Home
About
Organization
Locations & Contact Info
Staff
Board of Directors
News
Careers
Volunteers, Internships & Legal Fellows
Our Programs
Legal Services
Community Democracy
Community Resources and Tools
Resource Library and River
Lending Library
Commenting and Public Meetings
Community Benefits
Carbon Capture, Hydrogen Hubs + Pore Space
Lead Safety
Making Environmental Complaints
Navigating Bureaucracy and Permitting
Organizing Resources and Tools
Solar Energy Guidebook
Waterway Access
Working with Attorneys
Zoning and Ordinances
Contact Us
Our Blog
Events
Donate

Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services

Home
About
Organization
Locations & Contact Info
Staff
Board of Directors
News
Careers
Volunteers, Internships & Legal Fellows
Our Programs
Legal Services
Community Democracy
Community Resources and Tools
Resource Library and River
Lending Library
Commenting and Public Meetings
Community Benefits
Carbon Capture, Hydrogen Hubs + Pore Space
Lead Safety
Making Environmental Complaints
Navigating Bureaucracy and Permitting
Organizing Resources and Tools
Solar Energy Guidebook
Waterway Access
Working with Attorneys
Zoning and Ordinances
Contact Us
Our Blog
Events
Donate
October 31, 2025
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
October 22, 2025
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?
July 15, 2025
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
July 15, 2025
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
August 22, 2024
Tips/info
Meagan Niebler
Environmental Justice Advisory Boards - A ...

An Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB) is a group that advises government agencies on issues related to environmental justice, ensuring that policies and actions address the needs and concerns of marginalized communities disproportionately affected by environmental harms. These boards play a crucial role in promoting fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race or income, in environmental decision-making processes.

Environmental Justice Advisory Boards - A Scorecard for States
Guest User
July 17, 2019

Army Corps seeking comment on new WV rules that cut public participation.

Guest User
July 17, 2019
Army Corps seeking comment on new WV rules that cut public participation.

On April 24th, 2019 West Virginia enacted modifications to its Section 401 water quality certification that put the waters and people of West Virginia at risk for increased discharge of pollution, resulting in harm to human and environmental health.

4 Comments
Guest User
July 10, 2019

Fighting Unlawful Development Outside Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Guest User
July 10, 2019
Fighting Unlawful Development Outside Cuyahoga Valley National Park

On July 2nd we submitted a letter to the Cuyahoga Falls Planning Commission on behalf of our clients, Scott Meyers and Gina Burk, in opposition of a planned community development which violates local zoning code and endangers surrounding natural habitat, ecology, and adjacent local property.

Comment
Guest User
July 2, 2019
Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Jesse Barrad

Guest User
July 2, 2019
Employee Spotlight

The employee spotlight this week is Jesse Barrad, our legal intern who will be with us from May until the beginning of August. He is from Media, Pennsylvania. He studied as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh where he got his B.A in Political Science and Philosophy. He is currently pursuing a JD/MA at the Wake Forest University School of Law.

Comment
Guest User
June 25, 2019

Fair Shake Files Buckeye Pipeline Motion to Intervene on behalf of FreshWater and OVEC

Guest User
June 25, 2019
Fair Shake Files Buckeye Pipeline Motion to Intervene on behalf of FreshWater and OVEC

On June 19, 2019, Fair Shake, on behalf of FreshWater Accountability Project (FreshWater) and Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition (OVEC) filed a motion to intervene on the Buckeye Pipeline.

Source: https://photos.app.goo.gl/GebkTKFsPVmRWamt7

Comment
Guest User
June 24, 2019
Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Ryan Hamilton

Guest User
June 24, 2019
Employee Spotlight
Employee Spotlight: Ryan  Hamilton

The employee spotlight this week is Ryan Hamilton. He grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania. He studied at Juniata College in Huntington, Pennsylvania where he got his B.A in Philosophy and English. He got his law degree with a certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law at Lewis and Clark Law School.

1 Comment
Newer Posts
Older Posts

Stay in touch!

 
heinz-endowments.jpg
Guidestar
Back to Top
Contact Us
Funders
Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services, 6425 Living Place, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States(412) 664-5546info@fairshake-els.org

Intake Phone Hours: 9-6 M-Th

In-person consultation by appointment only

Privacy Policy

Fair Shake