Jan 04, 2021

Mass. Legislature Passes Far-Reaching Climate Bill

“This legislation is a momentous step forward in confronting the climate crisis and protecting environmental justice communities,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Interim Director of CLF Massachusetts. “Only with the concrete plan and critical justice language in this legislation can the Commonwealth grow its economy, fight climate change, and begin to address stark environmental and public health inequities. The long-term health and safety of everyone in Massachusetts depend on Governor Baker signing this bill into law.”

Massachusetts State House
Dec 30, 2020

Mass. Unveils Clean Energy Plans

“Massachusetts needs to commit to significant changes if we’re going to reach the 2050 emissions limits required by law,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Interim Director of CLF Massachusetts. “The people who will be affected most by the climate crisis, including Black and Brown communities and low-income households, must be part of the process, and it’s a great step forward that officials plan to do just that. We will be holding our leaders accountable for sticking to the goals laid out in this plan because it’s time to get to work.”

The Massachusetts State House
Dec 30, 2020

NOAA Proposes New Rule to Protect Right Whales

“After such an unprecedented delay, this new rule will help stem the surge of right whale deaths we’ve seen over the last several years,” said Erica Fuller, Senior Attorney at CLF. “Ropeless fishing is the only solution that protects whales and fishermen, and the rule expands that practice. However, NOAA must end its reliance on weak rope as a solution and get emergency protections on the water immediately while this rule is finalized.”

right whale aerial shot
Dec 21, 2020

Agreement to Cut Transportation Emissions Finalized

“TCI has the potential to fill a glaring gap in transportation funding and to reduce emissions, but it has been fraught by a process that too often ignored community concerns,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “While today’s agreement includes important equity commitments, it is the next steps that matter most. CLF can only support this program if these commitments become enforceable policies and truly additive investments in climate and the communities suffering most from air pollution and lack of transportation options.”

EPA revokes state authority to set vehicle emissions standards
Dec 18, 2020

School Buses Polluting Connecticut Neighborhoods

“Children deserve to play outdoors and ride the bus without being poisoned by toxic vehicle exhaust,” said Heather Govern, Director of CLF’s Clean Air and Water program. “All-Star has repeatedly violated an important anti-idling law that is designed to protect the public and our right to clean air. It’s time this company is held accountable.”

Dec 14, 2020

MBTA to Cut Critical Transportation Services

“Slashing these critical services will be catastrophic for communities that depend on public transit,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “It’s senseless to cut services that essential workers depend on each day while COVID continues to rage. These cuts are not as bad as originally proposed, but they will nevertheless upend the lives of thousands of people, set the state back in reaching our climate goals, and hinder economic recovery after the pandemic.”

Dec 11, 2020

Tobin Bridge Bus Lane Set to Open Monday

“It’s time to stop pandering to car travel at the expense of public transit,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “People who depend on the bus are constantly delayed as the Tobin is inundated with single-occupancy cars. This new lane will slash those travel times benefiting Chelsea residents and workers. Making public transportation faster and more reliable is a key strategy to relieve the gridlock that has plagued our region.”

The Tobin bridge runs through Chelsea, an environmental justice community
Dec 10, 2020

EPA Issues New Permit Requirements for Massachusetts Communities

“Stormwater pollution is devastating waters across Massachusetts,” said Heather Govern, Director of CLF’s Clean Air and Water program. “Cities and towns are responsible for curbing this pollution but many have failed for years. This permit’s issuance should jumpstart vital stormwater controls and bring us one step closer to clean water across the state.”

Dec 10, 2020

New Report Examines How Mass. Can Ditch Gas

“Continuing to rely on gas will spell disaster for our climate goals,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Interim Director of CLF Massachusetts. “Gas is not a safe or clean alternative to oil, and we must phase out its use to heat our homes. There are better options out there and it’s time Massachusetts gets serious about new policies that will get us off gas once and for all.”

a row of gas meters on the side of a building
Dec 02, 2020

Emergency Petition Seeks to Protect Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales From Fishing Gear

“At least 32 right whales have been killed by human activities in the last three years alone, yet the federal government is still sitting on its hands,” said Erica Fuller a senior attorney at the Conservation Law Foundation. “The window to save this species is closing, and we’re left with no other option but to file this petition. The federal government must declare this situation what it is – an emergency – and take action to protect these animals now.”

North Atlantic right whale