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Vermont Public Interest Research Group

@vpirg.bsky.social
442 followers 33 following 100 posts

VPIRG's mission is to promote and protect the health of Vermont’s people, environment and locally-based economy by informing and mobilizing citizens statewide. linkin.bio/vpirg re-skeets =/= endorsements

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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
“For a state like Vermont, where you’re talking about 650,000 people total,” he said, ”that is really significant grassroots support.” Read the full article here: www.motherjones.com/environment/... #cleanenergy #climatesuperfund
Make Big Oil Pay press conference overlaid with article headline from Mother Jones
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
On Tuesday, September 29, UVM Rubenstein School and the Blittersdorf Family Foundation, are hosting the Vermont Summit: Energy, Health & The Economy with Nate Hagens. The event is free, but space is limited, so we encourage you to register today using this link: events.uvm.edu/event/vermon...
A yellow graphic marked with two logos marks the details for the Vermont Summit with Nate Hagens.
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Reposted by Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Campaign Legal Center @campaignlegal.org · 17/09/2026
WIN: A federal court dismissed the Department of Justice's lawsuit attempting to seize voters' sensitive data in Vermont. CLC, @brennancenter.org and Willscheck Iarrapino represent @vpirg.bsky.social in this case. Trump's DOJ is now 0-24 in lawsuits trying to illegally seize voter data
campaignlegal.org
Victory for Vermont Voters: Federal Court Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Seeking Private Voter Data
RUTLAND, VT — In a victory for voters, a federal judge dismissed the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) lawsuit seeking Vermont’s complete voter file, which contains voters’ driver’s license numbers, ...
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
How about some good news for a change? Yesterday, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from the Trump DOJ seeking access to sensitive voter information, making them 0-24 in their attempts to access these state files. We were proud to serve as an intervenor in this case. #vtpoli
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Ben Edgerly Walsh with an update on the Immunity for Big Oil bill. Vermont's very own @balint.house.gov was part of a push which resulted in a vote on the bill being canceled, pushing any consideration of this horrible legislation off until after the November elections. #PeoplevBigOil #MakeBigOilPay
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Join VPIRG’s Ben Edgerly Walsh, VECAN and VNRC for a free webinar next Tuesday, Sep. 22nd from 12-1pm! Learn about plug-in solar in Vermont and what energy committees can be doing to prepare for this emerging technology. Register here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi... #pluginsolar #cleanenergy
VPIRG's Climate & Clean Energy Program Director, Ben Edgerly Walsh poses with a portable solar panel in front of the Vermont State House. On the solar panel, is information about a free solar panel webinar happening Sep. 22nd.
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
When Vermonters say jump, we say how high. We just wrapped our annual staff retreat with many familiar faces, & a few new ones! We're ready to hit the ground running to push back against big money interests and protect Vermont's people, environment, & local economy. Let's get to work. #vtpoli
A group photo of the VPIRG full-time staff jumping in the air in a verdant setting.
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Vermont towns aren’t taking any chances when it comes to data center development. Read more at the link in our bio #datacenters #climate #ai
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
"As [VPIRG's] Edgerly Walsh sees it, “we’re not going to see meaningful federal protections. So we have to look to what we can do as Vermonters.” Read the full article at the link in our bio. #datacenters #climate #ai
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
We're proud to have been part of passing Vermont's law legalizing these small solar systems, already common in Europe. While systems that comply with Vermont's law aren't yet available, we expect them to be soon. www.theverge.com/column/99018...
theverge.com
DIY plug-in solar gains momentum in the US
Europe’s off-the-shelf solution to fight high energy costs is finally coming to the US.
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
In response to landmark laws like VT's Climate Superfund Act, #BigOil & allies in DC are pushing laws to give themselves blanket immunity, while we continue to suffer climate disasters and are left holding the bill. Thank you @balint.house.gov for fighting on behalf of Vermonters to #MakeBigOilPay.
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Reposted by Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Climate Action Campaign @actonclimateus.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
The Extreme Weather People’s Hearing provided not only a forum for Vermonters to tell their stories w/ @welch.senate.gov, @balint.house.gov & other local leaders in attendance, but also to take action to hold Big Oil accountable for their role in worsening the climate crisis. 📸: @vpirg.bsky.social
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
At the #Vermont Extreme Weather People's Hearing in Barre, we asked @welch.senate.gov why he opposes legislation to make Big Oil immune to climate lawsuits & climate superfund laws, and we couldn't agree more with his answer: "The polluters should pay" #climateaction #makepolluterspay #makebigoilpay
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Join us TONIGHT at 6PM for VPIRG's monthly action call! We'll be joined by Senator Martine Gulick and VPIRG Executive Director Paul Burns to discuss the new toxic Paraquat ban, its enactment, and how Vermonters will benefit, along with Q&A and action opportunities. us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Let’s call Trump’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund” what it is: a blatantly corrupt political slush fund. VPIRG is joining citizens and organizations across the country in demanding an end to this corrupt scheme and sending a letter to acting AG Todd Blanche. Add your name: VPIRG.org/FUTodd #vtpoli
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Join our staff on May 27 at 6PM for our monthly action call! We’ll also be joined by Ben Edgerly Walsh, VPIRG’s climate and energy program director, for an overview of VT’s data center accountability bill. Q&A to follow. #vtpoli Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fnraiT1sT2-ochNhWbzpsA
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Join us on Tuesday, May 26th, from 6:00 to 7:30pm at the Meeting House in Colchester for a moderated forum with the 2026 Democratic primary candidates for governor, Amanda Janoo and Aly Richards. #vtpoli RSVP: vermontconservationvoters.com/event/candidate-forum-democratic-primary-for-governor/
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Learn more and take action at vpirg.org/paraquat 💃✈️ #vtpoli
Today is looking #Toxic (this is a good thing we promise!) with 2 bills regulating toxic substances headed to the governor's desk.

[A blue sparkly background with the text above, and a screenshot from Britney Spears' Toxic music video]H.739 bans toxic Paraquat, an herbicide linked to Parkinson's Disease.H.536 requires baby food manufacturers to test for toxic heavy metals & make the results publicly available.Britney said it best, (with some paraphrasing from us), "It's dangerous, (those toxic chemicals). There's no escape, I can't wait (for the governor to sign these bills)."
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
There were some powerful moments at today's rally in St. Albans, where hundreds of Vermonters from across the state turned out to send a clear message: #ICEOut of our communities. #vtpoli
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
It's time to dance for democracy! Join our friends at Indivisible Calais (www.indivisiblecalais.org) for a Contra Dance on Saturday (May 9th, 2-5PM) at the Capital City Grange in Berlin to benefit VPIRG! Bring your dancing shoes, and stick around for the potluck afterwards. Hope to see you there!
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
H.849, the Constitutional Accountability Act, is now law, with Gov. Scott allowing it to pass w/o his signature. It authorizes any person to bring a civil action for damages against federal, state, or local government officials for interference/violations of state & federal constitutional rights.
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
We're drowning in #plastic, and the problem is only getting worse. That’s why we sat down with author, educator, environmentalist, and founder of @beyondplastics.bsky.social @judithenck.bsky.social to discuss the plastic crisis & how we can address it. Learn more: VPIRG.org/EarthDay2026 #EarthDay
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Last night's sold-out screening & discussion of "The Plastic Detox" was so inspiring! HUGE thank you to our panelists @rachaelzoemiller.bsky.social of @rozaliaproject.bsky.social, Sen. Anne Watson, and R.N. Jason Kirchick, & shout-out to our friends at VNRC and VCV for helping us pull it off!
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
We just wrapped up our Lobby Day with the Democracy Alliance, where Vermonters from across the state came together to meet with legislators, learn how to be effective activists, and advocate for pro-democracy policies. Democracy is under threat, but Vermont is taking a stand. #vtpoli
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
The Trump administration, along with fossil fuel industry groups and a coalition of Republican state attorneys general, is suing Vermont to block the Climate Superfund from going into effect. In response, VPIRG filed an amicus brief defending the law. Read more: www.vpirg.org/news/superfu...
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
The EPA is moving to strip Clean Air Act protections from so-called "chemical recycling" facilities. Removing clean air oversight doesn't solve the plastic crisis- it just shifts toxic chemicals into the lungs of our community members. Read the full article: insideclimatenews.org/news/0104202...
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Saturday marked the largest single day protest in U.S. history. We were honored to organize the rally in Montpelier alongside incredible partners. Vermont is strongest when we stand together. ⁠ ⁠ #nokings3 #nk3 #vtpoli #democracy⁠
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Today is the day! Join us in Montpelier at noon to send a clear & strong message: No Kings. Because this is America, and power belongs to the people - not to wannabe kings or their billionaire cronies. #vtpoli Can't make it to Montpelier today? Find a rally near you at www.mobilize.us/nokings/
A graphic depicting a sky-blue backdrop with a sketch of the Vermont State House. The main text reads "Vermont, STRONGER Together." STRONGER is stylized as brush strokes. Text at the bottom of the graphic reads "No Kings - Montpelier" "March 28th - 12PM" "State House Lawn"
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
H.211 - the Vermont DELETE Act has passed the House. The legislation, if enacted, would give Vermont consumers the ability to request that data brokers delete the information they hold about us.⁠ Learn more and hear from VPIRG's Consumer Protection Advocate: www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2...
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
We're halfway through the legislative session, so join us TODAY at 6PM for a Zoom conversation with our team about where we stand, what's ahead post-crossover, how we're responding to federal overreach, and the most important actions you can take right now. Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
We are one week out from No Kings 3! Do you have a plan for your sign? Join VPIRG & VNRC on Thursday, March 26 at the VNRC Office from 6-8PM for an Art Build! We'll provide the materials & pizza, all you need is your creativity and a friend or two! RSVP here: vpirg.org/NK3ArtBuild #vtpoli #democracy
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
When Vermonters show up for each other, anything is possible. Be part of the movement on March 28 in Montpelier.⁠ ⁠ When: Saturday, March 28 12:00 PM⁠ Where: State House lawn, Montpelier, VT ⁠ ⁠ RSVP today: www.mobilize.us/nokings/even... ⁠ #NoKings #NoKings3 #NK3 #democracy #vtpoli
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Warning: Some viewers may find this video disturbing. It’s difficult to put into words the level of violence, intimidation, fear, and prolonged chaos that ICE agents brought to Vermont with their bungled raid in South Burlington on March 11. [continued below, 1/6]
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Yesterday, ICE attempted an immigration enforcement action in South Burlington but met resistance from the community. [1/2]
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
We spoke with Dr. James Boyd, neurologist at the UVM Medical Center, about the contributing factors to Parkinson's disease. The science is clear - paraquat rises to the top of environmental contributors to Parkinson's. Dive deeper into the issue by visiting our blog post at www.VPIRG.org/paraquat
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Vermont just passed a new law, S.23, further regulating AI-generated media in election campaigns. Read our full statement at www.vpirg.org/news/ai-elec... #vtpoli #ai #elections
A graphic with a robot hand placing a ballot into a ballot box. The text reads "S.23, an act regulating synthetic media in elections, has passed in to law."A graphic with robot hands holding a calendar. The text reads "The new law requires that any campaign media featuring AE-generated images, audio, or video used within 90 days of an election must include a clear disclosure, along with other regulations."A graphic with a robot hand giving a thumbs up. The text is a quote from VPIRG's Democracy Associate Quinn Houston and reads "Vermont voters deserve to know when AI is used to create or manipulate political content they see and hear, and this legislation makes that transparency a legal requirement."
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
"Our view is this is potentially an enormous cost driver,” Climate & Energy Program Director with VPIRG Ben Walsh said. "One of these data centers could instantly … overturn years and years of work to reduce Vermont's peak. www.mynbc5.com/article/ai-d... #vtpoli #aidatacenters #ai
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
It feels like there’s a new headline about microplastics every day. But what exactly are microplastics — and what do they mean for our environment and our health? Visit stopplasticpollutionvt.org to sign on to our campaign to reduce the quantity and toxicity of plastic in Vermont. #microplastics
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
VPIRG has always stood for a democracy of, by, and for the people - not corporations. That's why we held a press conference on two bills that target corporate spending on political campaigns, and would render the Citizens United decision functionally irrelevant. #vtpoli #democracy
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
The bottle bill redemption system is in desperate need of an update. That’s why VPIRG has spent this biennium creating legislation to improve convenience for consumers and retailers. Today, we took a step forward: DR-0991 was voted out of the House Committee on Environment in a 9-2 vote.
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Exciting news! Senator White will join the Immigration & Federal Overreach Discussion on Monday, February 23 at 6:30PM in Burlington! Come by to hear about current efforts, action opportunities, and the dangers of federal overreach. Register today: secure.ngpvan.com/o5-ZNHG6skSl...
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Parents deserve to know if there are heavy metals in their baby food. That's why VPIRG stood alongside legislators and allies to call on lawmakers to support H.536, a bill that holds baby food manufacturers accountable. Get the inside scoop from Environmental Advocate Anna Seuberling.⁠ #vtpoli
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
We're back with a brand new season of Vermont's Voice! Tune in to the first episode to hear from Executive Director Paul Burns about how VPIRG is meeting he moment this session with a deep dive on our legislative priorities. ⁠ ⁠ www.vpirg.org/vermonts-voi... #vtpoli #podcast
vpirg.org
Vermont's Voice Podcast
Vermont's Voice is a new weekly podcast where we investigate some of Vermont's most pressing issues by connecting with leaders and community members all around the state.
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Join the Vermont legislators at The Immigration & Federal Overreach Discussion on Monday, February 23 at 6:30 PM in Burlington's Fletcher Free Library! Learn about current efforts in the State house, plus, time for respectful comments and Q&A. Register here: secure.ngpvan.com/o5-ZNHG6skSl...
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Organizers in Minneapolis are calling for a national shutdown today, January 30th to respond to the terror and violence ICE is spreading thorugh our country. Show solidarity by finding your place at one of the protests popping up across Vermont. ⁠ #vtpoli #iceout
Black, neon green, and white graphic that says "Stand with Minnesota. ICE OUT! Vermont, shut it down! Friday, January 30. Burlington City Hall: 3:00 - 4:00 PM, Hardwick Peace Park: 3:00 - 4:00 PM, Richmond Park and Ride: 4:30 - 5:30 PM
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
We are thrilled to receive bipartisan support in the VT State Senate on S.202, a bill that would make VT the second state in the country to embrace portable solar technology. Send a message to your representative today to get this bill over the finsih line: secure.ngpvan.com/QV0Bqk0rDEC-... #vtpoli
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
We’re somehow already several weeks into the 2026 legislative session, and there’s lots happening in the State House. Our team has been hard at work. To read about VPIRG's 2026 legislative priorities, check our website: www.vpirg.org/news/2026-pr... ⁠ #vtpoli #climate #environment #democracy
VPIRG staff posing for a group photo in the snow in front of the Vermont State House.
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Over a decade ago, VPIRG ran a successful campaign to retire Vermont Yankee as planned. Gov. Scott wants to take us back in time. Nuclear energy wasn't right for Vermont then, and it certainly isn't right for us now. ⁠Full story from Seven Days: www.sevendaysvt.com/news/politic... #vtpoli #climate
A photo of Gov Scott is overlaid over a background image of Vermont Yankee's cooling tanks. Text reads, 'Gov Scott wants "To include nuclear energy in the mix again, something Vermonters turned away from in 2014 with the closure - due to high costs - of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station."
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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
There was a great turnout in the State House on Wednesday for the No Secret Police press conference when we advocated for a slate of bills to strengthen protections for our most vulnerable neighbors alongside Migrant Justice, @vtasylum.bsky.social, @acluvermont.bsky.social, and legislators. #vtpoli
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Reposted by Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Brennan Center @brennancenter.org · 21/01/2026
Yesterday, the motion was granted by a federal court in Vermont for @vpirg.bsky.social to join as a defendant in the Justice Department's case against the state for not providing its voter file. This is an important step towards safeguarding Vermonters’ private data. 1/2
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