“Mainers have a right to affordable, clean energy,” said Emily Green, Staff Attorney at CLF. “Strong solar policy helps create jobs, protects our environment, and can lower our energy bills. This bill puts the interests of residents and businesses first, and clears the way for Maine’s clean energy future.”
“With the federal government dragging its feet, it’s up to Vermont to take action to protect communities from toxic PFAS chemicals,” said Jen Duggan, Vice President and Director of CLF Vermont. “Today, the Senate demonstrated that we are up to the task. This bill is a significant step forward to protect our drinking water from these dangerous forever chemicals.”
“Exxon has put vulnerable communities and the harbor at risk as part of its pattern and practice of deceiving regulators and the public about the risks of climate change,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “Exxon has known about these risks and its ongoing spills for years and is failing its most important duty under the law: to avoid spills of oil and hazardous substances that threaten public health and the environment.”
“With the EPA’s national PFAS plan falling far short, it’s up to the states to protect us from these toxic chemicals,” said Amy Moses, Vice President and Director of CLF Rhode Island. “The dangerous health effects of these substances have been known for years, and other New England states have committed to solving the problem. Rhode Island needs to protect public health and that starts with ensuring everyone has safe drinking water.”
“We must make it as easy as possible for people to get out of their cars and choose public transit, and that starts with a system that works for everyone,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “It’s clear that the MBTA needs to focus on protecting the system from climate change and improving accessibility. These aren’t always the most visible projects, but they’re critical if we’re going to have a transportation system that is prepared for the future and doesn’t leave anyone behind.”
“Merrimack Station has seriously undermined the health of the Merrimack River for decades,” said Tom Irwin, Vice President and Director of CLF New Hampshire. “This dirty coal plant is damaging our climate and endangering public health, all while polluting an iconic natural resource. The owners of this plant must immediately address these offenses and ensure the Merrimack River is protected from further harm.”
“The 52 Senators who voted to confirm Andrew Wheeler to lead the Environmental Protection Agency are each complicit in the countless premature deaths, compromised health, and global economic peril that will undoubtedly result from Wheeler’s agenda to weaken protections and safeguards that are fundamental to the agency’s mission,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell.
“The public can’t access protected public spaces if they are underwater,” said Bradley Campbell, President of CLF. “Rising seas and more intense storms are already inundating parks and developed properties once safely above the tide line — a sobering glimpse of the more dramatic changes to come. It’s up to our elected officials to protect these public spaces and all of our waterfront neighborhoods from the looming risks of climate change before it’s too late.”
“The disastrous effects of climate change are at our front door and we must take aggressive action to reduce our emissions to zero by 2050,” said Greg Cunningham, Vice President and Director of CLF’s Clean Energy and Climate Change program. “The Clean Energy Connect project will significantly reduce New England’s climate-damaging emissions by providing low-carbon electricity and decreasing our reliance on natural gas.”
“Our kids shouldn’t have to play a dangerous game of chance every time they drink from a fountain in their school,” said Jen Duggan, Vice President and Director of CLF Vermont. “This bill marks a huge step forward in protecting Vermont’s children from the dangers of lead poisoning.”
