Bill S.216, introduced by Senator Watson, mandates the Secretary of Natural Resources to adopt a general permit for ecological restoration projects by December 1, 2026. This permit aims to streamline the regulatory process for water restoration initiatives, such as dam removals and floodplain restorations, to enhance flood resilience, improve water quality, and increase biodiversity. The bill also requires the Department of Environmental Conservation's Dam Safety Program to review the environmental assessment process for dam repairs, ensuring that public safety and ecological restoration are prioritized in decision-making.

The bill includes several findings that highlight the negative impacts of human activities on Vermont's rivers and ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for restoration efforts to address flooding, water quality degradation, and biodiversity loss. It proposes that the general permit may incorporate criteria from existing permits to facilitate the restoration process. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Conservation is tasked with reporting recommended changes to the dam safety review process by December 1, 2027, to further support these ecological restoration efforts. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.