Phelps Turner, Author at Conservation Law Foundation

Feb 08, 2024

Maine Deserves an Environmental Justice Law

CLF is working with partners and legislators to ensure an environmental justice law becomes a reality in Maine. Join us in advocating to get this bill across the finish line.

Top of Maine State House over sunset, green lush trees on the left and right of the foreground.

Oct 17, 2023

Is a Publicly Owned Utility Too Risky for Maine?

Voting yes on the referendum to create Pine Tree Power provides no certainty that this quasi-public utility would solve the myriad of problems we’ve come to expect from CMP and Versant.

Power Lines radiate out from a utility pole

Aug 01, 2023

Clean Energy Garners Praise But Big Gas Doubles Down in Regional Electricity Forum

While Big Gas is still trying to peddle its climate-damaging products, regional officials seem poised to recognize the power of solar and wind energy.

an electricity tranmission tower and wires against a blue sky with a solar flare. It is from viewpoint of looking up from the ground.

Mar 30, 2023

Maine Could See More Renewable Energy with Two New Projects

These projects will ramp up clean energy in Maine, helping slow climate change and lower costly electricity bills.

Two wind turbines, which harness wind power as a source of renewable energy, against a cloudy sky with mountains in the distance.

Nov 02, 2022

Our Regional Grid Operator Misleads New Englanders, Once Again

A recent piece by Anne George, Vice President of Public Relations for ISO-New England, calls CLF’s critiques baseless. Here’s why she’s wrong.

As we contend with skyrocketing energy prices, ISO-New England is telling us we need more expensive fossil fuels.

Mar 05, 2020

Maine’s Most Vulnerable Children Left at Risk from Lead Poisoning

State and federal laws mandate that Maine test 100% of the toddlers covered by MaineCare for lead poisoning. The actual screening rates fall far short of that target, leaving our most vulnerable children at risk of lifelong harm. Maine needs to step up and follow the law.

A gloved hand holds a blood sample labeled "Lead - Test" above a medical report listing various test results, including lead levels.

Jan 08, 2020

Maine Needs to Act Now to Protect Us from Toxic “Forever” Chemicals

The Maine PFAS Task Force recently released a draft of its recommendations for how to protect residents from these dangerous chemicals, but they fall well short of the bold action that is needed. But there are still opportunities for legislators and regulators to make a difference.

Dec 04, 2019

Offshore Wind in the Gulf of Maine Back on Track

Home to some of the world’s strongest offshore winds, the Gulf of Maine can play an essential role in helping meet New England’s climate goals. But the energy of those winds has yet to be harnessed. Over the last decade, progress on this front stalled due in large part to the anti-wind policies of former… Continue reading Offshore Wind in the Gulf of Maine Back on Track

Jun 28, 2019

Updated: Maine is Failing to Protect Its Children from Lead Poisoning

Update: On June 27, Governor Mills signed two new lead bills signed into law that may help change this disturbing trend Hundreds of children with lead poisoning go undiagnosed every year in Maine. That’s on top of the hundreds of Maine children who are diagnosed with lead poisoning annually. In addition, more than half of… Continue reading Updated: Maine is Failing to Protect Its Children from Lead Poisoning

Mar 29, 2019

Maine to Study Toxic “Forever” Chemicals

In a move welcomed by advocates for safe and clean drinking water, Governor Janet Mills has established a task force to assess the scope of PFAS exposure and contamination in Maine.