Clean Water Planning: Vermont DEC is inviting public comment on a draft Tactical Basin Plan for the Batten Kill, Walloomsac, and Hoosic River Basin (Basin 1), laying out 30 actions to protect and restore rivers, lakes, and wetlands across 16 southwestern communities; comments run June 15–July 31, with a hybrid meeting July 16 (in-person at Merck Forest & Farmland Center in Rupert, plus virtual access). Disaster Relief for Working Lands: Vermont secured $31.7 million in USDA funding to help producers recover from 2023–2024 storms and flooding, with applications expected to open in 2026; the state is also still accepting applications for a farm equipment grant program that can cover up to 90% of costs for runoff-reducing water-quality gear. Severe Weather Impacts: National Weather Service surveys confirmed two EF-1 tornadoes in Vermont—one in West Woodstock (about 100 mph) and one in Lincoln (about 105 mph)—as communities assess damage after Thursday’s storms. Microplastics Monitoring Push: California AG Rob Bonta joined a coalition urging EPA to add microplastics to drinking-water research priorities and to expand monitoring. Energy Policy Clash: Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of Vermont’s renewable energy bill (H.710) is drawing mixed reactions, with supporters citing community input concerns and critics questioning how the decision affects wind and solar development. Data Center Backlash: A new report highlights growing state opposition to data centers over power and water demand, costs, and environmental impacts.