Feb 14, 2024

Pickett Mountain Mining Proposal Rejected

“The Commission correctly applied the law to the facts at hand in denying this ill-advised proposal by a company that lacks the financial resources and the experience required,” said Sean Mahoney, Vice President of Conservation Law Foundation Maine. “Pickett Mountain is surrounded by lands and waters sacred to the Wabanaki Tribes and Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, which is why the overwhelming majority of Maine people opposed this project.”

Photo: Mount Katahdin, Maine
Feb 14, 2024

CLF Settlement to Fund Thompson Island Outward Bound Project

“Thompson Island Outward Bound’s programs are indispensable in providing inclusive access to the beauty of Boston Harbor to an expanding number of Boston residents,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “I am grateful to Cronin Holdings for working with TIOB and CLF to identify this worthy project to increase public access for everyone in the region – and ultimately expand access to people with disabilities — to one of Boston’s greatest resources, our waterfront.”  

Sailboats on Boston Harbor
Feb 14, 2024

Maine Fishing Gear Found on Dead Right Whale

“Entanglements are a constant threat to right whales, cutting their lives short and painting a disheartening future for this species,” said Erica Fuller, CLF Senior Counsel. “There have been concerns about the threat Maine fishing gear poses to right whales for years. It’s time to move forward with new fishing practices to give these endangered whales a chance at survival.” 

Feb 13, 2024

Protections for North Atlantic Right Whales Overdue

“The saddest aspect of the last several years is the avoidable deaths of calves that didn’t even make it to their first birthday,” said Erica Fuller, senior counsel at Conservation Law Foundation. “Good intentions will not save right whales; a strong vessel speed rule will save right whales. The government needs to act with the urgency that the situation demands.”

Right whale "Nauset" and calf
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