Media Contact
Jake O’Neill, Press Secretary
Office: 617.850.1709
joneill@clf.org
CLF has experts available throughout New England on a variety of local, regional, and national issues, including climate change, clean water, environmental justice, ocean conservation, and renewable energy. For more information, see our list of experts and contact Jake O’Neill.
CLF Press Releases and News Clips
Conservation groups set to sue major hydro plant owner over Kennebec dam operations
“Right now they are operating those facilities in violation of the Endangered Species Act, because they don’t have authorization to kill Atlantic salmon, which is what their dams do,” said Sean Mahoney, executive vice president of the Conservation Law Foundation. “So they need to apply to get that authority or they need to remove the cause of the killing or taking of Atlantic salmon, which are the four dams.”
Legislators Throw Wrench in Connecticut Bottle Bill Update
“Our legislators had the opportunity to pass a strong bill to reduce waste, increase recycling rates and slash pollution in our communities,” said Kevin Budris, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “While this bill includes some important updates, it’s not nearly as strong as it should have been. At the eleventh hour, legislators have handed the beverage industry the keys to the state’s bottle return system and significantly compromised the effectiveness of the legislation.”
Time to reform Connecticut’s waste mess (with a new bottle bill)
Modernizing the bottle bill will not instantly solve every part of Connecticut’s waste crisis, but it is a proven, cost-effective step forward at a time when the state needs to take advantage of every tool in its toolbox. We can—and must—protect our communities and our environment, and save money, by reducing and diverting waste and improving recycling. This legislation is key to these efforts.
Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ may be contaminating pesticides
“It’s likely the tip of a toxic iceberg in terms of how many pesticides have this issue of PFAS contamination,” said Colin Antaya, a legal fellow with Conservation Law Foundation.
All Communities Deserve A “Cool and Green” COVID Recovery
Like COVID-19, severe heat waves are not an equal opportunity health threat. The most disinvested neighborhoods — those dominated by buildings, pavement, and parking lots — are hit the hardest. The built environment of these places absorbs and traps heat, creating a “heat island effect” that makes them dangerously hotter than other neighborhoods while worsening their air quality.
NH Senate Kills Landfill Legislation
“Polluting landfills don’t belong anywhere near New Hampshire’s beautiful state parks,” said CLF attorney Peter Blair. “The Senate has taken a giant step backward in killing this commonsense legislation that would have preserved parks for everyone’s enjoyment. It’s time we stop the endless construction of landfills and instead boost recycling and other proven methods to reduce our waste.”
Quincy Oil Terminal Endangering Community
“Sprague’s Quincy terminal is an accident waiting to happen,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “The company has allowed the terminal’s protective berms to deteriorate to the point of failure, putting the community at risk of being flooded with a spill of toxic chemicals. It’s also a clear sign that Sprague is failing its legal obligation to prepare the site for the climate crisis. This facility is an imminent threat to homes, public health, and nearby waters, and it’s time the company cleans up its act.”
CLF, PEER Call for Immediate Pause on Use of PFAS-Laden Pesticides
“Millions of acres across New England are being blanketed with toxic forever chemicals,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “It is all but certain that dangerous PFAS are leaching into groundwater and threatening to poison communities that depend on that water to drink. Leaders across New England need to step up and protect public health by stopping the use of PFAS-laden pesticides until we’re certain they aren’t poisoning our food and water.”
State Issues Draft Waterfront Development Regulations
“These regulations impact everyone in Massachusetts, “said Peter Shelley, Senior Counsel at CLF. “The state can’t just rubber-stamp its way out of this problem and ignore the tidelands development principles it broke. The public needs to be involved in every step of this process and officials must offer more than just two public meetings. Access to the waterfront is enshrined in Massachusetts law and it must stay that way.”
Conservation groups say Kennebec dams’ owner is violating endangered species law
“Brookfield’s unwillingness to do the right thing on the Kennebec is unacceptable,” said Sean Mahoney, who directs the Conservation Law Foundation’s Maine advocacy center.