Jan 23, 2020

MA Senate Announces Ambitious Climate Legislation

“Combatting the climate crisis is going to take everything we’ve got, and this legislation is a huge step forward,” said Alyssa Rayman-Read, Vice President and Director of CLF Massachusetts. “Getting to net-zero emissions by 2050 is an absolute necessity to protect our communities and our health. But we must hold our leaders accountable to make sure Massachusetts hits the ambitious goals laid out in the bills. We won’t be given another chance to get this right.”

The Massachusetts State House
Dec 17, 2019

New England States Announce Transportation Climate Plan

“This state agreement moves us toward much-needed regional collaboration to confront the climate crisis,” said Amy Laura Cahn, Director of CLF’s Healthy Communities and Environmental Justice program. “Urgent and bold action is necessary to tackle the scourge of carbon emissions and jumpstart clean transportation options for New Englanders. We also need more immediate solutions that improve air quality for residents in pollution hotspots.”

EPA revokes state authority to set vehicle emissions standards
Nov 04, 2019

MBTA Board Votes on Long-Term Commuter Rail Plan

“Finally, this is the bold action we’ve been waiting for from the MBTA,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “The region clearly needs people to ditch their cars and get onto trains before our highways turn into parking lots. Electrifying the commuter rail, especially in communities serving environmental justice populations, will go a long way in making that a reality. Fares must also be affordable for all so that riding the rails is a cheaper alternative to getting in the car.”

Oct 08, 2019

State Unlawfully Removes HOV Lane

“With the daily traffic nightmare on our roads, opening this lane to all cars is short-sighted, slows commutes for bus riders, and violates the law,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “Punishing people for carpooling and taking public transit is the exact opposite of good policy. For the sake of our environment and the health and well-being of residents north of Boston, the state must realize its mistake and undo this change immediately.”

Oct 08, 2019

Who Moved My Carpool Lane? Lawsuit Says Mass. Illegally Took It Away

“It’s a hasty decision that negatively impacts transit-dependent riders and carpoolers who are taking the right action to promote air quality and public health,” said Conservation Law Foundation Senior Attorney Staci Rubin. Unilaterally eliminating the HOV lane violates federal and state regulations, she said.

Oct 07, 2019

Fairmount Line Riders Deserve Improved Service

“Passenger growth on the Fairmount Line is surging, and it’s time the MBTA provides more frequent service,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “With more service, riders also deserve fair fares. These neighborhoods have been overlooked for too long, and the Fairmount line must become true rapid transit with affordable fares at all stations and service frequency to match.”

Oct 07, 2019

Walsh Makes Pitch For Increased Trips On MBTA’s Fairmount Line

“These neighborhoods have been overlooked for too long, and the Fairmount Line must become true rapid transit with affordable fares at all stations and service frequency to match,” CLF Senior Attorney Staci Rubin said in a press release.

Oct 01, 2019

States Release Transportation Climate Outline

“Transportation emissions are worsening the climate crisis, and it’s about time the region worked together on a solution,” said Amy Laura Cahn, Director of CLF’s Healthy Communities and Environmental Justice program. “Underserved communities have endured the majority of pollution and a lack of healthy transportation options for too long, and they must be the first to see the benefits from a clean transportation system. While today’s plan is a good first step, we need to be working on all fronts to reduce emissions and improve air quality.”

EPA revokes state authority to set vehicle emissions standards
Aug 01, 2019

MBTA Debuts Zero Emission Electric Buses

“Combatting climate change means we have to break our dependence on fossil fuels and go electric,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “Traditional buses are a menace, spreading toxic pollution in our communities and making people sick. These buses are a good first step in the MBTA’s promise to provide a 100% electric fleet, and that transformation needs to happen much faster than is planned.”