Beyond the Courtroom
Meagan Niebler
Celebrating Black History Month

Environmental justice exists because Black communities have always organized for clean air, safe water, healthy homes, and dignity. From fighting toxic dumping to defending land, housing, and public health, Black environmentalists have shaped the movement—often without recognition. We must thank Black leaders for addressing the interconnection between civil rights, labor safety, housing, and environmental health—their advocacy continues to shape how environmental law understands equity, participation, and accountability today. 

Check out this blog for some fun resources, including a zine to print and share with your community!

Celebrating Black History Month
Meagan Niebler
Rezoning - What Is It and How You Can Have a ...

Residents throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, are raising the alarm as new data centers, warehouses, and industrial facilities move in rapidly leading to public concerns surrounding noise, water, and power-usage. How is this happening so fast? Too often, municipalities approve these developments through quiet but completely legal rezoning processes. Many communities are left wondering: Can zoning rules really be changed that easily? Why don't we know about it? How can we get involved before final decisions are made? How does this work, and is there anything I can do about it? 


Here's how the zoning process works, how municipalities change their zoning maps and codes, what the legal requirements are, and how you can better advocate to protect your community from these unwanted changes. 

Rezoning - What Is It and How You Can Have a Voice in the Process
Brooke Christy
Ohioans and Environmental Organizations File ...

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.

Ohioans and Environmental Organizations File Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of Air Pollution Amendment in State Budget
Meagan Niebler
The world around us: How does our environment ...

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. 

The world around us: How does our environment affect our mental health?
Victories, Beyond the Courtroom
Meagan Niebler
Changing the System for Environmental Justice: ...

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.

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

Beyond the Courtroom

Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month

Environmental justice exists because Black communities have always organized for clean air, safe water, healthy homes, and dignity. From fighting toxic dumping to defending land, housing, and public health, Black environmentalists have shaped the movement—often without recognition. We must thank Black leaders for addressing the interconnection between civil rights, labor safety, housing, and environmental health—their advocacy continues to shape how environmental law understands equity, participation, and accountability today. 

Check out this blog for some fun resources, including a zine to print and share with your community!

,

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.

Keep Pittsburgh Water Public–Using Your Voice in the May 20th Election

Keep Pittsburgh Water Public–Using Your Voice in the May 20th Election

What is the ballot referendum?  

On May 20th, Pittsburgh voters will get to decide whether they want to keep their water systems public. The question will be displayed on the ballot as follows:  

“Shall the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter be amended and supplemented by adding a new Article 11:  RIGHT TO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS, WASTEWATER SYSTEM, AND STORM SEWER SYSTEMS, which restricts the lease and/or sale of the City’s water and sewer system to private entities?” 

Voting YES is a vote for public water. Voting YES would add an amendment to the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter and protect our water systems from privatization.  

It’s Time to Face the Music: Harms of Noise Pollution and the EPA’s Ineffective Regulation

It’s Time to Face the Music: Harms of Noise Pollution and the EPA’s Ineffective Regulation

While noise pollution poses a substantial threat to human health and the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) charged with regulating it has been largely inactive under its Congressional authority to do so within the Noise Control Act of 1972 (NCA). Under the NCA, the EPA is given the authority to identify and regulate products that are “major sources” of noise. The NCA also leaves the primary responsibility of noise control to state and local governments, while recognizing that federal action is needed for major noise sources in commerce.

Benefits of the Water Works Dam Removal Project in Warren, Ohio

Benefits of the Water Works Dam Removal Project in Warren, Ohio

The Water Works dam is scheduled to be removed by December 2023 with the total cost of the removal expected to be $3,225,500. As the Limited Environmental Review states, the project is to be funded by the Ohio EPA through its Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program (WRRSP) and the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments. To learn more about the Warren Water Works Dam removal or the Mahoning River Corridor Revitalization Plan. . .

Stay in touch!

 
heinz-endowments.jpg
Guidestar