As sunshine and warm weather melt the final traces of winter from our mountains, Vermonters are on the move, taking to our downtowns and countryside, often by foot and bicycle. How we travel around the state has many implications for Vermont’s people, communities and natural resources. A well-designed transportation can improve quality of life, reduce environmental impacts, and lessen our contribution to global warming. As you take to the streets and trails this spring, consider Vermont’s transportation landscape and how it works for you. Then pick up the latest issue of the Vermont Environmental Report (VER) to read about the choices that have shaped the state’s transportation system, trends that are bringing change to that system, and tools available to shape our transportation future. Hard copies of the VER will be arriving in members’ mailboxes in the next week.

VNRC is closely following the ongoing investigation into groundwater contamination in North Bennington and Pownal.  Costs of groundwater testing and cleanup continue to grow while the source of pollution is still being determined. The state will continue to pay for testing in Pownal using cleanup funds until a responsible party is identified. However, officials from the Department of Environmental Conservation have saidthose funds will run out by the end of the year.

VNRC has fought hard for groundwater and was instrumental in passing the Groundwater Protection Act in 2008.  Currently, VNRC is working with the legislature to strengthen the tools that communities and the state have to prevent, detect, and respond to dangerous releases of toxic and hazardous substances.

Vermont’s net metering program has helped thousands of Vermont families, businesses, schools, churches and others invest in affordable, local renewable energy. You can ensure that net metering remains strong and enables all Vermonters to take part in the state’s transition to clean energy by submitting a public comment before May 12, or by attending two upcoming public hearingsin Montpelier on May 4 and 5.

While the current draft of the rule outlines some changes that VNRC believes could improve this important program – including greater financial incentives for net metered projects on the built environment, like landfills and rooftops – the proposed rate-design and grandfathering provision could significantly undermine the program.

To learn more about VNRC’s thoughts on the rule, contact Energy Program Director Johanna Miller atjmiller@vnrc.org or 802-223-2328 ext. 112.

The Energy Independent Vermont Coalition continues its work to advance the single most powerful and cost-effective policy to reduce Vermont’s polluting carbon emissions – a carbon pollution tax. The EIV coalition recently released a short, animated video explaining how the policy would work in Vermont. Watch the video here and share with your friends.

VNRC and partner organizations recently released a letter calling on Congress to ban oil transportation along Lake Champlain. Poorly regulated oil trains currently make the trip on aging tracks along the New York side of the lake, yards from the shoreline. A spill or explosion along this stretch could be a major environmental disaster and an unprecedented tragedy for area residents.

Ben is VNRC’s AmeriCorps member working with the Energy Program to coordinate the Vermont Energy and Climate Action Network – the state’s network of local energy committees. Ben is serving his second term with VNRC and is this week’s highlighted VHCB AmeriCorps member. Read more about Ben here. VHCB AmeriCorps is a program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board.

Join VNRC staff, members and friends for a food and drink at American Flatbread in Waitsfield on Friday, May 13^th.

 Every year, VNRC honors the legacy of the late Arthur Gibb for his commitment to safeguarding Vermont’s values and unique landscape, along with his leadership, vision and dedication to building consensus. This year VNRC seeks to honor an individual whose leadership at the local or regional level has brought about positive and lasting change in the way communities across Vermont integrate growth and conservation. Individuals who have demonstrated similar leadership at the statewide level will be honored in alternating years. Find a full list of previous recipients of the award here.

An old dam is slated for removal on the Third Branch of the White River this summer, opening up 98 miles of trout habitat. Removal of the 5-foot-high Sargent, Osgood and Roundy dam will have multiple benefits, according to Ron Rhodes of the Connecticut River Watershed Council. The dam removal adds many more miles of brown and brook trout spawning habitat, increased recreational access, including paddling, and improves the river’s natural capacity to handle flooding.

While “deadbeat” dams continue to be removed from Vermont’s rivers and streams, the state is considering purchasing 13 hydroelectric dams, owned by TransCanada, on the Connecticut and Deerfield Rivers. A working group made up of energy industry experts, administration officials and the state treasurer are looking into the purchase. According to TransCanada’s company filings, the 13 dams produce a total of 567 megawatts, which represents more than half of the state’s estimated 1,000 megawatt power demand. Jon Groveman, VNRC’s water and policy program director, sees the opportunity as a win-win for ratepayers and the environment. “You have an opportunity to be in control of renewable, base load power, and have the public overseeing and responsible for the licensing and the operating and the management of these facilities,” Groveman told lawmakers at a recent hearing.

AARP is working with Team Better Block to illustrate how simple modifications can powerfully alter the economic, social, and ecological value of a community by gathering designers and community volunteers together to create a weekend revitalization project. Watch a short video clip to learn more about the better block approach.

AARP is accepting proposals for community revitalization projects until Friday, April 22, 2016. For more information about this program or guidance on how to complete a competitive application, contact Kelly Stoddard Poor at 802-951-1313or kstoddardpoor@aarp.org

Join the Resilient Vermont NetworkMay 20-21 at Norwich University for an interactive event focused on strengthening Vermont’s resilience to climate change and other challenges. Attendees will gain new skills, ideas, inspiration, connections and resources for on-the-ground action to make Vermont stronger, more vibrant, and better prepared. Learn more at: https://www.resilientvt.org/conference