Symington for Governor
PO Box 1584
Burlington, VT 05402
www.symingtonforgovernor.com

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2008

Contact:
Jill Krowinski
(802) 363-3907

After Six Years Lake Champlain Clean-Up is Stuck in Neutral

Burlington (VT) — After six years in charge, the Douglas administration has not delivered results in cleaning up Lake Champlain and Vermont is stuck in neutral on a critical issue. This is unacceptable and it must change. As Governor I will ensure that taxpayer’s funds are used responsibly to make real progress towards a cleaner lake and will get lake clean up back in gear.

The EPA has criticized Vermont for the lack of progress in cleaning up the lake;

• the lack of measurable benchmarks;
• the lack of clear information to the public;
• the inaccurate estimates of the cost of clean-up efforts;
• and the lack of coordination and accountability in using tax payer dollars.

Jim Douglas’ response to this was to attack the EPA and continue to ignore its findings. What he should be doing, and what I will do as Governor, is partner with the EPA to make sure we are getting results. The price for Jim Douglas’ continuing to bicker with the EPA will be higher costs for water treatment. Vermonters shouldn’t have to pay more just because Gov. Douglas doesn’t want to accept the EPA’s help and guidance.

We cannot afford to stay stuck in neutral. There is a lot at stake in getting the lake clean-up right. Lake Champlain is a tourist destination, an economic resource and a significant environmental treasure. Vermont has spent at least $65 million in federal and state funds through several different agencies and capital funds to clean up the lake, the Douglas administration has failed to set-up an effective way of measuring progress so we don’t know if that money is being spent wisely.

As Governor, I will make sure we are setting benchmarks for progress and insist that we meet them.

As Governor, I will partner with the EPA and our local communities to get results on lake clean-up.

As Governor, I will make sure that the Agency has clear targets and benchmarks so we know whether we are going forward or backward as we spend taxpayer dollars to clean up the lake.

As Governor, I will insist that the Agency of Natural Resources use the best available technology when analyzing the costs and benefits of alternative approaches for cleaning up the lake.

As Governor, I will insist that the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation comply with the regulations of our federal environmental agency so that Vermonters can review draft permits in a timely and effective way.

The next Governor of Vermont will oversee the quadricentennial celebration of Samuel de Champlain’s exploration of the lake. When that time comes, we will either be living with more of the Douglas administration’s failure to get results, or we can have a new Governor with new ideas and a real commitment to making this lake the shining jewel it should be. Vermonters should vote in November to make sure that their Governor is an effective steward of this treasure and insists on results. As Governor, I will be that steward.

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