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,…
May 22
2018
2018
May 9
2018
2018
When It Comes to Climate Change, the Kids are Alright
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.
May 2
2018
2018
New Home Energy Audit Bill Has Right Idea But Wrong Funding
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…
Apr 26
2018
2018
R.I. energy panel hears competing lawyers on proposed Burrillville power plant
Jerry Elmer, senior attorney with the Conservation Law Foundation, countered that energy efficiency is reducing demand for electricity in New England and that renewable energy is helping to fill what need there is. Prices in the annual energy auction held by ISO New England have dropped significantly in recent years, proving, he said, an excess of capacity.
Apr 26
2018
2018
New Hampshire Senate Fails to Repeal RGGI Rebate
“This vote deals a significant blow to New Hampshire residents and the environment,” said CLF Staff Attorney Melissa Birchard. “RGGI revenues were always intended to be invested in energy efficiency in order to save Granite Staters money on their energy bills and protect our environment. There’s a lot of talk in New Hampshire about lowering energy bills, but this vote shows that when push comes to shove, some legislators just won’t stand up for the cheapest, easiest way to lower energy costs.”
Apr 20
2018
2018
Troubled Gas Pipeline Given Greenlight by Vermont Supreme Court
“Climate change demands that we set aside harmful, unnecessary fossil fuel pipelines, and today’s decision is a step in the wrong direction,” said Sandra Levine, Senior Attorney at Conservation Law Foundation. “Without a fresh look at what has become an entirely new project, the troubled Vermont Gas pipeline will saddle Vermonters with higher costs and more pollution for decades.”
Apr 18
2018
2018
Conservation Matters Spring 2018: Year in Review
In this special issue of Conservation Matters, we want to take you behind the scenes of our work, to give you a glimpse into how we break down challenges and take advantage of opportunities to create a healthy, thriving New England – not just for today, but for generations to come.
Apr 11
2018
2018
Maine’s Legislature Fails to Move State Forward on Solar
One of Governor LePage’s first official acts was to erect a sign on the New Hampshire border of the Maine Turnpike proclaiming that Maine is “OPEN FOR BUSINESS.” Unfortunately, LePage has not lived up to that promise. His most recent veto of legislation designed to undo damage to the solar industry in Maine while enhancing…
Apr 9
2018
2018
Baker Administration Allows Expansion of Most Dangerous Landfill in Massachusetts
“By issuing this permit, the Baker administration has clogged our community’s air, water, and land with another 500,000 tons of toxic ash in Rumney Marsh,” said Kirstie Pecci, Director of the Zero Waste Project at Conservation Law Foundation. “We will all be able to breathe easier when the Commonwealth stops pandering to dangerous landfills and starts protecting public health by enforcing its zero waste regulations.”
Apr 5
2018
2018
Rhode Island Bill Mandates Cuts in Carbon Pollution
When President Trump announced that he was pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement last summer, leaders across the country stood up and stepped in where the president had stepped out. Among those promising action was Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. Although Rhode Island already had goals for cutting carbon emissions, Raimondo…