The Green New Deal may be stalled on the federal level, but it’s always been local governments that move the needle on progress and have immediate, concrete impacts on our lives. Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu’s proposal – Planning for a Green New Deal & Just Recovery – is a great example of local action in the face of federal inertia, and offers an ambitious vision for Boston’s future.
Oct 6
2020
2020
Sep 22
2020
2020
What Is a Renewable Energy Certificate?
A Renewable Energy Certificate is a way to measure and track the production of clean energy. It’s how states and utilities track how much clean energy is being produced by renewable energy sources and which electrical utilities are buying that power.
Sep 21
2020
2020
What Is a Renewable Portfolio Standard?
A Renewable Portfolio Standard is a way for states to ensure their electric utilities – and by extension, the states themselves – are making progress on clean energy. The best policies heavily emphasize clean renewables like wind and solar.
Sep 9
2020
2020
Vermont Legislature Passes Groundbreaking Climate Bill
“The COVID pandemic has exposed what happens when we fail to plan for an emergency,” said Jen Duggan, Vice President and Director of CLF Vermont. “This bill will make sure that we don’t make the same mistake when it comes to the urgent threat of the climate crisis. It will also help make our communities stronger and boost our economic recovery from COVID-19. Governor Scott must sign it into law so we can get to work.”
Jul 22
2020
2020
Conservation Matters Summer 2020: Year in Review
In times of change and upheaval, there is also room for hope and inspiration. While we collectively have much hard work ahead of us, we also have much to commend. Our hope is that this report offers insight into the work that your support makes possible – and inspiration for what we know we can accomplish together.
Jul 16
2020
2020
Federal Energy Regulators Stand Up for Solar
“This decision is a huge win for solar power in New England,” said Phelps Turner, CLF Senior Attorney. “The petition never should have been filed, and FERC absolutely made the right call in dismissing it. Net metering saves people money and helps slash carbon emissions, and it should not be used as a political pawn.”
Jul 8
2020
2020
Maine Takes One Step Closer on Plan to Lower Carbon Pollution
The Maine Climate Council is evaluating a set of recommended actions, policies, and programs proposed for inclusion in the state’s “Climate Action Plan.”
Jun 25
2020
2020
Vermont Senate Votes to Approve Critical Climate Bill
“Cutting climate pollution and investing in sustainable and climate-resilient communities has significant public health and economic benefits for Vermonters,” said Jen Duggan, Vice President and Director of CLF Vermont. “The Solutions Act requires climate solutions that reduce energy burdens for rural and marginalized communities, build healthy communities, and protect our natural and working lands. Today’s vote is an important step forward towards ensuring an equitable transition to a carbon-free and resilient Vermont.”
May 14
2020
2020
Building Stronger Communities and a Healthier Climate in the Wake of COVID-19
Even as we mourn the lives lost to COVID-19 and absorb the heavy toll it has taken on our economy, we must recognize that the old “normal” left too many communities unhealthy and especially vulnerable to the pandemic. Replicating that old “normal” will squander an opportunity to reduce climate danger while building healthier and more just communities for all.
May 11
2020
2020
Maine Department of Environmental Protection Issues Final NECEC Permit
“Building new ways to deliver low-carbon energy to our region is a critical piece of tackling the climate crisis,” said Phelps Turner, Senior Attorney at CLF. “DEP was absolutely right to impose significant environmental conditions on this project and ensure that it does not harm critical wildlife areas. NECEC will allow New England to retire dirty fossil fuel plants in the coming years, which is a win for our health and our climate.”