Act 250 Bill Vetoed by VT Governor Scott

Vermont Governor Phil Scott has vetoed a bill that focuses on updating Act 250, reports vpr.

Act 250 is VT’s now 50-year-old development review law. Scott originally backed a compromise proposal that was supported by many VT environmentalists. The bill aimed to provide extra protections for upper elevation areas, as well as lifting Act 250 reviews in designated downtown locations.

In the past few months, the bill was reportedly slimmed down as lawmakers struggled with details while working remotely amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In his veto message on Monday, Scott stated that the final bill added new regulatory hurdles for recreational trails.

The governor also issued an executive order that addresses trail issues in the short term.