Earthjustice is thrilled to announce that Ruth Santiago is joining its Board of Trustees. A renowned lawyer and environmental health advocate, Santiago has represented nonprofit organizations and community groups in a wide array of practice areas including energy law, aquifer protections, and civil litigation in her legal career spanning over 30 years.

“Our communities, public health, natural environment, and biodiversity are facing unprecedented assault,” says Santiago. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate in this new role with Earthjustice, wielding the law to achieve environmental justice, sustainable community development and energy democracy.” 

Santiago has been involved in the establishment of broad alliances to prevent water pollution from landfills, power plant emissions and discharges, and programs to promote solar communities and energy democracy. In addition to litigation in courts and administrative agencies, she has advised community groups and the Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on watershed protection and land use issues. Most recently, she has worked on cases related to energy projects and integrated resource plans.

“Ruth will be an incredible asset to the Board,” said Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen. “Her contributions to environmental protection in Puerto Rico and beyond are monumental.  Earthjustice is so fortunate to benefit from the commitment and know-how that Ruth brings as a great lawyer, policy expert, and champion for healthy communities and the pursuit of justice.”

Santiago’s passion for environmental protection has extended beyond the courtroom and into the classroom, as she has taught classes at the University of Puerto Rico in both environmental regulation and business administration. Santiago earned her undergraduate degree from Lehigh University and earned her law degree from the Columbia University School of Law.

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