What is Vermont Conservation Voters?
Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) is a political and advocacy organization that works to elect pro-democracy and environmentally-friendly candidates to public office in Vermont, and then holds those elected officials accountable for decisions affecting the state's air, water, wildlife, land, communities, and democracy. If you want to know who is voting for environmental priorities in the Vermont State House, or you want to support candidates who do, VCV is the group to follow.
What VCV actually does
VCV describes its work in three connected tracks:
- Endorsements — VCV endorses and works to elect candidates who vote for the environment.
- Advocacy — VCV campaigns for strong environmental laws.
- Accountability — VCV tracks, scores, and holds lawmakers accountable for their votes.
Each year, VCV works with major environmental groups to identify the most pressing environmental issues. It publishes an Environmental Common Agenda of Legislative Priorities, then produces an Environmental Scorecard to hold lawmakers accountable for votes on those priority issues.
Core issues
VCV's stated core issues center on the environment and democracy. Its podcast and news coverage reference climate action, housing, clean water, transportation, open space, and quality of life as recurring topics.
Endorsements and elections
VCV endorses candidates and tracks results. On its site, VCV announced an endorsement of a full slate of statewide candidates, including Amanda Janoo for Governor, Molly Gray for Lieutenant Governor, Charity Clark for Attorney General, and Mike Pieciak (the excerpt cuts off there). VCV also reported that 2026 primary results showed strong support for climate and democracy champions.
Democracy Dispatch podcast
VCV produces Democracy Dispatch, a podcast hosted by Justin Marsh. New episodes launch every Monday during the Vermont Legislative Session. The format covers:
- What happened in the Vermont State House the previous week
- What to expect in the upcoming week
- Interviews with legislators and environmental allies
- Deeper dives on policy affecting air, water, open space, democracy, and quality of life
The latest episode listed is "2026 Session Shakedown" (Jun 8, 2026), a season finale featuring VCV Executive Director Dan Fingas, covering the year's major environmental priorities and debates including controversy around Act 181. Episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, TuneIn, and Podchaser.
How to get involved
The site offers two direct actions: Make a Donation and Join the Movement. VCV also runs field activity — it partnered with VPIRG for a Fall Canvass Tour — and reports activist engagements each biennium.
Quick reference
| Area | What VCV provides |
|---|---|
| Candidate elections | Endorsements and election support |
| Lawmaker accountability | Environmental Scorecard based on priority votes |
| Legislative priorities | Annual Environmental Common Agenda |
| News and analysis | Democracy Dispatch podcast, weekly during session |
| Field organizing | Canvass tours, activist engagements |
If your goal is to know how a Vermont lawmaker voted on environmental priorities, start with the Environmental Scorecard. If your goal is to support pro-environment candidates, the endorsement list and donation page are the entry points.