Earthjustice - A right to Healthy Environment by Brigitte Perreault

“Earthjustice was created by a small group of attorneys with a passionate belief that the power of the law could be used to preserve the environment. 
They helped establish the right of citizens to go to court to enforce environmental laws when the government couldn’t or wouldn’t.”

– Trip Van Noppen, Earthjustice President

Earthjustice is the nation’s premiere environmental law organization, built on the belief that we all have the right to a healthy environment. Since its founding in 1971, Earthjustice has defended that right by using the law to hold polluters accountable and to fight for the earth and its inhabitants.

        Trip, when did you get involved with Earthjustice and why?
Early in my legal career I brought cases for victims challenging pesticide misuse, drinking water contamination and toxic air pollution. I was fighting for people injured by polluters’ misconduct, but I saw the need to use the law to address the causes of those injuries, not only the consequences. That’s what led me to Earthjustice, first as Vice President for Litigation, where I worked with outstanding attorneys across the organization to help craft the strategies that will achieve the most important and lasting results, and now, as the organization’s President. 

        Earthjustice pursues three key goals to secure a just and flourishing world. Can you elaborate on these goals please?

a.    Preserving the WildEarthjustice uses the law to preserve a rich, sustainable and diverse natural heritage for current and future generations. We select cases that will protect endangered species, sensitive habitats and threatened wild lands; reduce human impacts on ecosystems, both on land and sea; and hold accountable those who damage them.

b.    Fighting for the Healthy CommunitiesSince our founding, Earthjustice has been at the forefront of safeguarding the fundamentals of human health—the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. We are fighting for a future where children can breathe clean air, no matter where they live; where the food we feed our families and the products we use in our homes are free of toxic chemicals; and where communities everywhere are safer, healthier places to live and work.

Advancing Clean Energy and Combatting Climate Change
Earthjustice is committed to ending the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels, and working to secure a clean energy future. Climate change is the single greatest environmental threat facing the world today. At stake is nothing less than our children’s—and our planet’s—future. The challenges ahead are enormous, and so we are forcing changes today that are laying the groundwork for the systemic change we can and must see in the future.

To read the full article written by Brigitte Perreault, please click here:

http://www.perreault-magazine.com/perreault-magazine-june-2014/0123191001399585019