Campaign: Tailpipe Pollution

Dec 11, 2023

CLF Appeals Decision in Tailpipe Pollution Lawsuit

“Every year, vehicle emissions are linked to thousands of deaths in the northeast,” said Heather Govern, Director of CLF’s Clean Air and Water program. “Large bus companies must be held accountable for ignoring idling laws designed to limit toxic emissions and protect public health. CLF filed this appeal to continue the fight for cleaner air in our communities.”

An exhaust pipe is shown spewing out black smoke
Sep 08, 2023

CLF Settles Lawsuit Against First Transit in Connecticut

“Idling vehicles spread toxic tailpipe pollution into many communities already overburdened with harmful emissions and asthma,” said CLF attorney Erica Kyzmir-McKeon. “Buses are some of the most egregious sources of this pollution, and First Transit will now take the right steps to address the problem. CLF’s settlement will promote healthier communities by reducing excessive idling, supporting urban farming and green spaces, and enhancing air monitoring in environmental justice communities.”

An exhaust pipe is shown spewing out black smoke
Apr 12, 2023

EPA to Announce New Limits on Polluting Tailpipe Emissions

“Once again the Biden Administration is trying to cover its ongoing support for fossil fuels with half measures on climate,” said CLF Senior Vice President of Law and Policy Kate Sinding Daly. “The new standards fall short of President Biden’s stated ambitions and those of major auto manufacturers to convert 100% of the cars sold in the U.S. to electric by 2035. The pollution rules announced today simply won’t get us there, so we’ll continue to push states and the federal government to adopt California’s much stricter emissions regulations.”

Electric vehicles are a critical part of our climate solutions.
Jan 23, 2023

More Massachusetts districts are switching to electric school buses

In the last five years, the foundation successfully settled eight lawsuits against bus vendors, four of which serve schools.

“We really have to put the pressure on to get these companies to transition,” said Heather Govern, vice president and director of CLF’s Clean Air and Water Program.

Dec 19, 2022

School bus company sued for excessive idling in Worcester, Holyoke

“Urban communities suffer disproportionately from toxic, polluted air,” said Heather Govern, director of CLF’s Clean Air and Water program, in a press release. “Holyoke and Worcester are two of the cities most burdened by negative health impacts like asthma because of this type of pollution. Durham School Services must own up to its role in this problem.”

Nov 22, 2022

School Buses Polluting Massachusetts Communities

“Urban communities suffer disproportionately from toxic, polluted air,” said Heather Govern, Director of CLF’s Clean Air and Water program. “Holyoke and Worcester are two of the cities most burdened by negative health impacts like asthma because of this type of pollution. Durham School Services must own up to its role in this problem, stop violating anti-idling laws, and commit to reducing pollution from its buses.” 

Apr 07, 2022

CLF Settles Clean Air Act Lawsuit Against Paul Revere Transportation

“Idling vehicles spread toxic tailpipe pollution into some of Boston’s most vulnerable neighborhoods – communities already overburdened with harmful emissions and asthma,” said Heather Govern, Vice President of Clean Air and Water at CLF. “CLF’s settlement with Paul Revere will promote a healthier Roxbury by reducing excessive idling and by supporting urban farming and green spaces.”