Ohioans and Environmental Organizations File Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of Air Pollution Amendment in State Budget

Ohioans and Environmental Organizations File Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of Air Pollution Amendment in State Budget

In H.B. 96, the Ohio General Assembly snuck anti-environment provisions into the bill at the last minute that removed important protections for Ohioans who want to file complaints against polluters while also invalidating community air monitoring data. These statutory changes have no relationship to Ohio’s budget and thus violate the Ohio Constitution’s requirement that all legislation include only one subject.

The world around us: How does our environment affect our mental health?

The world around us: How does our environment affect our mental health?

Have you ever gone for a walk outside, heard the birds, and felt it clear your mind? Even lift your mood? There's a reason why people say they need to "get outside" – our surroundings have a profound impact on the way we think, feel, and cope with our situations. But what is the effect when those surroundings are polluted, neglected, or even unsafe? Our environment impacts more than just our physical health; it has a substantial impact on our mental health too. 

Powered by Partnership: Celebrating Fair Shake's First Equal Justice Works Fellowship

Powered by Partnership: Celebrating Fair Shake's First Equal Justice Works Fellowship

Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services is excited to be celebrating the completion of our inaugural Equal Justice Works Fellow’s project. Brooke Christy joined our team with the goal of providing direct representation to tenants experiencing lead exposure while collaborating with community organizations dedicated to the prevention and remediation of lead exposure within the Appalachian Basin. Our team worked in collaboration with Brooke to develop this project after she completed an internship with our organization.

Changing the System for Environmental Justice: Fair Shake’s Role in Keeping Pittsburgh Water Public

Changing the System for Environmental Justice:  Fair Shake’s Role in Keeping Pittsburgh Water Public

How Can We Help You?

As environmental justice and law nonprofit, we are excited to support systems-change that strengthen environmental justice outcomes.  This can include:

  • Building Connections

  • Legal “Translation” + Bridging Information

  • Researching, Strategizing, and Educating about Legal and Policy Levers

  • Drafting Generalized Legal and Policy Templates

  • Engaging Community and Amplifying Issues

We can provide any of this support to nonprofits, coalitions, residents, and municipalities at no-cost.  Please reach out today and let’s get to work.

A Win for Ohio: Legislation Fights Back Against SLAPP Suits

A Win for Ohio: Legislation Fights Back Against SLAPP Suits

Ohio has recently passed legislation that will protect activists against SLAPP suits - so what are these suits and why is this legislation so important?

SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. These are lawsuits aimed at silencing criticism and draining the resources of those who speak up against certain organizations.