Vermont Public Radio: Contributions by John Dillon

Governor Says Vermont's Economy Headed In Right Direction

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:50:00 -0400

Governor Peter Shumlin says the state's economy is headed in the right direction as the unemployment rate declines and the business climate improves.

Leahy Recommends Spending Cuts For Afghanistan, Iraq

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:50:00 -0400

Senator Patrick Leahy wants the United States to cut spending on programs in Aghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan. He believes US taxpayers shouldn't waste money on programs that he says have failed.

ISO New England Says Network Would Be Stable Without Yankee

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:50:00 -0400

The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant is not needed for the stability of the New England electric grid, according to grid operator ISO New England. Yankee opponents say the grid's decision is a sign that Yankee isn't needed to keep the lights on.

Salmon Says He Won't Seek Re-election; Illuzzi Interested

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:04:00 -0400

One of Vermont's statewide officeholders has opted not to run for re-election after all. State Auditor Thomas Salmon says he's accomplished what he hoped he would when he was elected in 2007.

New England, Canada Aim To Reduce Greenhouse Gases

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:34:00 -0400

Governor Peter Shumlin will host the New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers in Burlington later this summer. This week, the leaders' staff met to discuss the opportunities and obstacles to reaching those goals with more renewable energy projects.

Vt. Becomes First In Nation To Ban Fracking

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:50:00 -0400

Governor Peter Shumlin has signed into law a ban on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Shumlin said the ban was needed, even though Vermont doesn't have much of the shale rock targeted by energy companies for natural gas extraction.

Cost Of Lowell Wind Project Expected To Rise

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:50:00 -0400

Green Mountain Power's Lowell wind project is facing a potential $11 million cost increase because of transmission upgrades requested by the operators of the New England electric grid.

Computer Glitches Threaten Court System's Restructuring Plan

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:50:00 -0400

The Vermont court system is experiencing delays and technological challenges as it tries to computerize its case management system. The problems - which threaten to setback the courts' restructuring plans - come two years after the judiciary tried to make a great leap forward in technology.

Wind Project In Northwestern Vt. Gets New Investor

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:34:00 -0400

Construction has started on a 10-megawatt wind energy development in northwestern Vermont. The Georgia Mountain project, which will feature four wind towers over 400 feet high, has recently attracted a major new investor.

Consumers Can Opt Out Of Smart Meters Free-Of-Charge

Thu, 10 May 2012 07:34:00 -0400

Vermont's two largest utilities had a pretty good year in the Statehouse. They beat back attempts to force a direct refund to ratepayers when Central Vermont Public Service Corporation is sold. And they avoided a proposed mandate to buy a percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. But they lost the fight on smart meters.

Court Addresses Issue Of Party Status In Act 250 Cases

Tue, 08 May 2012 17:50:00 -0400

The Vermont Environmental Court has clarified who gets to intervene in Act 250 permit reviews. The court ruling reverses a district environmental commission decision that barred environmental groups from intervening in a case involving a Wal-Mart proposed for Bennington.

Session Focused On Irene, Utility Merger, Union Issues

Mon, 07 May 2012 07:34:50 -0400

Lawmakers wrapped up their work in Montpelier over the weekend on a legislative session that started with a focus on Tropical Storm Irene but then saw lengthy debates over a utility merger, union issues, and a new attempt to crack down on prescription drug abuse

Vt. Poised To Become First State To Ban Fracking

Fri, 04 May 2012 17:50:00 -0400

Vermont is poised to become the first state to ban a controversial natural gas drilling technique known as fracking. The Legislature finished work on the measure Friday, and it's on its way to Gov. Peter Shumlin for his signature.

Lawmakers Agree To $5 Billion State Budget

Thu, 03 May 2012 17:50:00 -0400

The Vermont House and Senate have reached agreement on a roughly $5 billion state budget for next year, a deal that clears the path for the 2012 Legislature to adjourn this weekend.

Legislature Drops Renewable Energy Requirements For Utilities

Thu, 03 May 2012 07:35:16 -0400

Under pressure from business groups, the Legislature has backed away from a plan to require utilities to buy a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources.

Debate Over Child Care Union Grows Fierce

Wed, 02 May 2012 17:50:00 -0400

For the second day in a row, the Senate was embroiled in fierce debate over legislation that would allow child care workers to form a union and bargain with the state. The 2012 session is supposed to end this weekend, so the clock is running out for supporters of the union effort.

Child Care Workers Union Faces Uncertain Future

Wed, 02 May 2012 07:34:54 -0400

Hundreds assembled on the Statehouse lawn Tuesday for a May Day rally that focused on universal health care and workers' rights. The rally was especially timely for child care workers who are trying to form a statewide union.

Activists Concerned About Cabot Waste Water Sprays

Tue, 01 May 2012 07:34:16 -0400

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is reviewing Cabot's request for an amended permit that would allow the cheese-maker to stop spraying some fields and start spraying others in eight northern Vermont towns.

Vt. House Votes To Stay Out Of Utility Merger Review

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:04:00 -0400

The Legislature has been embroiled in debate over a merger between the state's two largest utilities. While the Senate has already voted to require that ratepayers get money back when CVPS is sold, the House has opted to take a more hands-off approach.

Senate Approves Requiring Ratepayer Refund In CVPS-GMP Merger

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:50:00 -0400

The Senate adopted an amendment Thursday that would require Central Vermont Public Service to pay a $21 million refund to its ratepayers if it merges with Green Mountain Power.