Jul 26, 2023
Climate Change + Stormwater Pollution Equals Dirty, Unsafe Swimming Holes
Numerous beach closures in the summer of 2023 were a result of climate change and stormwater pollution.
Focus Area: Clean Air & Water
Jul 20, 2023
Boston-Area Beaches Shut Down During Hottest Week of the Year
Beaches across the Boston area are closed during the hottest week of the year. Climate-driven extreme rainfall is to blame.
Jul 18, 2023
A Win for the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset Rivers
“These iconic rivers are inundated with stormwater pollution that makes boating, fishing, and swimming unsafe,” said Heather Govern, CLF’s Vice President of Clean Air and Water. “The court’s decision today sets a timeline to clean up this problem that has plagued the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset Rivers for far too long. EPA is now on the hook to issue draft permits by September 2024, which is a clear victory for clean water in Greater Boston.”
Jul 16, 2023
Conservation group prepares multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Twin Rivers Technologies
Conservation Law Foundation lawyer Erica Kyzmir-McKeon said area residents have been “subjected to odors and pollutants” affecting their “health and quality of life” for more than a decade. She said litigation could be avoided if, before Aug. 14, Twin Rivers “can find a way to operate successfully without burdening the community it exists in.”
Jul 07, 2023
Saving Cape Cod’s Waters
Cape Cod’s waters are at risk from nitrogen pollution but the region’s towns have been slow to implement solutions.
Jun 21, 2023
Mass. Releases New Rules to Clean Up Cape Cod Pollution
Ineffective septic tanks release high levels of nitrogen in wastewater which can cause toxic algae outbreaks in the Cape’s waters, which in turn place people at risk, harm fish and wildlife, and dampen tourism. CLF released the following statement in response to today’s news.
“Pollution from septic tanks has pushed Cape Cod’s waters to the brink of disaster,” said CLF attorney Maggie Nivison. “Toxic algae outbreaks destroy our waters, sicken people, and threaten the Cape’s critical tourism economy. The state has finally taken this crisis seriously, and these new rules are a tremendous first step in finally combatting this pervasive problem.”
Jun 16, 2023
CLF to Sue Polluting Chemical Company in Quincy, MA
“Twin Rivers has been given a free pass to violate the law and pollute Quincy and other nearby communities for far too long,” said CLF attorney Erica Kyzmir-McKeon. “Everyone has a right to clean air and water. This is why CLF will fight to push Twin Rivers ends this illegal pollution once and for all.”
Jun 07, 2023
Our Fight to Stop a New Hampshire Landfill Is Headed to State Supreme Court
Since 2019, CLF has been fighting alongside Bethlehem residents to stop an unnecessary landfill expansion. Now, our fight against Casella heads to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
May 31, 2023
Lake Advocates Say Vermont Has Botched Regulating Pollution on Dairy Farms
“In order to achieve the monumental phosphorus reductions we need to clean up the lake, we need a functioning system to regulate those farms,” said Elena Mihaly, director of the Conservation Law Foundation in Vermont. “We have a lot of concern that the structure right now is not set up for success.”
May 25, 2023
Supreme Court Rolls Back Clean Water Act Protections
“As millions of Americans prepare to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend, the Supreme Court has torpedoed protections for treasured waters safeguarded by the Clean Water Act,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “The Court has commandeered the power to curtail Congress’ authority whenever it impinges on the rights of polluters and property owners. The decision is devastating not only for the environment, but also for countless families and businesses whose health, safety, and prosperity depend on wetlands for safe drinking water, flood and storm protection, and a vibrant tourism economy.”
