
VLCV Endorses Representatives Zuckerman and Pearson
- Left to Right - David Blittersdorf, Rep. Pearson, Rep. Zuckerman, and Todd Bailey
Tuesday October 14, 2008
BURLINGTON, VT – The Vermont League of Conservation Voters (VLCV), a nonpartisan organization dedicated to electing pro-environment candidates to the Vermont Legislature, announced its endorsement today of Representatives Zuckerman and Pearson for one of Burlington’s six Vermont House Districts, Chittenden 3-4.
This announcement follows VLCV’s rigorous evaluation process. All legislative candidates, regardless of party affiliation, were invited to participate in an endorsement process that included responses to a detailed questionnaire concerning environmental and conservation issues that are likely to be dealt with during the 2009/2010 legislative biennium.
VLCV also looks at the voting records of incumbents to determine their eligibility for endorsement. “Representative Pearson and Zuckerman are much more than a yes vote on critical environmental issues. They are leaders, constantly seeking ways to improve legislation,” said VLCV Executive Director Todd Bailey.
With major decisions to be made regarding the relicensing of Vermont Yankee, whether or not Vermont embraces wind farms and other forms of renewable energy as well as the water quality of Lake Champlain, the environment will be at the top of the agenda during the 2009/10 legislative biennium. “It is always rewarding to have your hard work recognize by a group that advocates for these issues on a daily basis,” said Rep. Chris Pearson.
The nonpartisan group anticipates paying particular attention to several House races as well as some critical Senate seats that are up for grabs. According to VLCV’s 2008 scorecard, both Zuckerman and Pearson were amongst the highest scorers from 2007/08 legislative biennium. One of the votes scored was a critical Wind Tax amendment that creates stability for the Wind Industry in Vermont. “Without Representative Zuckerman’s good work on the Wind Tax Amendment, Vermont would be further away from achieving substantial electric power from wind then we were 20 years ago,” said David Blittersdorf – a former member of the VLCV board and renewable energy business leader.
“I believe that it was critical to stabilize the tax structure for the wind industry. The rate we settled on will promote the use of wind energy and benefit local communities with increased revenues,” said Rep. David Zuckerman. The new tax rate ensures a steady and consistent tax from any commercial Wind power producer in the state.
VLCV has been directly involved in over 30 legislative races during the past two election cycles. The pro-environment candidates that VLCV have endorsed have been victorious over 80% of the time. To find out more about VLCV’s endorsements or to view the 2008 environmental scorecard you can go to their website, www.vlcv.org.
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VLCV Endorses Representative Joan Lenes and Kate Webb
- VLCV Endorses Rep. Lenes (far right) and Kate Webb (far left)
Monday October 7, 2008
Contact: Todd Bailey, 802-224-9090, tbailey@vlcv.org
Shelburne, VT – The Vermont League of Conservation Voters (VLCV), a nonpartisan Vermont conservation organization that is dedicated to ensuring pro-conservation candidates are elected to the Vermont Legislature, announced its endorsement today of Representative Joan Lenes and Kate Webb to represent Shelburne in the Vermont House.
Rep. Joan Lenes is just wrapping up her first term in the legislature and will be seeking re-election to represent Chittenden House District 5-2, which consists of Shelburne and the town of St. George. Kate Webb of Shelbunre, will be seeking to defeat Joyce Errecart in her bid to represent Chittenden House District 5-1, which is located exclusively with the town of Shelburne’s borders.
This announcement follows VLCV’s rigorous evaluation process. All legislative candidates, regardless of party affiliation, were invited to participate in an endorsement process that included responses to a detailed questionnaire concerning the issues that are likely to be dealt with during the 2009/2010 legislative biennium.
VLCV also looks at the voting records of incumbents to determine their eligibility for endorsement. “Economic growth is not compromised by environmental protection. In fact, economic growth is bolstered by environmental measures like energy efficiency, which has saved the businesses and homeowners of Shelburne ten of thousands of dollars over the last decade”, VLCV Executive Director, Todd Bailey.
“The VLCV endorsement is a strong indication that my work supporting energy efficiency programs that save the average Vermonter money and my work to expand Vermont’s use of renewable energy that will create good paying jobs in our state, has not gone unnoticed” said Representative Lenes. “With 1.5 billion dollars of revenue being generated for Vermont’s economy through tourism, I will continue to work to protect the working landscapes that so many of those visitors come to our great state to enjoy” continued Lenes.
The nonpartisan group anticipates paying particular attention to several House races as well as some critical Senate seats that are up for grabs. The low scores on VLCV’s environmental scorecard for Joyce Errecart is one reason that VLCV has endorsed Kate Webb. “I believe it is possible to align our economic interests with our goals for a healthy environment. If elected, I will work to ensure The health of our lakes and waterways, and to help achieve the clean, affordable energy future Vermonters have overwhelmingly stated they desire”, said Kate Webb.
“Representative Errecart is simply out of touch with the majority of Vermonters. She neglected the wishes of her constituents by voting against expanding renewable energy production on more than one occasion” Bailey said. “When given the opportunity to protect our working landscapes she once again turned her back on conservation and Vermonters. Preferring instead to vote to relax provisions that prevent strip mall development” Bailey continued.
VLCV is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life in Vermont. They work advocating for environmental legislation and through out the state educating individuals on these issues. “My commitment and my family’s commitment to the environment run long and deep. I also have experience working toward goals with people who are in conflict. Perhaps these qualities will help us usher in the legislation that not only protects our environment, but ensures that our children inherit a cleaner, healthier state.” added Webb
Over the past two election cycles VLCV has been directly involved in over 30 legislative races. Pro-environment candidates that VLCV has endorsed have been victorious over 80% of the time. These outcomes have helped ensure that conservation issues are still at or near the top of the agenda when the legislature is in session.
To find out more about VLCV’s endorsements or to view the 2008 environmental scorecard you go to their website, www.vlcv.org.
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VLCV Endorses Jeff Wilson of Manchester
- VLCV Endorses Jeff Wilson(Center w/Black Vest) for VT House District Bennington-4(Manchester)
October 6, 2008
Contact: Todd Bailey, 802-224-9090, tbailey@vlcv.org
Manchester, VT – The Vermont League of Conservation Voters (VLCV), a nonpartisan Vermont conservation organization that is dedicated to ensuring pro-conservation candidates are elected to the Vermont Legislature, announced its endorsement today of Jeff Wilson for Vermont House District Bennington-4 which is Manchester.
This announcement follows VLCV’s rigorous evaluation process. All legislative candidates, regardless of party affiliation, were invited to participate in an endorsement process that included responses to a detailed questionnaire concerning the conservation issues that are likely to be dealt with during the 2009/2010 legislative biennium.
VLCV also looks at the voting records of incumbents to determine their eligibility for endorsement. “The environment and the economy benefit from one another. In fact, economic growth is bolstered by environmental measures like energy efficiency, which have saved the businesses and homeowners of Manchester ten of thousands of dollars over the last decade”, said VLCV Executive Director, Todd Bailey.
"The endorsement from VLCV is especially meaningful for me, given my commitment over the years to sound land use planning, conservation and vital energy efficiency programs.” said Jeff Wilson. The Vermont tourism department estimates that $1.5 billion dollars in revenue is generated from tourists traveling to our state. “Jeff understands that visitors to Vermont are coming to see our picturesque landscapes that have been conserved by programs like Current Use which allow land owners to keep their land open and save money by lowering their property tax burden” said Bailey,
The nonpartisan group anticipates paying particular attention to several House races as well as some critical Senate seats that are up for grabs. The low scores on VLCV’s environmental scorecard for Judy Livingston is one reason that VLCV has endorsed Jeff Wilson. “As we look to the future, and to the mounting problems we face from rising energy costs and the continuing impacts of climate change, it is imperative that Federal and state energy policies promote conservation, efficiency and an aggressive transition to non-carbon-based clean power sources. These policy objectives are the long-term, essential ingredients to having Vermont achieve environmental and economic sustainability." Said Wilson
According to VLCV’s 2008 scorecard, Livingston missed the mark when it came to votes on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and on a housing bill that would have prevented strip mall development in Vermont’s rural areas and would have promoted housing development in our downtowns and village centers. “When given the opportunity to protect our working landscapes, Representative Livingston once again turned her back on conservation and Vermonters.” Bailey continued.
VLCV is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life in Vermont. They work advocating for environmental legislation and through out the state educating individuals on these issues. Over the past two election cycles VLCV has been directly involved in over 30 legislative races. Pro-environment candidates that VLCV have endorsed have been victorious over 80% of the time. These outcomes have helped ensure that conservation issues are still at or near the top of the agenda when the legislature is in session.
To find out more about VLCV’s endorsements or to view the 2008 environmental scorecard you can go to their website, www.vlcv.org.
VLCV Endorses Diane Lanpher and Jean Richardson
- VLCV Endorses Jean Richardson and Diane Lanpher for VT House District Addsion-3(Addison, Ferrisburgh, Panton, Vergennes, and Waltham)
October 6, 2008
Contact: Todd Bailey. 802-224-9090, tbailey@vlcv.org
Ferrisburgh, VT – The Vermont League of Conservation Voters (VLCV), a nonpartisan Vermont conservation organization that is dedicated to ensuring pro-conservation candidates are elected to the Vermont Legislature, announced its endorsement today of Jean Richardson and Diane Lanpher for Vermont House District, Addison-3 which consists of Vergennes, Addison, Ferrisburgh, Panton, and Waltham
This announcement follows VLCV’s rigorous evaluation process. All legislative candidates, regardless of party affiliation, were invited to participate in an endorsement process that included responses to a detailed questionnaire concerning the issues that are likely to be dealt with during the 2009/2010 legislative biennium.
VLCV also looks at the voting records of incumbents to determine their eligibility for endorsement. “The VLCV endorsement is a strong indication that the candidates receiving our support know the value of energy efficiency, that expanding Vermont’s use of renewable energy creates good paying jobs in our state and that the quality of the water in Lake Champlain matters ” explained VLCV Executive Director, Todd Bailey. “It is clear that Diane Lanpher and Jean Richardson share these values.”
The nonpartisan group anticipates paying particular attention to several House races as well as some critical Senate seats that are up for grabs. The low scores on VLCV’s environmental scorecard for current Representatives Clark and Oxholm is one reason that VLCV has endorsed both Richardson and Lanpher. “Sustainable economic development In Vermont has always gone hand in hand with conservation of natural resources and sound environmental policies ”, said Jean Richardson.
“Jean has an excellent record over the last 30 years in Vermont as a leader in promoting practical approaches to agriculture and conservation which foster sustainable economic development, and in speaking out for clean air for our children and grandchildren.” Bailey said.
VLCV is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life in Vermont. They work advocating for environmental legislation and through out the state educating individuals on these issues. “I believe that my wealth of experience but especially as the chair of the Vergennes Energy Committee, which works to promote energy efficiency makes me the right person to represent Addison-3. With major decisions to be made over the next two years regarding Vermont’s energy future, we need someone to represent us that has demonstrated an understanding of this complex issue.” Diane Lanpher said.
Over the past two election cycles VLCV has helped over 30 candidates in their run for elected office. They have been successful over 80% of the time. These outcomes have helped ensure that conservation issues are still at the top of the agenda when the legislature is in session.
NEWS RELEASE: VLCV Releases Environmental Scorecard
- VLCV Executive Director, Todd Bailey announces the release of the 2008 environmental scorecard
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Contact: Todd Bailey, 802-224-9090, tbailey@vlcv.org
VLCV RELEASES ENVIRONMENTAL SCORECARD,
NAMES SHUMLIN AND KLEIN “ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPIONS”
Montpelier, VT – The Vermont League of Conservation Voters today released its 2007-2008 Environmental Scorecard and announced that Senator Peter Shumlin of Windham County and Representative Tony Klein of East Montpelier have been named “Environmental Champions” for their outstanding work in the Statehouse during the 2007-2008 Biennium. The Environmental Scorecard, which rates each Vermont legislator based on his or her voting record for the environment, is available online at www.VLCV.org.
The 2007-2008 Scorecard details how legislators voted on 12 separate bills between the House and Senate, offers a brief overview of those bills, and rates each candidate on a percentage basis. The specific votes that were chosen represent the range of environmental and conservation issues that the legislature dealt with during the 2007-2008 Biennium. “The Environmental Scorecard provides objective factual information about the environmental voting records of members of the Vermont House and Senate," said VLCV executive director Todd Bailey.
“VLCV will be working to ensure that voters through out the state have an opportunity to review this year’s scorecard so they can make informed decisions on which Vermont House and Senate candidates to vote for on Election Day,” said Bailey. “With major decisions to be made in the next Biennium on the future of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant, renewable energy, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board funding and public transportation, Vermont needs as many pro-environment elected officials as possible,” he continued.
After reviewing the day-to-day actions of lawmakers in the Statehouse, as well as their votes, VLCV concluded that Senator Peter Shumlin and Representative Tony Klein best exemplified the environmental values that a majority of Vermonters share. “Often it is the work in committees and behind the scenes that makes all the difference, both in the quality of the bills that emerge and the support they garner. Senator Shumlin and Representative Klein worked tirelessly during the past two years on behalf of key legislation. Their passion and commitment make them true champions for Vermont’s environment,” said Bailey.
VLCV, one of the oldest state conservation voter leagues in the country, recently changed its name from Vermont Alliance of Conservation Voters. As leadership on environmental issues shifted from the federal government to the states during the past eight years, state leagues have emerged in many other states across the country, culminating last year in a formal affiliation between the state leagues and the national League of Conservation Voters.
“LCV is the preeminent organization working to ensure the election of pro-environment officials and the passage of sound legislation at the national level,” said Bailey. “We changed our name so that it would be clear to Vermonters that VLCV is both affiliated with the LCV and an integral part of a powerful nationwide network of state voter leagues.” LCV recently endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. The LCV also endorses candidates for the U.S. Congress and publishes an environmental scorecard annually for U.S Representatives and Senators.
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