Governor Peter Shumlin is coming under fire from environmentalists for vetoing a bill that would have required new tests for arsenic and other toxic substances in private water wells.
Shumlin vetoed the bill this past week, saying he did not want to impose new costs on Vermonters – especially those living in rural areas where private wells are the main source of drinking water.
Kim Greenwood of the Vermont Natural Resources Council calls the bill a public health measure and says it’s ironic the governor would veto it the same day he signed into law a measure calling for the overhaul of Vermont’s health care system.
Shumlin also is drawing complaints from some lawmakers who say he didn’t voice misgivings while the bill was pending in the Legislature.