Earthjustice

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has empowered communities for over 50 years, giving the public a voice in environmental decisions. Now, industries and their allies are urging the Supreme Court to limit the scope of environment reviews and keep the public in the dark, jeopardizing protections for our communities and environment. We’re in court, fighting to keep NEPA’s critical safeguards intact and defending its role in holding federal agencies accountable. See what's at stake: https://ejus.tc/48l8hXc

Great news! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it would tighten its standards for lead in dust from deteriorating lead paint found in many homes, schools, and daycares. Now, any lead found by assessors in a residence or childcare facility will be labeled a "lead hazard," requiring disclosure when selling or renting, with removal needed in some HUD-subsidized housing or where local laws apply. There’s no safe level of lead exposure. This long-overdue action is a game-changer in the fight against lead exposure, a silent threat that endangers lives at even the smallest trace. Millions of children and families are still at risk in their own homes and childcare centers. Earthjustice applauds the EPA for taking this bold action.

Huge news! NOAA & POTUS designated the first Tribally nominated national marine sanctuary. Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary encompasses more than 4,000 square miles of Central California's coastal and ocean waters, providing protection to natural, cultural, and historical resources. The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary designation is the result of a 40-year campaign by Tribal and community leaders to protect globally significant ocean habitat and wildlife and sacred Chumash onshore and submerged sites along the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara coast. We are thrilled to see this important step toward ensuring the cultural and ecological resources of the central California coast are effectively safeguarded through Tribal collaborative co-stewardship.

At Earthjustice, we understand that averting the worst impacts of climate change and preserving a livable planet will require rapid and radical change at every level. That includes incorporating Indigenous knowledge rooted in thousands of years of continuous land stewardship practices into our nation’s climate plan. Indigenous peoples today face serious threats from fossil fuel and mining companies who’ve put clean water, sacred sites, and Indigenous ways of life in their crosshairs. To tackle climate change, the federal government must protect Indigenous rights and strengthen Tribal sovereignty. Want to learn about the progress that's been made by this administration and what remains unfinished? Here’s our take. https://ejus.tc/3YkLk2P

Indigenous voices and knowledge are central to the fight for our future. Earthjustice’s Tribal Partnerships Program is dedicated to partnering with Native groups and Indigenous communities as they fight to protect their natural and cultural resources for future generations. We proudly partner with and represent over 100 tribes, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Indigenous groups who are fighting to protect their water, wildlife, and sacred lands from extractive industries. Our Tribal Partnerships Program works to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and elevate their voices in the environmental movement. “A lot of Tribes are innovators,” explains Earthjustice Senior Attorney Stefanie Tsosie. “Earthjustice can be innovators with them and help elevate their voices, especially in the times we see now.” Learn more about our Tribal Partnership Program, our recent victories, and what our attorneys are hard at work on: https://ejus.tc/3zXWWQ2

As Florida faces catastrophe in the wake of Hurricane Milton, communities across the southeastern U.S. are still devastated by Hurricane Helene – one of the deadliest storms in the nation’s history. Scientists are directly linking the unprecedented intensity and frequency of these storms to warming waters in the Gulf of Mexico caused by global climate change. These researchers have stated that climate change from burning fossil fuels has made storms like Hurricanes Helene and Milton more than twice as likely. “Climate change is here, and we must do more to protect health, wellbeing and safety, especially in our most vulnerable communities.” -Abbie Dillen, President of Earthjustice. Read Abbie’s statement and view our list of organizations in the region to support. https://ejus.tc/4gTCMaF

Due to an unexpected Special Session at the Senate, our original opening keynote speaker had to withdraw. While we will miss his insights, we are thrilled to announce that Abbie Dillen, President of Earthjustice, will be stepping in as our opening keynote speaker for the upcoming symposium! Abigail brings extensive experience in environmental law and advocacy, making her an exceptional addition to our program. We are honored to have her join us to discuss sustainable land use and the path forward for environmental justice. Join us on October 11th at UC Berkeley for this incredible opportunity! https://lnkd.in/gsRyvKJT

📢 Join us for the next installment of our Future of Health Care series, featuring scholar and practitioner perspectives on pressing issues facing the health care industry. Expert panelists will discuss the role of law and policy in protecting communities from the health threats posed by climate change. This program is co-hosted with AUWCL Environmental and Energy Law, in partnership with the American University The Center for Environment, Community, & Equity; American University Center for Environmental Policy; American Health Law Association and American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics. Lunch will be served. 🌍 Climate Change & Health: Legal, Policy and Scientific Perspectives 🗓  Wednesday, October 9, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM ET, In-Person & Zoom 📝 Agenda Overview 12:00 PM - 12:25 PM: Introduction and chat with Marcos Orellana (UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights) (Moderated by Environmental and Energy Law Program Director William J. Snape, III) 12:25 PM - 12:30 PM: Introduction of Panel (Moderated by Health Law and Policy Program Director Asha Scielzo) 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Panel discussion Panelists  Kathleen Riley (Senior Associate Attorney, Earthjustice) Olufunmilayo Chinekezi (Program Officer, National Academy of Medicine) Sara Pollock Hoverter (Director, Center for Community Health Innovation at the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law) This event will be held at the American University Washington College of Law and Zoom. This event is free but registration is required. REGISTER HERE: https://lnkd.in/eE5ahF9g In-person registration closes on October 4th. Virtual registration closes on October 9th. #ClimateChange #AUWCLHealthLaw #HealthLaw #EnviornmentalLaw

Governor Newsom's veto of Senate Bill 674 is a major setback for communities impacted by refinery pollution. These vulnerable populations deserve real-time air monitoring and accountability. Bay Area and San Joaquin Valley air districts must now update their rules to protect communities. Governor Newsom must ensure all air districts adopt these essential protections that SB 674 would have established. Learn more from Earthjustice Senior Attorney Oscar Espino-Padron. https://ejus.tc/3ZKJ2v3 Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom Bay Area Air Quality Management District San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District

The power of the law is a critical tool in the face of a global climate crisis ⚖️ Our international team is partnering with communities across the globe to ensure climate justice extends to every corner of the Earth. #ClimateWeekNYC