For decades, low-income, immigrant, and communities of color across New England have been overburdened by air pollution from power plants, congested highways, and industrial facilities. CLF connected with two of our Massachusetts-based partners to discuss what needs to change to relieve these burdens and how racism contributes to environmental justice inequities.
Mar 16
2021
2021
Mar 12
2021
2021
Four Things Massachusetts Must Include in Its Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2030
Any plan to lower emissions in Massachusetts must not only consider how to cut the largest sources of carbon pollution – for the Commonwealth, that’s transportation and heating – but also how to ensure all residents have equal access to its solutions.
Jan 11
2021
2021
ACE is Working to Reduce Air Pollution in Roxbury
You can’t protect the environment without helping the community. This idea is the backbone for Alternatives for Community & Environment (ACE), one of the community-based recipients of funds from CLF’s successful lawsuit against Boston’s school bus operator, which was violating clean air laws.
Jan 11
2021
2021
How HEET is Cutting Out Carbon and Transforming Energy
HEET is using funds received from CLF’s settlement with Boston’s school bus operator to support its work to cut carbon emissions.
Jan 11
2021
2021
Growing Resilience in Boston Neighborhoods by Planting and Saving Trees
Speak for the Trees focuses on education, empowerment, and advocacy. Yes, they host tree giveaways and tree planting events, but, as its founder explains, “it’s more than just a tree. It’s a way of adapting to this new climate that we’re facing. It’s a way of making sure that Boston is resilient for the future.”
Jan 11
2021
2021
New England Won Against Transdev – Here’s What Happens Next
In our latest case to stop toxic tailpipe pollution, we sued Transdev Services, Inc., under the federal Clean Air Act. Transdev is a leading provider of transportation throughout the country, including Boston’s public school buses. CLF is holding Transdev accountable by requiring them to fund projects at three local nonprofit organizations: Speak for the Trees, HEET (the Home Energy Efficiency Team), and Alternatives for Community & Environment (ACE).
Jan 6
2021
2021
How a Multi-State Plan to Cut Transportation Emissions Falls Short
The multi-state Transportation and Climate Initiative falls well short of its potential. Here’s what needs to happen to make it a powerful tool for redressing inequities in our communities and cutting climate-damaging emissions.
Aug 20
2020
2020
Waste Incineration is an Environmental Justice Issue
Communities across New England deal with the crude repercussions of local incinerators every day. As long we allow these facilities to operate, they will continue to poison our planet and our people.
May 27
2020
2020
CLF Sues Trump Administration Over Clean Car Standards
“COVID-19 has laid bare the tragic impact toxic emissions and air pollution can have on our health,” said Emily Green, Senior Attorney at CLF. “Rolling back rules designed to create cleaner air and reduce climate-damaging emissions defies reason – and the law. We must hold this administration accountable for its continued attacks on our health and our environment.”
May 15
2020
2020
Amid Pandemic, States Delay Transportation Climate Initiative
“With COVID disproportionately affecting communities long exposed to the brunt of air pollution, reducing transportation emissions is more important than ever,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “This delay will give state leaders an opportunity to ensure an equitable implementation of TCI that prioritizes the communities facing the largest health impacts from pollution. Our leaders must honor their commitment and begin this program in 2022.”