“EPA’s permitting program has for decades provided important protections for our water,” said CLF attorney Caitlin Peale Sloan. “Proposing inadequate funding from an already-strapped environmental protection budget in order to create a weak program demonstrates a real lack of understanding on behalf of our state leaders. While we certainly have reason to be wary about EPA’s continued ability to perform in the coming years, we cannot allow these near-term fears to push us into making a dangerous, long-term change. Massachusetts legislators should reject the proposal in its current form, and CLF welcomes the opportunity to work with the Baker Administration in finding a solution that actually provides continued protection for our natural resources.”
2017
2017
Vermont Takes Action to Rein in Stormwater Pollution
Vermont’s House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife is considering a bill to improve how the state manages its rainfall. Pollution from stormwater runoff is one of the gravest threats to clean water in New England. When rain falls on pavement rather than soil, two things happen: first, it gains speed as it runs…
2017
Trump Administration Dismantles Critical Water Protections
“Today the President said clearly and unequivocally that ensuring Americans have access to clean and safe water is not on his to-do list,” said Christopher Kilian, Director of CLF’s Clean Water and Healthy Forests program. “Repealing this critical protection not only defies the broad-based will of the American people, but it also places our region’s wetlands, streams and coastal estuaries at risk. New Englanders deserve better, and CLF stands ready to fight this catastrophic action at all costs.”
2017
CLF says legal action possible against Coakley Landfill Group
The Conservation Law Foundation official has not ruled out taking legal action against the Coakley Landfill Group. Tom Irwin, vice president and director of CLF New Hampshire, said “it’s an option we’ve not dismissed” when asked during an editorial board meeting Wednesday if it’s something CLF has considered. “I’ll just say it’s a possibility at…
2017
What’s Next for Clean Water in Vermont
This past year was big for clean water in Vermont. The pollution limits for Lake Champlain were finalized, and a slew of new rules for agriculture, development and wastewater were established. CLF fought hard to shape these new policies to protect the environment and to ensure we have regular check-ins and honest accounting on how…
2017
Vermont Governor Makes Two-Year Commitment to Clean Water Funding
“There is no doubt that a significant investment in clean water is essential for the economy, property values, tourism, recreation and the environment, and the question now is how we are going to get there,” said Rebekah Weber, CLF’s Lake Champlain Lakekeeper. “Today the governor took a big step in the right direction, but his funding plan falls short of what we need to ensure safe, healthy water for all Vermonters. By doubling his proposed investment and extending it beyond the next two years, Governor Scott can send a strong message that ensuring clean water must be a top priority.”
2016
New Hampshire’s Berry’s Brook Tests Positive for Toxic Chemicals
“When Coakley Landfill was shut down three decades ago, PFC contamination and the severe threat it posed to surrounding neighborhoods was left wholly unaddressed,” said Jeff Barnum. “And in the years since, the day-to-day operations of Pease Air Force Base and Pease Tradeport have only made matters worse. In communities built around the water where so many families rely on private wells, the significant presence of any carcinogens should raise alarm bells. We cannot afford to wait any longer to begin educating our neighbors about this serious health risk and taking action to make our water safe and clean.”
2016
CLF Suit to Protect Rhode Island Waters Gets its Day in Court
“One of the great sources of pride for Rhode Island – the Ocean State – ought to be our ponds, rivers and beautiful coastline, but decades of toxic runoff has imperiled our waters, closed our beaches and endangered important wildlife habitats,” said CLF attorney Max Greene. “There’s no question that nasty pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus, the precursors to toxic algae blooms, are constantly flowing from industrial campuses and commercial shopping centers into nearby waterways, yet EPA has sat on its hands rather than take the legally-required steps to address this rampant contamination. Today, EPA was forced to answer for that neglect in federal court, and we’re optimistic that Rhode Island waters will soon be on the path to recovery.”
2016
Guest Blog: Why I Care about the Health of Lake Champlain
Richard Butz is a boater, boat builder, and water lover who lives in Bristol, Vermont. Richard has advocated for our waterways for years, including as co-founder of the Buffalo Maritime Center, former board member and chair of the Buffalo Niagara River Keeper, and current board member of the Addison, Vermont, River Watch Collaborative. Why should…
2016
Portsmouth’s deal with EPA on sewer plant approved
U.S. District Court Judge Paul Barbadoro approved the deal, which includes the state of New Hampshire, U.S. Department of Justice and the Conservation Law Foundation, on Thursday… …Tom Irwin, vice president and director of CLF New Hampshire, said the group is “pleased that both in his order and in comments from the bench that…