T4MA Speaks Out on MBTA’s False Choice Between Fare Hikes and Service Cuts

Jan 29, 2012 at 11:02pm by  | Bio |  Leave a Comment

As the public hearings on the MBTA’s proposals for fare hikes and service cuts continue across the Commonwealth, Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Richard Davey is telling the media that he’s hearing that  T riders would rather pay more than have their service cut. Speaking on behalf of Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA), CLF staff attorney Rafael Mares said that Secretary Davey’s remarks are disappointing, if not surprising, given the false choice the MBTA has given transit users. Mares  said, “The MBTA has backed transit users against a wall, asking them to choose between two unacceptable scenarios. A fare increase may seem like the lesser of two evils to those who have a choice. But, what about those who can’t afford the increases and won’t be able to get to their jobs, or read more…

This week on TalkingFish.org – January 23-27

Jan 27, 2012 at 12:00pm by  | Bio |  2 Comments »

This week's posts on TalkingFish.org: Praising the law that protects our fish stocks and a news roundup of the latest "fish talk" on the web. read more..

CLF Applauds Springfield Zoning Board of Appeals Decision to Rescind Building Permits for Biomass-burning Plant in EJ Community

Jan 27, 2012 at 9:13am by  | Bio |  Leave a Comment

Late on Wednesday night residents of Springfield celebrated an important victory in their longstanding fight against a biomass-burning plant that Palmer Renewable Energy (PRE) proposes to construct in their community. Acting on the petition of local residents Michaelann Bewsee and Toni and William Keefe, the Springfield Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) overturned the two building permits that were issued to PRE last November. Media coverage of the ZBA decision is available here and here. read more..

State of the Union: Our Messy Federalism

Jan 25, 2012 at 2:30pm by  | Bio |  Leave a Comment

At a time when our governors and our President were preparing to address their constituents, CLF was (and is) making news – news that raises a series of enduring questions: In our country, where is the line between federal and state authority? How clear is it? Who gets to draw it? Why would you draw it in one place instead of another? read more..

Powerful Words From Ed Markey

Jan 24, 2012 at 2:40pm by  | Bio |  Leave a Comment

Working with Americans for a Clean Energy Grid and the New England Clean Energy Council we here at the Conservation Law Foundation had the privilege to co-sponsor the New England Clean Energy Transmission Summit. We were overwhelmed by the massive turnout and tremendous interest from the general press as well as trade press (subscription required). read more..

The Annoyance of Energy Independence

Jan 24, 2012 at 11:18am by  | Bio |  2 Comments »

Sleep is a wonderful thing, and it’s necessary for good health. As someone who doesn’t always get enough, I understand people’s concern that wind turbines are disturbing their sleep, or if built, will. Yet the report this week from the state’s expert review on the science did not find sufficient scientific evidence that wind turbine noise impacts are loud enough or have the right characteristics to physically disturb people’s sleep. read more..

CLF on Cape Cod Nitrogen Pollution

Jan 23, 2012 at 11:40am by  | Bio |  Leave a Comment

Last Friday, Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), together with the Buzzards Bay Coalition (BBC), announced they had reached an agreement in principle with EPA to settle two lawsuits regarding nitrogen pollution on Cape Cod. In making the announcement, we release a statement, which can be found here. read more..

This Week on TalkingFish.org – January 16-20

Jan 20, 2012 at 4:06pm by  | Bio |  Leave a Comment

This week's posts on TalkingFish.org: Gulf of Maine cod and fisheries science; oyster-related posts from around the web. read more..

Speak Up: Participate in MBTA Public Meetings Schedules

Jan 20, 2012 at 3:02pm by  | Bio |  1 Comment »

State law requires the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to balance its budget. The transit authority is facing a budget gap of $161 million for FY2013. In an attempt to address this problem, the MBTA is currently proposing huge fare increases (35% or 43%) and draconian service cuts (including the elimination of 101 weekday bus routes and all commuter rail service after 10pm and on the weekends) as we have described in previous blog entries. This would be a devastating blow to transit in the region, which is the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emssions from the transporation sector, improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion, and provide mobility to people who may not be able to get around in any other way. State Representative Carl Sciortino recently wrote an excellent article on WickedLocal Somerville calling for a comprehensive solution to read more…

Vermont Still Has Authority to Retire Vermont Yankee Nuclear Plant for Good

Jan 20, 2012 at 12:07pm by  | Bio |  6 Comments »

The headlines following yesterday's federal court decision overturning Vermont laws giving the legislature a say in the continued operation of Vermont Yankee make it seem like the case was a total victory for Louisiana-based Entergy Corporation and its multi-million dollar legal dream team. Not so! read more..
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