On episode 38 of Granite Goodness, Andy talks to Tom Irwin from the Conservation Law Foundation. When not planning a duet or fantasizing about securing the last lump of coal processed in New England, the two discuss:
New Hampshire Roots and Career Path: Tom Irwin, originally from Massachusetts and Florida, has lived in New Hampshire for over 27 years. He joined the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) to pursue impactful environmental advocacy.
Environmental Justice Focus: Tom and CLF work to protect vulnerable communities, such as preventing an asphalt plant near a lower-income, predominantly Latino neighborhood in Nashua.
Clean Water and Climate Advocacy: Using tools like the Clean Water Act, CLF has pushed for pollution reductions, such as upgrading Portsmouth’s wastewater treatment plant to protect the Great Bay Estuary.
PFAS and Pollution Solutions: Tom highlights the dangers of PFAS “forever chemicals” and advocates for upstream solutions to reduce industrial contamination, including in Manchester.
Optimism for Local Action: Tom believes important progress can happen through community-based solutions like New Hampshire’s Community Power programs, which provide cleaner energy options at lower costs.
and more!
Tom Irwin is a Vice President and New Hampshire Advocacy Center Director at the Conservation Law Foundation, where he directs CLF’s work in New Hampshire.
Links & Notes:
MIT study on premature deaths from air pollution
This episode was recorded at Treeline Outfitters in Portsmouth, NH
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AI Generated Episode Summary*
Tom, can you tell us about your relationship with New Hampshire?
I’m not a native, but I’ve lived in New Hampshire for about 27 or 28 years now. I spent 25 years in Concord, where I raised my family, and I moved to Portsmouth about three and a half years ago. I love the state—its communities, natural beauty, and sense of place. From the moment I moved here, I knew it was where I wanted to stay.
What led you to a career in environmental law?
I started with grassroots environmental work for Clean Water Action after college, focusing on issues like waste. That work inspired me to gain new tools for making a greater impact, so I went to Vermont Law School, which specializes in environmental law. After clerking for a judge and working in private practice, I joined the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) when it opened in New Hampshire. I’ve been here for about 25 years now.
Can you explain what the Conservation Law Foundation does and your role there?
At CLF, we use a range of tools—policy advocacy, litigation, and grassroots organizing—to address environmental challenges. I started out working on issues like transportation and land use, but my focus has evolved. I now work on clean water, climate change, and environmental justice. My role as Vice President and Director of CLF’s New Hampshire Advocacy Center allows me to push for meaningful environmental progress.
What are some of the key tools you use to tackle environmental problems?
The Clean Water Act has been a critical tool in cleaning up local water resources like the Great Bay Estuary. We’ve used it to push for stricter pollution regulations and upgrades to wastewater treatment plants. Litigation is a tool we use when necessary, but we also work collaboratively with policymakers, communities, and businesses to create solutions that benefit everyone.
Environmental justice is a big focus for CLF. Can you talk more about that?
Environmental justice addresses the inequities certain communities face, like disproportionate exposure to pollution and lack of access to environmental benefits. For example, in Nashua, we worked with a predominantly Latino, lower-income neighborhood to prevent an asphalt plant from being built nearby, which would have brought significant health risks. Protecting vulnerable communities is central to our work.
Climate change has become a bigger part of your work. What’s happening in New Hampshire?
Climate change is a major focus now, running through all of our advocacy. While other New England states have adopted strong climate laws, New Hampshire still lags behind. We’re working to push the state toward decarbonization—reducing emissions from transportation, building a clean energy economy, and improving energy efficiency. Community Power programs in cities like Portsmouth are an exciting step in the right direction.
What are PFAS, and why are they such a concern?
PFAS are “forever chemicals” that persist in the environment and harm human health, causing cancer and reproductive issues. We’ve been pushing for upstream solutions—like reducing PFAS use at the source. For example, in Manchester, we’re concerned about PFAS pollution from its wastewater treatment plant, and we’re asking the city to regulate industrial users to stop contamination.
People often say environmental solutions are too expensive. How do you respond?
That argument usually looks at costs too narrowly. It ignores the health impacts and economic burdens of doing nothing. For example, pollution shortens lives and increases healthcare costs. Investing in clean technologies and solutions can save money and lives in the long run while also fostering healthier, thriving communities.
Can you share an example of a big victory you’re proud of?
One success I’m especially proud of is our work to upgrade Portsmouth’s Pierce Island wastewater treatment plant. We used the Clean Water Act to push for this, and the city invested in a state-of-the-art facility, significantly reducing pollution in the Piscataqua River and Great Bay. It’s a great example of how communities can make decisions that benefit everyone.
What makes you optimistic about the future of your work?
I’m inspired by the growing momentum for change. We have dedicated staff focusing on environmental justice in communities like Manchester and Nashua, working directly with residents to address their concerns. Local efforts, like the Community Power movement, show that meaningful progress is possible. With more awareness, tools, and political will, I truly believe we can tackle these challenges together.
*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.
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