Tag: Clean Energy & Climate Change

Dec 16, 2022

Rhode Island Climate Plan Approved

“Rhode Island clearly has a lot of work to do when it comes to meeting the demands of the climate crisis,” said Darrèll Brown, Vice President of CLF Rhode Island. “The plan that the council approved today is a good first step, and it recommends some much-needed policies like electrifying transit fleets and expanding incentives for clean, efficient heat pumps. But this experience showed us how much time it takes to create an inclusive climate plan – we need to get to work now on the plan’s next iteration which is due in 2025.”

Rhode Island's state house
Dec 14, 2022

Victory: Vermont Agency Adopts Rules for more Electric, Pollution-Free Vehicles

As I’m writing this, in the beginning of December, I can’t help but think about how mild Vermont’s weather is right now. We’ve got some rain, small flurries, and chilly temperatures, sure – but nothing like the December snow I remember even just a few years ago. My kids and I could count on great… Continue reading Victory: Vermont Agency Adopts Rules for more Electric, Pollution-Free Vehicles

Two diagonal rows of electric busses from an aerial view.
Nov 30, 2022

The Future of Fossil Fuel Heat in Massachusetts

“We can’t burn our way out of this problem,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “Burning oil and gas in our homes pollutes our air and worsens the effects of the climate crisis. The commission’s report is absolutely correct: we need to start planning now for a cleaner future without gas, whether it’s fossil gas or alternative methane gases.”

Heat pumps on the outside of a grey, wooden home while it is sunny outside.
Nov 30, 2022

Appeals Officials Uphold Decision Blocking Springfield Biomass Plant

“Burning wood for electricity is a bad idea to begin with and building a biomass plant in a residential neighborhood is just evil,” said Johannes Epke, Staff Attorney at CLF. “The Department of Environmental Protection was right to revoke this permit the first time around, and the appeals office has made the right call today. We will continue our piece of this fight to protect air quality in Springfield by representing the City Council in Land Court in opposition to this facility.”

Community members holding a banner reading "Welcome to Springfield the Asthma Capital of the USA" to oppose a proposed biomass plant.
Nov 18, 2022

Vermont Adopts Clean Car and Truck Rules

“Toxic pollution from cars and trucks overheats the earth and clogs the air in our communities,” said CLF staff attorney Chase Whiting. “These new rules will help us tackle the climate crisis while cleaning up the air for people and families in Vermont. This is truly a win-win, and it’s a huge step forward towards our clean energy future.”

Nov 03, 2022

The Truth about Biofuels

Are fuels derived from crops and waste good climate solutions at scale? Short answer: No. Here’s why.

Biofuels, like those created from soybeans, are not a climate solution at scale.
Oct 24, 2022

Regulators Approve GlobalFoundries Agreement with CLF

“No one can be allowed to skirt Vermont’s critical environmental laws,” said Elena Mihaly, Vice President of CLF Vermont. “With climate impacts at our doorstep, everyone—no matter how big or powerful – should be held accountable to Vermont’s climate requirements. This agreement makes sure that GlobalFoundries does its part to reduce climate pollution, advance energy efficiency, and transition to clean, renewable energy.”