Conservation Law Foundation Applauds Strong Public Health and Environmental Safeguards in New Massachusetts Plan for Solid Waste Management

CONTACT: Karen Wood, (617) 850-1722

BOSTON, MA  (December 11, 2009) Conservation Law Foundation hailed an announcement today by the Patrick Administration that maintains the incinerator moratorium established in 1990, suspends projects that propose to combust construction and demolition debris pending full environmental review, and takes bold steps toward more effective solid waste management in the Commonwealth by focusing on recycling, rather than burning, solid waste materials.

“Conservation Law Foundation is thrilled that the Patrick Administration has committed to a strong Solid Waste Master Plan that protects public health and the environment while advancing the most effective resource management policies—reducing, reusing and recycling materials,” said John Kassel, President. “This forward-thinking decision and the comprehensive public process that the Administration has facilitated in developing the Plan for Massachusetts should be a model for all of New England.”

After over a year of intensive stakeholder input and thorough review, Secretary Bowles announced that the existing waste incinerator moratorium will stand and outlined the Administration’s plans to launch innovative waste reduction strategies, increase recycling dramatically and expand programs and solutions for managing organic wastes.

In addition, the Administration suspended consideration of projects that propose to use construction and demolition (“C&D”) debris until the Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Protection complete a rigorous analysis of the potential dangers including emissions of toxic pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

“This decision is critical for ensuring that the risks posed by the Somerset Station and Palmer Power Plant projects are addressed,” stated CLF staff attorney Shanna Cleveland. “There is a clear need to take a long, hard look at these projects and ensure they do not move forward if they will endanger public health and the environment.”

The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England. CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovative strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region. Founded in 1966, CLF is a non-profit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

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The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England.  CLF’s advocates the use of law, economics and science to create innovate strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region.  Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.