VT H0879

Restricts who may apply for permits to use pesticides or chemicals in Vermont waters: only municipalities or lake associations (in conjunction with municipalities) may apply for non-private waters; private pond owners may apply for their own ponds

Requires joint approval from the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation, Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife, and Commissioner of Health for any pesticide or chemical application permits

Strengthens permit criteria by requiring applicants to demonstrate significant ecological harm exists, nonchemical methods are not feasible, and risks do not outweigh benefits, with the Department of Fish and Wildlife selecting the most sensitive nontarget species as the baseline for harm assessment

Reduces permit duration from 5 years to 3 years for chemical control and from 10 years to 3 years for nonchemical control methods

Takes effect retroactively on January 1, 2026, with exceptions for permits already obtained or complete applications submitted before that date