People & Justice Archives

Nov 01, 2023

Utilities Need to Do Their Part to Prepare for Climate Change

Utility companies are not preparing for the cost of climate change-fueled weather, and consumers are paying for it.

A man sitting on the stoop of a house surrounded by floodwater

Oct 24, 2023

Powering the Electric Car Revolution: Mineral Mining

As demand for electric vehicles rises, so does demand for the minerals that make up their batteries. We can ensure mining for them does not hurt people or the environment.

A row of cars alongside a curb plugged into curbside charging stations to recharge while parked. A red sedan is first in view, and then a black/grey SUV behind it.

Oct 20, 2023

Urban Forests are Great for People and the Planet – Here’s How to Help Them Thrive

Urban forests have health and climate benefits. But many communities struggle with nurturing and maintaining them. We looked at solutions to help urban forests grow.

A street in Holyoke, Massachusetts, lined with trees in bloom

Oct 20, 2023

Urban Forests: Advancing Climate Resiliency and Health through Urban Forestry

CLF identified common challenges and barriers, best practices, and gaps in research in order to develop a strategy for accelerating urban forestry efforts in New England.

Oct 19, 2023

Green Line Extension Issues Far Worse Than Previously Known

“This level of dysfunction and irresponsibility defies explanation,” said CLF attorney Seth Gadbois. “The previous administration was clearly more interested in cutting a ribbon than getting this project done safely and correctly. CLF sued to ensure that this extension was built, and this is now an opportunity for the Healey administration to commit to public transit and repair public trust.”

Oct 12, 2023

Coventry Landfill Violating Law

“The owners of this landfill are blatantly ignoring the law and robbing Vermonters of the right to weigh in on a project that will affect public health and the environment,” said Nora Bosworth, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “State laws exist for a reason, and the Coventry landfill can’t be allowed to continue operating this system in defiance of the law. It’s time for the Agency of Natural Resources to step in.”

Oct 11, 2023

What Does a “Just Transition” Mean for New England?

Our transition to a clean energy future must benefit those shouldering the worst burdens of pollution, economic loss, and public health harm

A group of people facing the camera. A young person stands in the center directly looking into camera holding a sign that says "There is no planet b." They are surrounded by other young adults, some of which are holding other signs (slightly out of focus).

Oct 11, 2023

Q&A with Monica Huertas

Monica Huertas is among those leading the fight for environmental justice in her community. The mother of four’s passion lies in her work as a doula, but she recognizes that for her own kids – and the babies she delivers – to grow up healthy, she and her neighbors must take a stand against the industrial pollution fouling her community.

Monica Huertas, a Latina woman wearing a brown t-shirt and jeans, sitting in front of the water with a crane in the background. Her shirt reads "People's Port Authority."

Sep 18, 2023

Gov. Healey Bans State Agencies from Purchasing Single-Use Plastic Bottles

“Single-use plastics are a scourge on our environment and our communities,” said CLF zero waste attorney Mara Shulman. “These products hasten the climate crisis and endanger the health of people and wildlife. Governor Healey’s ban is a great step towards making Massachusetts a leader in fighting the plastics crisis.”