cutting climate-damaging emissions.

• Author: Narayanan, Rishya
• Position: PROGRESS REPORT

THE PROBLEM

Amidst the sweltering heat of July 2021, intense rainfall submerged much of Vermont. And while rain isn't new for New England, the intensity of last summer's storms brought catastrophic flooding to the state. Those July rains were on par with data showing that Vermont experiences more frequent and intense storms than it did 30 years ago. And, according to the state's Department of Health, annual precipitation has risen seven inches since 1965.

Unfortunately, such extreme weather is becoming more frequent because of climate change, as are other harmful impacts such as extreme heat and worsening air quality.

Vermont is hardly alone. Every part of New England is affected by climate change: its public health, economy, and even way of life. And, while we can't reverse all of the climate impacts we're already seeing in our region, we must still do everything we can to prevent them from getting even worse. That means breaking our addiction to fossil fuels for good.

CLF IN ACTION

Transitioning into a clean energy future isn't going to be easy, but it is necessary. That's why CLF has fought for climate laws in every New England state that will mandate and enforce drastic cuts in climate-damaging emissions. CLF led the way in passing Massachusetts' Global Warming Solutions Act in 2008. Connecticut passed its own version of the law that same year. More recently, we have played a key role in passing similar laws in Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

But passing these laws is just the beginning. To make real progress slowing climate change, each state must implement strategies that can achieve the mandated cuts to polluting emissions. Because without action, New England's climate laws are just words on paper.

PROGRESS

CLF is at the table, making sure that New England has plans that carry out each climate law. Most recently, we helped finalize Maine's Climate Action Plan, which maps out concrete strategies to achieve its required targets.

Vermont, meanwhile, has...