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.”

Jul 20, 2017

Governor Scott Creates Vermont Climate Commission

“Vermonters across our state are calling for real, measurable action to reduce harmful carbon emissions into the air we breathe, and this commission is a step in the right direction,” said CLF senior attorney Sandra Levine. “But to meet the Paris climate commitments, Vermont needs more than a new commission — we need concrete policy outcomes. These include putting a price on carbon pollution, increasing energy efficiency measures statewide and cutting carbon emissions every year. CLF looks forward to working with the Governor in order to ensure that this commission delivers real solutions for Vermonters to meet the challenge of climate change.”

Jun 29, 2017

Groups Celebrate Major Step Forward for Massachusetts Offshore Wind Power

“No matter how you slice it, the future of Massachusetts’ energy grid, economy, and environment relies upon offshore wind. Today, the Commonwealth took a big step toward making that future a reality,” said Conservation Law Foundation Staff Attorney Megan Herzog. “Though we are disappointed that regulators did not heed our call for an earlier deadline to get turbines spinning, we are confident that wind developers can propose catalyzing projects that deliver clean energy to Massachusetts residents as quickly as possible while protecting our valuable marine and coastal resources. Conservation Law Foundation will stay engaged every step of the way to make sure Massachusetts fully seizes this opportunity for healthier air, local jobs, and climate-friendly electricity.”

Photo: Wind turbines
Jun 28, 2017

Bill to Protect Solar Energy Wins Approval from Maine Legislature

“When the PUC tried to gut solar energy programs across our state, it did so in direct defiance of public opinion and economic opportunity,” said CLF attorney Emily Green. “Today, the state legislature stood on the side of all Mainers and righted this wrong. Good solar policy creates jobs, lowers energy prices, and protects our air and water, and we thank all those who fought for progress and today prevailed.”

Jun 28, 2017

CLF Takes on Shell Over Endangerment of Providence Community

“In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on an offshore Shell facility, the company was forced to confront the reality of climate change and the dangers it poses,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “But more than a decade later, Shell’s acknowledgement of these risks has not translated into action to prevent them in places where people actually live. With just one severe storm – one major flood – the Providence River and surrounding communities could be inundated with toxic substances, yet Shell has done nothing to safeguard us from this fate. It’s time they be held accountable for this grave inaction.”

Jun 26, 2017

NH Net Metering Ruling Keeps State on Path to More Clean Energy

“This decision includes cuts to an important program for clean energy in the Granite State and is far from perfect. However, it provides a framework to ensure New Hampshire doesn’t fall behind in the clean energy economy,” said CLF attorney Melissa Birchard. “Thanks to a clean energy roadmap proposed by CLF and others, the PUC will launch an effort to document the many benefits that rooftop solar and other local, clean energy offers New Hampshire families and businesses. At the same time, the PUC will initiate pilot programs to demonstrate the untapped ways that innovative technologies can save us all money and strengthen the electric grid. We are optimistic that this new policy will put our state on a path to cleaner, healthier and safer communities for years to come.”

Jun 20, 2017

CLF Thwarts Invenergy’s Attempt to Derail Lawsuit

“When a fossil fuel company tries to take Providence’s water in order to power a plant we overwhelmingly oppose, we have a right to stand up and fight,” said CLF senior attorney Jerry Elmer. “Today, the courts affirmed that right. Rhode Island is poised to be a leader in clean, renewable energy, and we cannot turn back the clocks by doubling down on dirty fuels that are already on their way out.”