VPIRG Applauds House for Passing Artificial Intelligence Bill, Urges Senate Action MONTPELIER, VT – Public interest advocates hailed the Vermont House for passing legislation (H.410) that would create a framework for the state to investigate, understand, and shape uses of artificial intelligence in Vermont more comprehensively. Lead sponsor of the legislation, Representative Brian Cina Chittenden …
We’re halfway through the 2022 legislative session in Vermont, and though our work continues to look a little different due to the ongoing pandemic, we have made significant progress across the board on our legislative priorities. From the continuing fight for Bottle Bill modernization to advancing a landmark climate legislation, read on to see where …
With the governor signing H.360 into law, Vermont has enacted the most significant investment in state history to provide world-class broadband internet service to every Vermont resident. Perhaps most importantly, instead of directing precious resources to the same large telecoms that have failed to deliver universal access to Vermonters, this legislation invests in community-based solutions. …
Governor Signs Community Broadband Bill Into Law Read More »
The Vermont legislature has officially wrapped up its work for the session, and once again VPIRG’s research, member engagement, and advocacy efforts paid off. We were incredibly successful in this “virtual” session, going toe-to-toe against some of the most powerful corporate lobbyists in the state. We’re pleased to announce that a number of our top …
The Vermont legislature wrapped up its 2021 session Friday, and it was one for the history books. One big winner? Action on the climate crisis. We’ll be sharing a full recap of the legislative session soon, but first we wanted to share some highlights from the state budget. In the middle of a pandemic unlike …
The Vermont legislature went big on climate action. Here are the details. Read More »
Both chambers of the Vermont legislature have given final approval to H.360 aka “The Broadband Bill.” This VPIRG-supported bill represents the most significant investment in state history toward bringing world-class broadband internet service to every Vermonter—an investment made possible by federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. But perhaps as important as the funding …
Legislature Gives Final Approval to Community Broadband Bill Read More »
On Monday, the Vermont Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued an order that would extend the moratorium on involuntary utility disconnections due to nonpayment of electricity, natural gas, and landline phone through May 31st, 2021. Under the previous order, it would have expired this Wednesday. This is good news. We are grateful that the PUC has decided …
The Vermont House voted 145-1 Tuesday to give initial approval to H.360 – the community broadband acceleration bill. The bill uses federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to make the most significant investment ($150 million) in state history toward delivering high-speed internet to every Vermonter. If enacted, this VPIRG-supported legislation will make significant …
VT House Approves $150 Million Community Broadband Bill Read More »
No Vermonter should have to worry that their utilities could be disconnected during this pandemic because they are unable to make bill payments. Last March, the Vermont Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued an order halting all involuntary utility disconnections in the wake of the emerging COVID crisis. That order is set to expire in just over a week, but …
Legal Aid and VPIRG lead push to prevent utility shut offs Read More »
The House Energy and Technology Committee advanced legislation (H.360) Wednesday aimed at accelerating the development of community broadband in Vermont. If enacted, this VPIRG-supported legislation will make significant resources available to the state’s Communications Union Districts (CUDs) – public, municipal entities formed to provide universal, affordable, world-class broadband to their regions. Notably, the legislation would …
House Committee Advances Community Broadband Bill Read More »
