May 22, 2018

Clean Renewable Energy Is the Key to a Resilient Electric Grid in New England

New analysis from the regional grid operator, ISO New England (ISO), confirms what CLF and other experts have been saying for some time: New England doesn’t need expensive natural gas pipelines to keep the lights on and our homes warm even during our harshest winters. In fact, thanks to the growth of clean, renewable energy,… Continue reading Clean Renewable Energy Is the Key to a Resilient Electric Grid in New England

Clean, renewable energy like wind and solar are ramping up in New England.
May 16, 2018

Unprecedented Attack on Nation’s Ocean Lurks in Congress

A slew of bills under debate in Congress would endanger our marine life and ocean ecosystems by decimating key conservation protections offered by existing laws. Coupled with harmful actions from the Executive Branch, our ocean faces threats from some in Washington who are more concerned with lining the pockets of a few oil and gas industry executives than with the health of our ocean and coastal communities.

Acadia Ocean
May 14, 2018

Climate Change Preparedness on Trial

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

May 10, 2018

Final Showdown Begins Between Invenergy, CLF, and Burrillville Residents

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

The Invenergy Final Hearing resumed this week
May 02, 2018

Fisheries Managers Fail to Protect Our Ocean (Again)

After 14 years of development, a newly approved plan for managing New England’s fisheries should have prioritized protection of important ocean habitats and improved the long-term well-being of our fishing economy. Instead, in a short-sighted decision, fishery managers put fragile habitats and overfished species at even greater risk than they are today.

Kelp Forest and Red Cod
Apr 26, 2018

R.I. energy panel hears competing lawyers on proposed Burrillville power plant

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.

Apr 26, 2018

An Illustrated History of North Atlantic Right Whales

North Atlantic right whales could be extinct by 2040 if we don’t act quickly. Once a common target for whalers, the population now faces new and increasing threats from ship strikes and fishing gear. We need all hands on deck to save our right whales.