STATE OF VERMONT
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 03-23

[Declaration of State of Emergency, Guard Call-Out and Activation of Emergency Operations
Plan for the State of Vermont in Response to Anticipated Storm-Related Damage]

WHEREAS, Vermont faces the imminent likelihood of excessive rain combined with water runoff, flooding, erosion and resulting damages from July 9, 2023 - July 11, 2023 with the likelihood of widespread damage and posing a threat to property and public safety in Vermont; and

WHEREAS, I have determined it is necessary for The State of Vermont, through its various agencies and the Vermont National Guard to take steps to prepare for the anticipated storm.

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Vermont and Commander-in-Chief, Vermont National Guard by the Constitution of the State of Vermont, Chapter II, Section 20, and pursuant to the emergency powers set forth in 20 V.S.A. §§ 8, 9 and 11 and other laws and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, 20 V.S.A. Ch. 4, I hereby declare a State of Emergency for the State of Vermont.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

1. The Interim Director of the Division of Emergency Management (VEM) shall activate the Vermont State Emergency Operations Plan and coordinate statewide hazard mitigation, support response and recovery efforts to preserve public safety and property in Vermont.
2. In preparing for and responding to this State of Emergency, all agencies of the State shall use and employ state personnel, equipment and facilities or perform any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Department of Public Safety (DPS)/VEM in accordance with the State Emergency Management Plan.
3. I hereby authorize and direct the Adjutant General to call into Active State Service, for the purpose of assisting and supporting the State of Vermont, in its efforts to respond to the conditions created or caused by this impending storm to conduct hazard mitigation, support response and recovery efforts to alleviate hardship and suffering of citizens and communities and preserve public safety and property of the State, any and all units of the National Guard of the State of Vermont as he, in consultation with DPS/VEM, may deem appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Order.
4. Relevant rules and permitting requirements shall be suspended to the extent necessary to respond to the conditions created or caused by this impending storm to conduct hazard mitigation, support response and recovery efforts to alleviate hardship and suffering of citizens and communities and preserve public safety and property of the State.
5. Pursuant to the powers granted to the Governor in 20 V.S.A. §§ 8, 9 and 11 and other provisions of law, I shall from time-to-time issue recommendations, directives and orders as circumstances may require.

This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing and shall continue in full force and effect until the Governor, in consultation with DPS/VEM, shall assess the emergency and determine whether to amend or rescind this Order.

WITNESS my name hereunto subscribed and the Great Seal of the State of Vermont hereunto affixed at Montpelier this 9th day of July, 2023.

Philip B. Scott
Governor

By the Governor:

Brittney L. Wilson
Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs