“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 24
2020
2020
Jul 30
2018
2018
CLF Challenges Permits that Increase Pollution into Lake Champlain
“Vermont cannot be a champion of conservation when state authorities are giving towns the green light to dump more toxic pollution into Lake Champlain,” said Elena Mihaly, Staff Attorney, Conservation Law Foundation. “Lake Champlain is a natural treasure and economic driver for Vermont and it is the agency’s obligation to protect our waters. Granting permits that will increase pollution flowing into this iconic lake is irresponsible, reckless, and unlawful.”
Jun 1
2018
2018
Vermont Legislature Makes Little Progress on Clean Water in 2018
Water was a hot topic of the 2018 Vermont legislative session, with many bills that touched on clean water challenges. We made some progress, but we’re still too far behind when it comes to the long-term funding we need to make true progress on cleaning up Lake Champlain and other ailing waters across the state.
Apr 6
2018
2018
Saving Lake Champlain
If there’s one thing that most Vermonters can agree on, it’s that Lake Champlain is in trouble. The iconic lake is central to Vermont’s identity and its tourism economy. It provides drinking water and feeds thirsty farms throughout its large watershed. It’s also dying a slow death due to unchecked pollution. How to stop that…
Jan 26
2018
2018
Pollution from Massachusetts’s Newest Community Threatens Nashua River
Pollution from the massive development at the former Fort Devens is endangering the iconic Nashua River. CLF is working to ensure that Devens follows through with its legal requirements to monitor and prevent pollution. And we are making sure that Devens lives up to its own advertising and does not miss out on the opportunity to be a true model for new development.
Jun 2
2017
2017
Vermont Legislative Recap: Wins for Clean Water, But Lost Opportunities, Too
CLF’s primary goals in Vermont this legislative session were to secure clean water funding and fight against attempts to weaken our water protections. Here is a list of our wins and losses for this year.
Apr 10
2017
2017
We Need to Fully Fund Clean Water in Vermont Now
Money has been a big part of the clean water conversation at the Vermont State House this year. In January, State Treasurer Beth Pearce put a price tag of $62 million per year for the next 20 years on the efforts needed to reach our clean water goals. A week later, Governor Phil Scott announced that…
Jun 23
2016
2016
The Path to a Clean Lake Champlain is Still Unclear
While there’s still a long road ahead, CLF is cautiously optimistic about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new pollution limits for Lake Champlain. These new limits – also known as a Total Maximum Daily Load or TMDL – dramatically reduce the amount of pollution allowed to enter the lake. The limits focus specifically on phosphorus…
Jun 9
2016
2016
Vermont’s Water is Still Really Gross…
We’re working on it. Last year, Vermont passed a clean water law to help cut down on the pollution and erosion that harms our rivers and lakes. Its enactment is none too soon as the changing climate is only heightening our water woes with increased rainfall and rising temperatures. This new law – Act 64…
Mar 21
2016
2016
Vermont’s Revised Standards for Managing Polluted Runoff from Farms Need More Work
By Rebekah Weber and Elena Mihaly When people think of Vermont, they often conjure up lush green pastures speckled with cows and an iconic red barn. Indeed, this bucolic landscape spans much of the state and we’re proud of it. The agriculture sector brings enormous benefits to our community (award-winning cheeses, sweet corn, and your…