The Massachusetts Legislative Session is over, and CLF has our recap of the good, the bad, and the “meh” from the last two years of work by our elected officials.
Aug 8
2018
2018
Aug 8
2018
2018
Rhode Island General Assembly Fails to Make Progress on Environmental Initiatives, But Some Bad Bills Defeated
When the Rhode Island General Assembly convened for its 2018 session, CLF and our partners focused on several key measures aimed at combating climate change, reforming how energy projects are sited, and protecting our waters from offshore drilling. With progress on these issues stalled (or moving in reverse) at the national level, state and local…
Aug 8
2018
2018
Eight Dangerous Landfills Expanding in New England
CLF’s Zero Waste program has identified eight New England landfills that want dangerous expansions, a surefire way to increase the pollution they emit into the air, soil, and water. We’re working to stop them from expanding.
Aug 6
2018
2018
Rhode Island Takes First Step to Solve Plastic Pollution
Governor Raimondo’s “Task Force to Tackle Plastics” is a good start for the state to start taking on plastic pollution. But to really face the problem head-on, Rhode Island must ban single-use plastics and push the state closer to Zero Waste.
Jul 27
2018
2018
Six Bills, Three Weeks: Massachusetts Legislators Need to Hear from You Today
Updated on Friday, July 27. As a runner, I know what it’s like to reach the end of a long race. That last mile is when a marathon truly does become a sprint, and it takes tremendous will and energy to push yourself over the finish line. That’s a lot like the end of a…
Jul 25
2018
2018
Massachusetts Bill Threatens Waterfront Public Access
There is currently legislation in front of the Massachusetts House of Representatives that not only threatens public access to Boston’s Waterfront but could set a dangerous precedent for waterfronts across the Commonwealth. If the bill (H.4505) were to pass, the Commercial Wharf East Condominium Association would be allowed to skirt their Chapter 91 obligations to…
Jul 23
2018
2018
Proposed Plastic Bag Ban Would Benefit Environment and Economy
The Massachusetts state legislature is considering a bill that would ban plastic bags across the Commonwealth. More than 80 cities and towns in the state have already ousted this plastic pollution from their communities – now our legislature can standardize this practice by enacting a ban statewide.
Jul 23
2018
2018
All Landfills Leak, and Our Health and Environment Pay the Toxic Price
All landfills leak – some over time and some from day one of operation – leaching toxic chemicals into the ground and the water supply. Despite state and federal regulation, landfills are harming the health and environment of communities in New England.
Jul 19
2018
2018
Indigo Line Pilot Could Improve Fairmount Commuter Rail Line
A pilot program could turn the Fairmount commuter rail line into the “Indigo Line,” making it run more like the region’s other subway lines. It would improve public transit for communities along the route, including Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, and Roxbury, which have traditionally been underserved by the MBTA.
Jul 17
2018
2018
Update: CLF Stands Up for the Public Trust
If we’re not careful, Boston Harbor will be walled off to those of us who are not wealthy and powerful, even though we have laws and regulations put in place to protect us. Today, CLF is taking action to ensure that the city and state cannot get away with putting private developers’ interests ahead of the public when it comes to these precious public assets.