Mar 27, 2023

Gov. Healey Names Phillip Eng as New MBTA General Manager

“The MBTA is in crisis, and it’s time for bold leadership at the top to turn the situation around while centering equity, climate resiliency, and increased frequency,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “Phillip is an excellent choice to lead the T at this critical time. The thousands of people who depend on the T to get around the region deserve a safe, reliable system, and CLF will be at the table with new leadership to make sure that happens.”

A new MBTA Orange Line train waits at a station
Mar 15, 2023

CLF’s Staci Rubin Appointed Mass. DPU Commissioner

“I’m thrilled to see Staci’s talent recognized in her appointment to this essential post,” said CLF President Brad Campbell. “In an era of high cynicism about politics, it is telling that Governor Healey has chosen Staci based on her leadership skills, her legal acumen, and her principled commitment to the public interest and social justice. Massachusetts communities are better off because of the leadership Staci will provide in transitioning to clean energy and advancing environmental justice.”

Massachusetts State House
Mar 14, 2023

Quincy Oil Terminal Endangering Community

“Sprague’s Quincy terminal is an accident waiting to happen,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “The climate crisis is worsening storms and flooding in and around Boston Harbor, and Sprague has sat on their hands while nearby communities are at risk of being inundated with a toxic oil spill. This facility is woefully unprepared for extreme weather, and it’s time the owners are held accountable in court.”

The area surrounding Sprague Oil's terminal in Quincy, MA.
Feb 24, 2023

CLF, Community Challenge Expanded Waste Facility in New Bedford

“Everyone deserves a say in what happens in their backyards, no matter what language they speak,” said Staci Rubin, Vice President of Environmental Justice at CLF. “It’s unconscionable that Massachusetts officials are allowing this polluting project to plow ahead in the face of such strong community opposition. The EPA needs to step in and force the state to do the right thing by starting this process over.”

trash can filled with plastic waste
Feb 16, 2023

Cape Cod Town Failing to Protect Waters

“The Hyannis wastewater plant is dumping sewage and pollutants directly into the ground, which invariably reaches nearby ponds, bays, and streams. Barnstable officials are running the Town’s sewage facility without a federal permit and have taken little action to stem this crisis and protect the Cape’s waters. We need to solve this problem once and for all, as the region’s bays and ponds are heading past the point of no return.”

Aerial view of algae mats in Prince Cove (north of North Bay) in Marston Mills, Massachusetts.
Dec 28, 2022

Rebecca Tepper Named Mass. Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs

“Rebecca Tepper is a proven leader and an excellent choice for Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “Tepper has the expertise and experience Massachusetts needs to lead on climate while helping communities facing toxic emissions, more polluted waters, and rising energy costs. Secretary Tepper’s first task must be to build a leadership team of comparable stature ready to meet this moment head-on.”

Massachusetts State House
Dec 21, 2022

Mass. Releases 2050 Climate Plan

“With climate impacts already at our doorsteps, now is the time to take action for the future,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “This plan is on the right track, especially when it comes to phasing out fossil fuels in our homes and on our roads. But we need to do more on environmental justice to make sure that no communities are left behind in the years ahead.” 

Clean, renewable energy like wind and solar are ramping up in New England.
Dec 19, 2022

CLF, GreenRoots Appeal Irresponsible East Boston Substation Decision

Supreme Judicial Court of a recent state decision that would allow a proposed electrical substation in East Boston to bypass an important permitting process. After hours of community testimony in opposition, the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board decided to fast-track the project in a vote on November 29.

“How many times does the community have to say no to this facility while decision-makers fail to listen?” said Staci Rubin, Vice President of Environmental Justice at CLF. “At every turn, the state has ignored laws governing community input and alternative location of these types of facilities. East Boston does not need yet another environmental burden, and we will continue challenging this substation until the end.”

The waterfront site near the dangerous electric substation proposed by Eversource in the Eagle Hill community in East Boston. The jet fuel tanks and other infrastructure in the background highlight the need for climate justice in this community.
Dec 19, 2022

Gov-Elect Healey Names Climate Chief

“With this announcement, it’s clear that Governor-elect Healey is treating the climate crisis with the urgency our future demands,” said CLF President Brad Campbell. “Choosing someone of Melissa’s stature and experience sends a strong signal and she will push the administration to hit the ground running on day one. Massachusetts communities are already feeling the impacts of the climate crisis and now is the time for bold action.”

The Massachusetts State House