Vermont
More states ban PFAS, or forever chemicals, in more products
In total this year, at least 16 states adopted 22 PFAS-related measures.
Six months later, what did cities learn from the solar eclipse? Plan, plan, plan.
Communities in the path of totality look back at the lessons learned. Preparing for the worst and biggest impacts is worth it, they say.
Hungry for affordable housing, communities turn to land trusts
The old-school approach is garnering renewed interest amid a nationwide housing crisis. The model promises permanently affordable housing.
State dam safety programs could get new look after summer storms
The pressure is on aging dams as climate change fuels more intense weather, but it often takes high-profile incidents to focus lawmakers and other officials on the problem.
Facing natural disasters, more lawmakers look to make oil companies pay for the damage
The oil industry rejects the idea that as contributors to climate change, they are legally liable for disaster damages.
Should Vermont’s child care solution be every state’s?
Legislation passed last year may show a path forward as states across the country look to tackle child care crisis.
Evolving overdose crisis shakes previously effective treatments
Synthetic drugs are killing more Americans as they render treatment options less effective.
The New Hampshire governor's decision not to run leaves 2024 field wide open
But Republican Chris Sununu’s exit gives Democrats their best pickup opportunity in a year when only a few governorships seem to be in play. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
8 Best Winter Festivals in the U.S.
A list from Travel + Leisure showcases festivals that include snow golf and volleyball, skiers hanging onto a cowboy on horseback and plungers jumping into the icy waters.
Two States Have Killed the ‘Tampon Tax,’ But Advocates Want More
Bans on taxing menstrual products are growing around the country. Advocates are cheering the victories, but they want legislatures to take faster action because of the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
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Governors Promise Return to Normalcy Once States Hit Target Vaccination Rates
The announcements come as vaccination rates continue to decline nationwide.
America’s Bluest State Loves Its Republican Governor
Vermont has weathered the pandemic better than any other state, making Phil Scott a surprising star in Bernie Sanders's backyard.
Locals Worry Wind and Solar Will Gobble Up Forests and Farms
Some locals have argued that the project, which began operation in 2012, harms wildlife corridors and watersheds. Others have said it’s essential for providing clean energy and fighting climate change.
U.S. Covid-19 Testing Has Dropped Dramatically
Nationwide, COVID-19 testing has decreased by a third in the past two months, causing public health experts to worry they could miss future surges.
Women Hold Unprecedented Power in Vermont’s Statehouse. This Is How They’ll Lead.
Women hold the three top positions in Vermont’s legislature. With them they bring an understanding that to focus on economic recovery means to focus on caregiving.
Vermont Legislature Passes Bill to Allow Citizens to Sue the State if Climate Change Goals Aren’t Met
Lawmakers say that the bill “ensures accountability” for the government to meet carbon emission reduction goals in a timely manner. But Republican Gov. Phil Scott is skeptical of the litigation provision.
Vermont and Minnesota Now Recognize Grocery Employees as Emergency Workers
Minnesota and Vermont declared some food workers "essential personnel," giving them access to child care during working hours.
A Vermont Lawmaker Calls for Cell Phone Age Limits
A new proposal, which points out all the other things young people aren't allowed to do, would restrict cell phone usage to residents over the age of 21.
The Healthiest—and Unhealthiest—States
Reduced smoking rates, not much violent crime and low reports of sexually transmitted diseases make Vermont the healthiest state in the country, according to rankings released this week.
Customer Service, State and Local Partnerships Key for CIOs
The findings of NASCIO’s 2019 survey of chief information officers highlights areas of concern and evolving priorities among state information technology leaders.
