Fewer than 350 North Atlantic right whales remain on the planet today and that makes an encounter with one a rare experience. Yet, sadly, the entanglement scars that about 85% of these precious creatures carry on their bodies are far from rare. A solution is in the works that could allow whales and lobstermen to coexist: ropeless gear.
As the federal government takes action to restore and conserve our nation’s lands and waters, strengthening protections for National Marine Sanctuaries must be a priority.
As part of the CLF community, you are combining your voice with thousands of others across our region to push for a healthier and more thriving New England for all. You are directly supporting meaningful change for your state, your community, and your neighborhood – change that you’ll read about in the pages of this… Continue reading Conservation Matters Summer 2022: Year in Review
Maggie Nivison is a senior attorney in CLF’s Boston office, where she works in the Clean Air and Water program. Prior to joining CLF, Maggie served as a Legal Fellow at the ACLU of Massachusetts. She then worked for the National Environmental Law Center where she litigated cases against Fortune 500 companies violating federal pollution… Continue reading Maggie Nivison
Greg Polzer is CLF’s Grants and Finance Manager. Greg works closely with the finance department by providing financial analysis, offering pre- and post-award support, and doing budgeting. Greg is a founding member of the Providence Gay Flag Football League. The league provides a safe space for the LGBTQA+ community to play competitive flag football in… Continue reading Greg Polzer
“This bill includes some important steps forward in limiting biomass subsidies and supporting the offshore wind industry,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “However, there’s a lot of room for improvement when it comes to environmental justice. The state needs to take a stronger stand in protecting these communities from air pollution, creating access to an electrified commuter rail, and our leaders must do more to equitably phase out fossil fuels once and for all. We’ll continue our push to make these critical changes a reality in the next session.”
Just as CLF helped to lead the passing of landmark laws in almost every New England state, we must now watchdog their implementation. Because the consequences if these laws languish are too dire to be ignored.
The economic development bill passed by the House of Representatives presents the latest case-in-point. Quietly tucked into the bill was an amendment that would exempt an enormous parcel of land in Everett from state laws that govern waterfront development and protect the public trust.
Federal fishery managers denied CLF’s petition to end overfishing and rebuild Atlantic cod. Now, New England fishery managers begin a third attempt to save cod.
“Every time it rains, a toxic stew is running into three of the area’s most iconic rivers,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “We’ve repeatedly asked the EPA to clean up this pollution, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. It’s time for the agency to hold these large properties accountable for the constant damage they’re doing to our cherished rivers.”
