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Who are we? What is our mission? VCE is fighting for the economic well-being of all Vermonters assuring appropriate use of our resources -- our people, our land, our air and our water. We are united in the belief that Vermont's future lies in conserving its clean, rural, small-town environment. We have joined together to pursue the common goals of encouraging economic development with minimal environmental impacts and preserving Vermont's natural beauty. VCE is committed to providing facts and information so that people can make informed decisions. Vermont has some of the cleanest air in the nation and large quantities of pure water. We support long-term planning for sustainable economic and energy policies for Vermont that will benefit Vermonters and set standards for other states to follow. We encourage your participation. Click here to join VCE. Get Involved Join VCE and support our mission to protect Vermont’s environment and economy. Members receive updates on issues, provide feedback, and identify impending projects. Please include your email if you wish to receive up to date news and action alerts. Name_________________________________________ Address_______________________________________ City_________________State_______ ZIP__________ Phone_________________email___________________ Mail to: VCE, Inc. 789 Baker Brook Road Danby, VT 05739 Donate on-line: VCE: Citizen Action Gets Results Vermonters for a Clean Environment (VCE) was founded in 1999 by citizens in southwestern Vermont who joined together to oppose a billion dollar natural gas power plant and pipeline project proposed for the region. After more than a year of heated opposition, we won. In January, 2000 the privately-owned Swiss mining company, OMYA, Inc. announced intentions to open a new mine in the scenic and remote Danby Four Corners valley, which would also have been impacted by the pipeline route. In September, 2000, VCE's Advisory Board agreed to the request made by citizens of the region to oppose the mining proposal through the permitting process. VCE joined with the town of Tinmouth to hire lawyers and experts to investigate the numerous issues surrounding OMYA’s huge proposal. This gorgeous valley is prized by photographers and ecologists as one of the most biodiverse and beautiful places in Vermont and in the nation, and supports a thriving agricultural economy. In Sept. 2004, OMYA sent a letter to the town of Danby selectboard indicating that the privately-owned Swiss corporation has "closed this project." Because OMYA still owns the land, VCE will remain vigilant into the future. VCE is now a statewide organization with members throughout Vermont. We assist Vermonters with research, strategies and guidance through the regulatory process on issues impacting Vermont’s communities. VCE protects the interests of small businesses that are jeopardized by corporate industrial development. Vermonters guide the work of VCE. Here are a few of our current activities: • Water. Threats to our aquifers and watersheds are increasing daily. Vermonters have taken this precious resource for granted. We are working with VNRC, Water 1st, DCRG and other citizens in several Vermont communities who are seeking to increase protection of groundwater. Water is central to every issue VCE works on. • Chloramine. Municipal water systems, especially those that use surface water, are facing an EPA rule that requires the reduction of chlorine's disinfection byproducts. The cheapest way to comply with the rule is to switch from chlorine as a secondary disinfectant to chloramine. The Champlain Water District in Chittenden County, Vermont (but not Burlington) switched to chloramine in April 2006. Citizens immediately began complaining about skin rashes, burning eyes, digestive problems, and breathing problems. VCE is now working with citizens in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Colorado and California who are reporting the same problems with their tap water. • Mining. The J.P. Carrara & Sons Quarry in Clarendon is seeking to expand. Neighbors have borne the costs of this dolomite quarry's impacts for 17 years, and are participating in an appeal to the Vermont Supreme Court. VCE is working with neighbors, including residents of the Whispering Pines Mobile Home Park which is also owned by the Carrara family. VCE has provided support to citizens in Chester, Moretown, Rochester, Randolph, East Middlebury, Florence, Bethel, and other Vermont communities dealing with resource extraction. • Pesticides. Omya is the largest user of pesticides in the state of Vermont. VCE challenged Omya’s discharge permit, which allows the use of significant new biocides without prior review and approval by the state of Vermont. Omya's use of chemicals is now a major issue for state regulators and new mining waste regulations were being developed thanks to VCE. Omya is applying to the state to get its waste dumping site certified. VCE also works with citizens who are attempting to address the use of pesticides and herbicides along power lines and railroad tracks. • Energy. VCE provides support for citizen groups on major energy issues, including the VELCO power line upgrade and Yankee nuclear power plant issues. • Agriculture. VCE received reports from citizens living near farms and orchards where pesticides are used. VCE’s investigation concluded that the Vermont Department (now Agency) of Agriculture has failed to enforce regulations intended to protect the public’s health and the environment. VCE played an important role in defeating Vermont’s only corporate animal feedlot, Vermont Egg Farms, Inc., from expanding to more than double its current size, and assisted residents of Charlotte in stopping the development of a factory farm in their beautiful valley. • Environmental Enforcement. Currently the Douglas Administration is failing to enforce environmental laws – this is an urgent time for all Vermonters concerned about the degradation of our environment, and therefore our unique quality of life, to speak up and to get involved. Click here to join VCE. updated 3/26/08 |
