Jim Douglas in 2001-2009 gubernatorial press release

On Budget & Economy: $17M ARRA investment to expand Vermont employment

Governor Douglas today announced a bold new economic plan to build SmartVermont--by laying the foundation for a 21st century economy. The proposals will invest $17.1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) State Fiscal Stabilization Funds to leverage nearly $160 million in direct support to new and exciting companies looking to grow and expand in the Green Mountain State as well as much needed support for existing Vermont employers. The Governor's plan also calls for additional investment in our tourism economy as well as much needed support for agriculture.

Said Governor Douglas, "By investing ARRA funds wisely to grow our economy, we will position our state to charge out of this recession ready to provide a world-class education to the e-generation of students and build strong companies that can compete in a competitive global economy."

Governor Douglas reinforced the need for Vermont to focus flexible ARRA funds to build on his Economic Growth Plan.

Source: 2009 gubernatorial press release. "SmartVermont" Mar 26, 2009

On Environment: EPA misunderstands how Vermont implements water quality

Governor Jim Douglas today criticized the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, saying the Bush administration is unwilling to provide effective national leadership on environmental issues. The Governor said the EPA's criticism of Vermont's efforts to reduce phosphorus pollution in Lake Champlain was "out of touch and scientifically baseless."

Governor Douglas was responding to communication from an EPA regional staffer, which suggested Vermont lacks the policies and practices to protect and improve the state's natural resources. "Vermont's Clean and Clear Action Plan, which I created in September 2003, is considered a national model for implementing water-quality efforts," Douglas responded. "In fact, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources' scientists are routinely invited to present Vermont's ground-breaking water-quality programs to other state environmental agencies, the National Academies of Science and your own EPA regional offices."

Source: 2008 gubernatorial press release, "EPA Comments" Jun 3, 2008

On Environment: $43M state funds for watershed partners, while EPA cut $2M

Over the last several years, Vermont has invested more than $43 million in state funding, added more than 30 personnel and coordinated state action between the agencies of Natural Resources and Agriculture to work more closely with watershed partners. Over the same time, the EPA has cut Clean Water Act program funding to Vermont by almost 25%, from $9.6 million to $7.3 million.

"The dedicated scientists and biologists who have led the charge on the most forward-thinking environmental protections do so from the knowledge that we are a rural state, where our economic livelihood, traditions and quality of life are rooted in environmental stewardship," Douglas wrote. "That is the Vermont Way."

Source: 2008 gubernatorial press release, "EPA Comments" Jun 3, 2008

The above quotations are from 2001-2009 gubernatorial press releases. Click here for other excerpts from 2001-2009 gubernatorial press releases. Click here for other excerpts by Jim Douglas. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Dec 02, 2018