Taking action to tackle climate change comes naturally to New Englanders. We spend a lot of time outdoors and we see first-hand that our climate is changing. Many of us burn wood to heat our homes. We’ve been doing this for generations. It just makes sense. Wood is a local fuel that is available and…
Feb 5
2016
2016
Jan 29
2016
2016
Gov. Baker’s Clean Energy & Climate Plan Merely Skims the Surface of Meaningful Climate Action
Last week, the Baker Administration released its first update to Massachusetts’ Clean Energy and Climate Plan. This plan – a requirement of the state’s landmark climate law, the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) – is intended to guide the state in reaching its statewide emissions limits of 25% below 1990 levels by 2020. In its…
Vermont
Vermont doesn’t have a lock on stunning natural settings, but, really, does it get any better than what we have every day? From rugged Camel’s Hump to iconic Lake Champlain, our rural villages to our compact cities, Vermont is our home and it’s the place CLF has pledged to protect with all the passion and expertise that we have.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a state of extraordinary range – from our miles of coastline to the western mountains, our dense hardwood forests to our working farms, our thickly settled city neighborhoods to our rural village greens.
Climate Change
Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time. Its impacts will be felt around the world, and we here in New England will not be immune.
Jan 25
2016
2016
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Crucial Energy Conservation Rule
“Today’s decision is a classic win-win: it protects our environment from increased carbon pollution and puts billions of dollars back into the pockets of our businesses and families,” said Jerry Elmer, CLF senior attorney and lead counsel on this case.
Sep 28
2015
2015
Environmental & Clean Energy Stakeholders to Propose Comprehensive Energy Policy to MA Legislature
Tomorrow, the Joint Committee on Telecommunication, Utilities, and Energy will hear from the public on legislation that could change over one-third of the electric supply in Massachusetts. It is critical that an energy bill of this magnitude be tailored to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the clean energy economy of the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, none of the legislation currently on the table would accomplish this vital goal. For this reason, the Global Warming Solutions Project (GWSP) will present its plan at the hearing for a comprehensive energy policy that will create a more diverse and stable electricity supply, maximize potential clean energy benefits, and minimize risks to ratepayers and our environment.
Aug 25
2015
2015
Governor Baker’s Solar Bill Misses the Mark
Anticipating the release of his promised solar power legislation, we encouraged Governor Baker to be bold in strengthening and continuing the solar-friendly policies, including net metering, that have made Massachusetts a national leader in solar energy. Unfortunately, his proposed bill falls well short of that goal. At a time when our changing climate demands urgent action…
Jul 17
2015
2015
Experts Weigh In: Maine Doesn’t Need New Gas Pipelines
This week consultants hired by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) concluded that Maine should not enter into contracts to purchase gas pipeline capacity because the costs of doing so would outweigh the benefits to Mainers. In many ways, this was a foregone conclusion – one that CLF predicted nearly a year ago and that the PUC itself (unofficially) reached before soliciting proposals from pipeline companies and spending taxpayer dollars on a lengthy consultant’s report. It’s a cautionary tale not just for Maine but for all of New England as the region weighs its energy future – and decides whether it will overinvest in natural gas or blaze a trail based on cleaner, renewable resources.
Jun 24
2015
2015
CLF Applauds Maine Legislature for Overriding Governor’s Veto of Energy Efficiency Bill
“With their override vote, the legislature has served the best interest of all Mainers by restoring funding for energy efficiency,” said Sean Mahoney, Executive Vice President, Conservation Law Foundation. “With one stroke of his veto pen, Governor LePage wiped out $38 million in funding for energy efficiency in Maine, which would have cost Mainers nearly $200 million a year in lost savings and higher energy bills. Thankfully the legislature stood their ground. “