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The Issues

Environmental Protection

Protecting Our Environment

As a lifelong Vermonter, I understand that our environment is an important part of our tradition and economic strength. Anyone who says we need to compromise our commitment to the environment in order to create jobs is offering a false trade-off.

We need clear leadership to reduce poisons like mercury from entering the groundwater and reduce storm water run-off from polluting our lakes and rivers.

As Governor, my administration will:

1. Hold polluters accountable and increase the resources available for new development to minimize impact on the environment.
2. Encourage environmentally friendly real estate development and redevelopment in downtowns by pre-permitting abandoned industrial sites; setting a priority on development in designated downtown locations; and enhancing current Brownfield regulations, programs, and financing mechanisms.
3. Work with developers to create clear mechanisms for storm water banking and clear municipal investments that will reduce phosphorous going into our public waterways.
4. Ensure engagement opportunities for all citizens in permitting and approval processes by increasing predictability, transparency and access to information.
5. Provide the tools and resources needed at the state and regional levels to ensure efficient and effective implementation of Vermont’s cutting edge environmental regulations.
6. Commit to an effective program for cleaning up Lake Champlain that moves remediation efforts forward while putting in place programs that remediate the impact on farms and communities.
7. Make effective use of federal programs that assist in these efforts.

I am also honored to have the endorsement of prominent activist, environmentalist and Vermonter Bill McKibben. You can read his letter to the editor that appeared in the Addison County Independent or watch the video below.