“The last symbol of dirty coal in Massachusetts has come tumbling down, and a coal-free New England is within our reach,” said Sean Mahoney, Executive Vice President at CLF. “Brayton Point spewed toxic pollution into nearby communities for decades, sickening residents and devastating our environment. Now residents can literally breathe easier as clean, renewable energy will rise out of the rubble of this dirty, polluting dinosaur.”
Kirstie Pecci of the Conservation Law Foundation said the movement to ban plastic bags is “really rolling right now.” She said advocates are not asking people to give up all plastic products but that most plastic is unnecessary and plastic bags are “one of the most replaceable items and should be the most low-hanging fruit.”
“Exxon has put vulnerable communities and the harbor at risk as part of its pattern and practice of deceiving regulators and the public about the risks of climate change,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “Exxon has known about these risks and its ongoing spills for years and is failing its most important duty under the law: to avoid spills of oil and hazardous substances that threaten public health and the environment.”
“We must make it as easy as possible for people to get out of their cars and choose public transit, and that starts with a system that works for everyone,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “It’s clear that the MBTA needs to focus on protecting the system from climate change and improving accessibility. These aren’t always the most visible projects, but they’re critical if we’re going to have a transportation system that is prepared for the future and doesn’t leave anyone behind.”
“The public can’t access protected public spaces if they are underwater,” said Bradley Campbell, President of CLF. “Rising seas and more intense storms are already inundating parks and developed properties once safely above the tide line — a sobering glimpse of the more dramatic changes to come. It’s up to our elected officials to protect these public spaces and all of our waterfront neighborhoods from the looming risks of climate change before it’s too late.”
“Clean Energy Connect has the potential to significantly reduce New England’s climate-damaging emissions,” said Sean Mahoney, Executive Vice President and Director of CLF Maine. “But any approval of the project must depend on CMP providing greater economic benefits for Maine families and businesses, better safeguards for our environment, and a clear path to boost local clean energy here at home.”
“Fare increases should be modest, predictable, and necessary,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “Riders deserve a reliable ride to get where they need to go at a reasonable price. Any potential fare increase must be tied to service improvements, like finishing the Green Line Extension and fixing the bus system for riders who depend on it most.”
“PFAS contamination is endangering public health across Massachusetts,” said Heather Govern, Director of CLF’s clean water program. “Setting a protective limit is an important first step, as is DEP’s commitment to evaluate every option to protect the public from the entire PFAS class of chemicals. But there are thousands of these dangerous compounds in the environment, and CLF will continue the fight to rid them all from our water.”
“The hybrid option ensures a more sustainable community around the Charles River while providing a necessary link to Boston,” said Amy Laura Cahn, Interim Director of the Healthy Communities and Environmental Justice program at CLF. “However, MassDOT ignored its legal obligation to study how each option would minimize environmental and climate harms. The public needs to know that the project will prioritize the health of the river, maximize public access, and protect an area vulnerable to flooding.”
“Nitrogen pollution is destroying Cape Cod’s bays and beaches and damaging the Cape’s economy,” said Chris Kilian, Vice President of Strategic Litigation at CLF. “Illegal sewage discharge from Wychmere Beach Club is wreaking havoc on water quality.”
