Focus Area: Clean Air & Water

Jul 07, 2023

Saving Cape Cod’s Waters

Cape Cod’s waters are at risk from nitrogen pollution but the region’s towns have been slow to implement solutions.

Jun 21, 2023

Mass. Releases New Rules to Clean Up Cape Cod Pollution

Ineffective septic tanks release high levels of nitrogen in wastewater which can cause toxic algae outbreaks in the Cape’s waters, which in turn place people at risk, harm fish and wildlife, and dampen tourism. CLF released the following statement in response to today’s news.

“Pollution from septic tanks has pushed Cape Cod’s waters to the brink of disaster,” said CLF attorney Maggie Nivison. “Toxic algae outbreaks destroy our waters, sicken people, and threaten the Cape’s critical tourism economy. The state has finally taken this crisis seriously, and these new rules are a tremendous first step in finally combatting this pervasive problem.”

Aerial view of algae mats in Prince Cove (north of North Bay) in Marston Mills, Massachusetts.
Jun 16, 2023

CLF to Sue Polluting Chemical Company in Quincy, MA

“Twin Rivers has been given a free pass to violate the law and pollute Quincy and other nearby communities for far too long,” said CLF attorney Erica Kyzmir-McKeon. “Everyone has a right to clean air and water. This is why CLF will fight to push Twin Rivers ends this illegal pollution once and for all.”

A view of the Weymouth-Fore River
May 31, 2023

Lake Advocates Say Vermont Has Botched Regulating Pollution on Dairy Farms

“In order to achieve the monumental phosphorus reductions we need to clean up the lake, we need a functioning system to regulate those farms,” said Elena Mihaly, director of the Conservation Law Foundation in Vermont. “We have a lot of concern that the structure right now is not set up for success.”

May 25, 2023

Supreme Court Rolls Back Clean Water Act Protections

“As millions of Americans prepare to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend, the Supreme Court has torpedoed protections for treasured waters safeguarded by the Clean Water Act,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “The Court has commandeered the power to curtail Congress’ authority whenever it impinges on the rights of polluters and property owners. The decision is devastating not only for the environment, but also for countless families and businesses whose health, safety, and prosperity depend on wetlands for safe drinking water, flood and storm protection, and a vibrant tourism economy.”

Wetlands in Newburyport, Massachusetts
May 18, 2023

Epping Treatment Plant Dumping Wastewater into Lamprey River

“Epping has utterly failed to operate its wastewater treatment facility safely for several years,” said CLF attorney Heidi Trimarco. “The plant is dumping practically untreated wastewater directly into the Lamprey River, threatening the drinking water for Durham and UNH as well as the health of the iconic Great Bay Estuary. The town’s frequent and repeated Clean Water Act violations cannot be allowed to continue, which is why we’re joining the EPA’s effort to finally bring the town in line with the law.”

New Hampshire's Lamprey River
Apr 12, 2023

5 Things To Do On Earth Day

Earth Day is almost here! It’s our moment to honor our planet by taking concrete action to preserve the environment and fight climate change. After all, as the saying goes, there’s no Planet B.   So, this year, let’s celebrate Earth Day by pairing our small local efforts with BIG collective actions that can really… Continue reading 5 Things To Do On Earth Day