Water advocates say Vermont lags behind most other states in mapping and regulating its groundwater reserves. But recent pressure from commercial water bottlers seeking to tap the state’s aquifers and springs has placed this important resource in the spotlight. A bill that cleared the Vermont Senate last week would declare Vermont’s groundwater a "public trust" to be managed for the good of everyone in the state. The bill would also establish a permitting process for most groundwater withdrawals above a certain size. With the measure about to move on to the House, we talk about it with Chittenden County Senator Diane Snelling, a key proponent of groundwater protection. We also hear from critics who say the legislation would place an undue burden on industrial users. And we speak with internationally renowned water advocate Maude Barlow, who’s in Vermont this week, about what she sees as a looming worldwide water crisis. (Listen)
Also on the program, former Vermont Governor Madeleine Kunin talks
about her new book, Pearls, Politics and Power: How Women Can Win
and Lead. Kunin says she hopes to inspire women at all levels – state,
local and national – to run for public office. (Listen)
And we hear what students at the Sharon Academy have to say about the impact of global warming on their lives. (Listen)