By Guy Page
Resistance to Act 181’s Road Rule and Tier 3 rural development restrictions are growing in the Vermont State House. A floor amendment to repeal the Road Rule and Tier 3 on the floor of the House looms likely unless the bill is changed significantly in the House Environment Committee.

The current legislation, S.325, would delay implementation – not repeal – of the two controversial sections that rural critics say would hamstring development and property rights. 

Yesterday saw three major developments: 1) the House GOP called for repeal of both measures in a press conference, 2) an hour later Gov. Scott called for their elimination at his press conference (in response to VDC questioning), and the bi-partisan rural caucus wrote a letter to House Speaker Jill Krowinski and Environment Chair Amy Sheldon urging them to repeal the Road Rule (restricting development on rural properties with 800 ft. roads) and other rural development restrictions (Tier 3):

First, if nothing else, the delays included in S.325 must pass this session. Additional time is

necessary to align mapping, rulemaking, and implementation so that Vermonters, municipalities,

and regional bodies can engage in a meaningful and informed way.

Second, there is broad agreement among the undersigned that we should make amendments to

Act 181 rather than delays:

● Repeal Tier 3

● Repeal the Road Rule

● We support completing the accessory on-farm business work and expect the Board to

deliver final recommendations on that issue, independent of the broader Tier 2 report

These elements are driving significant uncertainty and anger in rural communities.

House leaders appear to have several choices: 

1. Amend the bill in committee to avoid a floor vote
2. Urge rural caucus Dems to oppose the amendment
3. Allow a floor challenge to continue, pass the bill, and then try to remove the repeals in the Senate/House conference committee.

“Repeal the road rule and repeal Tier 3 this session. Trust has been broken. If there are critical natural resources that are worthy of protection that are not covered by another jurisdiction, discrete legislation can be brought forward and debated,” Neil Ryan, organizer of the Act 181 resistance movement, said.

Soucy picked to fill McFaun seat – Governor Phil Scott today announced his appointment of David Soucy of Barre Town to fill the vacant Washington-Orange seat in the House of Representatives.

“Dave has been involved in his community for many years and will be a strong voice for common-sense legislation in the State House,” said Governor Phil Scott. “I also want to thank Topper McFaun for all he’s done throughout the years to make Vermont a better place for his constituents.”

“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Scott to represent the residents of Washington County–Orange in the Vermont House of Representatives. I am also honored to follow in the footsteps of Representative Topper McFaun. Topper is a true public servant who always put the interests of his constituents—and all Vermonters—first. He has been both a friend and a mentor, and I wish him and Maryanne all the best. I will work to continue his legacy and be a strong voice for common-sense legislation that benefits every Vermonter,” said Soucy. “I understand the serious challenges limiting Vermont’s growth and the impact they have on our residents. I will work collaboratively with fellow legislators to lessen the burden of high taxes, the high cost of development, and the alarming cost of education, especially in light of disappointing outcomes.”

Soucy has worked as the General Manager of the Green Mountain National Golf Course in Killington, served as a Senator representing Rutland County, and was elected to the Barre Town Selectboard last year. He’s also a member of several state boards and commissions, including the Judicial Nominating Board, the District 5 Act 250 Environmental Commission, and the Mental Health Crisis Response Commission. He currently works as a Tournament Manager for the New England Professional Golfers Association, overseeing professional and junior golf tournaments during the summer months.

Soucy’s appointment is effective immediately.

VT ed reform in limbo – From the Journal-Opinion – “With lawmakers entering the session’s final stretch, it remains an open question whether they can reach an agreement without a protracted standoff — or a gubernatorial veto,” reports Seven Days.

Legislators appear far apart on whether to make school district mergers mandatory or optional; retaining school choice; regional districts; and a timeline to implement changes. 

During a press conference yesterday, Gov. Phil Scott doubled down on his call for reform this session.

“And I’m sure most would agree, we don’t want to pay more in taxes. But, without major changes to our structure, we’re left with no choice but to pay more for less.”