Our Legacy

ELM and the ELM Action Fund's policy advocacy will set Massachusetts on-course to be a net-zero economy by 2050.

Our policy priorities endeavor to build a Commonwealth that is decarbonized and equitable, where our residents, economy, and natural world all thrive.

This year, ELM will continue to advocate for policy that strengthens MA's environmental resilience and sustainability.

ELM’s policy priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session include: Building decarbonization; sustainable transportation; clean energy innovation; waste reduction; environmental justice; and environmental funding.

To learn about our work in full, visit Our Work | The Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM).

Climate progress has become a top issue in MA politics and ELM continues to stay at the front of this important advocacy.

In 2021, the ELM Action Fund worked closely with environmental champion Michelle Wu to highlight her groundbreaking climate plans on the campaign trail toward her Mayoral victory.

The Next Generation Roadmap Bill marked a significant step toward a net-zero future.

After months of advocacy, ELM celebrated the bill being signed into law, increasing statewide emissions reductions, updating state standards for energy efficiency, and codifying a 2050 net-zero roadmap plan.

For more information, visit Getting to Net Zero | Net Zero Massachusetts.

In August 2020, ELM founded the New England for Offshore Wind Coalition (NE4OSW).

This broad-based coalition works to increase clean energy supply through procuring responsibly developed offshore wind in New England.

NE4OSW has been a key voice in reshaping the national conversation about the benefits of offshore wind and expanding New England as a hub for clean-tech development.

In 2015, ELM launched the ELM Action Fund, a 501c4 organization that works to build political power that addresses environmental challenges.

In its first year, the ELM Action Fund endorsed candidates achieved major success in the 2016 election cycle. As of 2023, the ELM Action Fund has endorsed candidates in 220 elections across the state since 2016.

In 2010, ELM launched its Corporate Council, a strategic alliance bridging the environmental movement with leading MA companies demonstrating innovative environmental practices.

These unique partnerships underscore that we can have both a healthy environment and a vibrant economy. For the full list of Corporate Council members, please visit ELM Corporate Council | The Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM).

ELM played a key role in the passage of the 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act, which established legally binding emissions limits.

This allowed MA to become one of the first states in the nation to create a comprehensive program addressing climate change.

In the face of massive state spending cuts on environmental line items under the Romney administration, ELM advocated for restored funding for hard-hit environmental agencies.

Amidst state efforts to force MA taxpayers to subsidize major polluters, ELM remained a strong advocate for protecting vulnerable communities from disproportionately suffering from pollution.

In the words of current Board Member Namrita Kapur, “meaningful reform will protect innocent parties, target the most environmentally and economically distressed areas, preserve common law rights, and protect the future against the short-term vision of the present.”

In 1993, ELM became the Environmental League of Massachusetts, a name that would become known for environmental advocacy throughout the state.

The 1981 'Bottle Bill' would have placed deposits on cans and bottles. Working for improved recycling programs, ELM advocated for the bill's passage.

Although the Bottle Bill was ultimately vetoed, ELM proved its dedication to advocating for the MA environment, no matter how difficult the struggle, and sparked inspiration for future progress.

As toxin regulation advocacy ramped up in the 70s, ELM remained at the forefront of the environmental movement.

By 1978, the organization had successfully championed pesticide regulation legislation and streamlined the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act review process.

In 1972, after landslide votes from the State House and the MA people, the Commonwealth established the Environmental Bill of Rights.

This constitutional amendment established the right of the people to “clear air and water, freedom from excessive noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment.”

In 1966, ELM protected Mt. Greylock from being commercialized into a ski resort, and ensured the land was instead transferred to the Department of Natural Resources.

After this much-anticipated victory, the organization became a key player in “the major conservation issue of 1967,” advocating for improved protection of MA’s wetlands.

ELM provided vital support for the 1957 Conservation Commission Act, legislation that established community conservation commissions.

ELM’s advocacy for Dutch Elm protection also encouraged citizens across MA to contact their commissioners in support of the organization’s goals, and become involved with environmentalism in their own lives.

By 1941, ELM was "one of the few conservation organizations in the state in a position to testify at legislative committee hearings."

The organization encouraged communal conservation efforts as it expanded its lobbying, demonstrated by its partnership with the New England Forestry Association in 1944, which provided forestry services to woodland owners around New England.

Throughout 1926-1936, ELM led an initiative to plant 100k shade trees along MA highways.

This not only immediately prevented roadside development, but also bolstered a nation-wide movement for woodland protection.

Newly certified as the Massachusetts Forestry and Parks Association (MFPA), ELM continued to champion forest conservation.

ELM prioritized the creation of Town Forest Committees, and drove a uniquely proactive agenda that captured the attention of legislators across Massachusetts.

Throughout the 1920s, ELM led the effort to establish the Massachusetts State Park System.

The organization successfully petitioned the State Legislature to purchase more than 300,000 acres of state forests.

This inspired a nationwide movement for the creation of state forests.

In 1898, responding to concerns about the condition of MA forests, ELM was formed as the Massachusetts Forestry Association.

The Association promptly advocated to the State Legislature for the protection of the state’s highest peak, Mt. Greylock, from commercialization.