May 04, 2021

Vermont Legislature Advances Bill to Ban Forever Chemicals from Products

May 4, 2021 (MONTPELIER, VT) – Today, Vermont’s House of Representatives gave unanimous initial approval to a bill that would restrict the sale of consumer products that contain toxic chemicals known as PFAS. After final approval, the bill will head back to the Senate, where they will consider the House amendments. The Senate unanimously approved… Continue reading Vermont Legislature Advances Bill to Ban Forever Chemicals from Products

Vermont State House
Apr 22, 2021

Biden Commits to Halving Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2030

“President Biden’s ambitious goal promises the aggressive push we need to confront the existential threat that is the climate crisis,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “Several New England states have already committed to strong, science-based reductions in climate-damaging emissions, and it’s time the rest of the country catches up with our leadership.”

Emissions from fossil fuels are hampering progress on climate
Apr 20, 2021

Chauvin Found Guilty of Murder of George Floyd

“It’s past time a police officer is finally held accountable for the murder of an unarmed Black man,” said Bradley Campbell, President of CLF. “But the months since George Floyd’s murder have shown that this is a pervasive and systemic problem that continues to cost innocent Black lives. Today’s verdict should not distract from the need for thoroughgoing reform of policing and a shift of resources to victimized communities.”

Apr 16, 2021

Massachusetts Reverses Rollback to Critical Clean Energy Policy

“Dirty, industrial biomass pollutes our neighborhoods and has no place in our clean energy future,” said Kirstie Pecci, Interim Director of CLF’s Environmental Justice program. “Massachusetts residents deserve clean air and a livable future. The Commonwealth should not subsidize power plants or incinerators that will harm communities already bearing the brunt of local pollution and climate impacts.”

Dirty energy sources contribute to dangerous air pollution
Apr 15, 2021

Vermont House Advances Bottle Bill Upgrade

“Updating Vermont’s bottle bill is a win-win for our communities and our environment,” said Jen Duggan, Vice President & Director of CLF Vermont. “These changes to the bottle bill will result in less climate pollution and waste in our landfills, more green jobs, and millions of dollars for the state’s clean water fund. Passing this legislation into law is just plain common sense.”

Pile of Plastic Bottles
Apr 12, 2021

Vermont Fails to Regulate Toxic Forever Chemicals

“The decision not to regulate more of these toxic chemicals in our water is deeply disturbing,” said Jen Duggan, Vice President and Director of CLF Vermont. “It doesn’t make sense to continue this whack-a-mole approach to removing these chemicals from drinking water. People’s health will suffer as a result of this decision.”

Crazymedia via Shutterstock
Apr 10, 2021

Governor McKee Signs Historic Climate Bill into Law

“With the climate crisis at our doorstep, this law comes not a moment too soon,” said CLF attorney James Crowley. “Slashing emissions and protecting frontline communities from devastating climate impacts must be our top priorities, and this new law ensures we do just that. Now we need to get to work turning Rhode Island’s climate goals into reality.”

Advocates at the State House urge Rhode Island to act on climate
Apr 02, 2021

Springfield Biomass Plant Permit Revoked

“The last thing the asthma capital of the U.S. needs is a plant spewing air pollution and further imperiling public health,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Interim Director of CLF Massachusetts. “Springfield residents made their opposition to this polluting plant clear, and DEP officials have handed them a win today. The fact is that burning biomass is neither clean nor renewable and it should be left in the past with fossil fuels.”

Community members holding a banner reading "Welcome to Springfield the Asthma Capital of the USA" to oppose a proposed biomass plant.
Apr 02, 2021

Judge Throws Out Downtown Boston Harbor Development Plan

“Public access to Boston’s beautiful waterfront won today,” said Peter Shelley, Senior Counsel at CLF. “State officials acted unlawfully in coming up with the Downtown Municipal Harbor Plan and handed private developers a free pass to create new rules to benefit themselves. The judge saw right through this effort and affirmed that only the state’s Department of Environmental Protection can make decisions that protect the public’s centuries-old right to access the water and waterfront.”

Mar 29, 2021

Biden Administration Announces Major Expansion of Offshore Wind

“After four years of Trump obstructing clean energy and promoting dirty fuels at every turn, President Biden’s focus on offshore wind comes not a moment too soon,” said Bradley Campbell, President of CLF. “Wind has the potential to power our homes, our green economy, and our transition away from polluting fossil fuels for good. However, projects must be responsibly sited to protect ocean life as well. Today’s announcement should be a boon to New England’s nascent wind industry and a strong start to the administration’s pledge to have a zero-emission grid by 2035.”