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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 11h

Trump's Big Beautiful Bill Act is set to give huge tax breaks to Big Tech companies that build data centers in rural areas. Worried about how this could impact Vermont? Tell Big Tech that our state is not for sale, and sign the petition today: vpirg.org/Don'tDataCenterVT/Petition

Graphic with Trump on a 100 dollar bill, text overlay that reads "Rural data centers are in for a big federal tax break," an article published by WIRED.

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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Since the Citizens United decision, the flood gates are open to massive corporate spending & dark money in elections. But now there's a way to fight back. Join us for a Democracy Town Hall with Sen. Peter Welch & Tom Moore to learn how states can redefine corporate power. vpirg.org/democracytownhall

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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

Or call the governor at (802) 828-3333 and urge him to sign these bills!

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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

Missed the screening? Don't worry, a recording will be available courtesy of ORCA Media, and the film is now streaming on Netflix.

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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

VPIRG condemns the reckless actions of the federal agents that gave rise to the violence that occurred, and we urge a full investigation. We also support investigations into credible allegations of misconduct by local & state law enforcement officers that day. #ICEOUT #VTpoli [6/6]

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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

The situation escalated into chaos that evening, with ICE officers deploying chemical weapons, flash-bangs, & pepper balls against unarmed protesters, captured on video by our staff members present. 3 protesters were later cited on disorderly conduct charges & multiple Vermonters were injured. [5/6]

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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Hundreds of community members showed up in support of their neighbors, leading a peaceful demonstration all day until more ICE officers arrived in tactical gear and stormed the house, aided by Vermont State Troopers. [4/6]

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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Christian Jerez-Andrade, Camila Patin Patin, and Jissela Johana Patin Patin. None were named on the warrant that agents used to enter the Dorset St. home. The Patin Patin sisters are both seeking asylum. [3/6]

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Vermont Public Interest Research Group @vpirg.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

It started when ICE agents misidentified a suspect and began a car chase down a busy street during the morning hour rush near two schools. When it became clear the man the agents were after wasn’t in the home they eventually raided, they took three other people into custody: [2/6]

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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

The ensuing all-day standoff culminated when ICE deployed tear gas, flashbangs, and pepper balls against protesters. VPIRG condemns these actions designed to tear our communities apart - more to come. #vtpoli [2/2] Photos by @ekushen.bsky.social

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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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