The Conservation Law Foundation complaint says Merrimack Station in Bow is polluting the Merrimack River with excess hot water. The nonprofit first announced its intent to file the Clean Water Act suit, along with the Sierra Club, last November.
“Merrimack Station has seriously undermined the health of the Merrimack River for decades,” said Tom Irwin, Vice President and Director of CLF New Hampshire. “This dirty coal plant is damaging our climate and endangering public health, all while polluting an iconic natural resource. The owners of this plant must immediately address these offenses and ensure the Merrimack River is protected from further harm.”
“The disastrous effects of climate change are at our front door and we must take aggressive action to reduce our emissions to zero by 2050,” said Greg Cunningham, Vice President and Director of CLF’s Clean Energy and Climate Change program. “The Clean Energy Connect project will significantly reduce New England’s climate-damaging emissions by providing low-carbon electricity and decreasing our reliance on natural gas.”
CLF issued a brief statement on behalf of president Bradley Campbell, saying the project has the potential “to be a major win” for the climate and for families and businesses throughout New England. Central Maine Power, Campbell said, appears willing to make the necessary concessions to generate broad support.
“Clean Energy Connect has the potential to significantly reduce New England’s climate-damaging emissions,” said Sean Mahoney, Executive Vice President and Director of CLF Maine. “But any approval of the project must depend on CMP providing greater economic benefits for Maine families and businesses, better safeguards for our environment, and a clear path to boost local clean energy here at home.”
“Storing energy inside our homes is a win for New Hampshire residents and the environment,” said Melissa Birchard, Senior Attorney at CLF. “Today’s decision will help families save money on their electric bills and keep the lights on when winter storms inevitably strike. We must continue to find innovative ways to reduce climate-damaging emissions and encourage clean energy over polluting fossil fuels.”
“This report speaks loud and clear—fracked gas is increasing our carbon emissions and harming our environment,” said Greg Cunningham, VP and Director of CLF’s Clean Energy and Climate Change program. “Coal’s sharp-dressed cousin is continuing us on a path to irreparable and costly climate damage. It is imperative that we shift our clean energy transition into high gear and accelerate our clean car standards to reverse this trend.”
New England is getting more and more of its power from local clean energy sources like rooftop solar and wind. Not only does this lower our climate-damaging emissions, it’s also spurring innovation as groups in both the public and private sector work creatively to take control of our energy future. Among these new, exciting innovations… Continue reading Using Batteries to Power Your Home and Fight Climate Change
“The rules put forth by the LePage administration are a giant step backward for solar power,” said Sean Mahoney, Executive Vice President and Director of CLF Maine. “Mainers overwhelmingly support solar and other renewable energy sources. These policies disincentivize homeowners from making the necessary investments at a time when it is more important than ever for the state encourage development in Maine’s fast-growing clean energy sector.”
The Massachusetts Legislative Session is over, and CLF has our recap of the good, the bad, and the “meh” from the last two years of work by our elected officials.
