Lawmakers, governor weigh first ever environmental justice policy for Vermont

Read or listen to the article at VPR.org.

Here is an excerpt:

Vermont has a reputation for strong environmental regulations. But it’s one of the last states in New England to have an environmental justice policy on the books, even though the EPA has been pushing for it to happen since 2016. Lawmakers are weighing a bill this week that would create one.

Sandrine Kibuey directs the housing advocacy program at Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity. She led the outreach to mobile home residents for this bill. She says everyone benefits when the most vulnerable in society get to shape policy decisions. Kibuey says this environmental justice policy is really just the start of a much longer journey for Vermont.

“It’s how to make that participation and engagement sustainable for all. That is definitely an effort that we have to make as a society,” she said. “And I do think that we are starting to see the light.”