Oct 25, 2023

Mass. Climate Chief Issues Recommendations for Confronting Climate Crisis

Melissa Hoffer has released a report outlining recommendations for the Healey Administration’s agenda to tackle the climate crisis. Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement in response.

“The climate crisis is impacting every community in Massachusetts, and we wasted valuable years under the prior administration waiting for firm commitments and real action on the ground,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “The Climate Chief’s report underscores the vast challenges facing the Commonwealth in this fight as well as the opportunities for climate solutions that work for all our residents. It’s time to get to work.”

The Massachusetts State House
Oct 24, 2023

Maine Officials Support Clean Cars Rules

“Harmful emissions from fossil fuel-powered cars and trucks are driving the climate crisis and polluting the air we breathe,” said CLF senior attorney Emily Green. “The clean car standards will save lives and clean up our air. But our leaders need to go beyond the rule they’re considering and go all electric by 2035. And rejecting the clean trucks standards would be absolutely the wrong move. Our future health, air, and climate depend on us taking bold action today.” 

Electric vehicles are a critical part of our climate solutions.
Oct 20, 2023

Ruling Clears the Way for CLF Trial Against Shell

“Despite Shell’s many efforts to obstruct our case and avoid producing evidence, the court has recognized that this important case will now proceed to trial,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “The company’s inconsistent positions about climate risk and unlawful operation of its New Haven facility are putting families, businesses, and local waters in harm’s way. This decision brings us one step closer to protecting New Haven communities and the surrounding environment from Shell’s unlawful conduct.

New Haven harbor
Oct 19, 2023

Green Line Extension Issues Far Worse Than Previously Known

“This level of dysfunction and irresponsibility defies explanation,” said CLF attorney Seth Gadbois. “The previous administration was clearly more interested in cutting a ribbon than getting this project done safely and correctly. CLF sued to ensure that this extension was built, and this is now an opportunity for the Healey administration to commit to public transit and repair public trust.”

MBTA Green Line
Oct 12, 2023

Coventry Landfill Violating Law

“The owners of this landfill are blatantly ignoring the law and robbing Vermonters of the right to weigh in on a project that will affect public health and the environment,” said Nora Bosworth, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “State laws exist for a reason, and the Coventry landfill can’t be allowed to continue operating this system in defiance of the law. It’s time for the Agency of Natural Resources to step in.”

landfill with garbage trucks
Sep 28, 2023

Emergency Right Whale Petition Seeks Overdue Protections From Vessel Strikes

“Just seven months ago, another right whale was killed off Virginia Beach, yet nothing has changed on the water,” said Erica Fuller, senior attorney at Conservation Law Foundation. “NOAA Fisheries has proposed a strong rule and their Office of Law Enforcement has made clear they’ll do everything they can to enforce it. Unfortunately, special interest groups in Congress have created a campaign of misinformation that now threatens to derail and delay protections. These are unnecessary deaths — we urge the agency to take action now.”

A right whale swimming off the coast of New England
Sep 22, 2023

Groups File Supreme Court Amicus Brief in New England Fisheries Case

“The ocean belongs to all of us and we allow fishermen access to these public resources for the cost of a permit,” said CLF Senior Attorney Erica Fuller. “But there are times, like this one, when the industry must shoulder a portion of the costs to gather data that ensures equity across fisheries. Without good monitoring on the largest boats in this fishery, we can’t prevent overfishing of Atlantic herring, a keystone forage species, or the further depletion of other valuable species such as haddock, shads, and river herring, caught as bycatch. The Supreme Court should reject the arguments being made in this case.”

Atlantic herring caught in a fishing net
Sep 18, 2023

Gov. Healey Bans State Agencies from Purchasing Single-Use Plastic Bottles

“Single-use plastics are a scourge on our environment and our communities,” said CLF zero waste attorney Mara Shulman. “These products hasten the climate crisis and endanger the health of people and wildlife. Governor Healey’s ban is a great  step towards making Massachusetts a leader in fighting the plastics crisis.”

Pile of Plastic Bottles
Sep 15, 2023

New England’s Marine National Monument Turns 7 

“With our ocean in peril from the climate crisis, protected areas like the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts are more important than ever,” said Jen Felt, Ocean Campaign Director at CLF. “The monument is a biological hotspot that provides a refuge for a remarkable diversity of wildlife and has enormous scientific value. This natural treasure, provides resilience, refuge, and hope in a rapidly warming ocean, and it’s time to protect more areas just like it.”

octopus
Sep 14, 2023

Manchester Receives $2.2 Million USDA Grant for Urban Forestry Project

“This award is a testament to the commitment of Manchester to create a more equitable and sustainable urban environment,” said CLF Environmental Justice Advocate Arnold Mikolo. “Urban forests provide critical shade during heatwaves, help control stormwater, and provide a habitat for animals. By maximizing community access to these benefits, this initiative promises to transform the quality of life for residents and enhance the city’s ecological and economic sustainability for years to come.”

People sitting and walking along a treelined street