Last week, in the waning hours of the Massachusetts General Court’s informal legislative session, lawmakers passed a bill dedicated to promoting electric vehicles (or “EVs”). S.2505, “An Act promoting zero emission vehicle adoption,” is a positive step forward toward a cleaner, electrified, more consumer-friendly transportation future. The bill is aimed at helping communities across the Commonwealth promote…
Jan 12
2017
2017
Jan 12
2017
2017
The Top 5 Myths About Electric Vehicles, Debunked
Are you unsure about whether an electric car is the right choice for you? You’re not alone. Shopping for a new car is hard enough even without taking the time to learn about a new option. Plus, there is a lot of confusing information out there about electric cars. What’s a responsible car shopper to do?…
Dec 12
2016
2016
A Solid Path Forward – Renewable Energy In Vermont
Setting big goals and standards for cutting greenhouse gases or increasing renewable energy is one thing. Putting in place the nuts and bolts to actually make it happen is another. A recent Vermont Public Service Board order implements the renewable energy standard that was put in place by legislation (Act 56) in 2015. The order…
Sep 12
2016
2016
National Drive Electric Week 2016: Much to Celebrate, But More Work Still Ahead
The sixth annual National Drive Electric Week started on Saturday. Communities across the country are hosting events to celebrate electric vehicles – commonly called “EVs” – and share the experience of EV ownership. The benefits of EVs are certainly cause for a party. Compared to a conventional gasoline-powered car, EVs have lower fuel and maintenance…
Mar 8
2016
2016
Maine Charges Forward to Develop Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
This week, Maine Governor Paul LePage and Québec Premier Philippe Couillard announced an exciting public-private partnership to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure between Portland and Québec City. It’s no secret that CLF and the LePage Administration have had a charged relationship over many environmental issues, but this week’s announcement shows that finding common ground…
Dec 15
2015
2015
Climate Talks, Climate Action
The COP21 talks in Paris put climate change front and center. They confirmed that climate change is both the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity of our generation. Coastal cities in the United States lie at risk from storm surges and sea rise. But they have it easy. Full nations in the Pacific will end…
Oct 28
2015
2015
Charging Up: CLF and Partners Release Electric Vehicle Report for Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region
Today, with partners Sierra Club and Acadia Center, CLF released a groundbreaking new report, Charging Up: The Role of States, Utilities, and the Auto Industry in Dramatically Accelerating Electric Vehicle Adoption in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States. The report can be downloaded here. The new report outlines the policy pathway states in the Northeast and…
Oct 6
2015
2015
Could an Electric Car Be in Your Future?
Cars. They cost a lot and pollute a lot. One exciting new opportunity to address both these problems are electric cars. They’ve come a long way. Gone are the days when the Toyota Prius was the only hybrid available to consumers. My interest in this was recently sparked at a gathering I attended of electric…
Feb 17
2015
2015
Growing Clean Energy
The recent massive snow storms provide a stark reminder of why we need more clean energy. The more fossil fuels we burn, the more global warming we face. Fiercer and more frequent storms continue to march across New England wreaking havoc with the daily lives and pocketbooks of so many. Thankfully there are many efforts…
Apr 3
2014
2014
Transportation Matters for Maine
Let’s face it, Maine is a big rural state (larger than the five remaining New England states taken together), where lowering greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles has been and will be a continuing challenge. CLF’s Maine office is actively engaged in three different projects with a wide range of partners who are determined to find…