Experts say Vermont needs to develop rules for large-scale composting
businesses that recognize both the benefits and the potential hazards of the
operations.
The state of
Vermont’s plans to clean up more than a dozen streams fouled by stormwater
runoff are taking longer than some expected, and critics warn that costs will
rise the longer it takes to address them.
A four-day work week would save energy costs and reduce fossil fuel
consumption — so say proponents. State Sen.
Vince Illuzzi explains why he’s pushing the idea of a four-day week for
schools and state employees.
Bob Kinzel talks with Secretary of State
Deb Markowitz about two election-related bills that have been vetoed,
and their implications for the November election. VPR’s Ross Sneyd
analyzes the top stories this week, and we listen back to some of the voices in the week’s news.
The Vermont House gave its final approval today to
legislation implementing an instant run off voting system for Vermont’s
congressional elections. Although the Senate has already passed the bill, it
faces an uncertain future because Governor Jim Douglas opposes it. The Governor
says the state’s current voting system works well and that there’s no need to
change it.
The Vermont House has given its approval to a major change
in the way Vermont’s
congressional delegation is elected. By a vote of 81 to 60, the House backed legislation
implementing the instant run off voting system for all federal election
contests.
Representative Chris Pearson is a Burlington Progressive who supports
IRV. Senator. Kevin Mullin is a Rutland County Republican who voted against the
Senate IRV bill. They spoke with VPR’s Steve Zind about the pros and cons of using
instant runoff voting in Vermont.
We examine the pros and cons of Instant Runoff Voting with Burlington Rep. Chris Pearson,
and Rutland Sen. Kevin Mullin. Also, Valley News reporter John Gregg joins us to talk about
how some neighbors are fighting a proposed homeless shelter in White River
Junction. And, we hear sounds from this year’s White Coat Ceremony at
the University of Vermont.
Under pressure from environmentalists and the federal government, Vermont has drafted new rules to limit pollution run-off from construction sites. The rules will close a loophole that allowed contractors to release storm water for limited periods of time.