What Happened?

Melinda Petter of Sustainable Williston prepares to testify on single use plastics bill at the State House.

On Wednesday morning (3/13), representatives from Sustainable Williston testified as the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy considered bill S.113 – An act relating to the prohibition of plastic carry out bags, expandeded polystyrene food service products (Styrofoam), and single-use plastic straws. Melinda Petter, Lynn Blevins, and Brian Forest made the trip on behalf of 111 Williston area residents who signed onto letters of support for S.113 and its companion legislation, bill H.74 in the House.

Why it Matters.

We spoke at the Senate Natural Resource and Energy Committee hearing to relay the concerns and support from over 100 VT residents who are interested in reducing single-use plastics waste. With testimony being given by agencies and industry, we felt it important that our legislators also heard directly from the people they represent.

What’s Next?

Sustainable Williston will monitor progress of the bill(s) at the state level, and consider next steps based on the outcome.

*Update* – The Senate bill (S.113) made it out of committee (with some amendments) on 3/15! This means it WILL go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Want to Get More Involved?

We welcome you to join us at a monthly social (2nd Thursday, 7:15pm, VT Tap House) or meetings (4th Thursday, 7:15pm, DAM Library) – See Calendar. You can also use the “Contact Us” on our website to request we add you to our meeting group emails where we share agendas, minutes, and coordinate action.