April, 2008 In this Edition: CLF seeks restrictions on stormwater pollution  Cleaner energy future for New England News in brief Coming soon Events   Top Stories CLF Seeks Restrictions on Stormwater Pollution Across New England, stormwater is one of the leading sources of pollution for our rivers, lakes and streams. In March, CLF asked the Environmental Protection Agency to start regulating urban stormwater discharges that are polluting Long Creek in South Portland, Maine. Long Creek is a tributary of the Fore River which flows into Casco Bay, and has consistently failed the state's lowest water quality standards. "Urban stormwater pollution is now the number one threat to Maine's waters," said CLF VP and Maine Advocacy Center Director, Sean Mahoney. "We are losing more and more of our small coastal streams to a sea of pavement and poorly planned, unregulated development. This petition will require developers to take responsibility for the pollution their projects create." In Massachusetts, CLF is currently in court for our lawsuit charging the Highway Department with violating federal clean water laws by dumping polluted stormwater into neighboring rivers and streams. At issue in the case is MassHighway's alleged failure to implement a key provision of the federal Clean Water Act requiring them to develop a plan controlling and cleaning up polluted water that flows off its 4,000 miles of roads and bridges. More >> CLF Long Creek press release >> Learn more about CLF’s Massachusetts Highway Dept. lawsuit to reduce stormwater pollution Cleaner energy future for New England A landmark global warming bill that seeks to dramatically cut global warming pollution in Rhode Island received a key legislative hearing on April 1. The Rhode Island Global Warming Solutions Act (H. 7884) seeks to cut major greenhouse gas pollutants, like carbon dioxide, 80 percent by 2050 in part through setting mandatory emissions caps and requiring investments in clean energy solutions. The Massachusetts Senate recently passed a similar bill with the same goals. “This emissions reduction bill is the kind of bold, decisive action we need our government to take in order to avert the impacts of climate change,” said Cynthia Giles, Director of CLF’s RI Advocacy Center. “Stabilizing and then reducing greenhouse gas emissions must become our collective goal.” More >> CLF press release News in Brief VT: Douglas, CLF criticize EPA ruling http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/79583/ MA: Mass. touts energy neutral buildings http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2008/03/14/mass_touts_energy_neutral_buildings/ http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-23779680.htm Boston commuters: want to voice your opinion about T service? The MBTA has formed a diverse committee that provide recommendations to the MBTA and communicate the needs and concerns of all riders in order to assist the MBTA in providing affordable, safe and quality service. Make your voice heard, and contact Barbara MacKenzie this week for more information at BmacKenzie@mbta.com. NH: Gridlock on electric 'highways' could stymie renewable generation http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_070053331.html?keyword=secondarystory RI: Coastal seeks year-long wind farm moratorium http://www.blockislandtimes.com/articles/2008/03/11/news/news4.txt ME: CLF seeks stormwater crackdown http://news.mainetoday.com/updates/023563.html Coming soon! Check your mailboxes for CLF’s quarterly journal, Conservation Matters, arriving soon! Click here to make sure you receive your copy of CM! Events Want to make a difference and help solve the climate crisis? Massachusetts Power Shift gives you an opportunity to do just that! All across the state of Massachusetts, citizens are demanding action to respond to the climate crisis.  To fully demonstrate the support within the state for bold and comprehensive action, thousands of citizens will rally in Boston April 11-14th. Register today: www.masspowershift.org/registration/register   Have you visited CLF's Flickr site? Click here to see photos of CLF staff and supporters in action!

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