May 22, 2018

Clean Renewable Energy Is the Key to a Resilient Electric Grid in New England

by David Ismay

New analysis from the regional grid operator, ISO New England (ISO), confirms what CLF and other experts have been saying for some time: New England doesn’t need expensive natural gas pipelines to keep the lights on and our homes warm even during our harshest winters. In fact, thanks to the growth of clean, renewable energy,… Continue reading Clean Renewable Energy Is the Key to a Resilient Electric Grid in New England

Clean, renewable energy like wind and solar are ramping up in New England.
May 17, 2018

CLF Continues Working to Restore Native River Herring to New England’s Coastal Rivers

by Emily Green

Every year, alewives and blueback herring return to their native waters to spawn. But thousands of dams have cut these fish off from thousands of acres of freshwater bodies, thwarting reproductive cycles that had been ongoing for eons. The impact of these dams, on top of threats from pollution and overfishing, have led to a drastic decline in river herring populations –  threatening their survival.

Saccarappa Falls Presumpscot River Maine
May 16, 2018

Unprecedented Attack on Nation’s Ocean Lurks in Congress

by Jennifer Felt

A slew of bills under debate in Congress would endanger our marine life and ocean ecosystems by decimating key conservation protections offered by existing laws. Coupled with harmful actions from the Executive Branch, our ocean faces threats from some in Washington who are more concerned with lining the pockets of a few oil and gas industry executives than with the health of our ocean and coastal communities.

Acadia Ocean
May 14, 2018

Climate Change Preparedness on Trial

by Elena Mihaly

Harvey. Irma. Maria. Nate. Last year, during a 45-day period, eight consecutive named storms strengthened into hurricanes. All told, the 2017 hurricane season was the most expensive in history, causing more than $200 billion in damage nationwide. Meanwhile, so-called 100-year floods are becoming so common the metric is losing its meaning and utility. For instance,… Continue reading Climate Change Preparedness on Trial

May 10, 2018

Nitrogen Denial in the Great Bay Estuary

by Melissa Paly

The Great Bay-Piscataqua Estuary is an incredible place. It’s home to numerous fish and bird species and provides spectacular fishing, boating, and recreation for the people of New Hampshire, Maine, and beyond. But persistent high levels of nitrogen pollution have disrupted these waters, and while progress is being made, some municipal officials are fighting against the changes that can save Great Bay.

Photo: Great Bay Estuary | EcoPhotography
May 10, 2018

Final Showdown Begins Between Invenergy, CLF, and Burrillville Residents

by Bethany Kwoka

For two years, Invenergy has been trying to build an unneeded, unwanted fossil fuel power plant in the heart of a state forest in Burrillville, Rhode Island. But Burrillville – along with nearly every other town across the state – has stood against the project, as it would harm local communities, devastate an important wildlife corridor,… Continue reading Final Showdown Begins Between Invenergy, CLF, and Burrillville Residents

The Invenergy Final Hearing resumed this week
May 9, 2018

Are You Composting Yet? If Not, Spring Is a Good Time to Start!

by Kirstie Pecci

Over the last few years, the push to get food waste out of landfills and incinerators has become the new kale. Or cupcakes. Or bone broth. You get the picture. And rightfully so! As a nation, we waste a staggering amount of food every year: about 40 percent of what we produce. That’s more than… Continue reading Are You Composting Yet? If Not, Spring Is a Good Time to Start!

Composting food scraps
May 9, 2018

Public Concerns Ignored in Approval of Massive Landfill Expansion

by Kirstie Pecci

Update May 9, 2018: Conservation Law Foundation has filed an appeal to stop the expansion of the Wheelabrator Saugus ash landfill. When the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) this week gave its final okay for an ash landfill in Saugus to expand, it signaled that polluting our communities and our environment is perfectly fine… Continue reading Public Concerns Ignored in Approval of Massive Landfill Expansion

Wheelabrator Power Plant Photo
May 9, 2018

When It Comes to Climate Change, the Kids are Alright

by Phelps Turner

In Maine, 33 elementary- to high-school-age kids have forced the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to consider regulating climate-damaging emissions. These kids, joined by CLF, hundreds of registered voters, and other environmental organizations, filed a petition that requires the DEP to hold a public hearing – scheduled for May 15, 2018  – on the need for and scope of such regulations.

Maine youth
May 2, 2018

New Home Energy Audit Bill Has Right Idea But Wrong Funding

by Amy Laura Cahn

This week, CLF joined with a host of partner organizations to lend support for Governor Charlie Baker’s home energy scorecard program.The program, outlined in H. 4371, An Act relative to consumer access to residential energy information, would require homeowners to undertake a home energy audit and include a home energy scorecard when they sell their… Continue reading New Home Energy Audit Bill Has Right Idea But Wrong Funding