Harvey. Irma. Maria. Nate. Last year, during a 45-day period, eight consecutive named storms strengthened into hurricanes. All told, the 2017 hurricane season was the most expensive in history, causing more than $200 billion in damage nationwide. Meanwhile, so-called 100-year floods are becoming so common the metric is losing its meaning and utility. For instance,… Continue reading Climate Change Preparedness on Trial
For two years, Invenergy has been trying to build an unneeded, unwanted fossil fuel power plant in the heart of a state forest in Burrillville, Rhode Island. But Burrillville – along with nearly every other town across the state – has stood against the project, as it would harm local communities, devastate an important wildlife corridor,… Continue reading Final Showdown Begins Between Invenergy, CLF, and Burrillville Residents
In Maine, 33 elementary- to high-school-age kids have forced the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to consider regulating climate-damaging emissions. These kids, joined by CLF, hundreds of registered voters, and other environmental organizations, filed a petition that requires the DEP to hold a public hearing – scheduled for May 15, 2018 – on the need for and scope of such regulations.
“Eversource continues to go through the procedural steps necessary to keep the Northern Pass project on life support, but the project is largely dead,” said Melissa Birchard, CLF staff attorney.
Conservation Law Foundation attorney David Ismay says ISO is basing those fears on overly pessimistic, even unrealistic assumptions. “There’s a bit of Chicken Little, ‘sky is falling,’ ” he says.
“Even in extreme winters far colder than this year’s, New Englanders don’t need to worry about ISO’s ability to keep the lights on as we transition away from fossil fuel electricity,” said David Ismay, Senior Staff Attorney at CLF.
This week, CLF joined with a host of partner organizations to lend support for Governor Charlie Baker’s home energy scorecard program.The program, outlined in H. 4371, An Act relative to consumer access to residential energy information, would require homeowners to undertake a home energy audit and include a home energy scorecard when they sell their… Continue reading New Home Energy Audit Bill Has Right Idea But Wrong Funding
Jerry Elmer, senior attorney with the Conservation Law Foundation, countered that energy efficiency is reducing demand for electricity in New England and that renewable energy is helping to fill what need there is. Prices in the annual energy auction held by ISO New England have dropped significantly in recent years, proving, he said, an excess of capacity.
Conservation Law Foundation official Melissa Birchard said the Senate’s defeat of the bill goes against Republican Gov. Chris Sununu’s energy policy that prioritizes efficiency to help lower people’s bills. Opponents of the bill argue that giving the money to ratepayers helps keep energy prices lower and stimulates the economy.
Offshore wind power is on track to be a pillar of America’s energy future – and now is our moment to establish a clear leading role for the Commonwealth in making it happen.
