Sep 25, 2017

Carlos Rafael Sentence Shows Zero Tolerance for Fish Fraud

“The sentence imposed by Judge Young today sends a strong message that systemic abuse of our fishery resources will not be tolerated,” said CLF attorney Megan Herzog. “While others played by the rules, Mr. Rafael showed brazen disregard for fishermen, their families, and the health of our ocean environment. Going forward, it is critical that we implement stronger monitoring and enforcement at sea in order to ensure New England’s fishing industry operates on a level playing field.”

Sep 25, 2017

Myths About Self-Driving Cars Debunked: Part 1

Self-driving cars feel like the stuff of science fiction. Given the speed at which self-driving cars are joining conventional vehicles on the road, it’s important to address some myths about them. Only by getting at what’s really happening right now can we make sensible plans for how self-driving cars can be safely and sensibly integrated into New England’s transportation network.

Self-driving cars
Sep 25, 2017

Myths About Self-Driving Cars Debunked: Part 2

Self-driving cars are no longer a dream of the future, but are here now. While we’re still in the early stages of testing and adoption, it’s expected that we will see a major proliferation of self-driving cars here in the States soon. That means we need to plan for them now ­– and what a proliferation of self-driving cars will mean for our roadways, our environment, and our daily lives.

Autonomous vehicles
Sep 19, 2017

Monuments on Paper Only?

National monuments without protections from commercial activities won’t do what they’re meant to do – comprehensively protect our natural, scientific, and cultural treasures In late August, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke submitted to President Trump a report on his summer-long, unnecessary “review” of 27 of America’s treasured national monuments, including two of the newest: the Northeast… Continue reading Monuments on Paper Only?

Photo: Mount Katahdin, Maine
Sep 18, 2017

Reported Attempts to Undermine National Monuments are Out of Touch

“Our marine monument – the only one in the Atlantic – protects rare and fragile ocean life and serves as an important deep-sea laboratory that will propel forward our nation’s commitment to scientific understanding and innovation. We intend to continue to fight for full, comprehensive protection of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts monument on behalf of all New Englanders who rely on a healthy ocean.”

Sep 15, 2017

How New England States Are Celebrating National Drive Electric Week

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — National Drive Electric Week! This annual event is a week-long, national celebration that showcases the benefits of electric vehicles (“EVs”). Whether you already own an electric car or are curious about what it’s like to drive one, we encourage you to explore a local #NDEW2017 event.… Continue reading How New England States Are Celebrating National Drive Electric Week

Photo: Electric car charging
Sep 15, 2017

Debunking Myths About Electric Vehicles

In January, we debunked the five most common myths about electric cars. From price to reliability, we showed how electric cars and trucks have become a fantastic option for anyone looking to buy a vehicle. Curious to learn more? Read the article linked above, or check out our handy infographic, below.  

A row of gray electric cars being charged at charging stations.
Sep 12, 2017

U.S. Court Allows Suit Alleging ExxonMobil’s Everett Tank Farm Is A Hazard To Proceed

… The plaintiff, nonprofit Conservation Law Foundation, or CLF, claims that ExxonMobil has ignored requirements to prevent its oil storage and transfer site in Everett from discharging pollutants into the Mystic in heavy weather. The ExxonMobil oil terminal and storage facility in Everett is regulated by federal (EPA) and state (MassDEP) authorities, but federal environmental… Continue reading U.S. Court Allows Suit Alleging ExxonMobil’s Everett Tank Farm Is A Hazard To Proceed

Sep 06, 2017

CLF Urges Court to Impose Significant Penalties in Carlos Rafael Case

 Summary: On March 30, 2017, New Bedford-based fishing magnate Carlos Rafael pled guilty to 28 criminal counts against him, including conspiracy to evade federal fishing quotas and profit from the sale of misreported fish, and falsified reporting to the federal government. Rafael’s egregious crimes inflicted severe damage within New England’s fishing community, which has rippled… Continue reading CLF Urges Court to Impose Significant Penalties in Carlos Rafael Case