VPIRG-2020-Annual-Report-Final-For-Web.Pdf

Annual Report 2020 VPIRG staff take advantage of some good weather to gather for a masked, socially distant Letter from the Director backyard training session in late October - the first time everyone had been together since the office closed in March!

In December, I celebrated 20 years work with thousands of grassroots all of this was done amid a global at VPIRG. That means I’ve been donations. And despite all the pandemic that completely upended drafting letters like this for annual challenges we faced, VPIRG all of our plans and strategies, the reports for two decades. And in still secured several incredible results are even more impressive. all that time, I can certainly say victories for the public interest. I’ve never had to reflect on a year I’ve never been prouder of the like this. Inside these pages you’ll read how dedication and ingenuity of VPIRG: VPIRG ’s wonderful staff and I realize I’m not breaking any the commitment of our generous new ground in telling you that - Led the charge to make sure members. And that’s saying 2020 was a year unlike any that every active, registered something because I’ve had some other. The COVID-19 pandemic Vermont voter received a ballot really proud moments these past brought incredible challenges and in the mail so they could safely 20 years. hardships, and though we were participate in the 2020 General fortunate in many ways, VPIRG Election – and helped smash Of course, there’s still so much to was not untouched. Vermont’s voter turnout record in be done. As we rebuild from this About VPIRG and VPIREF the process. pandemic, we must also confront Founded in 1972, the Vermont VPIRG established the Vermont and democracy. The common At its heart, VPIRG is a people- the challenges of systemic racism, Public Interest Research Group Public Interest Research and mission of VPIRG and VPIREF first organization—interpersonal - Helped overcome a gubernatorial the climate crisis, environmental (VPIRG) is the largest nonprofit Education Fund (VPIREF) in is to promote and protect the connections drive our work. veto to enact one of the most pollution, a broken health consumer and environmental 1975 as its 501(c)3 outreach and health of Vermont’s people, Whether it’s connecting with significant pieces of climate care system, and threats to our advocacy organization in the state. education arm in order to conduct environment and locally based thousands of Vermonters on their legislation in state history. democracy. As a 501(c)4 nonprofit advocacy independent research and public economy by informing and doorsteps all across the state, - Successfully stopped several group, VPIRG conducts non- education on the range of issues mobilizing individuals and organizing events to demonstrate But I’m optimistic, because industry attempts to use the partisan public interest advocacy on which we work. Donations to communities across the state. our people power, or advocating ultimately, we have the people pandemic to rollback hard-won in support of priority public VPIREF are tax deductible. VPIRG advocates and organizers with lawmakers in the halls of we need to meet these challenges environmental protections. interest issues and campaigns use independent research, policy the State House—face-to-face head-on and build a Vermont that For nearly 50 years, we have works for all of us. and seeks legislative and policy analysis, public outreach and interactions are deeply embedded - Won important gains like brought the voice of Vermont solutions affecting Vermonters. grassroots mobilization to design in VPIRG’s DNA. expanded broadband access, citizens to public policy debates Onward, Donations to VPIRG are not and implement effective strategies hazard pay for frontline workers, concerning the environment, Because of that, 2020 was tax deductible. for each of our campaigns. and a moratorium on utility Paul Burns health care, consumer protection, arguably the most challenging in shutoffs to address essential our nearly 50-year history. needs during the pandemic. Table of Contents But as I said, we were fortunate These would be major Executive Director, VPIRG too. Most importantly, none of our DEMOCRACY CLIMATE & CLEAN ENERGY FINANCIALS accomplishments in a normal staff became seriously ill. VPIRG year. But when you consider that 370,968 Votes: How VPIRG 4 A Turning Point: 11 Powered by You: 20 members continued to fuel our Helped Vermonters Vote Passing the Global Warming Our 2020 Finances Solutions Act by the Numbers COVID RESPONSE 21 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Trustee Profiles A Year Unlike Any Other: 8 Remaining Vigilant: 14 Contact Protecting the Public Interest in MEMBERSHIP a Pandemic A Q&A with Marcie Gallagher Phone 802-223-5221 Twitter @vpirg Supporters 22 Fax 802-223-6855 Facebook facebook.com/vpirg SUSTAINERS YEAR IN REVIEW Email [email protected] Instagram @vpirg Sustainer Highlight 10 2020 Year in Review 16 Web www.vpirg.org Vermont Public Interest Research Group 141 Main Street, Suite 6, Montpelier VT 05602 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 3 VPIRG staff take advantage of some good weather to gather for a masked, socially distant Letter from the Director backyard training session in late October - the first time everyone had been together since the office closed in March!

WE BELIEVE THAT But in 2020, external factors a law empowering Governor had already successfully adopted OUR DEMOCRACY ranging from a global pandemic Phil Scott and Secretary vote-by-mail systems that WORKS BEST WHEN to a veritable war on truth led by of State Jim Condos to had proven effective. In fact, WE ALL PARTICIPATE. the American president seemed enact important changes to these vote-by-mail states tend to poised to undermine our efforts to election procedures that would be among those with the highest Guided by that belief, VPIRG ensure a more participatory and help to keep voters and election rates of voter participation. We has fought over the years for inclusive democracy. officials safe. This included the felt sure that strong policy, a series of measures that have power to put a universal vote- coupled with a robust public led to voting in Vermont being At the start of the COVID-19 by-mail plan in place for the education and voter turnout effort, easier and more accessible than pandemic, VPIRG led a diverse general election. could lead to similar results here in almost any other state in coalition of groups urging in the Green Mountain State. the nation. legislators to pass Pre-COVID, five states

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Secretary Condos and his staff THANKS IN LARGE PART & Youth Organizers and, access thanks to Vermont’s “When I came to the developed a plan to mail every TO THESE EFFORTS, using lessons learned from decision to mail every registered US as a young adult, I active, registered voter in PARTICIPATION IN the summer’s Virtual Canvass voter their ballot for the general learned quickly how Vermont a ballot for the general THE 2020 PRIMARY operation, combined traditional election – led to some pretty important it is to vote in election, but the governor refused ELECTION WAS 39% grassroots organizing tactics incredible results. this democracy. Voting to sign off on the plan, saying HIGHER THAN THE with digital outreach to ensure “Vote by mail should by mail makes it easier A RECORD-SETTING be the system that that he wanted to wait until after PREVIOUS RECORD that more Vermonters than ever for everyone to be able everybody is looking the primary election to decide. before participated in the 2020 370,968 VOTES to exercise their right with a majority of ballots – more for, because it not This would have been too late to general election. WERE CAST IN THE to vote. If you have than 120,000 of them – cast just helps us people young kids at home, if launch a universal vote-by-mail 2020 VERMONT by mail. At the heart of our get-out-the- with disabilities but you are housebound system statewide. vote efforts was our “Vote Safe GENERAL ELECTION, also seniors and other for health reasons, or if This was an amazing success, people that are still so So, VPIRG advocates quickly Ambassador” campaign, which you just cannot make it but it was just the lead up shattering the previous underrepresented.” returned to the legislature utilized a “vote tripling” strategy to the polls during the to the all-important general general election record by pressing for a new bill granting where participants pledged not just -Matthew L. polling hours, voting by election. We next faced a more than 44,000 votes and Alburgh, Vermont mail ensures there is no full authority to the Secretary of to vote themselves, but to get three massive disinformation representing a 73.27% turnout of excuse not to vote.” State to make universal vote- friends or family members to vote campaign, fueled by the registered voters. by-mail a reality during the as well. We signed up nearly 800 president and his followers, right- -Trine B. pandemic. Legislators wasted no Vote Safe Ambassadors – many These numbers alone are wing media, and certain foreign Burlington, Vermont time in passing the bill, though not of whom were young or first-time impressive, but the feedback we powers intent on creating chaos a single Republican supported it voters – and distributed nearly that received from voters across the and strife in our nation. in the Senate and twice as many many blue “VOTE” masks to help state only underscored the success Republicans voted against it in There were even groups and amplify our message. of this election; voters loved the the House as voted for it. Gov. political leaders in Vermont ease and safety of voting from We also sent more than 160,000 Scott had pledged not to stand in who joined the fray by home, as well as the opportunity emails and close to 11,000 text “Voting by mail this the way, and he did not veto it. But spreading false information it provided to thoroughly research year was a wonderful messages, called nearly 3,000 he did not sign it either. The bill, about mail-in voting. In fact, candidates and make more experience. Quick and “Voting is a right, not a voters on the phone, recorded privilege. And it should S.348, became law in early July in September a small group of informed decisions. easy, it also gave me informational videos explaining be accessible to all without his signature. current and former more time to research how to vote by mail that were Simply put, once you find a way to people, even those that Republican officials sued the candidates and Once that battle was won, we viewed more than 20,000 times, make it easier for people to vote, the issues. I sincerely can’t get to the polls on Vermont’s Secretary of State in turned immediately to our and compiled a comprehensive there’s no turning back from that. hope that we will Election Day.” federal court over his plan to mail education and outreach work. In database listing the locations and That’s why in 2021 we’re leading make mail voting -Henry W. ballots to every registered voter. partnership with Secretary Condos procedures for ballot return sites a coalition of groups pressing to the norm in Vermont Essex, Vermont VPIRG was prepared to intervene and our terrific business and across the state. make mailed ballots a permanent going forward.” in the case, but it was quickly organizational partners, we policy in Vermont for all future -Meaghan M. dismissed by a federal judge. Ultimately, a variety of factors – embarked on a multi-channel Essex Junction, Vermont voters recognizing the significance general elections. outreach campaign educating With the legal obstacles cleared, of this particular election, tireless Vermonters about how to vote we focused on our education get-out-the-vote efforts by safely and securely by mail in the and outreach efforts. We brought VPIRG and our allies, and the primary election. on two talented Democracy unprecedented ease of voting

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in a pandemic, or reinstating a moratorium A Different Kind of of VPIRG webinars to provide our members on utility shut-offs so that no-one would have Organizing with the opportunity to learn more about our to go without heat or electricity during a priority issues and digitally connect with pandemic winter. The pandemic didn’t just change the types decision makers. of issues we worked on, it changed the Accordingly, VPIRG shifted our focus, very nature of how we advocated for the By the fall, we were putting our refined digital orienting our work around three key principles public interest. organizing techniques to use in service of we referred to as the 3 Vs: Voting, Vigilance, a massive “Get Out The Vote” campaign, and Values: The achievements of VPIRG and our members and we even worked out how to safely and in 2020 are made all the more impressive when successfully do some in-person organizing: VOTING: Making sure no Vermonter would one considers we were without so many of the setting up tables with large QR code signs so have to choose between their safety and casting advocacy and organizing tools we’ve come to the public could take action at a distance, with their vote. rely on since our inception. zero contact. VIGILANCE: Guarding against industry Our State House advocates couldn’t catch attempts to take advantage of the crisis to legislators in the hallway to show them Looking Ahead rollback critical safeguards and thereby research debunking the misleading testimony Like everyone else – we look forward to threaten public health and our environment. they just got from industry lobbyists. a ‘return to normalcy’ as we exit the worst VALUES: Making sure that we never lost We couldn’t hold in-person media events to of the pandemic. But we also recognize that sight of fundamental priorities like the climate demonstrate the diverse support for public the impact of this pandemic will be felt for a crisis, and ensuring that the pandemic recovery interest priorities. long time. effort would benefit all Vermonters and leave no one behind. Our organizers couldn’t put together citizen VPIRG will continue to fight to ensure that the On March 13, 2020, VPIRG staff left our And our amazing staff and incredible members stretched to September) was primarily focused lobby days to bring Vermonters directly to recovery is one that puts the public interest Montpelier offices for what turned out to be the all across the state stepped up to ensure that on the immediate response to the pandemic. IT WAS WITHIN THIS Montpelier to speak with their elected officials. first. And we’ll do so by adding the tools final time in 2020. not only did we navigate the pandemic, but That meant: FRAMEWORK THAT VPIRG And we could not go door-to-door in every and skills we’ve developed during this most actually remained an effective force for The COVID-19 pandemic completely upended STAFF, MEMBERS, AND town in the state to build grassroots support for challenging of years to the proven tactics defending the public interest at a time when it 1. Some of our efforts were understandably our expectations for the year. And while the ALLIES GOT TO WORK VPIRG. For the first time in decades, we were we’ve honed over the last half-century. was most necessary. delayed—like S.295, a bill to ban harmful onset of this crisis certainly changed what PFAS chemicals in certain consumer products, FIGHTING TO SUCCESSFULLY: forced to cancel the VPIRG Summer Canvass. our priorities were and how we went about Shifting Priorities which unanimously passed the Senate, but was But all of this presented the opportunity for our work – it didn’t change why we do this • Ensure that every active registered Vermont not ultimately taken up by the House. us to adapt and sharpen some new organizing work: to protect the health and well-being of By mid-March, the Vermont legislature was voter received their ballot by mail Some of the issues we were already skills. And we took to that opportunity Vermont’s people and environment. about halfway through the 2020 legislative 2. • Prevent waste-giant Casella from rolling back working on took on even greater urgency—for with gusto. session. VPIRG had made progress on many Vermont’s recycling laws public interest priorities and was readying to example, our work to ensure every Vermonter In May we launched the first ever VPIRG NEVERTHELESS, THE • Support policies to get at least 9,771 Vermont marshal the grassroots support necessary to get has access to affordable, high-speed internet Virtual Canvass. Instead of knocking on doors, PANDEMIC TESTED VPIRG’S households connected to broadband for the first several key bills past the finish line before the became even more critical as everything from we reached out to VPIRG’s thousands of time, including 2,200 to high-speed fiber to ADAPTABILITY AND legislature’s typical adjournment in May. health to education to participation in our members statewide using every method we the home. democracy moved online. could think of that didn’t involve in-person FLEXIBILITY PERHAPS UNLIKE Of course, all that changed once the reality of • Convince some of the largest companies in the contact: email, social media, text messaging, ANY OTHER EVENT IN OUR the pandemic and its impacts became clear. 3. We had to take on new issues we had not country to step up and help their employees by snail mail and, perhaps most notably, hitting The legislature moved to entirely remote work, prioritized heading into 2020—for instance, NEARLY 50-YEAR HISTORY. applying for Vermont’s essential worker hazard the phones like we never have before and the rest of the session (which ultimately making sure every Vermonter could vote safely pay program Throughout the summer, we organized a series

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8 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 9 SUSTAINERS CLIMATE & CLEAN ENERGY

2020 WAS A CHALLENGING YEAR FOR ALL OF US.

But amidst all the chaos and upheaval, one thing has remained allowed us to pivot rapidly to meet the moment and address constant: the commitment of Vermonters like you to standing some of the most pressing needs facing Vermonters. Some of up for what’s right and supporting the public interest. And here our biggest wins for the year, like ensuring that every active, at VPIRG, we couldn’t be more grateful. registered Vermont voter received their ballot in the mail for a turning point: the general election, running our first ever “Virtual Canvass,” While our organization has not been immune from the impacts and formally launching a racial justice initiative, would not of the ongoing public health and economic crises, we have have been possible without our monthly givers. weathered the storm – and even taken on new and exciting PASSING THE GLOBAL public interest work – thanks to the continued support of our Want to help ensure victory on key public interest priorities members. One group in particular stands out in these uncertain and set us up to successfully take on any unexpected twists and times: our Sustainers. turns that 2021 may throw our way? WARMING SOLUTIONS ACT These committed monthly givers are the lifeblood of our Then, please, sign up as a Sustainer today at www.vpirg.org/ public interest organization. As the name “Sustainer” implies, BecomeASustainer or by calling our Membership Coordinator, and Setting Vermont on a Path toward Bold Climate Action they truly do sustain our work and ensure that no matter what Molly Feldman, at (802) 223-5221 x14. happens (including a global pandemic), VPIRG will be here By becoming a Sustainer with a recurring monthly gift, you’ll to stand up to the powerful, big-money special interests and be supporting our continued fight to protect Vermont’s people, protect the health and well-being of Vermont’s people and environment, and locally-based economy at a time when the environment for years to come. stakes have truly never been higher. In 2020, it was the dedicated support of our Sustainers that

Sustainer Highlight

When the Solutions Act became law shown by Vermonters of all “I think VPIRG leads the way in THE PASSAGE OF THE in September, Vermont’s climate backgrounds, from every corner of goals (which we have not been the state. legislative work and they hit on meeting) became legally binding GLOBAL WARMING Leading up to the 2020 legislative requirements and the Vermont all the issues that are important session, thousands of Vermonters SOLUTIONS ACT Climate Council was established took to the streets as part of the to develop a plan to meet those to me… it is the campaign Global Climate Strike, and hundreds IN 2020 MARKED requirements in a way that finance and clean energy work of young Vermonters convened the emphasizes equity and resilience in A SIGNIFICANT first ever Youth Climate Congress. our communities. that’s kept me involved since the In speeches and conversations at early 1990s.” TURNING POINT ON The enactment of the Solutions these events, and all across the VERMONT’S PATH TO Act was a moment built on years state, people were talking about one – Susan Ritz, Montpelier of organizing and advocacy work landmark bill: the Global Warming CLIMATE ACTION. that would not have been possible Solutions Act. When elected without the massive public support officials entered the State House in

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2020 WAS A CHALLENGING YEAR FOR ALL OF US.

Sustainer Highlight

10 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 20172020 11 CLIMATE & CLEAN ENERGY CLIMATE & CLEAN ENERGY

PASSING THE GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS ACT and Setting Vermont on a Path toward Bold Climate Action

But we all know what happened is continuing at this very minute. next: the onset of the COVID-19 In December, the Vermont Climate pandemic. Not only was the State Council convened for the first House soon shut down, with the time. This Council, composed legislative process going digital, of 23 members representing but the priorities of everyone in a wide array of sectors and Vermont (VPIRG included: see backgrounds, is tasked with story on Pg.8) shifted towards working together over the course addressing COVID-19 and the of 2021 to create a Climate Action health and economic crises Plan for Vermont. This plan it wrought. will not only chart a course for Many of our other priority climate hitting essential goals in cutting bills were put on hold, but we Vermont’s climate pollution, but January, our advocates were ready For the public interest to win knew we had to do everything it must also center equity and to seize that momentum to create the day, the public needs to be possible to turn the Solutions prioritize the needs of Vermonters real change. heard. To make sure that can Act into law in 2020. When the who have historically been left Within the first two weeks of happen, we work hard to make legislature came back for a special behind in the face of progress: the session, VPIRG advocates it easier for Vermonters to be a session in August, we set to work people with low-incomes, Black and our allies had secured over part of the legislative process. ensuring that the bill made its way and indigenous peoples, and 80 cosponsors of the bill – well The Solutions Act was a textbook through the Senate, and eventually rural communities. The plan beyond the votes needed for it example of how that work can to the governor’s desk. will also focus on building the allow Vermonters to make a resilience of our communities to to pass in the House. But we As you already know, Governor huge impact. face the unavoidable impacts of didn’t stop there – the goal was Scott made the decision to veto climate change. to secure a veto-proof majority, In the two short months prior to the Global Warming Solutions which required over 100 House the onset of the pandemic and Act, despite overwhelming We now have set the framework votes. This would ensure that the closing of the State House, support for the legislation. We for the meaningful change should Governor Scott veto the our staff led an effort to organize were disappointed, to say the necessary to create a cleaner, safer, Solutions Act (spoiler: he did), press conferences, lobby days, least. But we were confident healthier, and more sustainable we could be confident that the and other grassroots actions for VPIRG members and our allies future for generations of legislature would have the votes constituencies often not fully in the legislature and around Vermonters to come. to successfully override that veto heard on climate action – youth, the state would muster the Throughout this process, we will (which they did!). members of the faith community, support necessary to override the be pushing the Council to center health care workers, and rank- governor’s veto. And we were Securing 100 votes in the House justice, equity, and resilience – as and-file employees of businesses right. In September, the Vermont is no easy feat. It took countless required by the Solutions Act – around the state. House and Senate voted to make meetings with legislators and and of course to put forward the this landmark climate bill law, conversations with swing votes In late February, that work paid actions necessary to hit the legally without the governor’s blessing. in the State House cafeteria, off as the Solutions Act went to binding climate pollution targets just the right research delivered the House floor, where it passed The story doesn’t end there, embedded in that law. Expect to at just the right time, and, most in a vote of 105-37: a veto- however. In fact, the journey of hear more from us on how you can importantly, a nonstop stream of proof majority. the Global Warming Solutions Act be a part of that work! effective organizing.

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PASSING THE GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS ACT and Setting Vermont on a Path toward Bold Climate Action

12 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 13 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

REMAINING VIGILANT: A Q&A with VPIRG Environmental Associate Marcie Gallagher on how VPIRG preserved critical environmental protections in the midst of a pandemic

Soon after, Vermont-based hauler, hazard pay and PPE would be a prohibiting single-use plastic.” watch-dogging an environmental 2020 was a tumultuous year, Q: Casella Waste Systems, led a charge better response, since there was no or consumer protection issue in the and VPIRG recognized early on Public health experts maintain to suspend Vermont’s universal evidence to suggest that handling state. Most recently in the realm that the COVID-19 pandemic could that reusable bags pose no recycling law, which would have recycling (or compost) is any of solid waste, we held Chittenden create opportunities for certain actors hazard during the pandemic and sent more recyclables directly to more dangerous than a trash bag. Solid Waste District (CSWD) to to undermine or weaken important emphasize that washing reusable Vermont’s Casella-owned landfill. We were successful in preserving account for its egregious violations environmental laws. Can you explain bags regularly and bagging one’s Casella and others also pushed for the Vermont’s recycling program, of Vermont’s environmental laws. It how VPIRG worked to defend these own groceries are excellent ways indefinite delay of the July 1st landfill helped in part by a petition signed turns out CSWD had been illegally laws against attack and remain to protect both consumers and ban on food scraps. by 1,587 of our members. dumping 18,000 tons of glass over vigilant amid the uncertainty of grocery store workers. But industry a five-year period that Vermont the pandemic? fearmongering did lead to states like How exactly did Casella You also mentioned the residents and haulers had paid Q: Q: Maine and New York temporarily attempt to undermine recycling? attempt by local and national actors them to recycle. This was done A: VPIRG has always delaying planned plastic bag to delay our plastic bag ban, which without public notice or approval seen part of our role as being a bans. Still, VPIRG was able to When the pandemic began, went into effect on July 1, 2020 – from state or local environmental ‘watchdog’ for our state’s institutions A: successfully defend Vermont’s ban Casella attempted to persuade the can you explain that further? officials. We drafted a legal analysis and laws. So, when the realities of on plastic bags and other single-use Legislature to suspend the landfill of the environmental and consumer the pandemic started to become clear, products, which went into effect as VPIRG’s Environmental ban on recyclables, allowing these A: The plastics industry fought laws that we believed the District Associate Marcie Gallagher we knew it was likely that some planned on July 1, 2020 – and we’re (pictured left) hard at work materials to be sent to its landfill in tooth and nail against Vermont’s violated and urged the Attorney would look to take advantage of the proud of that win! in the State House in early Coventry (the only active landfill landmark ban on single-use plastics, crisis to line their pockets and skirt General to take action. Ultimately, March 2020. Just hours after in the State) instead. The initial including plastic carryout bags, Attorney General T.J. Donovan this picture was taken, the important environmental regulations. Q: Beyond the scope of the State House closed down justification was that they would have before it ultimately passed in 2019. We saw this early on at the federal pandemic, does VPIRG often play reached a settlement with CSWD as the Vermont legislature We didn’t just defend against attacks in 2020, we were difficulty selling recyclables. Once So it came as no surprise when the level with sweeping rollbacks by the role of watchdog over Vermont’s in December 2020 that included moved remote for the rest able to secure some important victories as well. In this argument was disproven, Casella industry jumped at the chance to payment of a $400,000 fine by the of the year. The priorities September, VPIRG took part in a successful nationwide the EPA. But it was also happening environmental laws? If so, can you for our environmental shifted course, suggesting that there undermine our law. As the New campaign to push McDonald’s to stop using food right here in Vermont. We saw the give an example? District and a commitment to tell health team shifted too – as packaging containing toxic PFAS chemicals. Here’s would be an “increased risk [to York Times put it, “the plastic bag plastics industry fight to delay the the truth about what they are doing we had to defend against Marcie taking part in a photo petition effort as part of workers] from handling recyclables.” industry, battered by a wave of bans with recyclable glass in the future. big money interests using that campaign. implementation of our plastic bag A: It would be difficult to the COVID-19 pandemic VPIRG was and remains concerned nationwide, is using the coronavirus ban - as well as others across the name a time that VPIRG wasn’t as a pretext to attack our about the health and wellbeing of crisis to try and block laws country - using baseless claims about environmental laws. frontline workers. We suggested that the threats posed by reusable bags.

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REMAINING VIGILANT: A Q&A with VPIRG Environmental Associate Marcie Gallagher on how VPIRG preserved critical environmental protections in the midst of a pandemic

14 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 15 YEAR IN REVIEW Year In 2020 Review January March

Legislative Session Kicks Off: VPIRG advocates returned to the State House COVID-19 Pandemic Changes Everything: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused VPIRG to change how to advance a bold agenda of public interest priorities in the 2020 legislative session – protecting we operate and shift our priorities to ensure that Vermont’s response to this crisis put the public interest first (read the full story on Pg. Vermonters from harmful PFAS chemicals, banning corporate campaign contributions, 8). We oriented our work around core tenets that we referred to as The 3 Vs: Voting, Vigilance and Values. This meant ensuring 1.) that improving data privacy protections, curbing single-use plastics and so much more. Vermonters could safely participate in our elections in 2020, 2.) that big-money special interests did not use the crisis to roll back the hard- fought protections we’ve won over the years and 3.) that we would not lose sight of existing priorities like clean water and a livable climate We entered the 2020 session with particularly strong momentum for bold climate action and that the recovery effort would put our people, environment and local economy first. and worked to build on that by helping our allies organize climate ‘lobby days’ and media events for students, the faith community, business leaders, and healthcare experts, among many others.

VPIRG Votes Launches: We announced the formation of VPIRG Votes - a political campaign arm for our organization. In 2020, for the first time ever, we supported public interest champions running for the Vermont State House, Senate and statewide office.

VPIRG Votes was born from the recognition that despite VPIRG’s significant victories over the years, the threats to our environment and democracy have never been greater than they are right now. We believe this will allow us to expand on VPIRG’s current work by April supporting and electing public interest champions. Protecting Vermont’s Recycling Laws: Our “vigilance” work faced an early test in the first month of the pandemic as we confronted waste giant Casella’s attempts to subvert Vermont’s recycling laws with a proposal that would have allowed them to send February material that would normally be recycled (glass, metal, paper, and plastic) to the Casella-owned landfill in Coventry. VPIRG members stepped up and let our elected officials know this was unacceptable and successfully ensured thatVermont’s recycling programs remained As the year got going grassroots climate action took off around the state. Lobby Climate Action Ramps Up: in place throughout the pandemic. days and actions at the State House were in full swing, VPIRG joined our friends at SunCommon, Youth Lobby, and VNRC to help them organize the first ever Climate Action Film Festival, traveling to cities and towns around the state – and the Global Warming Solutions Act passed the House. May With a remarkable 105 yeas and just 37 nays, representatives from every corner of Vermont endorsed turning Vermont’s climate goals into legal requirements (read the full story on Pg. 7). The First-Ever Virtual Canvass: Most Vermonters’ first encounter with VPIRG comes when one of our summer canvassers bikes up their driveway or knocks on their door to talk about our work. But in 2020, we realized quickly that wouldn’t be possible. Data Privacy and Consumer Protection Bill Enacted: Governor Phil Scott signed into law wide-ranging legislation (Act 89) containing several VPIRG-backed provisions aimed at improving data privacy for Vermont students, better protecting all Vermonters’ personal In May, we launched our first ever Virtual Canvass. Instead of knocking on doors, we reached out to VPIRG’s thousands of members information, informing them when their data has been compromised, and keeping them out of unwanted ‘zombie contacts.’ VPIRG had advocated for statewide using every method we could think of that didn’t involve in-person contact: email, social media, text messaging, snail mail and, enactment of this law since it was introduced in 2019. perhaps most notably, hitting the phones like we never have before.

PFAS Bill Passes Senate: In a huge win for the health of Vermont’s people and environment, the Vermont Senate unanimously passed S.295, a bill banning PFAS in certain products including firefighting foam, carpets/rugs, and food packaging. Unfortunately, this bill was one of many that stalled as legislators turned the bulk of their attention to dealing with the immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

16 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 17 YEAR IN REVIEW Year In 2020 Review January March

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2020 Year In Review ctd.

June October

A Reckoning with Systemic Racism: The murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers and subsequent protests Getting Out the (Early) Vote: Even though Election Day was technically November 3, with early voting more accessible than ever demanding a national reckoning with systemic racism caused us at VPIRG, like so many other organizations and individuals, to re-examine our before, October effectively became Election Month. For VPIRG that meant running a Get Out The Vote effort like we’ve never done before. role in these systems and how we can and should be a part of dismantling the structures that contribute to ongoing injustice. With the help of our two talented Democracy & Youth Organizers we combined traditional grassroots organizing tactics with digital outreach to In June we issued a statement in solidarity with those protesting stating that a “system that marginalizes, discriminates, and commits violence ensure that more Vermonters than ever before participated in the 2020 election. against people based on the color of their skin is NOT in the public interest.” But we also recognized that solidarity isn’t about making a statement – it’s about taking action. To that end, we launched a Racial Justice program, joined a diverse coalition of Vermont organizations in November supporting a 10-point plan for reimagining policing, and began taking steps to better collaborate with and support those in Vermont who are at the forefront of advancing anti-racist policies. Voter Turnout Records Smashed: Our organizing efforts paid off. A record-shattering 370,968 votes were cast in the 2020 Vermont general election, blowing past the previous general election record by more than 44,000 votes and representing a 73.27% turnout of July registered voters.

Single-Use Plastic Ban Goes into Effect: In 2019, VPIRG worked hard to advocate for the enactment of the nation’s most Protecting the Results: VPIRG and our friends at Rights & Democracy (RAD) joined Protect the Results, a national coalition of comprehensive law to deal with the scourge of single-use plastic pollution. Despite last minute attempts by the plastics industry to derail over 100 organizations representing tens of millions of people around the country, to prepare for mass mobilization in all 50 states in the event implementation of the law, it took effect on July 1, 2020 – banning the distribution of plastic bags, plastic drink stirrers, and expanded polystyrene Donald Trump followed through on his threat to deny a peaceful transfer of power. (think Styrofoam) and creating a straws-upon-request policy in restaurants. In the days following the election, when it became clear former President Trump would, indeed, attempt to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the Vote-By-Mail for 2020 Becomes Law: At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, VPIRG led a diverse collection of groups urging election and stop the full counting of votes, VPIRG and our allies organized a series of ‘Count Every Vote’ actions across the state. legislators to pass a law empowering Gov. Phil Scott and Secretary of State Jim Condos to implement election changes that would help to keep voters and election officials safe. Secretary Condos and his staff developed a plan to mail every registered voter in Vermont a ballot for the December general election, but the governor refused to sign off on the plan. CSWD Settles with State for Illegal Glass Dumping: For more than a year, VPIRG had been watchdogging the VPIRG advocates quickly returned to the legislature pressing for a new bill granting full authority to the Secretary of State to make universal investigation into Chittenden Solid Waste District’s improper dumping of tons of processed glass between 2013 and 2018. CSWD violated vote-by-mail a reality during the pandemic. Legislators wasted no time in passing the bill and it became law without the governor’s signature in environmental regulations and the public’s trust by collecting material meant for recycling and then secretly dumping 18 thousand tons of July. (See full story on pg. 4) processed glass in unapproved locations for years.

August VPIRG successfully organized to prevent the Agency of Natural Resources from granting retroactive permits to CSWD for these activities. In December, Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced a settlement requiring CSWD to pay $400,000 in penalties. CSWD must also tell the Vote Safe Vermont Campaign Launched: Ahead of the state primary election, VPIRG embarked on a multi-channel outreach truth about what they do with materials collected for recycling in the future. campaign—called Vote Safe Vermont—educating Vermonters about how to vote safely and securely by mail in the primary election. Thanks in large part to these efforts, participation in the 2020 primary election was 39% higher than the previous record, with a majority of ballots – more Moratorium on Power Shut-Offs Reinstated: VPIRG joined with Vermont Legal Aid in leading a successful effort to urge than 120,000 of them – cast by mail. the Vermont Public Utilities commission to reinstate a moratorium on all involuntary disconnections due to nonpayment of electricity, natural gas, and landline phone utilities through March 31, 2021. September The PUC had allowed the original moratorium (motivated by the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic) to expire in Climate Champions Override Gov. Scott’s Veto of Global Warming Solutions Act: In the closing days of the October. VPIRG members stepped up and demanded the PUC reinstate the moratorium so that no Vermonter would have to go without heat or 2020 legislative session, Vermont’s House and Senate mustered the two-thirds votes necessary to override Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of the Vermont electricity because of an inability to pay bills during a pandemic winter. Global Warming Solutions Act and pass that landmark climate legislation into law. (Read full story on pg.11)

18 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 19 YEAR IN REVIEW

2020 Year In Review ctd.

June October

18 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 19 FINANCIALS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Powered by You: Our 2020 Finances by the Numbers Trustee Profiles In 2020, despite unprecedented challenges and hardships, thousands of mobilize them in support of solutions that advance the public interest. So In 2020, VPIRG was fortunate to welcome two new trustees to our board: Vermonters continued to support VPIRG with grassroots contributions. thank you. Aiko Schaefer and Kanika Gandhi. The big-money special interests don’t fund groups like ours, and we VPIRG and VPIREF combined income totaled $1,954,923.94, of which wouldn’t take their money if they did. VPIRG is a people-powered more than $1,400,666.52 came from individual member donations, organization and proud of it. 53% of that coming from our monthly sustaining members. Combined Your support allows VPIRG to continue to educate thousands of expenses totaled $1,489878.23. Program expenses and member services Vermonters every year about the critical issues we face and then account for 68% of our expenses. Aiko Schaefer, Stowe VPIRG VPIREF TOTAL Director, Just Solutions Collective & Strategic Consultant Income $1,087,350.21 $867,573.73 $1,954,923.94 Expenses $639,691.97 $850,186.26 $1,489,878.23 Aiko directs the national Just Solutions Collective which identifies, analyzes and curates equitable and racially just clean energy policy and program models to foster replication, scaling and greater capacity for diverse communities to engage in the environmental movement. Toxics & Environmental Health 11% Aiko has nearly 30 years of experience working on public policies on climate justice, anti-poverty, consumer 6% Energy Independent Vermont protection and tax reform, as well as partisan campaigns. She has worked in a number of states and with diverse communities across the US. Most recently Aiko was a principal author and leader of Washington 72% Member Donations 19% Climate & Energy State’s 2018 climate justice ballot measure. Prior to her work on climate and environmental policy, Aiko was a 28% Grants 23% General Programs & New Issues faculty member at the University of Washington in Seattle. 2% Racial Justice In addition to directing Just Solutions Collective, Aiko provides strategic consulting to political campaigns, non-profits, government and foundations on policy and program development. She lives in Stowe,Vermont with her husband and their two teenage children. INCOME

Kanika Gandhi, Montpelier EXPENSES Agrichemical Section Chief, Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture BY PROGRAM Kanika is the Agrichemical Section Chief at Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture. Prior to joining the Agency, Kanika was a standout advocate with VPIRG, focusing her efforts over 18 months on energy, environmental, 68% Programs & Memberships 21% Management and agricultural policy work. In particular, she was a leading voice on our campaigns dealing with plastics 11% Fundraising and pesticides. Before coming to VPIRG, Kanika worked as a policy specialist at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and with the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, D.C. She also worked briefly as a consultant with the City of Providence Department of Economic Development.

Kanika fell in love with Vermont when she spent time farming on an organic vegetable operation in southern Vermont. While her interests are varied, she has always been drawn to agricultural issues and she has a love 3% Consumer Protection for politics. She is a graduate of the highly regarded Emerge Vermont program. Kanika earned her BA and EXPENSES 8% Zero Waste MPA from Brown University and now makes her home in Montpelier. 1% Health Care 27% Elections & Government Reform

20 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 21 FINANCIALS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

20 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 21 MEMBERSHIP

Beth Curtis and Jim Bond Elizabeth and Jeffrey Dunham Jack Hanson Katherine and Tom Kyle Ryan Murphy Andrew Robinson and Janet Waterman Gail Tuscany Terry Bonnette Luise Durr Diana Harbour Bethany Ladimer Edward Myers and Edith Poor Bradley and Linda Robinson Hillary Twining Supporters Susanne Booth Linda Edelman and Greg Edwards Judith Harlow John Lamperti Mark Nash and Kathy Blume Charlotte and Steve Robinson Barbara Karle and Paul Vaczy James Hamilton and Judith Boucher Amy Ehrlich Meg Harris Damon Lane Ann and Terry Naumann Kate and Andy Robinson Johanna Vaczy Note: While we wish we could Roger and Donna Bourassa William Eichner and Julia Alvarez Willa Harris Sara Larkin Emily and Nathaniel Nelms Andrea Rogers Barth and Betty Vander Els thank every single member in this Bruce and Sandra Bove David Ellenbogen Lisa and Craig Harvey Debra Lavalley David and Catharine Newbury Mary Rogers Jacob Visi annual report it’s impossible to list Courtney Bowen John Ellis and Lucie Lafranchise Bambi Hatch Barbara and Joel Lazar Nancy Newbury-Andresen Susan Roman Dana Wagner the thousands of VPIRG supporters Ethan Bowen Julie and Richard Elmore Raymond Hathaway Joan Leary Sara Newmark and Drew Gradinger Matthew Ronconi Pat and Peter Waite statewide. The generosity of those Kathleen and Tim Boyd Georgia Eltabbakh Emily and Rick Hausman Dwayne and Beth LeClair Elizabeth Nickerson Barbara Ganley and William Roper John Waldo and Mary Welz listed in this report deserves special Frances Braun Martha Erickson and Mark Carbone Bonnie L Hawley John and Sarah Leeuw John and Ann Nordmeyer Randall Ross and Jeffery Heath Jeannie and Ray Walker recognition. Sophie Bréchu-West and Antoine Bréchu Lisa Evarts Kim Hayden Joan and Helmut Lenes Thomas and Lisa Nostraud Richard Roy Kim Walker Trudi Brock and Paul Kristensen Margaret Everitt Douglas and Martha Heaberlin Lorrie and Nichols Schoville Carol and Gerald Noyes Mathew Rubin Kimberly Wallin Foundations & Grants Shannon Broughton-Smith and Steven Smith John Evers Chip Hedler Ellen Lesser Vickie and David Obomsawin Gilbert Ruff and Susan Bonthron Janet Wallstein and Jane Dewey Alcyon Foundation Joan and Mark Brown Blake Fabrikant William Heigis and Tricia Dwyer John Levin and Sarah Osgood Sarah O’Brien Wayne and Anne Rule Kathleen Voigt and David Walsh Applied Materials Foundation Tamela and Brian Browning Matt Fargo Marcy Hermansader Diana Levine Carol O’Connor Jeffery and Donna Rusik Paul and Michelle Wangenheim Ben and Jerry’s Foundation Annie Brown-Voldman Rachi and John Farrow Eduardo Hernandez Joan Liggett Sharon O’Connor and Tom Honigford Robert and Jess Russell Sayre and Dan Wardell Blittersdorf Family Foundation Catherine Bryne and Marc Taylor John and Katherine Feldmann Amanda and Jeffery Herzberger Elizabeth and Moss Linder Brian Ogilby Sue Ryan Garvin Warner Concept2 Fund Sue Buckholtz Chantal Ferland Karen Hescock Crea and Philip Lintilhac Mary Jane and Paul Ohlson Scott and Patricia Sainsbury Jenny Warshow FairVote Action Judith and Frederick Buechner Julie Filiberti Joshua Hess William Lintilhac Jennifer Oldham Heather Salon and Adam Weinstein Jim and Milde Waterfall Gay & Lesbian Fund of Vermont Sara Burchard Kimberly Findlay Barbarina and Aaron Heyerdahl Anne and Benjamin Littenberg Alexander Orem Michael Sateia Laurie Webb Green New Fund Robert Herendeen and Ann Burke Anne Fines Terrie Higley Christopher Lloyd and Vassiliki Sinopoulas Lee and Clark Orsky Sarah Saul Denise Webster John Merck Fund Anna Burns Wendy and Dan Fisher Terry and Rebecca Hill-Larsen Susan Lornitzo Shay and Mikaela Osler Joseph Scaro and Janet Shepler Benjamin Wein Lintilhac Foundation Paul Burns Alicia Fisk Kory Hirak Melanie Loschiavo Michael O’Sullivan Falko Schilling and Elizabeth Schilling Rebecca Weisman Merck Family Fund Larry and Marilyn Bush Frances Fitzgerald James Hoag and Lee English Justina and Andrew McConnell Alan and Kathy Ouellette Andrew Schlatter and Krista Coombs Michael and Phyllis Wells Patagonia Ann and Richard Bushey Karen Flanagan Ralph Hobson Lu Ann Lovejoy Susan Ownings Katherine Schneider Constance West RepresentUs Education Fund Richard and Gail Butz Mollie and Jacob Flanigan John Barbour and Carla Hochschild Stephen and Margaret Lowe Christine Paeglow Katherine and Bill Schubart Rachel Westbrook Ruth H. Brown Foundation Leslie Cadwell Kim and Mitch Fleischer Penny and Patrick Hogan Jane and Derek Lowell Alison Parker and Robert Fuller Jan Schultz Jane Westervelt Serena Foundation Deborah Cafiero Vicki Fletcher and Manuel Fletcher Steve Holman Sarah Lyda Joan and John Parker Megan Schultz Frederick and Karen Weston Seventh Generation Foundation Sarah and Charles Calley Ada Puches and Mark Floegel Gail Holmes John Lyons Avram Patt and Amy Darley Michael and Mary Scollins James and Patricia Westrich State Alliance for Federal Reform Kevin and Lauren Campbell Kim and Daniel Fodor Nicholas and Sara Holquist Mark and Jill Lyons Alan and Pam Patunoff Rebecca Scott and Lauren Scott Kyle Wheel of Chemical Policy Caroline Canning Patricia Fontaine Peter and Mary Hood Betsy Macisaac Russel Paul Leigh Seddon and Ann Aspell David White Sustainable Markets Foundation Yola Carlough Florence Ford Allison and Don Hooper Janet Macleod Elizabeth Peabody Seventh Generation Inc. Tobin White The Salon Family Foundation Andrew Carpenter David and Gisele Fortier Jay Hooper Amy Macrellis Matthew Peake Del Sheldon Richard Whittlesey Phillip and Audrey Carr Jill Fox Greg Hostetler Ron Manganiello and Ellen Bernstein David Pearson and Susan Beale Sandra Shenk and Charles Boright Norman Williams Erin Carroll and Richard Fitzhenry Terence and Janet Francis Anne and Ronald Houser Oliver Manice Mike Peasler Katharine Shepherd Sidney Williams INDIVIDUALS Steve Casale Victoria Fraser Anna Howell Steven and Debra Mardin Anthony and Patricia Pelton Maria Short Stanton and Jennifer Williams Maryanne Abad Andrew Chalnick Ben and Jennie Freeman Elaine Huang The Markowski Family Douglas Perkins and Lisa Perkins Dane and Joan Shortsleeve Priscilla and Mary Wilson Samuel and Craig Abel-Palmer Rebecca Chandler Tom Freiberger Edith Hubbell Ellen and Jane Marsden Kinny Perot George Shover Jason and Dena Wimette Susanne Abetti Karen and Bruce Cheever Anne French J Parker Huber Charles Martin Diane Perrin Diane and Donald Siegriest Nat and Martha Winthrop Shaurice Abney Jennifer Chiodo Danit Fried and Roger Kessler Thomas Hughes Hilary Maslow Timothy Perrin Jack and Elizabeth Simmons Karen Witt Hannah Abrams Elizabeth and Dan Chordorkoff Milton and Carolyn Frye Alexander Messinger and Kimberly Hunt Amy Mason Alan Perry David Skopin and Natalee Braun Dori and Jeff Wolfe Mary and Bruce Albert Kelly and Robert Clements Stephanie Gallas Gale Hurd Susan Fiske and Douglas Mastex Duane Peterson Joseph Slakas Jean and Earl Wright The Alchemist Brewery Jock and Lorni Cochran Vikram Gandhi Stephanie Hurley and Christopher Kilian Margaret Mathauer Mary Louise Pierson Marijke and Mark Smith Anne Wulffraat Barry Aleshnick and Martina Sczesny-Aleshnick Cory Coffey Patricia and Bill Gardner Jeff Hutchinson Joanna May and Daniel Weinstein Anthony and Sue Pietricola Meghan and Jacob Smith Matthew and Jennifer Wyman Deborah Allen Ben Cohen Debra Gardner-Baasch and David Baasch John Hynes Deborah Maynard Jane Pincus Trudy Smith J. Peter Young Susan Busier and Wesley Allen Bonnie Atwater and Jito Coleman Helen Garvey Phyllis Iorlano Michael McCarthy Joseph Piscotty and Carol Maulhardt Julie Snow Sandra Young Jayne Allister Molly and Joseph Comeau Judy Geer and Richard Dreissigacker Larry Isenberg Bruce McCarty Patricia Polk Lausinda Poirier-Solomon and Richard Chris Anderson and Nancy Ward Bruce Comiskey Nancy Braus and Richard Geidel Gary Jackson David McColgin Lance Polya Solomon Steve Anderson Jay Cook Anthony and Elizabeth Gemignani Anne Jameson Jeanne McCool Debbie Pond-Reis Jennifer Songer Jody Andreoletti Anne Cooper Bonnie Gengras Kathleen and Jason Jamieson Jim McCracken Ann and Edwards Porter Nick Spadarrini Jim Antal and Cindy Shannon Karen and Timothy Cornish Thom Gentle Louise and Seth Jensen Louise McDougal Melissa and Irwin Post Stephanie Spencer Patricia Archbold and Barbara Stewart Darwick Norris and Brian Cote Kristine and William Gerson Peter Jewett Alida and Kevin McGuire Jo-Ann Potter Lydia Spitzer and Dottie Deans Katherine Arthaud Dolores Cox and Norman Carpenter Elaine Geyer Alan Johnson Claudia Mckay and Beth Dingman Andrew and Amy Powers Jeffrey Sprague Ken Arthur Millard and Alexander Cox Sarah Gibson Robert Johnson Patrick Mckenzie Judy Pransky Elizabeth Squier Peter and Michele Asch William Craig and Kirsten Edey Tom Gilbert Robert Johnson Charles McMakin Richard Presson Christopher and Christine Staffa Michael Astin Carolyn Craven and Peter Matthews Sandra and Roger Gillim Cristine Jones Denise McPeters Bob and Ellen Primeau Rosemarie Stahl Michael Atkinson Susan Cromwell Frederick Gimson David Juckett Chris and Patricia McVeigh Marcia Provoncha and Richard Sprague Pam Steeg and Bruce Jamieson Betsy Austin and Lawrence Damon Larry Cropp Megan Godfrey and Mark Boudreau Janet Kahn and Rose Gowdey Shani Mekler and Drew Gelfenbein Douglas Pruitt Elizabeth Steele Jessica Dion and Michael Austin Juliet Cuming and David Shaw Ann Goering and Sharon Hopper Sue Kavanagh Joerg Mellmann Jennifer Przysinda-Patterson Tim Steele Isla Awen Karen Cvitkovich Jefferson Goethals Freiderike Keating Bethany Menkart Putney Road Redemption Center Thomas and Nancy Steffen Peter Backman and Annie Christopher Judi and Fred Danforth Amy Golodetz Gary and Lois Keiser Kathie Mercia Anders Pytte Margaret Steggerda Naomi and Jonathan Badger Elizabeth Darden Andrew and Elizabeth Golub Kim Kelley Thomas Mertz Geraldine Quinlan William and Jane Stetson David Baker Jill Davies and Nigel Hollis Kathryn Gonzalez and John Waldron Joanna and Robert Kelly David Merves Erin Quinn and Pamela Quinn David Stewart Susan Baldridge Tom Dean and Lisa Therrien Rebecca Gooch John Kelly and Sara Coburn Heike and Jens Meyer Will Raap Susan Stillinger Phillip Bannister and Basha Freudenberg Kristin and Matthew DeDiana Wallace and Natalie Good Martha and Donald Kent Robert Meyer Valerie Racine and Mark McGee Ian Stokes Corey Barnes William Delorenzi Virginia Goodman Martha and Donald Kent Jill Millazzo Bill and Alison Racolin Kenneth and Nancy Stone Daniel Barry Amelia Demetrowitz William Gannon and Elizabeth Goodman John Kern and Valerie Hurley Chris Miller Megan Randall Sophia Stone Marianne and Robert Barton Jonathan Clough and Kathleen Dempsey Kristin Gottschalk Marc Kessler Heather Miller Jeanne Kirby and Dave Rapaport Bernard Stupski Thomas Baskett and Diane Nancekivell Sue Deppe and Steve Oakland Jennifer Graham Jean and John Kiedaisch Paul Miller Diana Raphael Zachary and Lynn Suddaby Melita Bass Mary Desautels Jon Graham and Beth Frock Joseph and Amy Kiefer Ron Miller and Jacqueline Fischer Stacy and Jory Raphael Sam Swanson and Joyce Gallimore Paul Bauers Mary Dickerson Elizabeth Gray The Kiendl and Fox Families Melissa A Mills Richard Rawson Natalie Beckwith and Chris Swasey Angie Bell and Jesse Bell Sarah and Albert Dickerson Linda Gray Jeanne Kiewel and Stuart Savel Marjorie and David Minot Hillary Read Gaye Symington and Charles Lacy Bettina Berg and Chris Harlow Richard Dielensnyder Rosanne Greco Bruce and Kimberly Kimball Biff Mithoefer Dorianne Reil Randy Taplin Adam Sawyer and Timiny Bergstrom Jessica Dion and Michael Austin Jerry Greenfield and Elizabeth Skarie Lorraine and Warren Kimble Jen Montgomery Greg Renallo and Kat Snead Steven Taubman Margaret Berlin John and Melinda Donnelly Tom Greiner Warren and Barry King James and Mia Moore Piper and Alan Rexford Mark Taylor and Kristin Root Arthur Berndt Michael Donofrio and Kelly McCracken Patricia Guilfoyle Jerry Schneider and Karen Klotz Margery McCrum and George Moore Lynn Reynolds David Thomas and Catherine Porter Michael Beyna Adrienne Donohue Doreen Guillette Pam Koerper James Aurigemma and Monica Morano- Jon and Pam Rickard Mary Thome Desiree Biesheuvel Eamonn Donovan Hobart Guion and Abigail Faulkner Karjala Koponen Aurigemma Dan and Shirley Ridgeway Peter Thoms and Abigail Colihan Diana Bingham Andrew Dregallo Michael and Jennifer Haas Louise and Mike Koss Brian Morgan Deborah Rigby Janet Thygesen Paul Bishop Marjorie Drexler Mary Hadley and Steve Orzech Natasha and Megan Kouns Greg Morgan and Toni Germain-Morgan Steve Risberg and Annie Fetter Suzanne and Tim Tokarsky Thomas and Linda Blakely Greg Drogos Colleen Halley Dominic and Dorothy Koval Sally Moulton and Christopher Huvos Susan Ritz and Ethan Atkin Thayer Tomlinson Evan Blittersdorf Jamie and Michael Dubie Madelyn and George Hamilton Kim and Peter Kowanko Tom Helm And Barbara Moulton Kelly and Matt Rizzo Larry Abell and Karen Towle Catherine Bock Jennifer Duggan John Hancock Violet Krukonis G. Mudge and Barbara Mudge Kathleen Robbins Robert Tudek and Jennifer Allen Tom Bodett and Rita Ramirez Laura Duncan Jim Hand Nikki Kuhn John and Alaina Murphy Christiana Roberts Damian Turner and Lon Gilles-Turner John and Celia Bohannon Robert Duncan and Jean Markey-Duncan Jacob Hansen Robert Kushen and Dinah Pokempner Larry and Kathleen Murphy Deborah Roberts Preston and Christine Turner

22 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 23 MEMBERSHIP

22 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 23 Vermont Public Interest Research Group 141 Main Street, Suite 6 Montpelier, VT 05602

Staff VPIRG Board VPIREF Board of Directors of Directors OFFICERS OFFICERS Ashley Orgain, President, Burlington Kati Gallagher, President, Waterbury Global Director Advocacy & Sustainability, Community Planner, Mad River Planning Seventh Generation District Chris Miller, Vice President, Burlington Falko Schilling, Secretary, Montpelier Head of Global Activism Strategy, Ben Advocacy Director, ACLU of Vermont Paul Burns Liz Edsell Becca Mandigo & Jerry’s Executive Director Associate Director Finance & Administration Marianne Barton, Treasurer, Moretown Coordinator Jen Duggan, Secretary, Montpelier Co-founder, Catalyst Clean Energy Vice President and Director, Conservation Finance LLC Law Foundation Vermont Marianne Barton, Treasurer, Moretown Co-founder, Catalyst Clean Energy TRUSTEES Finance LLC Bob Barton, Moretown, Co-founder, Catalyst Clean Energy Finance LLC TRUSTEES Crea Lintilhac, Shelburne Aiko Schaefer, Stowe Director, Lintilhac Foundation Director, Just Solutions Collective & Ben Edgerly Walsh Eli Kushen Emma Huvos Strategic Consultant Jon Erickson, Vergennes, Climate & Energy Communications Development Director Professor, University of Vermont Program Director Anna Marchessault, Burlington Coordinator Student, University of Vermont Lily Seward, Burlington, Student, University of Vermont Biff Mithoefer, Dorset Author and Yoga Teacher Diana González, Winooski Director of Leadership Programs, Equality Federation Drew Hudson, Rochester Executive Director, Environmental Action and Founding Partner at Power Iris Hsiang Kate Lapp Liam O’Sullivan Thru Consulting Junior Organizer Government Reform Climate & Energy Associate Dori Wolfe, Treasurer, Strafford Associate & Project Coordinator Owner and Principal, Wolfe Energy Duane Peterson, Essex Junction, Co- Director, SunCommon Kanika Gandhi, Montpelier Agrichemical Section Chief, Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture Mathew Rubin, Montpelier President, Spruce Mt. Design Dr. Michael Scollins, South Burlington Marcie Gallagher Molly Feldman Sam McGinty Retired Doctor of Internal Medicine Environmental Associate Membership Coordinator Democracy Fellow Talia Crowley, Burlington Student, University of Vermont

Sebbi Wu Tom Hughes Zach Tomanelli Climate & Racial Justice Senior Strategist Communications & Associate Engagement Director