Your Rights
You may report any allegations of environmental justice and Title VI concerns related to actions or inactions of the Natural Resources Board, the District Environmental Commissions, or its staff to the Natural Resources Board.
How to Report an Environmental Justice or Title VI Concern
Report alleged environmental justice or Title VI concerns to us by one of the contact methods below (phone, email, or general mail).
- By phone:
(802) 477-3566
- By email:
Our dedicated email inbox
- By mail:
Natural Resources Board
Attention: Environmental Justice
10 Baldwin Street
Montpelier, VT 05633-3201
In your report, please provide:
- your contact information
- specific information about the alleged environmental justice or Title VI concern, and
- your request for proposed resolution.
What Qualifies as Environmental Justice or Title VI Concerns
- Environmental Justice Policy: The Natural Resources Board follows the environmental justice policy of the State of Vermont, which says:
"It is the policy of the State of Vermont that no segment of the population of the State should, because of its racial, cultural, or economic makeup, bear a disproportionate share of environmental burdens or be denied an equitable share of environmental benefits. It is further the policy of the State of Vermont to provide the opportunity for the meaningful participation of all individuals, with particular attention to environmental justice focus populations, in the development, implementation, or enforcement of any law, regulation, or policy." 3 V.S.A. §6003
This law means, for example, that the Act 250 application process is open to you and all individuals, whether as an applicant, friend of the commission, or opponent.
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act: United States federal law says:
"No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
For example, your race cannot be used to exclude you from participation in any of the Natural Resources Board processes including District Commission hearings.
Limitations: The process and rights outlined above do not and shall not be construed to provide any additional rights or obligations beyond existing law. It also does not limit any other rights you may have under existing law.