Conservation Law Foundation

This grant would support the Conservation Law Foundation’s work in the northeastern United States for coal plant retirements and clean energy policies and accelerated development of offshore wind. New England, much like the Pacific Northwest, could become coal-free by the end of this decade. This program is targeting the last five coal plants managed by the New England Independent System Operator. It is also likely that with the organization’s efforts, among others, the offshore project Cape Wind will be sited and permitted this year, becoming the first offshore wind farm in the United States.

This grant would support the Conservation Law Foundation’s work in the northeastern U. S. for coal plant retirements and clean energy policies and accelerated development of offshore wind. New England, much like the Pacific Northwest, could become coal-free by the end of this decade. It is also likely to be a pioneer in siting and developing offshore wind capacity in the U. S., issues on which the organization is a regional leader.

The Conservation Law Foundation's focus is promoting climate mitigation policy interventions in the northeastern United States. This is a general operating support grant. The Conservation Law Foundation is a pioneer among the Hewlett Foundation's U.S. grantees in developing policy approaches that influence the regulation of energy markets. They are currently working to promote reforms in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that would inform solutions for harmonizing gas infrastructure and decarbonization over the next ten to twenty years. If this approach could be expanded, it has the potential to preserve our natural resources, build healthy communities, and sustain a vibrant economy. It also offers a template for how to promote low-carbon energy sources.