Every day, hundreds of vessels can be seen moving in and out of their berths in the New York Harbor. This marine traffic is an important part of the history and economy of the Northeast. However, many larger marine vessels are equipped with diesel engines that last 30 years or more. They don’t keep pace…
Oct 19
2020
2020
Oct 8
2020
2020
Environmental and Legal Groups Sue DOJ, EPA for Ending Decades-Old Practice In Which Polluters Fund Environmentally Beneficial Projects
“This policy reversal is a slap in the face to communities battling pollution,” said Heather Govern, Director of CLF’s Clean Air and Water program. “Communities of color have suffered for decades with dirty air and unsafe water, and supplemental projects help right these wrongs. Such an unlawful scheme cannot be allowed to stand.”
Aug 24
2020
2020
Toxic Runoff Contaminating Mystic and Neponset Rivers
“Properties have been given free rein to dump toxic pollutants into the Mystic and Neponset Rivers for too long,” said Heather Govern, Director of CLF’s Clean Air and Water program. “Communities surrounding the Mystic and Neponset already see far more than their share of pollution, and toxic algae outbreaks only add insult to injury. It’s time EPA hold these polluters accountable and ensure residents have access to clean and healthy rivers.”
Aug 14
2020
2020
EPA Moves To Reduce Runoff That Feeds Toxic Algae In Charles River
The Charles River has been hit by toxic algae blooms almost every summer in recent years. The blooms — which can be dangerous for people, pets and the river’s ecosystem — are fed by hot sunny days and storm runoff containing nutrients, especially phosphorus.
Aug 14
2020
2020
Protecting the Charles River from Polluters
“Polluted stormwater is poisoning the Charles River, leading to blooms of dangerous algae,” said Heather Govern, Director of CLF’s Clean Air and Water program. “The blooms can sicken humans and pets which means boat and swim races are increasingly cancelled in the summer months and people are unable to use this precious resource. Large properties surrounding the Charles River have gotten a free pass to pollute for too long, and now’s the time for EPA to finally hold them accountable.”
Jul 27
2020
2020
CLF and Sierra Club File Appeal of EPA’s Backwards Water Permit
“The EPA’s blatantly putting the interest of big coal over the people of New Hampshire,” Tom Irwin, Director of the New Hampshire office of Conservation Law Foundation said. “Merrimack Station has polluted our air and water for decades, degrading the iconic Merrimack river in the process. EPA’s permit is a giveaway to the fossil fuel industry and it cannot be allowed to stand.”
Jul 23
2020
2020
Guest Post: Protecting Water for Wildlife and the People Who Love It
Birdwatchers know that visiting a healthy wetland, vernal pool, or small stream can help boost sightings since the presence of water plus plant and insect diversity is a bird magnet. MassAudubon is fighting with CLF to protect our waters from the Trump administration’s rollbacks.
Jul 16
2020
2020
UPDATE: Continuing the Eversource East Boston Substation Fight
East Boston residents overwhelmingly oppose a proposal to build a massive electrical substation in their neighborhood. In a case highlighting issues of language justice, many residents have been unable to participate fully in public proceedings because of inadequate translation services. CLF and our partners have filed a formal complaint to hold officials accountable.
Jul 7
2020
2020
Lake Champlain Clean-Up Can Help Drive Economic Recovery
It will take a suite of strategies to rebound from the COVID-19 crisis, but one that should not be overlooked is the Lake Champlain clean-up effort. The federally mandated work to clean up our iconic waterbody can help fuel Vermont’s recovery from the pandemic – creating a win-win for our environment and economy, both in the short-term and in the future.
Jun 1
2020
2020
State Denies Equal Access to Public Hearings
“Preventing residents from commenting on a project that will have enormous impacts on their community is not only shameful but a form of discrimination,” said Amy Laura Cahn, Director of CLF’s Healthy Communities and Environmental Justice program. “East Boston and Chelsea already experience some of the worst air quality and pollution in the state and adding yet another industrial facility will only compound these injustices. State leaders need to be held accountable for silencing community concerns to push this project through.”