The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a leading oil and gas trade group are suing Vermont over a new law mandating fossil fuel companies to contribute to damages from climate change. Filed on Monday, the federal lawsuit seeks to block the enforcement of this law, which Vermont enacted last year following severe flooding and extreme weather events. Vermont is assessing climate change costs dating back to January 1, 1995. The lawsuit contends that the law violates the U.S. Constitution and is preempted by the federal Clean Air Act, claiming it discriminates against other states by targeting large energy companies based outside Vermont.
Senator Bernie Sanders has been appointed to the Senate Finance Committee, joining Senator Peter Welch. In a statement, Sanders expressed enthusiasm for the role but acknowledged the difficulty of advancing pro-working class legislation with the GOP majority in Congress. He aims to take a more active role in Medicare, Social Security, tax policy, and fair trade. Sanders also chairs the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and serves on several other committees, including Energy and Natural Resources, Environment and Public Works, Budget, and Veterans’ Affairs.
Police are actively searching for a Williamstown man involved in a car crash at a Berlin grocery store on Sunday. Devin Hallock, 22, reportedly drove his vehicle into Market 32 on Route 302, igniting a fire that caused significant damage. It remains uncertain if Hallock ignited the fire or if it occurred after his departure. Authorities have released images of a gray Subaru with “Vermont Strong” plates seen leaving the scene, suggesting the driver may have picked up Hallock. Prior to this incident, police were already seeking Hallock for reckless driving behind a church on Friday, during which he injured an officer attempting to remove him from the vehicle and nearly struck another officer.
Preliminary data suggests that Vermont hunters harvested fewer bucks this past season. The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife reports a total deer harvest of over 17,200 for 2024, slightly above the 16,845 from 2023. However, the buck harvest is estimated at just over 9,200, down from the three-year average of 9,533. Conversely, the antler-less deer harvest is projected to be around 8,000, exceeding the three-year average of 7,188.
New limited border hours were implemented Monday in our region. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol announced in November that it is reducing hours at crossings in Vermont and New York to enhance resource efficiency. Thirty-eight northern border ports are affected, with eight located in our region.
A Readsboro man was cited on New Year’s Day for allegedly violating court-ordered release conditions, according to Vermont State Police. Authorities responded to a 911 hang-up at a residence on King Hill Road at 2:17 a.m. and found that 25-year-old Casey Pillsbury had breached two unspecified conditions. He received a citation to appear in Vermont Superior Court Bennington Criminal Division on Feb. 24 at 8:15 a.m. The investigation is ongoing.
WTSA SPORTS FOR TUESDAY JANUARY 7th 2024
THE CELTICS ARE BACK ON THE COURT TONIGHT IN DENVER TO TAKE ON THE NUGGETS TIP OFF AT 10PM
THE BRUINS ARE BACK ON THE ICE TONIGHT AT HOME AGAINST THE OILERS, THEY DROP THE PUCK AT 7PM
IN LOCAL BOYS BASKETBALL, WOODSTOCK VISITS THE BRATTLEBORO BEARS TONIGHT AT BUHS, TIP OFF AT 7PM