This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin, was produced through a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public.

Leaders of environmental and democracy groups say that Gov. Phil Scott overstepped his authority when the Republican issued an order aimed at speeding up housing development by rolling back regulations last month.

In a letter sent to top administration officials on Wednesday, the organizations claim the executive order — issued while lawmakers were not in session — “directly undermines the authority of the legislature and the separation of powers” established in the state Constitution.

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Gov. Phil Scott signs executive order aimed at boosting housing production by Shaun Robinson and Charlotte Oliver September 17, 2025, 3:05 pm Se

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