WHAT NO ONE IS SAYING OUT LOUD: "The content and context of Act 181 is directly in violation with the provisions of the State of Vermont Constitution."

Act 181 is unconstitutional...there I said it.

Growing up in Vermont, I have witnessed firsthand how vital rural farming and landownership are to our community's fabric and way of life. However, Vermont Act 181 has introduced changes that are causing unforeseen and significant challenges for rural farmers and landowners like myself. Enacted with the intention of environmental preservation, Act 181 imposes stringent regulations that disproportionately burden those of us who rely on the land not just for our livelihood, but for our identity.

Farmers are the backbone of Vermont's economy, contributing approximately $2.3 billion annually and supporting thousands of jobs. However, Act 181's restrictions on land use and development impede farmers' abilities to optimize and sustainably grow their operations. For instance, the law requires expensive permits for expansions or water usage that could otherwise boost productivity and innovation. Small-scale farmers, who already face financial pressures, find these additional costs unsustainable, threatening their ability to remain operational.

Moreover, the act hinders young farmers from entering the industry due to its bureaucracy and cost-prohibitive requirements. With the average age of a farmer in Vermont being 56, we should be encouraging and enabling a new generation to continue the legacy, not deter them through red tape. Communities that already struggle with economic instability may face further decline as agriculture declines.

While the intention behind Act 181 is to protect our natural resources, it fails to consider the knowledge and sustainable practices that many of Vermont's farmers have long employed. By emphasizing collaboration over regulation, we can find solutions that both preserve our environment and sustain our rural economy. We propose a revision of Act 181 with input directly from those impacted – the farmers and landowners themselves.

To ensure Vermont continues to thrive both economically and environmentally, repeal Vermont Act 181 and create policies that respect and empower our farmers. Please join me in calling on lawmakers to prioritize rural communities and craft an approach that will benefit everyone involved. Sign this petition and help us pave the way for a more balanced and prosperous future for Vermont's cherished land and its people.