Focus Area: People & Justice

Jun 28, 2024

Supreme Court Rules in Chevron Doctrine Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned 40 years of precedent and practice comprising the “Chevron doctrine,” under which federal courts defer to an agency’s interpretation of ambiguous legal terms when Congress has given that agency authority to implement the law.

view of facade of Supreme Court building
Jun 25, 2024

3 Reasons New Hampshire Needs a Bottle Bill  

Thanks to bottle bills, many New England states have increased recycling rates and now rank among the top states in the country. New Hampshire still lacks a bottle bill. Learn why that matters.

Photo of an empty plastic bottle being tossed into a plastic bag. The image is taken from inside the plastic bag, and one can see the outline of a hand tossing the bottle. Behind, a bright sunset shines through the litter.
Jun 24, 2024

5 Lessons for Communities in Negotiating New Energy Infrastructure

CLF worked with Salem Alliance for the Environment (SAFE), a local community group, to negotiate with the mayor of Salem and an offshore wind developer a legal contract known as a Community Benefits Agreement. Here, we present 5 takeaways from our work with the local community.

A rendering of the Salem Wind Port
Jun 06, 2024

CLF Urges Protection of Morley Field 

This situation underscores the urgent need for an Environmental Justice Act in Rhode Island to ensure that marginalized communities have equitable access to green spaces and are protected from environmentally harmful decisions. 

Rhode Island's state house
Apr 18, 2024

Warning: Toxic “Forever Chemicals” in Landfills Put People and the Environment at Risk

Most people don’t realize that landfills, when working as intended, send poisonous chemicals into our waterways. Those chemicals – poly- and perfluorochemicals, or PFAS for short –  are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or in our bodies. These toxic substances are linked to a growing number of health… Continue reading Warning: Toxic “Forever Chemicals” in Landfills Put People and the Environment at Risk

Drone view of landfill in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.
Apr 11, 2024

How to Plan a Community Cleanup to Make It Count

Organizing a trash cleanup will only make a tiny dent in all the plastic we toss, but it’s still a great opportunity to care for the environment, get some steps in, and connect with friends and neighbors. They also highlight the detrimental effects that plastic has on our planet! Here’s a guide to plan yours.

Sunny beach day. A person wearing white gloves picks up empty plastic bottles from the sand and puts them inside a black plastic bag as part of a community cleanup. Cleanups like this help document the impact of plastic litter on our environment.
Apr 10, 2024

Maine Legislature Passes Bill to Address Community Concerns in Dangerous Landfill Expansion 

“We can’t let polluters trample on the public’s right to oppose projects that put their health and environment at risk,” said CLF attorney Nora Bosworth. “This law ensures communities get a chance to make their voices heard and places critical safeguards around Casella’s dangerous plans to expand this landfill. Preventing these forever chemicals from continuing to poison the Penobscot River means protecting a water source sacred to the culture and livelihood of the Penobscot Nation.” 

Maine Statehouse.