In the realm of energy and climate change, this year’s legislative session was a big yawn. Legislators took some baby steps towards progress at a time when big leaps are needed. But all journeys begin with a single step, so these modest actions can set the stage for the hard work ahead. While it’s good… Continue reading Vermont Sets the Stage for Climate Action
In 2014, the Commonwealth’s groundbreaking climate change law, the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), was gathering dust as the State missed key deadlines for putting in place required regulations to cut its greenhouse gas emissions. CLF decided to fight for full implementation.
“The impacts of weakening these landmark standards will be widespread and severe,” said Emily Green, CLF Staff Attorney. “American families and businesses will be forced to pay more at the pump for gas, while the air we breathe becomes dirtier and the health of our communities is put at risk.”
In Maine, 33 elementary- to high-school-age kids have forced the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to consider regulating climate-damaging emissions. These kids, joined by CLF, hundreds of registered voters, and other environmental organizations, filed a petition that requires the DEP to hold a public hearing – scheduled for May 15, 2018 – on the need for and scope of such regulations.
“This vote deals a significant blow to New Hampshire residents and the environment,” said CLF Staff Attorney Melissa Birchard. “RGGI revenues were always intended to be invested in energy efficiency in order to save Granite Staters money on their energy bills and protect our environment. There’s a lot of talk in New Hampshire about lowering energy bills, but this vote shows that when push comes to shove, some legislators just won’t stand up for the cheapest, easiest way to lower energy costs.”
When it comes to national leadership, New England has always been ahead of the curve. The first public school, the first newspaper, the first veteran’s hospital, and even the first microwave oven were all pioneered in our backyard. And on environmental progress, our region’s legacy is just as sterling. Since long before the age of… Continue reading Putting Climate Change on the Ballot in 2018
Maine just took an important step forward in the fight against climate change. In a move that will help Maine reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions in the power sector, the Maine Legislature recently passed a bill that commits the state to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) for the years 2021 to 2030. Maine was… Continue reading Maine Recommits to Cutting Carbon Pollution
Invenergy is a zombie. By “zombie,” I mean the company’s proposed fracked gas and diesel fuel power plant is as good as dead. Invenergy may not be aware yet that its plant is as good as dead – that’s why Invenergy is still walking around. But it is as good as dead. Two different sets… Continue reading Invenergy is a Zombie
There’s a consensus that self-driving cars are on the cusp of bringing about a transportation revolution that will address many environmental and societal challenges. However, it relies on a few critical assumptions about our future that are not guaranteed. The self-driving car industry paints a picture of blissful commutes, less pollution, and fewer accidents. But… Continue reading Bad Policy Could Crash the Achievements of Self-Driving Cars
We’re not giving in. Yes, approaching a year after President’s Trump’s election, he seems intent on undermining decades of work to protect public health and the environment and fostering an ideology that denies and denigrates the basic facts of science. But we’ve been here before. In the 1970s, oil companies were intent on drilling for… Continue reading One Year Down: Fighting Back and Fighting On for New England
