Catherine Benham

The discussion focused on updates regarding H632 and river corridor regulations under the Flood Safety Act (Act 121). Key topics included reviewing state minimum flood plane standards, the legislative committee's role in the NFIP, and permitting support for towns. A significant portion addressed amending the river corridor map using infill mapping to identify developed areas where equilibrium is unlikely, potentially creating permitting exemptions similar to Act 250. The process for updating base maps and establishing an appeal process for river corridor determinations was discussed. The session also covered education and outreach efforts, including webinars and compliance with environmental justice legislation (Act 154). Furthermore, the existing flood hazard area and river park rule (from Act 138), which regulates power generation, transmission, agriculture, and state facilities, was contrasted with the broader scope of Act 121. Data quality regarding river corridors, including field-assessed versus approximated mapping, and the need for accurate mapping to support statewide regulation were emphasized, especially given ongoing housing construction pressures in vulnerable areas.

The briefing, titled 'All Legislator Briefing,' provided an update on the flood response and recovery efforts following recent severe storms. Key discussion points included the devastating impact of the flooding, with specific examples cited in communities like Bury, Hardwick, and Montpelier. The Governor emphasized the long road ahead and the need for collective effort. Emergency response priorities focused on life and safety, stranded individuals and equipment, and material supply chains. The Transportation Agency (AOT) detailed the widespread impact on state infrastructure, including road closures (136 state roads initially closed), bridge damage (three severely compromised, one destroyed), and the activation of the Transportation Incident Command Center (TICC). FEMA representatives confirmed the presence of over 300 personnel and discussed the critical importance of constituents reporting all damage via 2-1-1 to support eligibility determinations for individual assistance, noting that Caledonia and Orange counties were newly declared for assistance. The Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety detailed the continuous 24-hour activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and stressed that all municipal requests for assistance must be routed through designated local emergency managers to maintain operational efficiency.

The meeting resumed discussion on the 3 Acre Storm Water Committee bill following an earlier interruption. Key points included concerns about addressing equity issues within the current framework and the need for in-depth study, suggesting a study committee might be necessary. The committee ultimately voted on the draft bill. The administration, represented by DEC's Clean Water Initiative Program, voiced support for the bill as it provides incremental improvements and resources to the Department of Environmental Conservation to support those navigating the three-acre process. The committee approved the measure with a vote of two in favor to all others opposed.

The House Environment Committee continued taking testimony on H230, an act relating to the management of Fish and Wildlife. A representative from the Vermont Farm Bureau provided testimony regarding crop damage caused by wildlife, noting significant annual losses to corn silage from black bears, which is not currently covered under the bill. She expressed support for maintaining the current language allowing farmers recourse for damages from deer (forages, vegetables, hemp crops) and the financial impact on small, diverse farms when specific crop insurance deductibles are not met. The discussion also covered how the current language incentivizes farmers not to post their land for hunting. Concerns were raised about the frequency of claims and potential abuse of the system, leading to a discussion on potential reworking of the language to incorporate risk management aspects for applicants.

The meeting consisted of a walkthrough of bill H276, an act relating to the designation of state wildlands, which may be cited as the Remote Climate Resilience and State Wildlands Act. Key discussions involved the findings section, which addresses climate change consequences and the importance of intact and connected ecosystems for flood risk reduction, drought mitigation, and biodiversity support. The session detailed the proposed statutory language creating a new chapter on state wildlands, defining terms like 'core area,' 'highest priority natural communities and habitat features,' and 'wildlands.' Specific attention was given to the designation of state wildlands, including all state-managed natural areas and core areas, and areas designated as Land Management Classification 1.0. Management rules mandate permanent protection from conversion and allowing natural processes to prevail, with specified exclusions for vegetation management, water alteration, recreation (including designated skiable lines), hunting, and foraging. The process for future acquisitions of parcels adjoining or separate from existing wildlands was also reviewed, including public hearing requirements for changes to wildland status.