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, Tips/info
Guest User
A Win for Ohio: Legislation Fights Back Against ...

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.

A Win for Ohio: Legislation Fights Back Against SLAPP Suits

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