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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
December 13, 2019

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court Should Protect Citizens’ Environmental Rights

Guest User
December 13, 2019
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court Should Protect Citizens’ Environmental Rights

On Friday, December 13th, 2019 Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services and Woods Law Offices, on behalf of Protect Penn Township (Protect PT), filed a Petition for Allowance of Appeal with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Comment
Tim Fitchett
November 26, 2019
Opinion

Building Our Communities Up by Rethinking How We Tear Them Down

Tim Fitchett
November 26, 2019
Opinion
Building Our Communities Up by Rethinking How We Tear Them Down

On October 29th, I attended the 2019 Deconstruction and Reuse Conference hosted by Construction Junction hoping to find new ways our services could facilitate solutions to economic and environmental issues.

Tagged: solar, conservation

Comment
Guest User
November 14, 2019

Appeal of an Ohio Township's Zoning Decision Has Major Implications

Guest User
November 14, 2019
Appeal of an Ohio Township's Zoning Decision Has Major Implications

Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services filed an appeal,  on behalf of its clients Kelly’s Working Well Farm challenging their local government’s demand to cease operations due to zoning code violations.

2 Comments
Guest User
October 29, 2019
Opinion

Representing Our Clients at Shale Insight 2019

Guest User
October 29, 2019
Opinion
Representing Our Clients at Shale Insight 2019

On October 23, 2019 I arrived in downtown Pittsburgh. Just down the street, at the same moment, many of my clients were arriving too. I parked my car and walked into the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, a beautiful building with riverfront window that gives you a perfect view of the headwaters of the Ohio River, where my clients gathered.

Comment
Guest User
October 17, 2019
Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Tim Fitchett

Guest User
October 17, 2019
Employee Spotlight
Employee Spotlight: Tim Fitchett

The employee spotlight this week is Tim Fitchett who is newest PA Staff Attorney at Fair Shake. He is originally from South Eastern Pennsylvania. 

1 Comment
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Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services, 6425 Living Place, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States(412) 664-5546info@fairshake-els.org

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