Western Environmental Law Center

Are you ready to use the power of the law to fight the climate crisis and protect communities throughout the western U.S.? Join the team at WELC! We're looking for a Staff Attorney (6-12 years of experience) or Senior Attorney (13+ years of experience) to be part of our climate and energy program team.    The Climate & Energy Program Attorney is an exempt, FT position focused on strategic, legal, and policy advocacy centered on 1) the confluence of the climate crisis with the federal public lands fossil fuels program and 2) the Western U.S.’ transition from fossil fuels to a renewables-powered future ⚡ The position’s responsibilities will include: - Engaging through litigation and administration on federal public lands fossil fuel planning, leasing, infrastructure, and drilling approvals - Joining in federal and state-level climate, fossil fuels, public lands, and energy transition legislation, rulemaking, and policymaking - Advancing equity, inclusion, and justice imperatives in cooperation with partners and allies, including frontline and energy-dependent communities. While focused on federal advocacy, the Attorney will also coordinate with WELC’s state-level advocacy in New Mexico, with an eye towards opportunities that may arise in other states. If this sounds like a great fit for you or someone you know, head to our website to learn more and apply today! https://lnkd.in/dvWvMsDA

WELC's executive director, Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, digs into the dirty deals behind Congress' latest dirty deal--a deal that, ostensibly geared to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, would provide the fossil fuel industry with a host of ill-advised concessions. While this bill is unlikely to move until after the November elections, we urge members of the public to immediately call their Senator (https://lnkd.in/eaUVmta) or Representative (https://lnkd.in/eK3e3PX) to oppose S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act.

As we look to the months ahead, our country faces a stark decision: allow the ruin of Project 2025 to unfold... or reach for something else, something that looks a lot more like interconnection, justice and restoration. WELC Executive Director Erik Schlenker-Goodrich details the differences between this blueprint for crushing communities and the climate vs. an ecology of kinship that lifts us all up, including our non-human friends. Link below! https://lnkd.in/gz-fv7t8

As we look to the months ahead, our country faces a stark decision: allow the ruin of Project 2025 to unfold... or reach for something else, something that looks a lot more like interconnection, justice and restoration. WELC Executive Director Erik Schlenker-Goodrich details the differences between this blueprint for crushing communities and the climate vs. an ecology of kinship that lifts us all up, including our non-human friends. Link below! https://lnkd.in/gz-fv7t8

What's better than one protected ecosystem? How about two! What's better than a $100 gift to support environmental advocacy across the Western U.S.? How about $200! Thanks to our fantastic business partners, we are thrilled to share an opportunity to SUPERCHARGE your gift to WELC this month through the generosity of Organically Grown Co., Canyon Outfitters Sedona and Wildwood Chocolate. In addition to their own efforts to advance sustainability, equity and conservation, our partners are helping us continue our cutting-edge legal advocacy to protect the lands, waters, wildlife, and communities of the Western U.S. So make a plan to donate by August 31st for your gift to be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000!! Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gSvWmSia Read below for a glimpse into each of their incredible missions on behalf of the environment and their local communities: Organically Grown Co.: "Organically Grown Company is one of the nation’s top wholesale distributors and marketers of fresh produce, with the largest dedicated, certified organic inventory in the U.S. Our grant program supports groups leading the charge to protect the planet, creating an equitable food system, growing the organic agriculture movement, and more. The climate is quickly changing, and the world is seeing severe impacts because of those changes – that’s why it’s important to support staunch protectors of the environment, like WELC." Canyon Outfitters Sedona: "Canyon Outfitters supports nonprofits who work to promote responsible outdoor recreation, preserve healthy ecosystems, and support biodiversity + habitat protection. As the call of adventure is strong in the West, it is our responsibility as the original outdoor specialty shop in Sedona to support the sustainability of our surrounding trail system and advance education on conserving ecosystems." Wildwood Chocolate: "Wildwood Chocolate handcrafts the finest chocolate and caramel confections inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. We believe wholeheartedly in giving back to the environment from which we draw inspiration in order to help preserve them for the flora and fauna dependent on wild lands."

Hey folks! Hop online tomorrow (8/22) to join WELC Program Directors Sarah McMillan and Kyle Tisdel in a discussion focused on strategies for protecting the land, waters, wildlife, and communities of the western U.S. in the crucial months ahead. Learn how we’re leveraging science and core conservation values to safeguard public lands, restore degraded habitat and ecosystems, and advance a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels. When: Thursday, August 22 11am-12pm Pacific Time (Noon-1pm Mountain Time) Where: Zoom RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gg-88h7k

Got plans for next summer? Are you currently (or do you happen to know) a law student interested in protecting the environment, learning a ton, and hanging out with a crew of nerdy, devoted earth advocates for a few months? 🤓   WELC is currently seeking 2L law students for Summer 2025 clerk positions in Helena, Eugene, or Santa Fe! As a clerk, you’ll engage in impactful environmental law work, including research and drafting legal documents, all under the guidance of our attorneys. These full-time, paid positions span 10 weeks, with a preference for in-person work, though remote options are available. We strongly encourage people of color, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ+ applicants, and people of diverse lived experiences to apply. Submit your cover letter, resume, transcript, writing sample, and references. Applications opened 8/19 and priority review will begin 9/16! Head to our website to learn more: https://bit.ly/3WNqGGG

We will miss you, Meridian Wappett ! Big thanks for bringing your amazing spirit and many talents to work with us this summer 👏👏 We’re all so excited for you and everything you will accomplish as you finish your final year of law school and beyond.

Join us for a grounding WELC webinar tomorrow, August 6th! 🌎 In this presentation, WELC Board Member and Professor of Philosophy & Environmental Studies Dr. Brian Henning will discuss how global warming is both the massive challenge we face today as well as a symptom of a larger issue concerning how we conceive of ourselves and our relationship to the natural world. When: Tuesday, August 6 12:15pm-1:30pm Pacific Time (1:15pm-2:30pm Mountain Time) Where: Zoom Register: https://lnkd.in/dX9qw8kD

"It is imperative that New Mexico transition with all speed to an economy powered by renewable energy to insulate us from the instability caused by boom-and-bust oil and gas markets and the climate crisis." For years now, false solutions advanced by oil and gas lobbyists, executives and the state’s political leadership have further entrenched New Mexico’s risky dependence on oil and gas. But New Mexicans deserve so much better: truth from industry and political players, solutions focused on the future, and robust action that centers people - not oil and gas special interests - and opens new doors to a thriving, resilient society.    Learn more (about the good, the bad, and the oily) in WELC senior policy advisor Tom Singer’s latest op-ed featured in the Santa Fe New Mexican: https://lnkd.in/ggkcyB6q