Moving Mountains
“If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed (though it is very small), you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
It did seem that the Act 181 Road Rule and Tier 3 that threatened so many rural Vermonters was an unshakable mountain that could not be moved. But, by the small faith of many, working together, hearts and minds were changed, and that mountain is being moved. Praise God!
Bill S.325 is still in draft in the House Environment Committee, but it is updated with “Repeal” language, which repeals the Act 181 Road Rule and both Tiers 2 and 3. This is a huge relief to rural Vermonters. It is being replaced with a Public Outreach Framework plan to ensure broad public engagement on methods and policy for protecting our critical natural resources that are not already well protected in current law. The bill also extends the interim Act 250 exemptions for the many designated growth areas throughout all Vermont until 2028. This is a major relief for all Vermonters seeking more affordable housing.
Unfortunately, there may be a “poison pill” as the Governor warned in his press conference this week. I am concerned about the last minute addition of a “Joint Legislative Environmental Oversight Committee” whose duties are to “oversee” the Land Use Review Board (LURB), implementation of the changed Act 181, and all of the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) permitting processes. Without clear definitions of “oversee” and the authority of this committee, there is concern that this Oversight Committee may negate the intended purpose of the Public Outreach Framework. If you were concerned about the Road Rule and Tier 3, you may likely be concerned about this too. Alert your representative and stay tuned! We expect a committee vote early this coming week, then it’s to the House floor and back to the Senate for concurrence with our amendments.
In other news, bill H.723 has made it through the Senate and rests with the Governor to sign. This bill modifies land posting requirements so that posted signs would no longer need to be dated each year but still require maintenance and annual recording with the town clerk. This is another great example of the legislature listening to the public and finding the best solution through the deliberative process. The Lt. Governor and others are making themselves available to the Governor to answer any questions he may have to encourage his signature.
Earlier this month in the Statehouse I had the pleasure of hosting Miss Vermont 2025, Sophia Parker, from right here in Addison, VT. I sponsored a House Resolution celebrating her accomplishments that was read in her honor. She expressed interest in the H.723 bill while visiting with the Governor. See our picture below!
I’m excited to report that I’ve had success in getting key elements of my proposed bills into legislation. These will reduce construction and housing costs:
Streamlining permitting for residential water & wastewater systems was included in S.212
Streamlining wetlands delineation by Certified Professionals was included in S.223
One final bit of progress I’m excited to report is a local effort to improve our rivers and lake water quality. Rather than fighting long slow battles in the legislature, I decided to take advantage of my position and access to agencies and information to work this age-old water quality issue right here locally. The results are very early and I can’t share much yet, but stay tuned and be assured that good things are happening here.
I wish I had equally good news to report on the Education Transformation front. Unfortunately this area remains bogged down. The H.955 education bill that the House passed to the Senate is not worth the paper it's printed on. It pushes everything back into a multitude of voluntary study groups with some effective dates that go out as far as 9 years. Not acceptable. We can't solve any of the significant problems in VT because every penny of tax dollars goes into propping up a structurally failed education system. We need to find some middle ground most of us can agree on and move forward quickly with the key aspects of Act 73 passed last year to achieve quality education for all Vermont students at reduced costs.
Stay tuned and stay engaged.
I remain honored to be your Representative,
Rob North
Addison, Ferrisburgh, New Haven, Panton, Vergennes, and Waltham
