Act 60 bill on House floor
Thursday in Montpelier, the compromise reform of Act 60 will be debated on the floor of the Vermont House. The plan shifts some of the burden of the property tax over to the sales tax. It’s that part of the bill that isn’t sitting well with some Republicans and Democrats. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Forest recreation concerns
Environmentalists want the U.S. Forest Service to regulate snowmobile use on federal land in Vermont. They say that snowmobile traffic has increased in the Green Mountain National Forest. Yet they argue that the Forest Service has failed to examine the environmental impacts. (Listen to the story online or read the transcript.) (VPR)
Book interview: “Lost Nation”
Neal Charnoff talks with author Jeffrey Lent about “Lost Nation,” his novel about surviving poverty and violence in 1830’s New England. (Listen to the interview online.) (VPR)
E-Board and Act 250 changes
Governor Jim Douglas says he’ll ask the Vermont Environmental Board to make some key changes to Act 250 through the rule-making process if the Senate does not pass a comprehensive reform bill in the next few weeks. (VPR)
EPA satisfied with Circ Highway
EPA regional administrator Robert Varney says the agency’s concerns about the Circumferential highway have been addressed. (VPR)
Online car registration
Department of Motor Vehicles, Commissioner Bonnie Rutledge says 2,000 people used the online registration process last month and it will now be available for all new registration renewals. (VPR)