Setting big goals and standards for cutting greenhouse gases or increasing renewable energy is one thing. Putting in place the nuts and bolts to actually make it happen is another. A recent Vermont Public Service Board order implements the renewable energy standard that was put in place by legislation (Act 56) in 2015. The order…
Dec 12
2016
2016
Dec 8
2016
2016
Going Low-Carb
Transforming New England’s Energy System New England’s coal-fired power plants were at their peak when CLF opened its doors 50 years ago. The majority of the region’s coal fleet came online in the post-war boom years of the1950s and 1960s and they would go on to dominate our region’s electricity mix for decades. Today, however,…
Dec 7
2016
2016
Trump to Put Noted Climate Denier at Helm of EPA
“President-elect Trump’s intention to nominate climate denier and leading clean energy opponent Scott Pruitt to lead EPA mocks the states, businesses, and innovators who have led the transition away from fossil fuel dependency, and mocks the many leaders in his own party who understand the perils and opportunities climate change presents,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “But we’ve had to take on EPA before, and today’s announcement only strengthens our resolve to protect the health and safety of New Englanders. We stand ready to vigorously defend and enforce critical protections and safeguards like the Clean Water Act from any attempt to turn back the clock on environmental protection.”
Oct 25
2016
2016
Your Voice Needed to Support Rooftop Solar in New Hampshire
The Public Utilities Commission currently holds the future of rooftop solar in New Hampshire in its hands. Entrenched interests in New Hampshire are fighting the burgeoning growth of rooftop solar in the state. But CLF knows that rooftop solar powers homes and supports the electric grid. Even more importantly, it empowers the fight against climate…
Oct 14
2016
2016
Mainers: The Time to Speak Up on Solar is NOW
Last month, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proposed changes to Maine’s net metering rule that threaten to stall the state’s progress in increasing its supply of clean, home-grown energy. In proposing the change, the PUC ignored their own study showing that the value of solar energy exceeds associated costs. What’s more, it disregarded the comments…
Sep 1
2016
2016
Don’t Believe the Hype: Solar Power Benefits All Mainers
Mainers like solar power, they want more of it, and they don’t want to change how solar panel owners are paid for it. That’s the take-home message of comments Maine residents submitted to the state’s Public Utilities Commission in its current proceeding to review how solar power customers are reimbursed for the power they produce.…
Aug 8
2016
2016
New Law Will Increase State’s Reliance On Renewable Energy
… Greg Cunningham — the energy and climate program director at the Conservation Law Foundation, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the state over its implementation of Global Warming Solutions Act — said in a statement that while the bill isn’t perfect, it’s a big step forward. “The forward-thinking diversity of resources advanced by this law, including offshore…
Jun 29
2016
2016
Take Action Now: Tell Massachusetts Senators to Support Clean Energy Bill
The challenge of climate change demands nothing less than a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a transition to locally made clean energy. In Massachusetts, we have an opportunity to take action to cut climate-warming pollution before it’s too late. Tomorrow, the Massachusetts Senate is debating Bill S. 2372, “An Act to Promote Energy…
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 23
2016
2016
Rhode Island General Assembly Ends 2016 Session By Passing Two Renewable Energy Bills
On Saturday morning, June 18, at 6:00 AM, the Rhode Island General Assembly wrapped up its 2016 session after an all-night session that many observers likened to college students cramming for exams. Two bills that CLF was closely involved with were passed by both chambers in those last few hours. It is virtually certain that…