CLF Ventures stands on the frontiers of environmentalism ...: where market forces are used to craft innovative solutions to pressing environmental problems. CLF Ventures works with businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to promote projects and products with economically beneficial, environmentally sound results.

• Position: Conservation Law Foundation

Launch Successfully

CLF Ventures is promoting an environmentally sound pollution prevention system that uses natural biological processes to clean bilge water in large ships. The PetroLiminator, manufactured by North Carolina-based Ensolve BioSystems, Inc., uses naturally occurring microbes cost-effectively to destroy oils in bilge water that otherwise may pollute our lakes and oceans.

CLF Ventures has helped Ensolve raise funds for the launch of a new application of their biological technology. Ensolve is also pioneering a system that will clean de-icing chemicals from stormwater at airports before it runs into streams and water bodies, protecting water quality and aquatic life. CLF Ventures' work with Ensolve is a perfect complement to CLF's efforts to fight stormwater pollution. While CLF is using its legal expertise to demand stronger restrictions on stormwater pollution, CLF Ventures is helping develop and promote pragmatic cleanup solutions.

Operate Sustainably

CLF Ventures is helping Omya North America, Inc. improve its operations by strengthening its environmental performance and enhancing its relationships with the local community and other stakeholders. At its facility in northern Vermont, Omya extracts and processes marble to generate a high-purity calcium carbonate, a benign resource used in medicines and other products. In some manufactured goods, like ceiling tiles and duct tape, calcium carbonate can replace the use of petroleum products. Calcium carbonate is also increasingly used to replace forest products in the process of making paper.

Omya is committed to improving its mining operations and protecting the local environment. CLF Ventures is helping Omya achieve these goals. CLF Vermont Staff Attorney Sandy Levine is also taking part in efforts to improve freight rail options in Vermont and develop a rail line that would enable Omya and other industrial users to decrease truck traffic on small town roads, reducing air pollution.

Close Responsibly

CLF Ventures created a map to guide the closure of the Yankee Nuclear Power Station in Rowe, Massachusetts. CLF Ventures' plan encourages a site closing process that is environmentally responsible and responsive to the needs of the community. CLF Ventures' comprehensive and holistic approach to site closure has brought many interested parties into the planning process. The result is a plan supported by the community of stakeholders: local citizens and activists, regulators...