Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

**About the Department of Environmental Conservation** While the DEC issues most of the state’s environmental permits, the Department does more than just set forth regulations and assure compliance. Through its programs, the DEC - manages water and air quality - regulates solid and hazardous wastes - administers a number of voluntary pollution and waste reduction programs Among other responsibilities, Department staff members - collect data - conduct research - run volunteer programs - develop educational and outreach materials and programs - administer grants - work with conservation organizations and state and federal agencies to examine critical environmental issues