Focus Area: Climate Change

Oct 30, 2023

Bioenergy in New England: A New Report 

CLF’s recently published study finds that bioenergy can play a limited role in industries that are near-impossible to electrify – but clean energy like solar, wind, and heat pumps must largely pave the path forward.

New Hampshire's Energy Strategy calls for more natural gas – which is the last thing we need.
Oct 30, 2023

CLF Report Examines Future of Bioenergy

“It’s critical that we separate fact from fiction when it comes to biofuels,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “The fossil fuel industry is pushing solutions like renewable natural gas as a silver bullet to confront the climate crisis with little evidence. The truth is these fuels will still pollute our climate and our air, and they must be used only in limited cases.”

gas is an expensive, polluting fossil fuel
Oct 30, 2023

Limited and Careful Use: The Role of Bioenergy in New England’s Clean Energy Future

As the conversation around our clean energy future progresses, new fuels have entered the field that are purportedly “renewable” and “clean.” These fuels are often called “bioenergy” because they are produced from natural resources and waste. Policymakers are contending with what role these new fuels play in slowing climate change.  CLF answers this question in… Continue reading Limited and Careful Use: The Role of Bioenergy in New England’s Clean Energy Future

Limited and Careful Use: The Role of Bioenergy in New England's CleaN Energy Future
Oct 25, 2023

Mass. Climate Chief Issues Recommendations for Confronting Climate Crisis

Melissa Hoffer has released a report outlining recommendations for the Healey Administration’s agenda to tackle the climate crisis. Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement in response.

“The climate crisis is impacting every community in Massachusetts, and we wasted valuable years under the prior administration waiting for firm commitments and real action on the ground,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “The Climate Chief’s report underscores the vast challenges facing the Commonwealth in this fight as well as the opportunities for climate solutions that work for all our residents. It’s time to get to work.”

The Massachusetts State House
Oct 24, 2023

Maine Officials Support Clean Cars Rules

“Harmful emissions from fossil fuel-powered cars and trucks are driving the climate crisis and polluting the air we breathe,” said CLF senior attorney Emily Green. “The clean car standards will save lives and clean up our air. But our leaders need to go beyond the rule they’re considering and go all electric by 2035. And rejecting the clean trucks standards would be absolutely the wrong move. Our future health, air, and climate depend on us taking bold action today.” 

Electric vehicles are a critical part of our climate solutions.
Oct 20, 2023

Ruling Clears the Way for CLF Trial Against Shell

“Despite Shell’s many efforts to obstruct our case and avoid producing evidence, the court has recognized that this important case will now proceed to trial,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “The company’s inconsistent positions about climate risk and unlawful operation of its New Haven facility are putting families, businesses, and local waters in harm’s way. This decision brings us one step closer to protecting New Haven communities and the surrounding environment from Shell’s unlawful conduct.

New Haven harbor
Oct 17, 2023

Is a Publicly Owned Utility Too Risky for Maine?

Voting yes on the referendum to create Pine Tree Power provides no certainty that this quasi-public utility would solve the myriad of problems we’ve come to expect from CMP and Versant.

Power Lines radiate out from a utility pole