December 2009 -
ANR seeks Vermonters’ help with salvage yard survey
The Department of Environmental Conservation’s Compliance and Enforcement Division is asking Vermonters to complete a short survey on salvage yards in their communities. During the 2009 legislative session jurisdiction for regulating salvage yards was transferred to ANR. Presently there are only 75 salvage yards that have a state license to operate. Based on information from a number of sources the agency believes that there are an additional 200-300 salvage yards which are operating illegally. The agency needs to identify these unlicensed salvage yards and educate them so they can into compliance with state and local laws.
     The goal of the online survey is to help identify all the salvage yards located in Vermont. The survey seeks basic information about the salvage yard, including the owner’s name, address and types of activities that take place at the yard.
     Vermonters are encouraged to complete surveys on each yard in their communities. This information collected will be used in a 2010 legislative report and to help in planning additional steps to obtain compliance with state law.
     The survey only takes only a few moments per salvage yard to complete. Please click here to visit the survey website and complete the survey.
     For more information please, contact: Gary Kessler, Director, DEC Complicance & Enforcement Division, 802-241-3820.

November 2009 - Governor’s Awards in Environmental Excellence and Pollution Prevention
Applications are now being accepted for the Governor’s Awards in Environmental Excellence and Pollution Prevention. Applications are due by Dec. 31, 2009. Award Categories include:
- Pollution Prevention: Projects that reduce or eliminate the generation of pollutants and wastes at the source.
- Earth Stewardship & Resource Protection: Projects with measurable and direct benefits to air, soil or water – or fish, wildlife and human communities.
- Land Use & Land Use Planning: Projects that preserve or conserve land to create ecological and environmental benefits or that advance smart growth alternatives.
- Resource Conservation: Projects that conserve resources and protect the environment by minimizing resource consumption.
- Education & Outreach: Projects that inform and educate others about environmentally responsible practices or that empower citizens to enhance the quality of the environment for local, regional or global communities.
- Environmental Justice and Sustainability: Projects that achieve greater environmental/economic justice and/or efficiency.
- Youth Environmental Citizenship Award: Projects accomplished by a young person or young people (21 years or younger) that achieve significant positive environmental outcomes.
For more information, please contact: Vicky Viens, DEC Environmental Assistance Office, 802-241-3487 or see the Governor's Awards web site.

April 2009 - Climate Change Grant Program
The VTANR is currently soliciting proposals from municipalities and non-profit organizations for projects that increase energy efficiency, achieve measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and increase use of clean renewable resources. The maximum per grant award is $12,000. A total of $360,000 is available this grant cycle. There will be two evaluation/award rounds. The proposal deadline for round 2 has been extended to May 1 2009. more information>>