Bill > H0542

This bill proposes to stop the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) from conducting new indoor air quality tests for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are harmful chemicals, in Vermont public and independent schools built or renovated before 1980. However, the state will continue to pay for the investigation, cleanup, and removal of PCBs in schools where ANR has already tested and found PCB levels exceeding the state's action levels, which are the acceptable limits for these chemicals. The bill also clarifies that schools will not be required to start or continue temporary cleanup measures if the state isn't fully funding them, the building needs to be replaced, and federal law doesn't mandate immediate action. Any remaining funds originally set aside for PCB testing will now be redirected to cover the costs of investigating, remediating, and removing PCBs in schools that have already tested positive. The bill also outlines reporting requirements for the ANR and the long-term remediation plan for PCB contamination in schools.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.542