Christophe Courchesne
@courchez.bsky.social
Advocate, law professor, New Englander. Associate Dean/Director, Environmental Law Center and Advocacy Clinic, Vermont Law and Graduate School. Climate, environmental justice, natural resource protection & polluter accountability. He/him.
Pinned
The Environmental Law Center at VLGS has launched a new page on Linkedin. Give us a follow: we will have lots to share in 2026! www.linkedin.com/showcase/elc...
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
As I say here, there is no scientific justification to revoke the engagement finding. In fact, over the last 15+ yrs, the evidence of how climate change affects our health has only grown. Higher risk of allergies, dementia, fertility, heart disease, and death: that’s what’s on the line. @nature.org
There is No Scientific Justification to Revoke the Endangerment Finding
The U.S. EPA's decision to repeal the Endangerment Finding will limit the government's ability to regulate emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
www.nature.org
February 12, 2026 at 9:45 PM
As I say here, there is no scientific justification to revoke the engagement finding. In fact, over the last 15+ yrs, the evidence of how climate change affects our health has only grown. Higher risk of allergies, dementia, fertility, heart disease, and death: that’s what’s on the line. @nature.org
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
Today, the Trump administration repealed the endangerment finding: the ruling that served as the basis for limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant rules. Without it, we’ll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change—all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money.
WATCH: Trump, EPA's Zeldin announce end of scientific basis for U.S. action on climate change
The Trump administration on Thursday revoked a scientific finding that long has been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, the most aggressiv...
www.pbs.org
February 12, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Today, the Trump administration repealed the endangerment finding: the ruling that served as the basis for limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant rules. Without it, we’ll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change—all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money.
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
incredibly frustrating how RCP 8.5 is controversial has been burned into the brains of everyone including climate reporters
February 11, 2026 at 9:27 PM
incredibly frustrating how RCP 8.5 is controversial has been burned into the brains of everyone including climate reporters
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
Ten years ago today, #SCOTUS issued five unsigned and unexplained 5-4 rulings granting emergency applications to block President Obama’s Clean Power Plan—a completely unprecedented move that helped to usher in the Court’s modern … (mis)adventures … with its shadow docket.
Me in today’s “One First”:
Me in today’s “One First”:
209. The Modern Emergency Docket Turns Ten
The February 2016 rulings blocking the Clean Power Plan were unprecedented; in retrospect, they were harbingers of a paradigm shift in the Supreme Court's role.
www.stevevladeck.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Ten years ago today, #SCOTUS issued five unsigned and unexplained 5-4 rulings granting emergency applications to block President Obama’s Clean Power Plan—a completely unprecedented move that helped to usher in the Court’s modern … (mis)adventures … with its shadow docket.
Me in today’s “One First”:
Me in today’s “One First”:
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
Do most people realizes that China's vehicle market is more than double the size of the US market?
Their adoption of EVs matters more. And it's booming.
Their adoption of EVs matters more. And it's booming.
"China electric vehicle sales are greater than total US vehicle sales" by the one and only @davidfickling.bsky.social
#alwaysbecharging
⚡️⚡️⚡️
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
#alwaysbecharging
⚡️⚡️⚡️
www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
February 9, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Do most people realizes that China's vehicle market is more than double the size of the US market?
Their adoption of EVs matters more. And it's booming.
Their adoption of EVs matters more. And it's booming.
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
⚖️ Climate rulings only matter if they lead to real accountability.
In a recent #ACT webinar, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu explains how the ICJ advisory opinion is already changing climate cases - with potentially game-changing effects.
Full webinar 👉 bit.ly/4smtZUa
In a recent #ACT webinar, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu explains how the ICJ advisory opinion is already changing climate cases - with potentially game-changing effects.
Full webinar 👉 bit.ly/4smtZUa
February 10, 2026 at 11:02 AM
⚖️ Climate rulings only matter if they lead to real accountability.
In a recent #ACT webinar, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu explains how the ICJ advisory opinion is already changing climate cases - with potentially game-changing effects.
Full webinar 👉 bit.ly/4smtZUa
In a recent #ACT webinar, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu explains how the ICJ advisory opinion is already changing climate cases - with potentially game-changing effects.
Full webinar 👉 bit.ly/4smtZUa
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
lots of key points worth remembering in this @emorwee.bsky.social piece, which lays out how the fossil fuel industry helped create the conditions for today's authoritarian crackdown on protestors
Actually, I do know how to do this
In retrospect, paying attention to polluters may be one of the best ways to understand what’s currently happening in the United States.
heated.world
February 3, 2026 at 9:42 PM
lots of key points worth remembering in this @emorwee.bsky.social piece, which lays out how the fossil fuel industry helped create the conditions for today's authoritarian crackdown on protestors
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
Federal judge has ordered the release of Liam Ramos (the bunny hat boy) and his father. A brief and rather remarkable order. Clearly written to be shared widely, so please do. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
January 31, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Federal judge has ordered the release of Liam Ramos (the bunny hat boy) and his father. A brief and rather remarkable order. Clearly written to be shared widely, so please do. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Outstanding leadership on a vital issue. Too many towns have dragged their feet for too long.
Massachusetts is in a housing crisis – every community in the state has a responsibility to step up and do their part.
The courts have been clear: compliance with the MBTA Communities Law is mandatory. My office will assist any town working to come into compliance.
The courts have been clear: compliance with the MBTA Communities Law is mandatory. My office will assist any town working to come into compliance.
January 31, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Outstanding leadership on a vital issue. Too many towns have dragged their feet for too long.
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
“My job asks me to direct your attention toward the horizon. But my own eyes are fixed on the acute violence happening right in front of me.” Another reason to treasure @emorwee.bsky.social — she can help us care about two things at once. open.substack.com/pub/heated/p...
I don't know how to do this
But I'm going to keep doing it anyway.
open.substack.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:31 AM
“My job asks me to direct your attention toward the horizon. But my own eyes are fixed on the acute violence happening right in front of me.” Another reason to treasure @emorwee.bsky.social — she can help us care about two things at once. open.substack.com/pub/heated/p...
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
M. Gessen on ICE raids is worth your time. "It’s only natural that our brains struggle to find logic in what we are seeing. There is a logic, and this logic has a name. It’s called state terror." www.nytimes.com/2026/01/24/o...
Opinion | State Terror Has Arrived
www.nytimes.com
January 25, 2026 at 12:35 PM
M. Gessen on ICE raids is worth your time. "It’s only natural that our brains struggle to find logic in what we are seeing. There is a logic, and this logic has a name. It’s called state terror." www.nytimes.com/2026/01/24/o...
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
I am a climate scientist and this is correct.
As the planet warms, storms like the one today are getting stronger… and as the Arctic is warming twice as fast as the mid latitudes, it increases the risk of the “freezer door” swinging open.
Technical explanation here: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
As the planet warms, storms like the one today are getting stronger… and as the Arctic is warming twice as fast as the mid latitudes, it increases the risk of the “freezer door” swinging open.
Technical explanation here: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
January 24, 2026 at 6:38 PM
I am a climate scientist and this is correct.
As the planet warms, storms like the one today are getting stronger… and as the Arctic is warming twice as fast as the mid latitudes, it increases the risk of the “freezer door” swinging open.
Technical explanation here: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
As the planet warms, storms like the one today are getting stronger… and as the Arctic is warming twice as fast as the mid latitudes, it increases the risk of the “freezer door” swinging open.
Technical explanation here: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
DHS has sent over 3,000 ICE agents to Minnesota – resulting in the killing of Renee Good, continuous attacks on peaceful protestors, and the detention of children.
Today, I stand with a coalition of AGs filing a brief to support Minnesota's lawsuit against Trump's campaign of lawlessness and fear.
Today, I stand with a coalition of AGs filing a brief to support Minnesota's lawsuit against Trump's campaign of lawlessness and fear.
January 23, 2026 at 4:37 PM
DHS has sent over 3,000 ICE agents to Minnesota – resulting in the killing of Renee Good, continuous attacks on peaceful protestors, and the detention of children.
Today, I stand with a coalition of AGs filing a brief to support Minnesota's lawsuit against Trump's campaign of lawlessness and fear.
Today, I stand with a coalition of AGs filing a brief to support Minnesota's lawsuit against Trump's campaign of lawlessness and fear.
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
Trump has been in office for one year. We at @nature.com did a deep dive looking at the administration's disruption of science in numbers.
Take a look—the numbers are staggering. By me, @dangaristo.bsky.social, Jeff Tollefson, @kimay.bsky.social, & help from @noamross.net @scott-delaney.bsky.social
Take a look—the numbers are staggering. By me, @dangaristo.bsky.social, Jeff Tollefson, @kimay.bsky.social, & help from @noamross.net @scott-delaney.bsky.social
US science after a year of Trump: what has been lost and what remains
A series of graphics reveals how the Trump administration has sought historic cuts to science and the research workforce.
www.nature.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Trump has been in office for one year. We at @nature.com did a deep dive looking at the administration's disruption of science in numbers.
Take a look—the numbers are staggering. By me, @dangaristo.bsky.social, Jeff Tollefson, @kimay.bsky.social, & help from @noamross.net @scott-delaney.bsky.social
Take a look—the numbers are staggering. By me, @dangaristo.bsky.social, Jeff Tollefson, @kimay.bsky.social, & help from @noamross.net @scott-delaney.bsky.social
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
🚨 Publication alert! Very happy to see our paper "Unlocking the benefits of transparent and reusable science for climate risk management" out in PNAS today. With @crispapoll.bsky.social @jdossgollin.bsky.social @bobkopp.net and many others.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
January 14, 2026 at 5:10 PM
🚨 Publication alert! Very happy to see our paper "Unlocking the benefits of transparent and reusable science for climate risk management" out in PNAS today. With @crispapoll.bsky.social @jdossgollin.bsky.social @bobkopp.net and many others.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
"Continued solar and storage growth would avoid the use of 29 billion cubic feet of natural gas, which is equivalent to 25% of the natural gas currently used by the Massachusetts electric sector."
A couple of years ago no one was talking about residential storage being widely used.
A couple of years ago no one was talking about residential storage being widely used.
Solar and storage program forecast to save all Massachusetts ratepayers $313 million per year www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/24/s...
Solar and storage program forecast to save all Massachusetts ratepayers $313 million per year
Solar plus storage can also offer winter reliability improvements and limit gas consumption, finds a report from Synapse Energy Economics and the Solar Energy Industries Association.
www.pv-magazine.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:07 PM
"Continued solar and storage growth would avoid the use of 29 billion cubic feet of natural gas, which is equivalent to 25% of the natural gas currently used by the Massachusetts electric sector."
A couple of years ago no one was talking about residential storage being widely used.
A couple of years ago no one was talking about residential storage being widely used.
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
one defense of CBA has always been that it forces admins to be explicit about their values....
"Over the past four decades, Republican and Democratic administrations have used different estimates of the monetary value of a human life... But until now, no administration has counted it as zero."
"Over the past four decades, Republican and Democratic administrations have used different estimates of the monetary value of a human life... But until now, no administration has counted it as zero."
The "administration contends that these estimates are doubtful and said the E.P.A. would no longer take health effects into account in the cost-benefit analyses necessary for clean-air regulations, according to the documents. Instead, the agency would estimate only the costs to businesses."
E.P.A. to Stop Considering Lives Saved When Setting Rules on Air Pollution
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 5:37 PM
one defense of CBA has always been that it forces admins to be explicit about their values....
"Over the past four decades, Republican and Democratic administrations have used different estimates of the monetary value of a human life... But until now, no administration has counted it as zero."
"Over the past four decades, Republican and Democratic administrations have used different estimates of the monetary value of a human life... But until now, no administration has counted it as zero."
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
Trump has illegally quit the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a treaty ratified from the Senate. He doesn't have the power. Our statement: biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
January 8, 2026 at 2:05 AM
Trump has illegally quit the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a treaty ratified from the Senate. He doesn't have the power. Our statement: biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
I was going to try to say…something about the year behind us and the year ahead but I couldn’t think of anything better than this post I have thought of often over the past challenging year.
January 1, 2026 at 1:07 AM
I was going to try to say…something about the year behind us and the year ahead but I couldn’t think of anything better than this post I have thought of often over the past challenging year.
Gutting.
We’ve made a graphic of just 180 lowlights of Trump's all-of-government attack on climate, giving a sense of how his minions woke each morning in 2025 asking fossil fuels just how high they needed to jump that day
gift link from @opinion.bloomberg.com
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
gift link from @opinion.bloomberg.com
www.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...
The Lows of the Trump Administration’s Climate Onslaught
The government rolled back progress on the environment in at least 180 ways in 2025, and it’s just getting started.
www.bloomberg.com
December 30, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Gutting.
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
Year 1 data on congestion pricing in Manhattan…
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
December 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Year 1 data on congestion pricing in Manhattan…
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
* Vehicle traffic: -11%
* Foot traffic: +3.4%
* Storefront vacancy: -0.9%
* Pollution: -22%
* Revenue for mass transit: $548M
So YES this has been a huge success.
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
This Yglesias piece in the NYT is horrifically bad. Almost every "fact" it cites is provably false. At best it is cocktail party banter from a pundit who knows nothing of energy. At worst, it was cut/paste from oil industry talking points. So, a rebuttal: www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/o...
Opinion | Obama Supported It. The Left in Canada and Norway Does. Why Don’t Democrats?
www.nytimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 2:57 PM
This Yglesias piece in the NYT is horrifically bad. Almost every "fact" it cites is provably false. At best it is cocktail party banter from a pundit who knows nothing of energy. At worst, it was cut/paste from oil industry talking points. So, a rebuttal: www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/o...
The Environmental Law Center at VLGS has launched a new page on Linkedin. Give us a follow: we will have lots to share in 2026! www.linkedin.com/showcase/elc...
December 20, 2025 at 12:20 PM
The Environmental Law Center at VLGS has launched a new page on Linkedin. Give us a follow: we will have lots to share in 2026! www.linkedin.com/showcase/elc...
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
[norman rockwell meme]
I think it's bad to destroy climate change research facilities
I think it's bad to destroy climate change research facilities
December 17, 2025 at 8:09 AM
[norman rockwell meme]
I think it's bad to destroy climate change research facilities
I think it's bad to destroy climate change research facilities
Reposted by Christophe Courchesne
Borne back ceaselessly into the past ...
Ford Will Take $19.5 Billion Hit as It Rolls Back E.V. Plans
www.nytimes.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Borne back ceaselessly into the past ...