For the second time this summer, the highest court in the Commonwealth has ruled unanimously and unambiguously in CLF’s favor, confirming that it is illegal for the Baker administration to force businesses and families to subsidize the construction of private gas pipelines via a tax on our monthly electric bills. The court’s wise decision—together with…
Aug 22
2016
2016
Aug 2
2016
2016
New Hampshire Approves Groundbreaking Energy Efficiency Plan
“Thanks to today’s decision, businesses and families throughout New Hampshire can look forward to lower gas and electric bills, cleaner air, and an energy platform that prioritizes people over profits,” said CLF attorney Melissa Birchard. “A clean energy future for our state isn’t just a hypothetical idea or talking point; it’s a foreseeable reality brought closer into view by decisions like the one the PUC made today. While we still have a long way to go in catching up to some of our New England neighbors, it’s encouraging to see our community leaders coming together to put us on the right path forward.”
Jul 26
2016
2016
CLF Takes on Maine Public Utilities Commission in Highest Court
“From saddling Mainers with a one billion dollar bill for a wasteful gas pipeline to approving this unlawful plan, the Public Utilities Commission has failed Mainers time and time again,” said Ben Tettlebaum, Staff Attorney, Conservation Law Foundation. “It’s the PUC’s duty to work for the best interests of the people of Maine, not the self-interest of Governor LePage.”
Jul 25
2016
2016
Kicking the Fossil Fuel Habit
Bad or unhealthy habits are tough to break. And they are even harder to break when options to replace them seem beyond our reach, or just plain impractical. This is as true with fossil fuels as it is with sugar or cigarettes, or too much screen time. And, unfortunately, there are those who benefit from…
Jul 14
2016
2016
Renewable Power Push Threatens Last Two New England Reactors
… “This legislation has the potential to not just forestall, but avoid the increase in carbon resources,” Greg Cunningham, director of clean energy and climate change for the Conservation Law Foundation, said in an interview. “It really could be transformational, not just for Massachusetts but for the region itself.” Read more here…
Jul 1
2016
2016
New Hampshire Deal Ends Public Subsidies for Coal-Fired Power Plants
“For too long, families and businesses in New Hampshire have been asked to prop up inefficient coal and oil plants despite market forces rapidly propelling us toward a clean energy future,” said Tom Irwin, Director of CLF’s New Hampshire Advocacy Center. “When the dirty fuels of yesterday are put into competition with the renewable alternatives of tomorrow, it’s a win-win for our economy and our environment. While there’s still a long way to go, today we took a big step down the path toward achieving a clean energy economy for New Hampshire.”
Jun 29
2016
2016
Senate Energy Debate Could Get Heated
… The issue of whether electric ratepayers can be assessed to finance natural gas infrastructure is currently before the Supreme Judicial Court. The Conservation Law Foundation argues existing law doesn’t allow it, while the Baker administration’s Department of Public Utilities says the law does. Read more here…
Jun 24
2016
2016
Senate Energy Bill Sets Right Course for Commonwealth’s Future
“Today’s bill answers the call of millions throughout Massachusetts demanding a viable path toward a clean energy future,” said CLF attorney Caitlin Peale Sloan. “Ensuring the health of our communities and environment tomorrow requires bold action on climate change today, and this bill is undoubtedly the strongest we’ve seen from this legislature. While it falls short of addressing rampant gas leaks in the system or public subsidies for fossil fuel pipelines, it brings us significantly closer to the energy solutions necessary to move our state and our region forward.”
Jun 15
2016
2016
Energy Efficiency: Back on the Chopping Block
One year ago, CLF was fighting to ensure Maine’s energy savings champion – Efficiency Maine Trust – could receive the funding needed to reduce your electricity bill, create clean-energy-sector jobs, strengthen the economy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. CLF and our allies won that battle. But the war is not over. This year, the fight turned to whether Efficiency…
Jun 14
2016
2016
Maine Utilities Commission Approves Efficiency Plan
… The Boston-based Conservation Law Foundation filed an objection to the settlement over related concerns. Read more here…