Vermont Rep. Amy Sheldon Passes Nation’s Most Ambitious Conservation Goal

Overview

Upon working with NEC staff to identify land and water conservation policy models that had been effective in other states, Vermont State Representative Amy Sheldon sponsored the Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Act (H.126), which was enacted in June 2023 and established the most ambitious conservation goal in the country. 

• Bill Specifics: Vermont’s H.126 sets a goal to permanently conserve 30% of all land in Vermont by 2030 (a policy model known as 30×30) and goes one step further by also establishing a goal to conserve 50% of the state’s land by 2050.

• Why It Matters: States are leading efforts to reverse the unprecedented loss of land, water, and wildlife in recent decades. A leading policy solution supported by many prominent scientists is 30×30, which commits states to conserving 30% of land and water by 2030, consistent with the federal America the Beautiful conservation initiative. 

• 30×30 Benefits: 30×30 allows states to protect critical wildlife habitats, increase outdoor access for underrepresented communities, boost local economies, and prevent continued ecosystem degradation. Learn more.

NEC’s Impact

In 2020, Vermont State Representative Amy Sheldon reached out to NEC staff to better understand the 30×30 conservation concept and discuss the policy approaches being taken by other states. NEC shared draft bill language, talking points, and example management plans, and connected Rep. Sheldon with other legislators introducing similar legislation. In 2021, Representative Sheldon attended NEC’s State Policy Strategy Session in Washington D.C. where she shared a vision for this comprehensive bill. 

Rep. Sheldon first introduced the bill in Vermont’s 2022 legislative session, with NEC staff continuing to provide her with research, assistance, and perspectives from other states.

Outcome 

The Community Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Act (H.126) was introduced again in 2023 when it passed after receiving overwhelming support in the House and Senate as well as bipartisan sponsorship. 

In the Words of Rep. Sheldon:

“All states approach land and water conservation differently. Facilitating connections among policymakers, via Zoom and in person, NEC allows us to share and learn from one another while embracing our differences. It’s critical, as we set goals for conserving and restoring our lands and waters for future generations, that no matter the approach each state takes to achieving those goals, biodiversity remains the focus. Working together we can build state policies with integrity.” – Vermont State Representative Amy Sheldon