Sep 25, 2017

Carlos Rafael Sentence Shows Zero Tolerance for Fish Fraud

“The sentence imposed by Judge Young today sends a strong message that systemic abuse of our fishery resources will not be tolerated,” said CLF attorney Megan Herzog. “While others played by the rules, Mr. Rafael showed brazen disregard for fishermen, their families, and the health of our ocean environment. Going forward, it is critical that we implement stronger monitoring and enforcement at sea in order to ensure New England’s fishing industry operates on a level playing field.”

Sep 18, 2017

Reported Attempts to Undermine National Monuments are Out of Touch

“Our marine monument – the only one in the Atlantic – protects rare and fragile ocean life and serves as an important deep-sea laboratory that will propel forward our nation’s commitment to scientific understanding and innovation. We intend to continue to fight for full, comprehensive protection of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts monument on behalf of all New Englanders who rely on a healthy ocean.”

Aug 28, 2017

CLF Brings Shell to Court for Neglect of Providence River, Community

“This weekend, we saw thousands of homes destroyed, streets flooded and families displaced by Hurricane Harvey,” said CLF president Bradley Campbell. “We can’t wait around for the next natural disaster to inundate our communities. Shell’s facility sits on the banks of the Providence River, poised to spew toxic chemicals into our waters and our neighborhoods with no adequate safeguards in place. If the loss of life and damage from storms like Hurricane Harvey aren’t enough of a wake-up call, then legal action is needed to protect the public.”

Aug 24, 2017

Secretary Zinke Withholds Monument Recommendations from Public

“The fate of these treasures shouldn’t be left hanging in the balance,” said Peter Shelley, Senior Counsel for Conservation Law Foundation. “Some 3 million people — more than 98 percent of commenters — voiced their support for keeping our national monuments intact. Submitting recommendations that defy the will of the American people and then withholding these recommendations from the public is utterly unacceptable. The president has no legal authority to alter national monuments, and we will take him to court if he tries.”

Aug 23, 2017

Nine States Announce Long-Term Commitment to Lowering Carbon Pollution

“With the Trump Administration making every effort to turn back the clock on environmental progress, it falls to state and regional collaboration to lead the way in protecting public health and defending clean air and water,” said CLF attorney Phelps Turner. “For nearly a decade, RGGI has been a sterling example of the positive impact such collaboration can have on both the environment and the economy, and today’s new commitments represent a significant contribution to our work to leave a cleaner and safer home for future generations.”

Clean Power Plan Gets Its Day in Court
Aug 15, 2017

CLF Ramps Up Fight to Support Maine Solar Power

“The new rule penalizes homeowners and businesses that generate solar energy, hampering our opportunities to increase energy independence, reduce electricity costs and support one of the fastest growing sectors in Maine’s economy,” said CLF Executive Vice President Sean Mahoney. “This LePage-appointed commission wants us to believe that charging Mainers for the energy we generate in our own homes is just and fair, but we’re not falling for it. If this rule remains on the books, it will undermine state policy and threaten an industry already providing hundreds of good jobs across our state.” 

Good solar policy is important for the success of clean energy.
Aug 11, 2017

MA Announces New Regulations to Reduce Carbon Pollution

“These rules re-establish the Commonwealth as a national leader in developing sensible, enforceable standards to transition our economy to a low-carbon future,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “Much more needs to be done, and Governor Baker’s leadership will be essential to getting neighboring states to take meaningful action to prepare New England for the energy future being shaped by the Paris Climate Agreement.” 

Paris Climate Accord
Aug 03, 2017

Public Pressure Leads to Shutdown of Massachusetts’ Largest Landfill

Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement today in response to Casella Waste’s announcement that it will shut down Massachusetts’ largest landfill by 2018. “After decades of living in the shadow of a landfill that contaminated the water and fouled the air, residents have finally buried this menace to our environment, our health, and our economy,” said Kirstie Pecci, Conservation Law Foundation Senior Fellow and resident of Southbridge. “The closing of Southbridge sends a strong message across Massachusetts that residents will resist and persist until the polluting legacy of all landfills and incinerators come to an end.”

Soutbridge Landfill
Aug 02, 2017

On Solar Power, Maine Legislature Falls Short

“Today’s failure is one that has a direct impact on the wallets of businesses and families across our state,” said CLF attorney Emily Green. “Despite the bill’s overwhelming passage in June and widespread public support, clean energy in Maine has once again fallen victim to Governor LePage’s and utilities’ anti-progress stance. Regardless of this regressive decision by the legislature, CLF will continue fighting to ensure that solar power has a bright future in Maine.”

Photo: Solar panel
Jul 26, 2017

Community Development Fund Reaches Major Milestone

CLF President Bradley Campbell said, “Community health is vitally dependent on neighborhood design and smart investment, which is why CLF is proud to partner with MHIC on projects researched and designed to promote affordability, mobility, and better health outcomes.”