WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-At Large) today celebrated that their bicameral Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act unanimously passed the Senate on Wednesday evening. The legislation will protect the ecological, recreational, and economic value of Northern Vermont waterways. This was the first bill Senator Welch introduced in the U.S. Senate alongside the Vermont Congressional Delegation, following the retirement of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).   
 
“Keeping Vermont’s rivers healthy is crucial to the success of our outdoor recreation and tourism industries. We’re proud to help protect our State’s natural beauty and boost our economy,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “The Senate’s unanimous passage of our bill is an important step forward in preserving and protecting the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream for future generations of Vermonters to enjoy.”  
 
A broad coalition of local municipalities, cultural and regional organizations, and environmental conservation groups have supported the request for a wild and scenic river study of the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream in recent years, including: the Abenaki Nation; Backcountry Hunters and Anglers; Connecticut River Joint Commission; Essex County Natural Resource Conservation District; Native Fish Coalition; Nature Conservancy; Northeast Vermont Development Authority; Northern Forest Canoe Trail; Northwoods Stewardship Center; the Towns of Bloomsfield, Brighton, and Maidstone; Trout Unlimited; Unified Towns and Gores of Essex County (Averill, Avery’s Gore, Ferdinand, Lewis, Warren’s Gore, Warner’s Grant); and the Vermont River Conservancy.  
 
Next, the legislation must be passed in the House of Representatives and signed into law.  
 
Read the full text of the bill. 

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