Letter from the president.

• Author: Kassel, John
• Position: CONSERVATION MATTERS

Dear CLF Friends.

New England is rocky coasts and country lanes, rolling hills and fall colors, fresh fish and snowy winters. It is also tight-knit communities, big and small, and many of them are struggling to stay healthy - economically, socially and environmentally.

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New England is home to just 5% of the U.S. population, and yet it reflects many of America's national trends: urban cores striving for livability and equity, suburbs choking on growth, governments struggling to provide water, sewer and other basic services. At the same time, we're still grappling with pollution and land-use patterns from our industrial history that affect some communities more than others.

CLF is working to address the systemic inequalities that affect our environment and our communities. This work is especially needed in neighborhoods like those in East Boston and in East Springfield, MA, where communities suffer from neglect and contamination, lack access to green spaces and waterfronts, and need help holding polluters accountable. Helping these communities thrive - in terms of public health, economic welfare and environmental quality - requires a broader definition of the environment.

Great urban schools? Sound municipal budgets? Efficient workplaces? Transportation options? Safe streets? They're all part of a fully healthy environment - social and natural. Clean air and water without these elements of a healthy community is not a complete environmental solution.

These goals will benefit all of us. Ask yourself: who will benefit from a clean energy system, sound public transit systems and thriving, sustainable cities? All of New England.

Copyright [c]2012 Conservation Law Foundation Printed on 100% post-consumer content recycled paper with soy-based inks.

John Kassel

President

Michael B. Moskow

Chair, Board of Trustees

Sara Molyneaux

Vice Chair, Board of Trustees

Peter Nessen

Vice Chair, Board...