Jul 01, 2021

Court Clears Way for CLF’s Lawsuit Against Exxon to Go to Trial

The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a stay on CLF’s lawsuit against ExxonMobil for its failure to prepare its Everett coastal facilities for the impacts of climate change, clearing the way for the case to head to trial. The suit alleges that ongoing spills at ExxonMobil’s Everett Terminal and the company’s failure to address… Continue reading Court Clears Way for CLF’s Lawsuit Against Exxon to Go to Trial

An aerial view of Exxon's tank farm in Everett, MA showing white fuel storage tanks near the waters of Boston Harbor
Jun 22, 2021

NOAA Fisheries Approves Coral Protections

“Fragile deep-sea corals play a critical role in the marine ecosystem and must be protected,” said CLF Senior Attorney Erica Fuller. “Coral provide essential habitat for many important commercial and recreational fish species, and they are highly vulnerable to disturbances with any damage taking decades or centuries to recover. This rule is a good step in protecting some corals in select areas, but more must be done to expand these protections in the Gulf of Maine.”

Coral amendment
Jun 21, 2021

Janet Coit Named Fisheries Leader

“With the climate crisis threatening ocean life as we know it, we are depending on our leaders to treat this situation with the urgency it demands,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “By appointing a highly regarded expert from New England, President Biden will have a NMFS leader who understands the perils our ocean faces and the promise it holds in a resilient future. CLF looks forward to working with Administrator Coit to restore healthy fisheries in New England and protect critical ocean species and habitat.”

Jun 16, 2021

State and Towns Failing to Protect Cape Cod Water

“For years, our state and local leaders have allowed wastewater systems to cause the scourge of toxic algae in Cape Cod’s bays and ponds,” said Christopher Kilian, Vice President of Strategic Litigation at CLF. “It’s time to turn off the tap and stop the flow of wastewater pollution into the Cape’s waters. Residents and visitors deserve to enjoy healthy bays and ponds, and officials need to solve this problem once and for all”

Aerial view of algae mats in Prince Cove (north of North Bay) in Marston Mills, Massachusetts.
Jun 09, 2021

Biden Administration Set to Repeal Trump Clean Water Rollback

“With our nation’s waters under siege from polluters, today’s announcement is a step in the right direction,” said Heather Govern, Director of CLF’s Clean Air and Water Program. “But the Biden Administration must move quickly to officially overturn Trump’s irresponsible dirty water rule. Officials need to get to work redefining Waters of the United States to ensure clean water for current and future generations.”

Jun 03, 2021

Legislators Throw Wrench in Connecticut Bottle Bill Update

“Our legislators had the opportunity to pass a strong bill to reduce waste, increase recycling rates and slash pollution in our communities,” said Kevin Budris, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “While this bill includes some important updates, it’s not nearly as strong as it should have been. At the eleventh hour, legislators have handed the beverage industry the keys to the state’s bottle return system and significantly compromised the effectiveness of the legislation.”

Pile of Plastic Bottles
May 20, 2021

NH Senate Kills Landfill Legislation

“Polluting landfills don’t belong anywhere near New Hampshire’s beautiful state parks,” said CLF attorney Peter Blair. “The Senate has taken a giant step backward in killing this commonsense legislation that would have preserved parks for everyone’s enjoyment. It’s time we stop the endless construction of landfills and instead boost recycling and other proven methods to reduce our waste.”

landfill with garbage trucks
May 20, 2021

Quincy Oil Terminal Endangering Community

“Sprague’s Quincy terminal is an accident waiting to happen,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “The company has allowed the terminal’s protective berms to deteriorate to the point of failure, putting the community at risk of being flooded with a spill of toxic chemicals. It’s also a clear sign that Sprague is failing its legal obligation to prepare the site for the climate crisis. This facility is an imminent threat to homes, public health, and nearby waters, and it’s time the company cleans up its act.”

May 17, 2021

CLF, PEER Call for Immediate Pause on Use of PFAS-Laden Pesticides

“Millions of acres across New England are being blanketed with toxic forever chemicals,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “It is all but certain that dangerous PFAS are leaching into groundwater and threatening to poison communities that depend on that water to drink. Leaders across New England need to step up and protect public health by stopping the use of PFAS-laden pesticides until we’re certain they aren’t poisoning our food and water.”

May 14, 2021

State Issues Draft Waterfront Development Regulations

“These regulations impact everyone in Massachusetts, “said Peter Shelley, Senior Counsel at CLF.  “The state can’t just rubber-stamp its way out of this problem and ignore the tidelands development principles it broke. The public needs to be involved in every step of this process and officials must offer more than just two public meetings. Access to the waterfront is enshrined in Massachusetts law and it must stay that way.”