Conservation Law Foundation

Conservation Law Foundation. Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest nonprofit environmental advocacy organizations in the United States. Headquartered in Boston, its work is primarily focused on protecting the natural resources and communities of New England. The organization employs a potent combination of legal expertise, scientific research, and policy advocacy to address critical environmental challenges.

History

The organization was established by a group of visionary attorneys and conservationists, including Anthony Athanas and John H. Chafee, who recognized the need for a legal entity dedicated to defending the New England environment. Its early years were marked by significant victories against unregulated development and pollution, setting important legal precedents under nascent federal laws like the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, it expanded its reach, opening offices across the region, including in Montpelier, Concord, and Portland. This growth allowed it to tackle a broader array of issues, from protecting the Great Bay Estuary to challenging air pollution from the Midwest.

Mission and work

The core mission is to protect New England's environment for the benefit of all people. It employs a multi-faceted strategy centered on using the power of law to create durable solutions. Its attorneys and advocates work in key program areas including climate change, ocean conservation, transportation, clean energy, and environmental justice. Beyond the courtroom, its experts engage in rigorous policy analysis, collaborate with communities, and advocate before bodies like the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This integrated approach aims to transform systems, from the electric grid to public transit, to be more sustainable and equitable.

Key litigation and campaigns

The organization has been involved in numerous landmark legal cases and advocacy campaigns that have shaped regional environmental policy. A historic victory forced the cleanup of Boston Harbor through litigation against the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. It successfully argued before the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts in the case against the Environmental Protection Agency over Interstate 93 air quality impacts. More recently, it has led the charge to secure the region's first-in-the-nation offshore wind projects, while simultaneously suing major fossil fuel companies like ExxonMobil for climate damages. Other significant campaigns have targeted plastic pollution, advocated for the Northern Pass transmission project denial, and fought to restore river herring populations in the Merrimack River.

Organizational structure

Governed by a Board of Trustees that includes leaders from the legal, business, and philanthropic sectors, the organization operates with a president and a team of vice presidents overseeing various programs and functions. It maintains a staff of attorneys, scientists, policy analysts, and communicators across its offices in Boston, Providence, Montpelier, Concord, and Portland. Funding is derived from a mix of foundation grants, individual donations, and legal awards. Strategic initiatives are often advanced through partnerships with other groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sierra Club, and local community organizations throughout New England.

Impact and recognition

Its work has had a profound and measurable impact on the environment and public health of New England. Legal precedents set by its attorneys have strengthened enforcement of the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act in the region. Its advocacy was instrumental in the adoption of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a pioneering cap-and-trade program. The organization has received numerous awards, including recognition from the American Bar Association and the Environmental Protection Agency. Its relentless litigation and advocacy have not only cleaned up iconic waterways like Narragansett Bay but also positioned New England as a national leader in the transition to a clean energy economy.

Category:Environmental organizations based in Massachusetts Category:Organizations established in 1966