The Environmental Board will send new rules to the Legislature that change the way the public gets involved in Act 250. The rules set up several ways for the public to be heard in development review cases.
If a person owns property next to a project, he or she has to show how their property interest will be directly affected by the development. A member of the public or an environmental group may also be allowed into the case if they can demonstrate that they will be directly affected by the development. People or organizations admitted under both these categories would be allowed to appeal to the Environmental Board.
The third way for the public to get involved is as “non party participants.” Individuals or environmental groups admitted under this category are not allowed to appeal.
Related links:
Proposed revisions to Environmental Board Rules
State of Vermont Environmental Board