Vermont Natural Resources Council

The 2016 discovery of PFAS-contaminated drinking water in Bennington County prompted VNRC to advocate for policies reducing hazardous chemical exposure, holding polluters accountable, and ensuring clean water in Vermont.

Vermont banned billboards in 1968, replacing them with travel information signs to reduce visual clutter along highways.

VNRC and the National Wildlife Federation intervened in the 2009 North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project to ensure forest health and efficient resource use.

Current Use, a 1978 Vermont law, offers property tax relief for farm and forest landowners who commit to keeping their land undeveloped.

VNRC opposed ski area development in the 1980s and 1990s, including Killington’s plans to use treated sewage for snowmaking, and fought to protect Parker’s Gore.

Governor Shumlin signed H.823 to incentivize downtown development and curb strip development.

Vermont lawmakers approved H.526 to protect shorelands, safeguarding wildlife habitat and clean water.

The 8th Annual LEAP Energy Fair highlighted Crossett Brook Middle School’s solar arrays, the largest in a Vermont school.

VNRC opposed a biomass plant in North Springfield to protect forest health and limit climate impact.

The Vermont Natural Resources Council, founded in 1963, seeks a part-time Office Associate in Montpelier.

Connie Snow founded and directs the Brattleboro Area Community Land Trust, rehabilitating buildings and developing housing options since 1999.

Gus Seelig founded the Vermont Housing Conservation Board, creating a model for affordable housing and open-space conservation.

John Ewing is known for his contributions to dozens of non-profit organizations across Vermont and for his years of service on the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.

Paul Bruhn has directed public and private investments in Vermont towns, acting as a leader in community development and mediation.

This editorial ran in the February 21st edition of the Times Argus.

From Amber Collett, director of communications and community relations at Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC).

VNRC’s Policy & Water Program Director Jon Groveman discussed funding water cleanup initiatives in a draft report to the Vermont Legislature.

Vermont state officials and regional planning commission staff held four public meetings in January and February to discuss the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), a regional program proposing emissions caps on fossil fuel companies and reinvesting revenue in cleaner transportation.

The Don’t Data Center Vermont campaign offers a free partner toolkit with resources for participants.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort is removing a derelict dam to restore **9.5 miles of high-quality brook trout habitat** in the Brewster River Watershed. The project aims to reconnect fragmented ecosystems by eliminating a long-standing barrier. Engineering efforts now focus on completing the dam removal and ecological recovery.

Sep 2026vnrc.orgNews article

The Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) honors **Amy Sheldon** with the **2026 Arthur Gibb Award for Sustainable Community Leadership** for her contributions. **Kate Kelly** receives the **inaugural Local Leadership Award**, marking the first recipient of this new recognition.

Sep 2026vnrc.orgNews article

VNRC celebrated its 63rd Annual Celebration at Holley Hall in Bristol, gathering over 100 supporters. The event honored Amy Sheldon with the 2026 Arthur Gibb Award for Sustainable Community Leadership and Kate Kelly with the inaugural Local Leadership Award. Local vendors Hogback Brewery and Lucky Star Catering contributed to the event.

Sep 2026vnrc.orgNews article

Vermont’s legislature approves the **Vermont Sustainable Data Centers Act (H.727)** with bipartisan support, securing passage in the Senate (26-3) and House majorities. The law aims to attract data center development while addressing sustainability and infrastructure needs. The bill reflects growing state-level efforts to balance tech industry growth with environmental and energy considerations.

May 2026vnrc.orgNews article