Sep 12, 2019

In First Statewide Tests for Lead in School Drinking Water, Not All Schools Measure Up

Lead is a toxic substance that is particularly dangerous for children. It permanently impacts behavior and cognitive abilities, among other harmful effects. Last year, thanks to work by CLF and passionate advocates throughout the state, Senate Bill 247 required that all New Hampshire schools test their water for lead. This is a major step forward… Continue reading In First Statewide Tests for Lead in School Drinking Water, Not All Schools Measure Up

Sep 09, 2019

Is Toxic Landfill Wastewater Coming to a Stream or Farm Near You?

The owners of the Coventry landfill are champing at the bit to supersize Vermont’s only active disposal site. But state regulators are holding out on approving one last permit needed for the expansion. This is because Casella has not yet addressed how it will safely dispose of one of the landfill’s most toxin-laden byproducts: leachate.… Continue reading Is Toxic Landfill Wastewater Coming to a Stream or Farm Near You?

Aerial view of Newport Vermont.
Aug 21, 2019

Protecting New England Together

On August 15, Massachusetts lost a powerful voice for justice. Michaelann Bewsee was a fearless ally and treasured friend whose passion and selflessness profoundly impacted the lives of her neighbors in Springfield and beyond for generations. In her honor, we want to share this piece, originally published in March of 2015, about her work to… Continue reading Protecting New England Together

Michaelann Bewsee, Arise for Social Justice
Aug 13, 2019

Historic Lawrence Canals in Danger

“Enel continues to extract from the city of Lawrence while refusing to protect these historic canals,” said CLF attorney Phelps Turner. “While the ruling will force the company to improve its practices, it falls far short in ensuring this critical resource is no longer littered with trash and putting residents in danger. We’re looking at all of our options moving forward to hold Enel accountable for protecting this core piece of the Lawrence landscape.”

Lawrence, MA in the Merrimack Valley
Aug 08, 2019

Conservation Matters Summer 2019: Year in Review

CLF succeeds because we have people like you by our side. In this special annual report issue of Conservation Matters, we are honoring just a few of our many local heroes, people who have devoted their time, energy, and passion to defending our homes, protecting our children’s health, and supporting the vibrancy of our communities.

Aug 02, 2019

Big Oil Can’t Shirk Its Responsibility to Communities

Extreme weather caused by climate change may damage coastal infrastructure by degrading equipment containing hazardous chemicals or by flooding storage facilities. But fossil fuel companies like ExxonMobil and Shell would rather take their chances and do nothing to ready their facilities. CLF knows, however, that these companies have a legal duty (not to mention an ethical one) to adapt their facilities to the foreseeable effects of climate change.

Jul 31, 2019

Disappointing Decisions Mark Rhode Island Legislative Session

This session, the Rhode Island General Assembly missed opportunities to make progress on a wide range of environmental issues. CLF and other environmental organizations pushed for action on the climate crisis, toxic chemicals, and plastics pollution, but no substantial new laws were enacted. It was not a total loss, however, as we were successful in preventing passage of some harmful measures.

Rhode Island State House in Providence
Jul 10, 2019

Why Are We Here Again? Standing with Springfield Against Biomass

Springfield, alongside community and environmental organizations like CLF, has been fighting this proposed biomass plant for years. We set the fight aside in 2017 when Palmer Renewable Energy, the company behind the proposal, paused its plans for construction. But now the company is back, hoping that its efforts to weaken state policy will bring its proposal back to life.

Community members holding a banner reading "Welcome to Springfield the Asthma Capital of the USA" to oppose a proposed biomass plant.
Jul 03, 2019

Higher T Costs, Poorer Service Doesn’t Add Up

This month’s MBTA fare hikes came on the heels of two trains derailments. But it’s not only headline-making derailments and delays that are a problem. The T must also improve daily bus service and make progress on long-awaited projects to ensure fair and equitable service to all of its riders.