Fiscal Year 2025
July 2024 – June 2025
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Elections
Financials
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ELM
The Environmental League of Massachusetts advocates for policy that meets the scale and urgency of our environmental challenges.
The ELM Action Fund builds political power that meets the scale and urgency of our environmental challenges.
Ben Bailey, Development Director
Barbara Beblowski, Coalition Manager
Casey Bowers, Vice President of Government Relations & Executive Director of the ELM Action Fund
Amy Boyd Rabin, Vice President of Policy & Regulatory Affairs
Lara Cardoso, Events Manager
Leigh Chandler, Communications Director
Madeline Davey, Senior Data Systems Manager
Jennifer Delony, Offshore Wind Communications Director
Grace Doherty, Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager
Miriam Posner Harris, Executive Vice President
Robert Hart, Campaign & Advocacy Manager
Elizabeth Turnbull Henry, President
Imani James, Senior Operations Coordinator
Kelly Lynch, Finance Director
Ellen Macaulay, Operations Director
David Melly, Senior Policy Director
Harry Meltzer, Finance Manager
Sophie Oehler, Communications Manager
Bianca Pokrzywa, Senior Digital Media Coordinator
Andrew Reed, Vice President of Development & Finance
Erin Smith, Clean Grid Director
We thank former staff members Zahra Saifee, Randi Soltysiak, and Kelt Wilska for their contributions in Fiscal Year 2025.
We thank outgoing ELM and ELM Action Fund Board Members for their many years of service: William “Buzz” Constable, Ginger Lawrence, Tedd Saunders.
Dear friends,
The past twelve months have made it clear that unwavering state leadership can drive lasting change, even when the federal government is determined to reverse course. Urgency fuels our work at ELM and the ELM Action Fund—both to protect what is at risk and to build what is possible: healthier communities, a stronger economy, and a thriving, inclusive future. Thankfully, we were built to lead through moments like this.
We started this fiscal year in July 2024 determined to secure critical climate victories before the end of the 2023-2024 legislative session. By holding state lawmakers accountable to their promises, ELM delivered the passage of an expansive climate omnibus bill and transformative investments in climatetech. These hard-won achievements unlocked resources to accelerate the electrification of our homes, businesses, and transportation and to build a stronger foundation for our economy.
When the Trump administration launched their assault on climate progress, we knew Massachusetts would need to step up. We mobilized swiftly with state leaders—Governor Healey and her administration, Attorney General Campbell, and our state Legislature—to demonstrate powerful climate leadership. Our unified message to leaders across public and private sectors was unequivocal: there can be no turning back on climate.
Not only are we not backing down—we are building strength. With a growing team and budget, we are creating and seizing opportunities for ELM and the ELM Action Fund to make a meaningful difference, while also strengthening our capacity to go deeper in the work already underway. Every day, we advance solutions that:
The year ahead will bring new challenges, but also new momentum. Your support powers this work. We are energized by what we will accomplish together.
In gratitude,
Elizabeth Turnbull Henry, Gordon Burnes, Casey Bowers & Matt O’Malley
ELM plays a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner, more equitable, and more resilient energy future across New England. NWF is especially proud to partner with them on New England for Offshore Wind, where their leadership, coalition-building, and strategic advocacy is advancing meaningful, lasting change.
COLLIN O'MARA President & CEO, National Wildlife Federation
As our trusted state partner, the ELM Action Fund demonstrates strategic leadership in the fight for climate action. They consistently help elect environmental champions and pass nation-leading climate policy while building a bench of future climate champions for higher office. At a time when federal climate action is under assault and energy costs continue to soar, the ELM Action Fund is stepping up and underscoring the power of state leadership.
PETE MAYSMITH President, League of Conservation Voters
ELM and the ELM Action Fund’s Campaign & Advocacy Fellowship program is a highly sought-after, hands-on experience for high-achieving students to explore the intersection of environmental policy and political strategy. The fellowship nurtures emerging leaders through offering practical experience and mentorship that prepares them for careers in the environmental sector.
This year, 15 fellows joined our team, delving into subject areas ranging from policy and politics to video production and graphic design. Several of our fellows have since gone on to begin exciting careers at workplaces such as the Novus Group, the Cape Cod Commission, and Harris for President.
ELM and the ELM Action Fund are committed to advancing clean energy policy and positioning Massachusetts as a national and global leader in climate action.
The 2023-2024 Legislative session was pivotal for strengthening Massachusetts’ climate policy, with ELM and the ELM Action Fund playing a key role in securing major legislative victories including a comprehensive climate omnibus bill and robust investments in climatetech. These achievements reflect years of strategic advocacy and relationship building across sectors.
As we work to implement this legislation and pass new, forward-looking policies, ELM remains focused on leading efforts to:
Despite federal headwinds, ELM is driving ambitious state-level action. Now is a critical moment for Massachusetts to lead by example. By ensuring all Massachusetts residents benefit from clean energy solutions, our Commonwealth has the opportunity to set a national standard for climate leadership. ELM will continue to advocate with urgency and resolve to ensure that Massachusetts not only achieves its climate goals but charts a path for other states to follow.
In a major climate victory, the Massachusetts Legislature passed two landmark bills at the end of 2024 that will accelerate the clean energy transition and strengthen our Commonwealth’s climatetech industry. ELM played a leading role in securing these wins, working directly with lawmakers, organizing advocacy at the State House, and rallying major businesses and institutions to urge legislative action.
Thanks in part to this sustained pressure, the Legislature reconvened in a rare year-end special session to pass the 2024 omnibus Climate Bill (S.2967) and critical climatetech investments in the Economic Development Bill (H.4804). Combined, the new laws modernize the siting and permitting processes for clean energy infrastructure, expand electric vehicle infrastructure and energy storage facilities, and launch a decade-long investment in climatetech innovation and workforce development—positioning Massachusetts as a national leader on climate. ELM is now working closely with state agencies and officials to implement these bills, holding our government accountable to its climate commitments.
After helping to pass nation-leading bills, we embraced the critical work of ensuring these laws are implemented swiftly and responsibly to advance a modern, reliable electricity grid.
During spring 2025, ELM worked with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, as well as the Massachusetts Environmental Justice Table, to craft regulations that streamline the approval process for clean energy infrastructure while protecting natural resources and the host communities. As stated in our comments, Massachusetts’ leadership can and will inform similar efforts nationwide.
ELM is active in the MA Office of Energy Transformation Working Groups, collaborating with advocacy, corporate, and government leaders on solutions that will finance the infrastructure needed for our clean energy transition, reduce reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants, phase out the Everett Marine Terminal natural gas facility, and align our state’s climate and economic goals.
As leaders of the Green Budget Coalition, ELM advocates for state funding that enables our state environmental agencies to implement policies that decarbonize our economy, protect our natural resources, and preserve public health.
In the face of federal uncertainty, the Green Budget Coalition worked with the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature to secure increased funding in critical programs, in spite of a challenging budget environment:
This year, our team advocated for policies to make large-scale building decarbonization achievable, attainable, and accessible.
Transportation remains the largest source of carbon emissions in Massachusetts, polluting the air we breathe and threatening community health. ELM works to advance electrified transportation solutions that improve the health of our environment and communities. In FY25, we helped push major successes in transportation policy:
Environmental justice communities, often located near highways and industrial sites, have borne the brunt of poor air quality for decades. ELM is committed to advancing clean air solutions that prioritize the health and well-being of those most impacted.
In FY25, we worked with fellow advocates to shape legislation aimed at improving air quality. This session, we are advocating for this legislation, which:
ELM’s deep policy expertise and strategic thinking have made them an invaluable partner to me in my role as Chair of the House Committee on Climate Action and Sustainability. I’ve worked alongside ELM and the ELM Action Fund since my first campaign in 2018, when the ELM Action Fund was among the first to support my candidacy. Our partnership has only deepened since and I rely on their advocacy to help drive effective climate policy for Massachusetts.
State Representative Tram Nguyen 18th Essex District
This was a defining year for the New England for Offshore Wind coalition, founded and led by ELM. Our partners defended hard-won progress and took critical steps to ensure that clean, reliable, and affordable offshore wind remains at the heart of New England’s energy future.
Despite federal setbacks to offshore wind development, NE4OSW remains committed to our vision. New challenges create opportunities for the coalition to strengthen public support in host communities and ready our transmission grid for future projects.
Our coalition grew stronger and more diverse, with five new partners joining our ranks, representing labor, science, and environmental justice communities. Their voices and values shape a coalition that reflects the inclusive, equitable, and green future we’re working toward.
Together, ELM and its partners are doing more than just advancing offshore wind. We’re enabling the transformation of our energy system and protecting the climate for future generations.
Climate Action Rhode Island (CARI) took its long-standing Yes to Wind campaign to new heights on Global Wind Day 2025, highlighting the public demand for a better energy future. NE4OSW partnered with CARI and four other offshore wind alliances to drive dynamic public engagement efforts along the East Coast.
Over the past year, the coalition awarded nearly $72,000 in subgrants, funding a range of project-based advocacy efforts to secure New England’s offshore wind leadership. Among them, the Natural Resources Council of Maine partnered with other NE4OSW members from business, labor, and the environmental community to commission an independent economic analysis of a proposed offshore wind hub in Searsport, Maine.
The findings point to transformational opportunities that would result from the Searsport hub, including:
The New England for Offshore Wind coalition has fostered extraordinary partnerships among the organizations working to advance offshore wind in the region, allowing us to achieve results that no single organization could achieve on its own. UCS was proud this year to be part of the price communication working group, a team of communications professionals and technical experts on energy markets drawn from multiple coalition members.
Under the able leadership of ELM’s Jennifer Delony, we developed and tested a powerful set of communications products that advocates across the region are already using to show how offshore wind can lower everyone’s electric bills.
Susan Muller Union of Concerned Scientists
Partnerships are at the heart of how we work. ELM is a member of multiple coalitions that expand the reach of our work and influence.
Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, promoting preventative action around toxic hazards.
Beyond Gas, working to advance regulatory reform to support gas utilities’ and workers’ transition to a decarbonized future.
Browning the Green Space, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the clean energy sector.
Green Budget Coalition, advocating for state investment in climate resiliency, open space, and natural resource protection. (ELM serves as the primary convener.)
GWSA Implementation Advisory Committee, providing stakeholder feedback on the implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act, decarbonization initiatives, and the Clean Energy and Climate Plans.
Massachusetts Environmental Justice Table, working to advance environmental justice initiatives in the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, strengthening river policies regarding water quality, streamflow, wildlife habitat, and green infrastructure investment.
New England for Offshore Wind, working to increase the supply of clean energy to our regional grid through the procurements of responsibly developed offshore wind. (ELM serves as the primary convener.)
Plastic Free Mass, advocating for sustainable waste reduction policy to protect people and nature from pollution and reduce waste-related carbon emissions.
Transit is Essential, ensuring that the MBTA is safe, robustly funded, and affordable for everyone in the region.
Transportation for Massachusetts, advocating for sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation policies.
Water Infrastructure Advisory Committee, monitoring the progress of closing the gap in funding for water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure.
The Zero Carbon Renovation Fund, working to secure state funding for zero carbon renovations in buildings across Massachusetts.
Zero Emission Vehicle Coalition, promoting the decarbonization of the transportation sector. (ELM serves as a co-convener.)
ELM’s Corporate Council unites businesses and institutions committed to advancing smart, ambitious policies that promote a healthy environment and a thriving economy. The Corporate Council, now 35 members strong, welcomed eight new organizations this year: BayCoast Bank, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Johnson & Johnson, Liberty Mutual, Sanofi, Schneider Electric, Sense, and Vineyard Offshore. Each new member brings valuable perspective to the Corporate Council, which has representation from the Commonwealth’s leading retailers, hospitals, financial institutions, life sciences companies, and universities.
Our gatherings educate members on the business case for climate and foster dialogues between the Council and senior government officials to understand and influence the trajectory of our Commonwealth.
In October 2024, Corporate Council members met with House Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz at Eastern Bank to discuss climate legislation negotiations and opportunities for business-government partnership.
In January 2025, ELM hosted the seventh annual Energy & Environmental Policy Briefing at MIT Sloan School of Management, convening 80+ partners in person and online. Business leaders learned ELM’s 2025 policy priorities gained actionable insights to advance a clean energy future.
In March 2025, the Council welcomed MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng at Trillium Asset Management for a conversation on making the MBTA more accessible, reliable, and decarbonized.
In FY25, ELM drafted, coordinated, and recruited signatories for two letters advancing climate action on Beacon Hill.
For Earth Week 2025, ELM partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to promote clean transportation across Greater Boston. As the title sponsor of the Bluebikes bikeshare system, Blue Cross offered residents free $15 ride credits and donated $1 per ride, with $10,000 donated, to support ELM’s advocacy.
Aligned to our mission of enhancing children’s health and well-being, Boston Children’s is proud to be a member of the ELM Corporate Council. Our participation reflects our strong interest in supporting a healthier, more sustainable Massachusetts and world and ELM’s presence as a strong advocate for ambitious and sensible policymaking. We are grateful to work alongside ELM in this important effort.
Lisa Hogarty Senior Vice President, Real Estate Planning and Development, Boston Children’s Hospital
In 2024, the ELM Action Fund proudly endorsed 36 climate champions running for state offices across Massachusetts. 32 were ultimately elected, many in our state’s most competitive races, underscoring the decisive role of ELM Action Fund’s support.
While anti-environment candidates gained ground in many parts of the country, Massachusetts voters chose candidates committed clean energy, green infrastructure, and public health. The ELM Action Fund helped bring voters to the polls: knocking on doors, dialing phones, raising funds, running digital ads, and sending targeted mailers.
This momentum carried into 2025, when the ELM Action Fund supported Hannah Bowen of Beverly and Lisa Field of Taunton in their special election races for State Representative. Special elections are often overlooked, but by spotlighting the candidates’ climate platforms and engaging voters directly, the ELM Action Fund elevated these races and strengthened climate leadership on Beacon Hill.
In 2024, the ELM Action Fund Independent Expenditure Political Action Committee (IE PAC) drove support for climate champions in key races across Massachusetts, allowing the ELM Action Fund to massively scale our targeted outreach.
The IE PAC focused on mobilizing moderate and Latino voters, highlighting the economic benefits of clean energy and the leadership of our endorsed candidates. All four of our priority candidates won their races:
In support of the ELM Action Fund’s broader slate of endorsed candidates, the IE PAC ran a statewide Google Ads campaign promoting the Green Voter Guide. Ads targeted those searching for candidate names and keywords like “Who should I vote for?” and “environment voting.” The campaign reached over 50,000 voters, driving informed voter turnout.
The ELM Action Fund’s Green Voter Guide (www.greenvoterguidema.com) played a key role in mobilizing climate-conscious voters and helping them prepare for the 2024-2025 legislative elections.
By encouraging users to enter their address and identify climate champions on their ballot, we empowered over 8,000 users to make informed decisions about strong environmental leaders running for office this past year.
I was honored to earn the ELM Action Fund’s endorsement. Not only did they demonstrate to voters that I was ready to address their environmental concerns, but they also put in the hard work to help turn out voters in an off-season special election. I’m proud to count them as a key partner in advancing climate policies that strengthen our communities.
State Representative Hannah Bowen 6th Essex District
ELM and the ELM Action Fund hosted our Legislative Breakfast on February 27 to kick off the 2025-2026 session. Welcoming Representatives, Senators, and staff from dozens of State House offices, ELM reconnected with lawmakers and discussed our shared climate and environmental priorities for 2025.
Attendees heard from ELM Action Fund Executive Director Casey Bowers, as well as chairs of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Senator Becca Rausch and Representative Christine Barber.
Smart environmental and climatetech policy boosts our state economy and builds healthier communities. ELM regularly organizes field trips with our corporate, nonprofit, and government partners, to explore climate solutions up-close and learn how state policy could scale these innovations.
ELM staff and partners visited LineVision in November and learned about their grid-enhancing technology that monitors energy lines to expand our system’s efficiency, resilience, and capacity.
In spring 2025, we visited two companies focused on reducing waste. Nth Cycle demonstrated how it reduces waste and decarbonizes metal refining for climatetech, while ReDish showcased its industrial warewashing system, cleaning reusable cafeteria materials for Walpole and Needham public schools.
In June, ELM and partners toured two up-and-coming battery storage facilities: Flatiron Energy’s Energizar project in Chelsea and Jupiter Power’s Trimount project in Everett. Built on industrial land and shaped by community input, these projects will create jobs, invest in local economies, and improve reliability, costs, and air quality.
On May 1, we hosted our most inspiring Earth Night yet, bringing together over 550 guests at Fenway Park to celebrate leadership in climate innovation and policy. This extraordinary evening strengthened relationships that will help Massachusetts address the scale and urgency of our environmental challenges.
Congratulations to our 2025 Commonwealth Environmental Leadership Awardees: Dr. Yet-Ming Chiang, Governor Maura Healey, and Dr. Sally Kornbluth, who continue to champion a healthier planet and a better future for all.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we raised over $775,000 to support our work ensuring that Massachusetts remains a national leader in building a just, thriving clean energy future.
ELM is the very, very best. What you do is incredible...And thank you to all who are here tonight, as sponsors and as supporters. You are where you should be, and you are where you need to be.
Governor Maura Healey Massachusetts Governor
Massachusetts is the right place to do big things in climate. And that’s because of all of you gathered here tonight: the community of brilliant people who keep on bravely driving climate policy and action.
Dr. Sally Kornbluth Massachusetts Institute of Technology President
Dr. Yet-Ming Chiang, co-founder of Sublime Systems and Form Energy, honored for pioneering cutting-edge climatetech, including low-carbon cement and battery technology.
Presented by Carmichael Roberts
Governor Maura Healey, Massachusetts Governor, honored for advancing bold, equitable climate policy and investing in Massachusetts’ green economy.
Presented by Gina McCarthy
Dr. Sally Kornbluth, MIT President, honored for elevating MIT as a global leader in climate research and solutions.
Presented by Linda Henry
Revenue: $3,536,783
Expenses: $3,415,315
Revenue: $787,502
Expenses: $464,468
Thank you to all of our donors for supporting our purpose to secure the health and wellbeing of the environment and of future generations.
We are saddened to share the passing of Nancy Hammond this past year. Together with her husband, John, Nancy was a longtime supporter of the ELM Action Fund’s Campaign and Advocacy Fellowship Program. Each year, the Fellowship Program brought in outstanding undergraduate and graduate students to support policy development, advocacy, campaigns, and local environmental champion candidates. Thanks to Nancy and John, ELM Fellows have become an important part of the fabric of ELM and the ELM Action Fund—injecting energy, enthusiasm, additional capacity, and new ideas into the team. The Fellowship Program has provided the practical, real-world experience young people need to become the next generation of environmental and climate leaders.
It brought Nancy pleasure and pride to see the fellows she supported progressing in their careers following their time with the Action Fund—many stayed in touch long after their fellowship ended. Nancy made an immeasurable positive impact on ELM, the ELM Action Fund, and dozens of young lives. We are forever grateful for her investment and belief in ELM and future generations.
Lise Olney, a political organizer and former Wellesley Select Board member, first learned about ELM in 2014 while advocating for climate policy at the Massachusetts State House.
Then the co-founder of the Mass Interfaith Coalition for Climate Action, she was struck by ELM’s uniquely effective relationships and unmatched influence with State House leaders.
After years of pursuing parallel climate initiatives, Lise was introduced by former ELM Action Fund Board Chair Natalia Linos to the organization’s electoral work, including its expanding focus on municipal campaigns. As a municipal leader, she appreciated the ELM Action Fund’s thoughtful approach to candidate support, providing funds, time, and expertise. In 2024, Lise joined the ELM Action Fund Board of Directors to support advancing local campaigns and has taken pride in the organization’s steadfast advocacy for offshore wind, which she considers courageous.
Lise and her husband, Tim, are now including ELM and the ELM Action Fund in their estate plans. To them, planned giving is a way to ensure the causes they value – especially advocacy to improve the health of our environment and communities – endure for years to come.
