John Dillon Archives - Page 3 of 258 - Welcome to the VPR Archive

Cabot Votes To Keep High School Open

By John Dillon | March 5, 2013

By a vote of 322 to 147, the town rejected a proposal to close the high school and send its 65 students to other schools in the region.

State Looks To Cut Pollution From Farms, Sewage Plants

By John Dillon | March 4, 2013

The state is looking to cut water pollution that reaches Lake Champlain by imposing new regulations on farms and by enforcing phosphorus limits on a sewage treatment plant in Waterbury.

Moratorium Removed From Wind Bill As New Poll Shows Support For Projects

By John Dillon | February 26, 2013

Senators have removed a proposed moratorium from legislation regulating large-scale wind projects. But the bill would now require that wind developments be judged under the full criteria of Act 250. Both sides of the wind debate are disappointed in the latest version.

VPR News

Half Of Energy Fund Aimed At Low-Income Weatherization Programs

By John Dillon | February 25, 2013

Utility officials and efficiency experts have outlined a $21 million plan to help Vermonters use less energy to heat and light their homes. The money comes from the merger last year of the state’s two largest utilities.

VPR News

Shumlin Joins Other Governors In Voicing Sequester Concerns

By John Dillon | February 25, 2013

Governor Peter Shumlin has joined a bi-partisan chorus of governors warning against federal budget cuts that seem increasingly likely as a stalemate continues in Congress.

VPR News

Single Payer Foes Say Payroll, Income Taxes Considered In Financing Plan

By John Dillon | February 22, 2013

Critics of Governor Peter Shumlin’s plans for a single payer health system charge his administration studied how to pay for it, but then halted the work. The group Vermonters for Health Care Freedom alleges the administration looked at a financing plan based on new taxes but then stopped because of political concerns.

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Loan Program Targets Energy Efficiency, Renewables

By John Dillon | February 20, 2013

The Shumlin Administration and legislative leaders have proposed a new public-private loan program to boost energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The Clean Energy Loan Fund would consolidate existing state energy loan programs and increase private capital directed toward energy projects.

VPR News

Gov. Shumlin Sour On Sweetened Beverage Tax

By John Dillon | February 20, 2013

As lawmakers push a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, Gov. Peter Shumlin has weighed in against the idea. The governor said the tax is regressive and would not work to reduce sugar consumption.

VPR News

Lawmakers Expect Legal Challenge If GMO Label Bill Passes

By John Dillon | February 19, 2013

Under a bill gaining support in the Statehouse, Vermont could be the first state in the nation to require labels on products made with genetically modified crops. Lawmakers are now trying to craft the measure so it can withstand an expected court challenge.

VPR News

Oil Exec Says Line Could Be Used For Tar Sands

By John Dillon, Amy Kolb Noyes | February 18, 2013

The head of a regional oil pipeline company says he’s looking for new projects, including using the line to carry controversial tar sands oil across northern New England. The Legislature is reviewing the pipeline issue amid national protests against a project that would carry tar sands oil from western Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.