Apr 21, 2022

Officials Reject Sea 3 Attempts to Fast-Track Expansion

“It’s clear that we can’t wait any longer to fight climate change,” says James Crowley, Staff Attorney for CLF Rhode Island. “Rhode Island has a climate law that demands cuts to polluting emissions – and this irresponsible expansion would absolutely lead to more emissions. The Board made the right call in requiring a full review and safeguarding our health and future in the face of the climate crisis.”

New gas pipelines are a bad deal for New England
Apr 20, 2022

Governor Mills Signs Critical Waste Bill Into Law

signed a new law that closes a loophole allowing out-of-state waste to be buried in the Juniper Ridge Landfill in Alton, which is only supposed to accept trash from Maine. Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement in response.

“Dumping out-of-state waste at this landfill violates the law and harms the health of nearby communities,” said Peter Blair, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “This landfill has been burying thousands of tons of construction and demolition debris for years through this loophole and that will finally come to an end. Legislators and Governor Mills deserve credit for putting Mainers’ health over corporate profits.”

Landfill construction and demolition debris
Apr 13, 2022

Fishery Managers Approve Groundfish Monitoring Amendment

“This is a watershed moment for New England’s cod population,” said Allison Lorenc, Senior Policy Analyst at CLF. “The groundfish fishery has been plagued by overfishing for decades, but 100% at-sea monitoring will provide critical information needed for sustainable management. It’s time Atlantic cod are allowed to thrive in New England’s waters, and today’s announcement is a major step in that direction.”

To save Atlantic cod, CLF petitioned the federal government to take five conservation and management measures. Photo: Brian Skerry
Apr 11, 2022

Maine Senate Passes Critical Waste Bill

“Dumping out-of-state waste at this landfill violates the law and harms the health of nearby communities,” said Peter Blair, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “This landfill has been burying thousands of tons of construction and demolition debris for years through this loophole. The Senate made the right call in closing it, and the House must now do the same.”

Landfill construction and demolition debris
Apr 07, 2022

CLF Settles Clean Air Act Lawsuit Against Paul Revere Transportation

“Idling vehicles spread toxic tailpipe pollution into some of Boston’s most vulnerable neighborhoods – communities already overburdened with harmful emissions and asthma,” said Heather Govern, Vice President of Clean Air and Water at CLF. “CLF’s settlement with Paul Revere will promote a healthier Roxbury by reducing excessive idling and by supporting urban farming and green spaces.”

Apr 04, 2022

CLF Sues Nylon Corp. of America for Polluting the Merrimack River

address Clean Water Act violations at its nylon manufacturing facility in Manchester, NH. The company’s wastewater and stormwater discharges are polluting the Merrimack River with toxic chemicals and heavy metals.

“Communities and wildlife depend on a clean and safe Merrimack River, and Nylon is contaminating it with toxic pollutants,” said Erica Kyzmir-McKeon, CLF staff attorney. “The company is breaking the law, and it must be held accountable for these Clean Water Act violations immediately. Each day that passes means more harmful pollution is flowing into the Merrimack, and this is completely unacceptable.”

Mar 28, 2022

CLF Sues First Transit for Clean Air Act Violations

“Dangerous tailpipe pollution worsens the climate crisis and threatens public health,” said CLF staff attorney Shannon Laun. “First Transit is ignoring important laws designed to curb these emissions, and it’s time they are held responsible. This company must stop poisoning the air in the communities in which they operate.”

Mar 21, 2022

MBTA Green Line Extension Opens

“It’s hard to overstate how significant and historic this day is,” said Bradley Campbell, President of CLF. “The long-delayed Green Line extension will finally unlock transportation access for thousands of people who previously had few options to get to work, school, or necessary appointments. While we celebrate today, it’s important to note that the work isn’t done, and we’ll continue to push for environmental review of the extension of the Medford branch to Route 16.”

Mar 18, 2022

Gas Utilities Release Reports for Future in Massachusetts

“In the face of the climate crisis, gas companies are wasting precious time in attempting to keep their outdated business model going,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “The simple fact is that there’s no such thing as climate-friendly renewable gas and burning gas in homes is not compatible with the clean energy future that Massachusetts law demands. Our state leaders must begin planning for a transition away from gas, and that should begin with an unbiased look at what will actually solve the climate crisis.”

Mar 16, 2022

Environmental Groups Ask EPA to Fix Vermont’s Clean Water Enforcement Challenges

“The ongoing turf war between these two state agencies is harming water quality in Vermont,” said Elena Mihaly, Vice President of CLF Vermont. “Farmers have made great progress reducing pollution from their properties, but that progress is being hindered by this irreparable bureaucratic conflict. The Agency of Natural Resources should be solely responsible for overseeing the Clean Water Act, and we’re asking the EPA to make sure that happens.”