We are faced with a federal administration that wants not only to halt decades of hard-fought progress on clean water but reverse them altogether. But today, the impacts on our public health from blue-green algae outbreaks and chemical pollution are as serious and urgent as ever. We cannot and will not stop fighting for clean water as a fundamental right for all Americans.
Nov 6
2017
2017
Nov 2
2017
2017
CLF Sues Vermont Agency for Letting Towns Dump More Pollution into Lake Champlain
Vermonters see firsthand the disastrous impacts of too much phosphorus pouring into Lake Champlain when favorite swimming beaches close and toxic blue-green algae coats portions of the lake in a stinky slime. So why does the state Agency of Natural Resources want to let towns dump more phosphorus pollution into the lake?
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.
May 11
2017
2017
Victory: Southbridge Landfill Ordered to Close All Operations in Charlton Due to Zoning Law Violation
Remember how they finally put Al Capone in jail? He was a powerful, well-connected gangster who was willing to intimidate and bully anyone in his way. The feds couldn’t convict him for any of his most egregious offenses – murder, smuggling alcohol, or organized crime – but they finally convicted and imprisoned him for eleven years…
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…
Mar 7
2017
2017
Vermont Takes Action to Rein in Stormwater Pollution
Vermont’s House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife is considering a bill to improve how the state manages its rainfall. Pollution from stormwater runoff is one of the gravest threats to clean water in New England. When rain falls on pavement rather than soil, two things happen: first, it gains speed as it runs…
Feb 9
2017
2017
What’s Next for Clean Water in Vermont
This past year was big for clean water in Vermont. The pollution limits for Lake Champlain were finalized, and a slew of new rules for agriculture, development and wastewater were established. CLF fought hard to shape these new policies to protect the environment and to ensure we have regular check-ins and honest accounting on how…
Jan 11
2017
2017
CLF Sues the Pease Development Authority to Clean Up Toxic Stormwater Pollution
CLF has filed a lawsuit against the redeveloper of the site of the Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for violating the Clean Water Act. Pollution from the site is fouling local waterways, including the Great Bay estuary, with numerous pollutants, including toxic chemicals of growing concern. From Air Force Base to a…
Jul 12
2016
2016
Warning – Our Lake is Toxic
“Mixed condition. Watch and avoid cyanobacteria blooms.” This is the warning posted on the Vermont Department of Health’s website for Lake Champlain. When I read about beach closures, such as the one last Thursday at one of Burlington’s most popular beaches, I feel outraged, dumbfounded, horrified. How could we have let it get so far…
Jul 6
2016
2016
Heavier Rains Are Coming – But Are Vermonters Ready?
It’s been a wet summer so far in Vermont. And, according to climate scientists, Vermonters should get used to it – more rainfall and even more intense storms are predicted as a result of our changing climate. But, just because we know what’s to come doesn’t mean Vermont is prepared to deal with it. To find…