Are you concerned about PFAS (forever chemicals or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), pesticides, and toxins in your water, soil, air, and food? If so, join environmental activists and groups on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 1 PM at the Vermont State House in Montpelier. A Press Conference will be held from noon to 12:45 PM in the Cedar Creek Room in the State House.

The Vermont PFAS/Military Poisons Coalition, Vermont Pesticide & Poison Action Network, Lake Champlain International, Vermonters for a Clean Environment, Friends of Lake Memphremagog, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, and other environmental groups and activists will be congregating outside of the 2 entrances to Montpelier's State House and visiting legislative offices. The focus of this educational and advocacy event is to draw attention to environmental toxins and contaminants that are poisoning water, air, soil, and food in Vermont, as well as endangering the health of humans and other species.

Outside the State House at the two entrances, activists will be banging on Teflon pans (containing PFAS) and exhibiting a wide variety of products that contain PFAS and other toxins. We'll be handing out educational information and speaking to legislators and members of the public about toxins in our environment and what we can and must do to protect ourselves and future generations.

The Coalition has broad legislative demands, asking legislators and government officials to:
1. Ban PFAS as a class of chemicals.
2. End sewage and wastewater overflows.
3. Reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030.
4. Ban landfills from releasing leachates into our waterways.
5. Ban the use of biosolids on agricultural lands until their use can be shown to be safe.

The Coalition is also advocating for specific bills that have been introduced and that deal with PFAS, pesticides, and toxins. In particular, the environmental groups support S.25, S.197, H.706, and H.48, as well as other environmental bills that are on the docket.

To be part of the January 30th day of education and advocacy in Montpelier,
email Marguerite Adelman at pfasinfo@wilpfus.org
With gratitude,
Marguerite Adelman, VT PFAS Coalition and VT PAPAN
https://www.militarypoisons.org/vermont

*What is wrong with PFAS? PFAS are linked to liver, thyroid, hormonal and immune disorders, and child development issues. Science has shown, exposure to even infinitesimal amounts of PFAS has been linked to effects like decreased fertility and high cholesterol. A full list of the illnesses caused by PFAS includes neurological damage, many types of cancer (not just kidney and testicular), fertility issues across genders, and death. On a recent EPA call, people from all over the country, many of them impacted while serving various branches of the military, described the death of service members and babies, mothers, fathers, aunts and cousins. Many of the people who spoke fear for their own health in the wake of the deaths of close friends, fellow service members, and family

May 20, 2024, 6 to 9 PM

May 21, 2024, 6:30 to 9:30 PM

May 23, 2024, 3:30 to 4:30 PM