§ 6001 et seq.,[1] is a law passed in 1970 by the Vermont legislature designed to mitigate the effects of development through an application process that addresses the environmental and community impacts of projects that exceed a threshold in size.
Development pressures resulting from the opening of two interstate highways (I-89 and I-91) made access to the state much easier for year-round visitors, creating community concerns including road congestion, increased environmental problems, burden on local services, and rising taxes.
Governor Deane C. Davis appointed a study commission chaired by state representative Arthur Gibb in 1969 to develop a statewide law to address these concerns, as no environmental regulations or land use controls existed.
The law created nine District Environmental Commissions[3] to review large-scale development projects using 10 criteria that are designed to safeguard the environment, community life, and aesthetic character of the state.
They have an approval record of 98%, but this rate includes plans modified during the hearing process, with conditions typically attached to permits when granted.