our Stories

January 15, 2025

Earthjustice is Leading the Fight for the Environment

Whenever and wherever the first Trump administration threatened our air, water, precious habitats, and climate, Earthjustice attorneys took them to court. We prevailed 85% of the time. For more than 50 years we’ve used the power of the law to press for strong environmental protections, and we’re not stopping now.

Meet a handful of the Earthjustice lawyers who have fought the Trump administration and won. We’re prepared to do it again.

Earthjustice attorney Tim Preso standing with arms crossed, in front of the Russell Smith Courthouse in Missoula, Mont., on Aug 30, 2018.

Tim Preso

Grizzly Guardian

The Trump administration stripped Yellowstone grizzly bears’ longstanding federal protections, but Earthjustice attorney Tim Preso successfully defended the grizzlies in court. His expert defense averted a deadly trophy hunt at the last minute.

Because protecting species strengthens the web of life, we’ll defend their rights in court. 

Earthjustice attorney Mike Freeman standing with arms crossed in front of an oil rig in Erie, Colorado, Monday, July 31, 2017.

Mike Freeman

Defender of the West

The Trump administration tried to gut a historic, one-of-a-kind deal that protected sage grouse habitat in the American West — until Earthjustice attorney Mike Freeman stopped them in court. The deal brought together ranchers, conservationists, and oil and gas interests who agreed to avoid drilling in precious sage grouse habitat.

Because the American West is not for sale, we’ll keep defending it in court. 

Earthjustice Attorney Patti Goldman

Patti Goldman

The Enforcer

The Trump administration dragged its feet on setting critical formaldehyde limits — so Earthjustice attorney Patti Goldman dragged them to court. Toxic formaldehyde gas can leak from everyday products made from manufactured wood, including the kind used for emergency shelters after disasters. Goldman’s expert litigation forced the government to set limits that protect public health.

It’s the government’s job to protect people from toxic exposure. We’ll make sure it continues to do so

Robin Cooley, Deputy Managing Attorney, Rocky Mountain Office, Earthjustice.

Robin Cooley

Climate Champion

The Trump administration tried to give oil and gas companies a pass for pollution from leaked and wasted gas. These leaks are a major driver of climate change. Earthjustice attorney Robin Cooley won cases that forced these companies to close or capture the leaks at drilling sites nationwide.

Because climate deadlines can’t wait, we’ll see the new administration in court.

Jenny Harbine

Public Lands Protector

Earthjustice attorney Jenny Harbine stopped the Trump administration’s plans to lease public lands for coal mining. This win safeguarded waterways, wildlife habitat, and cultural resources from permanent damage caused by destructive mining practices. It also prevented toxic pollution caused by the burning of more coal.

Because public lands are not for private exploitation, we’ll see the new administration in court. 

With your help, we will defend the progress we have made and keep moving forward.

No matter what happens over the next 100 days — or the next four years — one thing is certain: We are ceding no ground in the fight for a safe and stable climate, clean air, clean water, and a thriving web of life.

Photo Credits: Robin Cooley (Matt Nager for Earthjustice). Mike Freeman (Matt Nager for Earthjustice). Patti Goldman (Genna Martin / Earthjustice). Jenny Harbine (Eric Ian for Earthjustice). Tim Preso (Chris Jordan-Bloch / Earthjustice)