In this episode, we begin with a conversation about nuclear energy and why it’s back on the policy agenda in Vermont. As electricity demand grows and climate deadlines loom, I’m joined by Rep. Kath James (D-Manchester) to explore whether nuclear power is truly “clean,” what the environmental and cost impacts could be, and how Vermont’s experience with Vermont Yankee shapes today’s debate. Then, in a separate segment, we revisit one of the podcast’s earliest conversations, a democracy discussion with Susan Clark, reflecting on Vermont’s unique tradition of local democracy and how communities navigate big, complex decisions together.

Artificial intelligence is booming. Cloud computing is expanding. And across the country, massive data centers are being proposed and built at a rapid pace - facilities that can consume as much electricity as small cities and require significant water, land, and grid infrastructure.

Vermont doesn’t currently have a large-scale data center proposal on the table. But lawmakers are asking a proactive question: What happens if one comes? And more importantly, are we ready?

Today we’re talking about two different legislative approaches aimed at preparing Vermont for that possibility. One would establish a regulatory framework for siting and reviewing data centers before they arrive. The other would place a temporary pause - a moratorium - to give the state time to study the impacts and craft long-term policy.

At the heart of this debate are some big questions: How do we balance economic opportunity with environmental responsibility? How do large energy users affect grid reliability and ratepayers? And how does data center development align, or clash, with Vermont’s climate and clean energy goals?

We’ll also dig into testimony from utilities like Green Mountain Power, which suggested that bringing a heavy energy load onto the system could potentially lower rates by spreading fixed costs across more customers. Is that a benefit? A risk? Or both?

Joining us to break this down are Senator Rebecca White and Representative Laura Sibilia, who are leading these efforts in the Legislature.

What if one of the most powerful climate solutions isn’t a new technology — but simply using what we already have?

On this episode of Democracy Dispatch, we explore the growing zero-waste movement in Vermont and the local businesses turning reuse into real-world action.

Lucy Higgins, creator of The Loop, is launching a new app that helps families freely exchange children’s clothing — reducing textile waste while saving parents money and building community connections.

Jamie McKenzie, founder of Rise Up Refill in Waterbury, is rethinking everyday consumption through a plastic-free refill store model that cuts packaging waste and challenges the culture of single-use convenience.

And Erich Kruger of Deconstruction Works in Dummerston is tackling waste at an entirely different scale — salvaging materials from buildings through green deconstruction and keeping tons of usable wood and fixtures out of landfills.

From closets to kitchens to construction sites, this conversation looks at how a circular economy can strengthen local communities, reduce emissions, and reshape how we think about consumption. Because if we’re serious about climate, affordability, and resilience, we can’t just talk about what we build next, we also have to rethink what we throw away.

In this conversation, Treasurer Mike Pieciak discusses the pressing affordability issues facing Vermonters, particularly in housing and healthcare. He outlines the initiatives his office is undertaking, including investments in housing, the unclaimed property program, and the Vermont Saves retirement initiative. The conversation also covers innovative programs like Baby Bonds aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty, medical debt relief efforts, and the establishment of a green bank to support clean energy projects. Pieciak emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in addressing these challenges and improving the quality of life for all Vermonters.

In this conversation, Anika Heilweil discusses her work with the Public Assets Institute and the Fair Share Vermont campaign, focusing on the need for progressive taxation in Vermont. She explains the differences between progressive and regressive taxes, the current fiscal context in Vermont, and the proposed tax policies aimed at increasing revenue from the wealthiest Vermonters. The discussion also addresses public sentiment regarding tax increases, the implications of second home ownership, and the importance of utilizing tax revenue for community needs. Anika emphasizes the need for legislative action and encourages listeners to get involved in advocating for these changes.

Sen Martine Larocque Gulick, a democrat from Burlington, and Anna Seuberling of VPIRG discuss the pressing issue of toxic chemicals, the health risks associated with paraquat, personal motivations for advocating its ban, and the legislative process involved. We also touch on other toxic substances, including an update on neonicotinoids and artificial dyes, and the ongoing efforts to strengthen Vermont's toxics legislation.

For Vermonters who care deeply about the environment and climate, the 2024 election was a setback. And nationally, I think the term ‘setback’ doesn’t do justice to the grim reality. Our national partner, League of Conservation Voters, recently published a memo outlining the costs to Americans after one year of the Trump administration. Despite Trump’s pledge to cut energy prices in half, household electric bills are up 13% and residential gas prices are up nearly 60%.

Utility companies have raised or proposed $85.8 billion in rate hikes on families, while currently one in six households is now behind on their energy bills.

And that’s only his impact in the energy sector.

According to a recent CNN poll, 58% consider the first year of Trump’s term a failure. As we edge closer to the 2026 midterm elections, the federal government’s effects will undoubtedly have implications for members of Trump’s Republican Party across the nation and here in Vermont, where their party averages a 20% environmental voting score.

On this week’s Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I welcome back Tom Hughes, senior strategist at VPIRG and VCV board member. Tom and I discuss how Vermont's political landscape is changing with new candidates emerging, how the community is mobilized responding to immigration issues, and how education spending and property taxes will be critical issues for voters this year.

Listen in as we assess how recent events, including numerous resignations, are reshaping the electoral landscape. We also play a game of Step Up or Step Down, where Tom indicates how top elected officials in the state have been stepping it up - or not - over the last year.

Also on the podcast, I give updates on the latest positive movement for some climate bills here in Vermont, as well as some troubling action in Congress attempting to weaken national chemical safety laws.

In this episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, host Justin Marsh discusses the latest legislative actions in Vermont, focusing on environmental policies and the recognition of emerging leaders in the state legislature. They interview Rising Star Award winners, Representatives Chloe Tomlinson and Dara Torre, who share their experiences and insights on public service and climate initiatives. The episode also highlights key legislative proposals and upcoming events related to environmental advocacy in Vermont. Representatives Chloe Tomlinson and Dara Torre discuss their experiences in the Vermont legislature, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of the current biennium. They reflect on their motivations for public service, the importance of the Climate Solutions Caucus, and the role of local planning in addressing climate resilience. The conversation also highlights the significance of community engagement and the pressing legislative priorities for the session, including transportation, housing, and immigration policies. Evelyn Seidner, a Climate Action Organizer with Vermont Conservation Voters, talks about the start of the legislative session and the unveiling of the Common Agenda. They discuss the process of gathering input from various organizations, the key highlights of this year's agenda, and the importance of democracy in environmental policy. Evelyn shares insights on the collaborative efforts involved in shaping the agenda and invites listeners to access the full document and participate in upcoming events.