Dec 06, 2023

Mass. Officials Issue Findings on Future of Natural Gas

“The DPU absolutely came to the right conclusion here: dangerous, polluting fossil fuel gas and so-called renewable natural gas are not the future of heating,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “It will take huge investments to make this transition, and we cannot increase the burden on low- and moderate-income families in the process. We still have a lot of work to do to reach our climate and emissions goals, but today’s order puts us on the right path for years to come.”

a row of gas meters on the side of a building
Dec 06, 2023

Exxon settles suit with Conservation Law Foundation over Everett site

The 100-acre ExxonMobil tank farm in Everett will not be allowed to store fuel anymore as a result of a settlement agreement between the company and the Conservation Law Foundation. “This is a facility where ExxonMobil, which has known through work by its own scientists about the risks of extreme weather to their facilities, has done nothing to prepare for extreme storms,” said foundation President Brad Campbell.

Dec 05, 2023

CLF Settles Landmark Climate Lawsuit Against Exxon

“We welcome ExxonMobil’s decision to resolve this litigation, make the facility closure permanent, and market the site for cleaner and safer uses,” said CLF President Brad Campbell. In settling the case, CLF has obtained an enforceable prohibition on the property ever being used for polluting bulk fossil fuel storage. 

An aerial view of Exxon's tank farm in Everett, MA showing white fuel storage tanks near the waters of Boston Harbor
Dec 01, 2023

Governor Healey Releases Climate Report Card

“Governor Healey’s commitment to transparency around the state’s climate goals is a much-needed change of pace from the previous administration,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “The data shows that we are clearly missing the mark in some critical areas, and it’s so important that we do not leave frontline communities behind in this process. The report card is a good baseline, but it’s time to put in place some new regulations to get us where we need to go on slashing emissions and preparing our communities.”

The front of the Massachusetts State House, with the gold dome visible in front of blue sky
Nov 30, 2023

CLF Prevails Again Over Dirty Biomass Plant

“It is unconscionable that anyone would build such a dirty power plant right across the street from a residential neighborhood,” said CLF attorney Johannes Epke. “Inefficient biomass plants like the one proposed here don’t make sense anywhere in 2023, and especially not in a community in Springfield already overburdened by air pollution. Burning wood for electricity worsens asthma and other respiratory conditions and sets us back in reaching mandatory climate goals, and the court made the right decision.”

Community members holding a banner reading "Welcome to Springfield the Asthma Capital of the USA" to oppose a proposed biomass plant.
Nov 21, 2023

Burlington to Move Forward with Polluting Wood-Fired Heat Plans

“It’s plain and simple: burning wood pollutes our air and worsens the climate crisis,” said Elena Mihaly, Vice President of CLF Vermont. “McNeil is a dirty facility that’s approaching the end of its life, and this proposal will give it a lifeline to pollute for years to come. From a climate perspective, we have no choice but to move past burning wood for electricity in favor of clean energy like wind and solar.”

A pile of wood chips, increasing in height as it continues towards the right. A vehicle tire is behind it.
Nov 07, 2023

In the Eye of a Storm

The climate crisis is here. That means we must not only focus on how to prevent future climate impacts but also on how to preserve life and prevent damage to our homes, neighborhoods, and cities today. Here’s how.

This aerial photo shows flooding in a neighborhood in Montpelier, Vermont. Brown water covers the streets and yards of homes and businesses. Green mountains rise in the distance. Photo credit: Vince Franke