Our Stories

The Latest by Alison Cagle

Writer

Alison Cagle is a writer at Earthjustice. She is based in San Francisco. Alison tells the stories of the earth: the systems that govern it, the ripple effects of those systems, and the people who are fighting to change them — to protect our planet and all its inhabitants.

An offshore drilling rig sits in Cook Inlet, where the Biden administration is going ahead with a an oil and gas lease sale.
July 22, 2024

A Rare Whale Is Safe From Oil and Gas Drilling — for Now

By Alison Cagle  /  Alaska Office

A judge overturned the Biden administration’s reckless lease sale in Cook Inlet, citing threats to the rare beluga whale.

Unhappy looking people stand in water misters outside with large hotels behind them.
July 17, 2024

Summer Is Overheating. Here’s What We’re Doing About It.

By Alison Cagle  /  Clean Energy Program

Burning fossil fuels is making summer more prone to extreme weather events. Here’s how we’re tackling the climate crisis.

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
July 16, 2024

Mainers Send a Message to Mining Industry: “Don’t Come for Katahdin”

By Alison Cagle  /  Biodiversity Defense Program, Northeast Office & Tribal Partnerships Program

State regulator rejects a mining proposal from an inexperienced company that would have threatened an area of pristine water important to local tribes.

A view down a forested, clear valley
July 15, 2024

New Victory Will Bring Clearer Views and Cleaner Air to National Parks

By Alison Cagle  /  Clean Energy Program

The government is acting on plans to reduce haze pollution from burning fossil fuels near national parks in 32 states.

Canoes and kayaks on the lake next to a larger bridge, holding a sign that says Evict Enbridge.
July 11, 2024

The Great Lakes Are Under Threat

By Alison Cagle  /  Tribal Partnerships Program

The Line 5 pipeline has already leaked over 1 million gallons of oil to date and threatens the Great Lakes. Now, the company behind it is proposing a dangerous reroute project.

Mari Rose Taruc of Reclaim Our Power is advocating for a safe, reliable energy system that benefits everyone.
May 9, 2024

Gas Stoves Are a Public Health Hazard. Here’s What We’re Doing About It.

By Alison Cagle

In partnership with communities across the U.S., we’re advocating for higher energy efficiency standards and leveling the playing field for renewable energy.

A woman examines a medium-sized clear bucket labeled "Louisiana Bucket Brigade"
March 29, 2024

How Gulf of Mexico Residents Are Pushing Back on the Oil and Gas Industry

By Alison Cagle & Erin Fitzgerald  /  Gulf Regional Office

Locals aren’t letting dirty industry expand in the Gulf without a fight.

About six people stand together during a protest in a city
March 28, 2024

Historic Court Decision Puts Big Polluters on Notice in Latin America

By Alison Cagle  /  International Program

An international court ruled in favor of the people of La Oroya, Peru, finding that the government violated their right to a healthy environment.

February 14, 2024

Carbon Capture Is Giving a Second Life to Fossil Fuels – But It Doesn’t Have To

By Alison Cagle

As carbon capture booms, communities in Louisiana are worried it will prolong the use of dirty fossil fuel plants.

Linda stands in her home office looking at the camera with her arms crossed. A poster in the background says "Environmental Justice Task Force Meeting"
February 9, 2024

Her Family Moved to Escape This Deadly Chemical – But It Followed

By Alison Cagle  /  Toxic Exposure & Health Program

The Biden administration may soon be finalizing a ban on trichloroethylene. Here’s what it is, who is at risk, and one family’s story after being exposed