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vpirg.bsky.social
Vermont Public Interest Research Group
@vpirg.bsky.social
280 followers 30 following 46 posts
VPIRG's mission is to promote and protect the health of Vermont’s people, environment and locally-based economy by informing and mobilizing citizens statewide.

https://linkin.bio/vpirg/

re-skeets =/= endorsements
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vpirg.bsky.social
Over a decade ago, VPIRG ran a successful campaign to retire Vermont Yankee as planned. Gov. Scott wants to take us back in time. Nuclear energy wasn't right for Vermont then, and it certainly isn't right for us now. ⁠Full story from Seven Days: www.sevendaysvt.com/news/politic...
#vtpoli #climate
A photo of Gov Scott is overlaid over a background image of Vermont Yankee's cooling tanks. Text reads, 'Gov Scott wants "To include nuclear energy in the mix again, something Vermonters turned away from in 2014 with the closure - due to high costs - of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station."
January 23, 2026 at 8:49 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
There was a great turnout in the State House on Wednesday for the No Secret Police press conference when we advocated for a slate of bills to strengthen protections for our most vulnerable neighbors alongside Migrant Justice, @vtasylum.bsky.social, @acluvermont.bsky.social, and legislators. #vtpoli
January 23, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Reposted by Vermont Public Interest Research Group
brennancenter.org
Yesterday, the motion was granted by a federal court in Vermont for @vpirg.bsky.social to join as a defendant in the Justice Department's case against the state for not providing its voter file. This is an important step towards safeguarding Vermonters’ private data. 1/2
January 21, 2026 at 3:22 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
VPIRG was proud to stand with our allies at the No Secret Police press conference in the State House yesterday. In front of a packed crowd, advocates and legislators shared a slate of bills to strengthen protections against ICE in VT.⁠
#iceout #vtpoli⁠
January 22, 2026 at 8:51 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
"There’s no better way to honor Dr. King than by standing up for the rights of ALL Vermont citizens to participate fully in our elections," Quinn Houston, Democracy Associate, VPIRG.⁠
Seven elected officials and advocates stand behind a lecturn for a press conference. Overlaid text reads, "On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, VPIRG is joining other sttate leaders in calling for the passage of a Vermont Voting Rights Act."
January 19, 2026 at 8:06 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
Join Indivisible Calais, Montpelier, and Mad River Valley for a peaceful protest on Monday, January 19, at 11 AM. Organizers are meeting at Mad River Green, Waitsfield, VT 05673 with energy and signs. Show up to support democracy and condemn fascism. Register here: www.mobilize.us/indivisiblem...
January 15, 2026 at 5:18 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
Renee Good was an artist, a poet, a mother, a friend, and so much more before she was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday. There will be a peaceful candlelight vigil at the Montpelier City Hall @ 5PM on Sat, Jan 10 to honor her. Let's make one thing clear: ICE has no place in VT.⁠
Black, white, and yellow distressed-looking graphic that reads, "ICE OUT FOR GOOD! Join the mass mobilization. Montpelier City Hall. Peaceful candlelight vigil. Sat, January 10 @ 5PM. Please bring candles (battery operated). This is a peaceful vigil to honor Renee Good and to get ICE out of Vermont.
January 9, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Reposted by Vermont Public Interest Research Group
brennancenter.org
On behalf of the @vpirg.bsky.social, the Brennan Center, @campaignlegal.org, and Wilschek Iarrapino Law Office filed a motion to intervene in a DOJ lawsuit against Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas over the state’s voter file. Learn more: 1/3
Vermont Public Interest Research Group Files to Intervene in Justice Department Lawsuit Seeking Vermont’s Voter Rolls
Justice Department is demanding Vermont’s complete voter files, which include driver’s license numbers, partial Social Security numbers, and other sensitive data. Campaign Legal Center, Brennan Center...
www.brennancenter.org
December 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
vtdigger.org/2025/12/26/v... "In the wake of the (2023) flooding, we brought the voices and concerns of Vermont residents, farmers, and businesses to policymakers as they considered this legislation,” Burns said. “That’s a big reason why support for the law was so strong."
The main image depicts State Street in Montpelier amidst the flooding in the summer of 2023. Two people are kayaking in the middle of the street. Overlaid text reads, "VT Climate Superfund Law pushes forward. VPIRG files defense of it in court."
December 30, 2025 at 10:09 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
We've traveled the state to discuss the broad range of impacts our communities are facing in the wake of the 'Big Ugly Bill' and identify ways for Vermonters to take action.⁠
⁠
Check out the Brattleboro Reformer's recent article about last week's tour stop:

www.reformer.com/local-news/b...
'Big Ugly Bill' panned at Brattleboro tour stop
BRATTLEBORO — The effects of a new federal bill will be devastating in myriad ways, according to experts in health care and climate.
www.reformer.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:59 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
In 2025, human brains have been found to contain an entire plastic spoon's worth of microplastics. Check out our latest guide to avoid products that are notorious for releasing these tiny particles: www.vpirg.org/vpirgs-2025-...
Holiday themed table spread with various items that release a large quantity of microplastic particles and some safer alternatives. Pictured are stuffed animals, laundry detergent, a Magic Eraser, dish towels, and a frying pan. Environmental Health Associate, Alexis Drown, behind a podium speaking at a recent press conference holding a Mister Clean Magic Eraser. Alexis Drown behind the podium speaking holding two stuffed animals. Alexis Drown holding a printed "Tis the Season for Less Plastic" report while speaking behind the podium
December 8, 2025 at 7:17 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
A recent report showed that human brains can hold seven grams of plastic particles, the equivalent of a plastic spoon. Check out our holiday guide to avoid those particles this season: www.vpirg.org/vpirgs-2025-...
#vtpoli #microplastics #plasticpollution
December 6, 2025 at 9:41 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
We are very happy to share that we have added two more tour dates to our "Big Beautiful Tour About a Big Ugly Bill" in coalition with our partners at VCV, HFVT, VNRC, and PPVTAF. Join us to know how you can continue to respond to federal action. Register here: vnrc.org/announce-our...
A blue background with a green Vermont state logo atop. At the top, in white letters, reads "A Big Beautiful Tour," beneath in yellow letters, partially underlined, "About a Big Ugly Bill." White text within a yellow box reads "Join us for a series of panels to learn how Vermonters are being impacted by, and can respond to, federal action." In a bulleted list marked by yellow location pins, in white text reads cross out "8/6: Shelburne, 9/24: Barre City, 10/7: Middlebury, 10/22: Essex Junction, 11/5: Bennington, 11/18: Hartford" and not crossed out, "12/11: Brattleboro, 12/17: Virtual." Horizontally along the bottom of the flyer are logos in white for Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV), Hunger Free Vermont (HFVT), Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC), Planned Parenthood Vermont Action Fund (PPVTAF), Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG).
December 4, 2025 at 1:55 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) fill our grocery aisles — from salty snacks to sugary drinks to pre-packaged meals — and the science is clear: UPFs threaten public health. We’re pushing for stronger transparency from food manufacturers and for the removal of synthetic dyes from food sold in schools. ⁠
Photo of a shopping cart in a grocery aisle surrounded by food on shelves. Text reads "Ultra-processed foods are a threat to public health, scientists say". The NPR logo accompanies the text.
November 25, 2025 at 6:40 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
VPIRG and the Environmental Advocacy Clinic at VT Law and Graduate School have filed an amicus brief in defense of Vermont’s landmark Climate Superfund law.

Read more here: www.vermontlaw.edu/news-and-eve...
Photo of a sign that reads, "CLIMATE ACTION NOW" partially submerged in muddy flood water
November 24, 2025 at 10:26 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
Last week, we saw Governor Scott reverse course on his initial decision not to appeal Trump's rejection of FEMA aid for towns impacted by flooding in July. Thank you to the Vermonters who made their voice heard on this issue, and urged Scott to stand up for Vermont.⁠ www.mynbc5.com/article/verm...
An image of Paul Burns, Executive Director of VPIRG wearing a "Make Big Oil Pay" t-shirt standing in front of flooding in Montpelier. Overlayed text reads: “We’re grateful to all the Vermonters, including many VPIRG members, who urged the governor reverse course and appeal the Trump administration’s decision to deny disaster relief to those who suffered losses in the July flood.”
November 24, 2025 at 8:01 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
Democracy is under attack, but at VPIRG we're stepping up to meet the moment. This is Democracy Vermont - find your place in the movement at democracyvt.org.
#vtpoli #nokings #democracy
November 21, 2025 at 10:31 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
When Governor Scott first announced that he was not going to appeal Trump’s rejection of FEMA aid, Vermonters made their voices heard.⁠

Now, Scott is reconsidering his decision not to appeal. Please take a moment to call 802-828-3333 to urge the Governor to appeal the President’s decision.
November 17, 2025 at 6:01 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
“We want more options for those people who have largely been left out of the clean energy transition so far,” said Ben Edgerly Walsh, climate and energy program director at Vermont Public Interest Research Group.
⁠
Sign our petition to stand up for solar in VT secure.everyaction.com/rOCJ0G6480q0...
Ben Edgerly Walsh, Climate and Energy Director of VPIRG is speaking behind a podium at a press conference for Portable Solar. White text overlaying the image reads: "Plug-in solar power could be coming to a balcony near you". The logo for Sierra, the Magazine of the Sierra Club is underneath the text.
November 10, 2025 at 9:45 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
Need some signage for No Kings Day? VPIRG will be hosting a sign-making party from 10 - 11:45 AM at our NEW OFFICE at 9 Baldwin St.! Come check out the new space, have some snacks, and get creative with your signs to defend democracy. RSVP here: secure.everyaction.com/Zjmv7TfeEE-F...
A patritotic-themed poster with a group photo of protestors holding hand-made signs beneath a "Democracy Vermont" logo reads "No Kings Day 2 Sign-Making Party," "9 Baldwin St. Montpelier Saturday, 10/18 10-11:45AM," "Join us before the Montpelier rally for: sign-making art materials, refreshments and music, community connection."
October 16, 2025 at 4:08 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
Middlebury showed up in force for this evening's Big Beautiful Tour (about a Big Ugly Bill)! Thank you to our panelists, legislators, partners, guests, and a BIG thank you to @balint.house.gov for her leadership and insight into the situation in Washington.
#vtpoli
October 8, 2025 at 2:12 AM
Reposted by Vermont Public Interest Research Group
50501vt.bsky.social
We cannot and will not allow these attacks on our freedoms to stand uncontested.

MAKE YOUR PLANS FOR 10/18:

Find an event near you: 50501vermont.com/event/no-kin...

No event in your town? Start one: nokings.org/host-toolkit

Donate: secure.actblue.com/donate/50501vermont
The administration continues to escalate its attack on our rights and the rule of law. In late September, the president authorized the use of tear gas and other “non-lethal” munitions against peaceful protesters (1) legally exercising their right to free speech in Portland, Oregon. Last week, ICE carried out a full-force raid on U.S. citizens’ homes in Chicago without warrants.(2) And on Friday, they began targeting immigrant children as young as ten.(3) It’s getting frighteningly real. As a trans woman, I feel particularly vulnerable when the Donald calls transgender people the “biggest domestic public safety threat.” The Heritage Foundation now labels anyone who supports us as a “domestic terrorist.”(4) The creator of the trans flag, like nearly half of respondents to a poll conducted by Williams college in May, is fleeing the country.(5) If the spending bill had passed, hundreds of thousands of transgender Americans could have lost access to hormones, without which many would not survive.(6) We cannot and will not allow these attacks on our freedoms to stand uncontested. On October 18, we come together across Vermont to speak truth to power, defend our communities, and reclaim our democracy from the cruelty and corruption threatening it. MAKE YOUR PLANS FOR 10/18: Find an event near you: 50501vermont.com/events No event in your town? Start one: nokings.org/host-toolkit Across Vermont, nearly 40 towns are already organizing, from Brattleboro to Burlington, from Barre to Bennington, joining a national wave of peaceful resistance. Together, we can help the country reach the “3.5% threshold” that research shows always leads to real change. In America, we don’t have kings. We will not back down from chaos, corruption, or cruelty. “No Kings” is more than a slogan - it’s a promise to each other. SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT: Donate: secure.actblue.com/donate/50501vermont Grab a t-shirt: marchmerch.com/collections/50501-vermont OUR COMMITMENT TO NONVIOLENCE All No Kings events are rooted in peaceful, lawful action. We ask everyone to act with compassion and discipline, to de-escalate and not to provoke, and to leave all weapons, even legal ones, at home. We show our strength not through force, but through courage, truth, and unity. Together, we rise. Geri Peterson, Volunteer/Organizer, 50501 Vermont (1) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/I-bqKEd1OiU (2) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2d591LRPU40 (3) https://immigrantjustice.org/press-release/operation-freaky-friday-what-you-need-to-know/ (4) https://www.wired.com/story/heritage-foundation-uses-bogus-stat-to-push-a-trans-terrorism-classification/ (5) https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/creator-of-the-trans-flag-is-fleeing (6) https://www.gendergp.com/the-danger-of-withdrawing-hormones-from-trans-people/ use of tear gas and other “non-lethal” munitions against peaceful protesters The Heritage Foundation now labels anyone who supports us [trans people] as a “domestic terrorist.”
October 6, 2025 at 5:18 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
Join us tomorrow in Barre City for the second panel on our Big Beautiful Tour About a Big Ugly Bill! 6-7:30pm at the Old Labor Hall! Learn how you can leverage this moment and fight back against federal action. #vtpoli #democracy
A blue tinted photo of a road, covered bridge, and trees is the backdrop to a poster. In large, white text at the top it reads "A Big Beautiful Tour" followed by partially underlined yellow text that reads "About a Big Ugly Bill." Below the headline, a yellow text box with white text reads "Join us this fall for a series of panels to learn how Vermonters are being impacted by, and respond to, federal action." A yellow location pinpoint serves as a bullet point with white text that reads "Old Labor Hall, Barre City Wednesday, September 24 6 - 7:30 PM." Horizontally at the bottom of the graphic, five white logos read "Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV)," "Hunger Free Vermont," "Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC)," "Planned Parenthood Vermont Action Fund," "Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG)."
September 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" is hugely damaging legislation, & threatens communities across VT. That's why, in collaboration with our partners, we are putting on a Big Beautiful Tour - join us at one of the listed panels to learn how you can respond! #vtpoli
vnrc.org/announce-our...
A blue tinted photo of a covered bridge, a road, and trees provides the backdrop for white text that reads "A Big Beautiful Tour," followed by yellow, partially underlined, text which reads "About a Big Ugly Bill." Underneath, in a yellow text box, white texts reads "Join us this fall for a series of panels to learn how Vermonters are being impacted by, and can respond to, federal action." A yellow pinpoint bulleted list follows that text and white text reads the following: struckthrough 8/6: Shleburne, 9/24: Barre City, 10/7: Middlebury, 10/22: Essex Junction, 11/5: Bennington, 11/18: Hartford. At the bottom of the image is a horizontal line of white brand logos for Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV), Hunger Free Vermont, Vermont Natural Resource Council (VNRC), Planned Parenthood Vermont Action Fund, Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG).
September 19, 2025 at 9:50 PM
vpirg.bsky.social
We need you to join us in Barre City TODAY! Come on down to City Hall Park at 6 PM to show that Vermonters say NO to billionaire-backed agendas that benefit the wealthy at our expense. We hope to see you there! #vtpoli #democracy #workersoverbillionaires
A graphic reading: "Workers over billionaire$" "Stand together Thursday, September 18th, City Hall Park, Barre - 6PM" "Vermont's future is not for sale."
September 18, 2025 at 1:23 PM