Office of Lt. Governor David Zuckerman
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19th, 2024
Contact
Lisa Gerlach
Chief of Staff, Office of the Lt. Governor
(802) 636-7047
Lisa.gerlach@vermont.gov
NEWS: Lt. Governor Zuckerman Statement on Governor’s Opposition to H. 687
MONTPELIER, Vt: On Friday, Lt. Governor David Zuckerman issued the following statement regarding the Governor’s opposition to H. 687:
“Governor Scott has often emphasized the need to work together to address persistent problems that we are facing in Vermont, such as housing. I agree that collaboration is key to creating balanced policies that can allow for faster and smarter development while continuing to protect Vermont’s environment and natural resources.
“It has been clear for some time that our land use and development law, Act 250, must be updated to meet the needs that Vermonters are facing right now. With local ordinances and infrastructure investments, some land use regulations from Act 250 have become obsolete. The Governor’s Natural Resources Board, which convened meetings with Gov. Scott appointees as well as diverse viewpoints from developers, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and environmental groups, submitted a consensus report to the legislature.
“H.687 contains a multitude of recommendations for necessary reforms that would encourage growth where we want it and create opportunity for future generations of Vermonters. This report was a collaborative effort, led by the Governors people. Additionally, the Senate committee added a number of provisions from S.311, the Governor’s proposal. To now indicate that this merged bill falls short undercuts his own rhetoric about working together.
“Rather than threaten to veto the bill, an action that is both divisive and directly in conflict with his statements about “working together,” the Governor could have supported the work of his own appointees and the diverse stakeholders that worked tirelessly to find consensus. That is what collaboration and “working together” means. It is disappointing that the Governor’s actions have failed to match his political rhetoric.”
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