A Facebook page that began as opposition to Vermont's Act 181 land use law has grown into a statewide grassroots network, and a state senator is launching a complementary political platform.
Rural Vermont Rising, started by Colleen Gold, now has more than 15,000 followers. The page successfully pressured lawmakers to modify Act 181 this past legislative session. Gold described the group as nonpartisan and focused on ensuring rural Vermonters have a voice.
Sen. Russ Ingalls, an independent who caucuses with Republicans, started The Vermont Party as a political offshoot. The party aims to recruit and support candidates who agree with its core principle: "Support less government; keep your hands off my land," Ingalls said. He emphasized that the party is not affiliated with the Vermont Republican Party and is nonpartisan, though observers note a conservative lean.
The movements tap into long-standing tensions over property rights. In the 1980s, similar backlash followed Act 200. Gov. Phil Scott vetoed Act 181 in 2024, but the Democratic supermajority overrode the veto. Rural landowners objected to restrictions including an 800-foot road rule that would have required Act 250 permits for new roads longer than that.
Ingalls said towns that opted out of zoning would have had zoning forced on them under the original rules, and that urban areas pushing the regulations would not be affected by the most restrictive Tier 3 designations.
Rural Vermont Rising is now establishing local chapters ahead of November's elections. The Vermont Party is seeking volunteers with skills in organizing, public speaking, and policy.
NEK will be looking into how Act 181 is being implemented in local towns and whether the new movements have filed any campaign finance paperwork.
Originally reported by Newport Daily Express.
Photo: Giuli Canderle via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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