The 2024 short session produced several key wins benefiting the environment and Washington’s communities — and some foreshadowing for 2025.

H.R. 764, the “Trust the Science Act,” undermines the integrity of the Endangered Species Act by forcing the reinstatement of the Trump administration’s scientifically indefensible rule delisting the gray wolf.

Attacks on the Antiquities Act are not new. Earthjustice and our partners continue to fight back.

NW Natural seeks to increase profits and expand its gas system at ratepayers’ expense

Climate, environmental justice and community-led social justice organizations filed testimony on April 18, 2024, detailing a litany of cost, climate and equity objections to a proposed rate hike from NW Natural, Oregon’s largest gas utility.

Jacob Kopas, Attorney, International Program: “This case is the first time that the court is … really recognising a connection between the health of an environment and the health of human communities. Now with this precedent, we can point to it and say yes you have access to justice – this has been recognised as…

Groups seek lower PFAS limits and shorter compliance schedules to help protect communities

Conservation and environmental justice groups filed an administrative appeal challenging aspects of the Suncor refinery’s Clean Water Act discharge permit.

Court requires utility to pay fine for failing to invest in community renewable projects

The Montana Supreme Court has ruled NorthWestern Energy’s hostile approach to clean energy was a violation of the law. The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) followed NorthWestern’s lead and allowed the company to ignore a requirement for the utility to invest in Montana communities by purchasing renewable energy from small community-based projects. The penalty for this violation will provide much-needed revenue to Low-Income and Tribal Energy Assistance programs.

State provided little time for intervening groups to review key documents before approving settlement

Community and conservation groups filed a response to the recently-announced Suncor Energy fenceline monitoring settlement agreement, expressing frustration and concern over the plan approved by the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division.

Legislation will focus on permitting reform, air quality enforcement, additional measures to cut harmful pollution in Colorado

Conservation groups demand that the state stop approving and address upstream water diversions

The so-called Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act would inhibit accountability of polluting industries and the government’s ability to remedy past harms

Strategy intended to guide ocean justice activities across federal government

Colorado was provided 90 days to revise Suncor’s Title V permit after EPA’s objection

Contrary to Washington State’s Environmental Policy Act, the Hearing Examiner ruled the massive warehouse complex does not require an Environmental Impact Statement