Our Stories

The Latest by Heather Kathryn Ross

Associate Editor

A journalist and graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Heather was the associate editor from 2015–2017.

Abigail Dillen.
July 7, 2017

Litigator, Mother and Climate Champion: Abbie Dillen Is a Name You Should Know

By Heather Kathryn Ross  /  Clean Energy Program & Headquarters Office

A conversation with Abbie Dillen, clean energy powerhouse and working mother

The night sky illuminates a wall of petroglyphs at Utah's Bears Ears National Monument.
May 12, 2017

Tell Trump: ‘Back Off Bears Ears’

By Heather Kathryn Ross  /  Headquarters Office

You have until May 27 to tell the Trump administration that Bears Ears is a vital part of our national heritage and must remain protected.

Google Earth satellite images of coal ash wastewater pollution from the Mill Creek Generating Station into the Ohio River.
December 16, 2016

Settlement Approved to Stop Ohio River Pollution Caught on Camera

By Heather Kathryn Ross  /  Clean Energy Program

The Louisville Gas and Electric company will have to stop allowing toxic waste from its Mill Creek coal plant to flow into the Ohio River.

Destiny Watford, above, organized a movement opposing the nation’s largest trash-burning incinerator slated for her neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland.
September 20, 2016

Justice for Maryland—but What About Puerto Rico?

By Heather Kathryn Ross  /  Northeast Office

In Maryland and Puerto Rico, activists have taken to the streets in an effort to keep polluting trash incinerators at bay.

West Oakland organizers recently led their community to victory against a multi-million dollar dirty energy proposal. Reverend Ken Chambers (above) of Oakland’s West Side Missionary Baptist Church was one of the most outspoken opponents of the plan.
August 4, 2016

End of the Line for Oakland Coal Scheme

By Heather Kathryn Ross  /  Headquarters Office

West Oakland organizers recently led their community to victory against a multi-million dollar dirty energy proposal.

July 14, 2016

Seis Parques y Monumentos Nacionales que Desconoces

By Heather Kathryn Ross

Es importante recordar que vale la pena defender a todos los parques y monumentos nacionales—grandes y pequeños, urbanos y silvestres, accesibles y remotos.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
July 14, 2016

Six National Parks and Monuments You’ve Likely Never Heard Of

By Heather Kathryn Ross  /  Headquarters Office

Not every park can be as popular as Yellowstone—but every park deserves our protection.

Margo Pellegrino recently made a solo journey from New York City to Chicago by canoe. She navigated through three of the five Great Lakes, including Lake Erie, above.
April 7, 2016

Paddling for Progress on Clean Water Laws

By Heather Kathryn Ross  /  Headquarters Office

Margo Pellegrino is a paddling powerhouse, and she’s now preparing to canoe from Chicago to New Orleans to raise awareness about the dangers facing America’s waterways.

Ron Smith stands outside New Zion Church, next to Stone's Throw landfill, near Tallassee, Ala. Community members meet at this church regularly to discuss issues related to the landfill.
March 21, 2016

Pulling the Land Out from Under Them

By Heather Kathryn Ross  /  Headquarters Office

The EPA’s failure to enforce civil rights laws is costing black homeowners their land and their families’ financial future.

Low attendance at EPA meetings
February 26, 2016

The Empty Halls of Justice

By Heather Kathryn Ross  /  Headquarters Office

The EPA says it wants to hear from the public about how best to handle civil rights complaints, but low turnout at a recent meeting in Oakland, Calif., raises concerns about whether the agency is doing enough to get the public’s attention.