Environment

passed both · Vermont · House May 1, 2026

HCR 277: House concurrent resolution thanking Pieter Van Schaik for his special land donation to the Albert C. Lord State Forest in Cavendish

This bill is a formal expression of gratitude from the Vermont General Assembly to Pieter Van Schaik for donating over 125 acres of land to the Albert C. Lord State Forest. The donation will nearly triple the size of the existing 64-acre forest, which is currently surrounded by private property and has limited public access. By adding this new woodland, the gift aims to significantly expand opportunities for recreational activities such as hunting, walking, and snowshoeing. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the thanks to Mr. Van Schaik as a recognition of his contribution to the state's natural resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill donates land to expand a state forest, directly conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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passed both · Vermont · House May 20, 2026

HCR 298: House concurrent resolution recognizing the importance of the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fish culture program for the continued success of aquatic-resource sustainability and the availability of abundant recreational fishing opportunities in Vermont

This bill is a formal recognition by the Vermont legislature of the value of the Department of Fish and Wildlife's fish culture program. It highlights how the state's five fish hatcheries produce over 1.5 million fish annually to support sustainable populations and provide recreational fishing opportunities. The resolution notes that these efforts also benefit local economies, promote public health, and encourage conservation education. Ultimately, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this acknowledgment to the department.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill recognizes and supports fish culture programs that conserve aquatic resources and promote sustainability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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signed · Vermont · House May 29, 2026

H 933: An act relating to miscellaneous administrative and policy changes to the tax laws

This bill makes several administrative and policy adjustments to Vermont's tax laws, affecting property owners, businesses, and taxpayers. Key changes include repealing a tax credit denial for S corporations, adjusting property transfer tax rates for non-principal residential properties, and establishing a 10 percent land use change tax when agricultural or forest land is developed. The legislation also outlines procedures for withdrawing land from use value appraisal and sets timelines for assessing fair market value when land is converted from protected uses. These provisions aim to clarify tax calculations and update administrative processes across various tax categories.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill adjusts tax laws to close loopholes and establish new land use taxes, promoting fiscal responsibility and government revenue.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a 10% land use change tax on agricultural or forest land development, which incentivizes conservation of natural resources and protects farmland and forests from development.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits Forestry

passed both · Vermont · House Mar 27, 2026

HCR 228: House concurrent resolution congratulating Ryan Kilborn on his selection as the recipient of the Vermont Forest Products Association Outstanding Management of Resources award

This bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates Ryan Kilborn on receiving the Vermont Forest Products Association Outstanding Management of Resources award. It recognizes Kilborn's work as a forest resource manager who oversees timber sales and sustainable forestry practices across northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Kilborn as an official acknowledgment of his achievements in balancing economic, recreational, and conservation goals in forest management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill recognizes sustainable forestry practices and resource management, indicating support for environmental conservation efforts.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 25, 2025

H 345: An act relating to prohibiting the sale or distribution of glitter containing intentionally added synthetic polymers

This bill prohibits the sale and distribution of glitter that contains intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles, which are small plastic particles added to give glitter its reflective quality. The law defines glitter as decorative flat particles and specifies that the ban applies to products containing at least 0.01% synthetic polymer microparticles by weight, while allowing biodegradable, soluble, or natural glitter without these particles. The prohibition takes effect on January 1, 2028, though the bill itself becomes effective on July 1, 2025, giving businesses time to adjust their product offerings. This measure directly affects manufacturers, retailers, and distributors of decorative glitter products in Vermont by restricting the sale of conventional plastic-based glitter.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits sale of synthetic polymer glitter to reduce microplastic pollution, protecting waterways and ecosystems from plastic contamination.95% confidence

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signed · Vermont · House May 14, 2026

H 940: An act relating to miscellaneous public utility subjects

This bill modifies how Vermont's energy efficiency utility can use existing funds to support greenhouse gas reduction projects, allowing the use of thermal energy and process fuel funds for programs that reduce fossil fuel use regardless of a customer's current fuel source. It also requires regional planning commissions to submit draft regional plans to the Department of Public Service for enhanced energy compliance reviews and changes the telecommunications planning cycle from every three years to every five years. Additionally, the bill abolishes the Telecommunications and Connectivity Advisory Board. These changes aim to expand funding flexibility for energy efficiency programs, streamline regional planning processes, and adjust telecommunications oversight structures.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill allows utility funds to support greenhouse gas reduction projects and reduce fossil fuel use regardless of fuel source, directly advancing energy efficiency and clean energy goals.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables utility funds to support greenhouse gas reduction projects and reduce fossil fuel use, directly advancing environmental protection goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change

signed · Vermont · House May 29, 2026

H 915: An act relating to establishing an extended producer responsibility program for beverage containers

H.915 requires beverage manufacturers and distributors to join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) that will manage the collection and recycling of beverage containers. The PRO would handle logistics currently managed through Vermont’s deposit system (5 cents for most containers, 15 cents for liquor), shifting responsibility from consumers and retailers to producers. It applies to standard containers made of glass, aluminum, or plastic (excluding biodegradable materials and containers over three liters). The current deposit system remains in place, but the PRO would administer collection and disposal instead of state-run redemption centers.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires producers to manage beverage container recycling, reducing waste and promoting recycling infrastructure per environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

introduced · Vermont · House Feb 3, 2026

H 863: An act relating to transportation initiatives to improve equity and infrastructure, increase resiliency, and reduce emissions

H.863 imposes a $0.30 fee on retail deliveries (like online orders shipped to Vermont) that are subject to sales tax, collected by vendors and listed separately on receipts. It permits municipalities to levy a local tax on gasoline and diesel fuel sales and allocates funds to transportation programs including electric vehicle incentives, public transit coordination, and creating pollinator habitats along roads. The bill also requires public EV charging stations to accept credit cards and provide real-time availability, and mandates a study on electric bicycle safety. These provisions aim to fund infrastructure improvements, support clean energy transitions, and enhance transportation equity.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes new fees/taxes (retail delivery $0.30, local fuel taxes) and allocates revenues to transportation programs including EV incentives and public transit, directly funding public services.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill allocates funds to electric vehicle incentives and public transit coordination, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and reducing emissions per bill summary.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill reduces emissions via EV incentives and pollinator habitats, directly advancing environmental protection95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates funds to transportation programs including EV incentives, public transit coordination, and infrastructure improvements, directly advancing transportation goals per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Electric Vehicles Renewable Energy Bicycle Infrastructure Electric Vehicles Transportation Funding

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 4, 2026

H 879: An act relating to aquatic nuisance control

H.879 amends Vermont's permit process for applying chemicals to control invasive aquatic species in state waters. It requires property owners of private ponds to apply directly for permits, while municipalities or lake associations (with multiple groups needing joint applications) must apply for all other water bodies. The bill mandates that chemical use be a "measure of last resort" only after nonchemical methods fail, and applicants must prove minimal harm to non-target species. This directly affects pond owners, local governments, and lake associations seeking to manage invasive plants or animals like zebra mussels. The policy emphasizes prevention as the most effective and cost-efficient approach, aligning with Vermont's precautionary principle for water resource management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires chemical use as last resort with minimal harm proof, strengthening environmental regulations for aquatic protection.90% confidence

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introduced · Vermont · House Feb 4, 2026

H 882: An act relating to requiring the regular servicing and cleaning of wastewater systems

This bill requires property owners with wastewater systems (like septic systems) to have them serviced and cleaned at least every three years. The Agency of Natural Resources would establish rules identifying which systems need regular cleaning, mandating they be pumped, inspected for issues, and have components cleaned as needed. After servicing, the provider must submit a record of the work to the Agency. The law directly affects property owners and service providers by creating a routine maintenance requirement for wastewater systems.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates regular servicing of wastewater systems to prevent pollution, directly aligning with pollution control and environmental protection indicators.90% confidence

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