Jan 29, 2024

Maine Locks in Polluting Gas with 30-Year Contract

“The fact that the PUC will begin considering the climate impacts of polluting fossil gas is a definite step in the right direction,” said CLF Senior Attorney Emily Green. “But committing to three more decades of gas flies in the face of Maine’s binding climate targets at a time when we’re already seeing extreme weather connected to the climate crisis. Our leaders and agencies must do more than talk the talk and CLF will ensure that they walk the walk regarding our mandated emissions targets.”

a row of gas meters on the side of a building
Jan 23, 2024

Vermont Legislature Fails to Override Bottle Bill Veto

“Single-use containers are a scourge on our communities and choke our waters with litter,” said Nora Bosworth, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “Updated bottle and can redemption systems are a proven way to reduce plastic pollution and ensure that these materials are recycled into new products. Vermont has missed a serious opportunity to slash pollution and protect our environment today.”

A person places a plastic water bottle into a bottle redemption machine.
Jan 23, 2024

Maine Legislation Would Reduce Cost and Health Impacts of Polluting Gas

“Fossil gas is polluting our planet and harming Mainers right in their own homes,” said Emily K. Green, Senior Attorney at CLF Maine. “We can’t keep talking out of both sides of our mouths, setting aggressive climate mandates while allowing gas utilities to carry on with business as usual. It’s past time to take a hard look at the ever-expanding gas network and plot our transition away from fossil fuels for good, and this bill is a great step in that direction.” 

Jan 10, 2024

North Atlantic Right Whale Calf Likely to Die from Vessel Strike Injuries

“There are so few right whales left that every death brings this species closer to extinction,” said CLF Senior Attorney Erica Fuller. “This calf isn’t even two months old and yet it’s not expected to live because the federal government has delayed meaningful action for more than a decade. NOAA must publish its final rule immediately and protect this majestic species before it disappears from our oceans forever.” 

A right whale adult and calf are seen swimming next to each other
Jan 08, 2024

Plastic Free Mass Urges Legislators to Fix Recycling System

“Massachusetts beaches and waterways are choking with trash,” said CLF attorney Mara Shulman. “Across the state, volunteers are spending countless hours picking up litter. This is unsustainable. Updating the Bottle Bill will not only slash litter, but it will also reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. It’s time for legislators to meet this moment and stop relying on volunteers to clean up litter when a legislative solution is at our fingertips.”

A person places a plastic water bottle into a bottle redemption machine.
Jan 03, 2024

Vineyard Wind Sends Power to Grid for First Time

“This is a historic moment that’s been years in the making,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “It’s proof positive that New England’s transition away from polluting fossil fuels and towards clean, renewable energy is underway in earnest. We must now quadruple the rate of clean energy deployment, and New England is where it can be done responsibly.”

An offshore wind turbine against a blue sky
Dec 11, 2023

CLF Appeals Decision in Tailpipe Pollution Lawsuit

“Every year, vehicle emissions are linked to thousands of deaths in the northeast,” said Heather Govern, Director of CLF’s Clean Air and Water program. “Large bus companies must be held accountable for ignoring idling laws designed to limit toxic emissions and protect public health. CLF filed this appeal to continue the fight for cleaner air in our communities.”

An exhaust pipe is shown spewing out black smoke
Dec 06, 2023

Mass. Officials Issue Findings on Future of Natural Gas

“The DPU absolutely came to the right conclusion here: dangerous, polluting fossil fuel gas and so-called renewable natural gas are not the future of heating,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “It will take huge investments to make this transition, and we cannot increase the burden on low- and moderate-income families in the process. We still have a lot of work to do to reach our climate and emissions goals, but today’s order puts us on the right path for years to come.”

a row of gas meters on the side of a building
Dec 05, 2023

CLF Settles Landmark Climate Lawsuit Against Exxon

“We welcome ExxonMobil’s decision to resolve this litigation, make the facility closure permanent, and market the site for cleaner and safer uses,” said CLF President Brad Campbell. In settling the case, CLF has obtained an enforceable prohibition on the property ever being used for polluting bulk fossil fuel storage. 

An aerial view of Exxon's tank farm in Everett, MA showing white fuel storage tanks near the waters of Boston Harbor
Dec 04, 2023

About Fresh Secures Nearly $1 Million from Healthy Retail and Commerce Fund

“Low-income neighborhoods have lacked access to critical resources like healthy food for decades, and About Fresh aims to change that,” said Gina Foote, CLF’s Director of Impact Investment. “Supporting this small business with an innovative high impact investment has the potential to build a healthy community. We’re proud to support a thriving small business like About Fresh trying to improve their neighborhood.”

A green bus with the words Fresh Truck and images of healthy food on the side is shown