Peter Getty shares information about Earth's very own legal team founded in 1971, which aims to protect our planet's environment by aiding nonprofit and humanitarian clients.
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Meet Earth's Legal Team: EarthJustice
1. M E E T E A R T H ’ S L E G A L T E A M :
By Peter Getty
EarthJustice
2. • “Because the earth needs a lawyer”, the tagline of the United
States nonprofit EarthJustice, was recognized as one of the best
taglines out of 1,702 entries in 2010.
3. • But the organization is more than just a clever slogan.
• EarthJustice has also been named one of America’s 100 best
charities by Worth magazine and has made considerable
contributions in environmental law and community groups.
4. • Headquartered in San
Francisco, the legal
organization – whose
main objective is
environmental initiatives
– has nine regional
offices across the U.S.
with an international
presence and a
communications and
Washington, DC team,
though the
organization does not
receive any funds from
government entities.
6. • Founded in 1971 as the Sierra Club Legal Defense
Fund, Earth Justice’s moniker was changed in 1997
clarifying its role as a legal entity dedicated to the
aid nonprofit and humanitarian clients who need pro
bono representation.
7. The nonprofit focuses its
efforts on three major
programs…
1. Health and Toxics advocacy of healthy communities
2. Climate and Energy advocacy of clean energy and
combating climate change
3. The Wild advocacy of preserving bio-diversity of
wildlife and lands
8. • Though up against great odds, EarthJustice has become a
formidable player in the United States legal system for
setting precedents involving environmental laws.
10. • In the 1972 Supreme Court case, Sierra Club v. Morton,
EarthJustice — established the right of citizens to sue
for environmental damages.
• The Walt Disney Corporation was forced to abandon
development of a ski resort in the Mineral King valley in
California’s Sierra Nevada Range – thusly, preserving the
Sequoia National Park.
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11. • In the 2006 Supreme Court case, Massachusetts v. Environmental
Protection Agency, EarthJustice attorneys helped a coalition of state
governments and conservation groups force the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to fight global warming by limiting greenhouse
gas emissions.
• It was the first Supreme Court case to ever address the issue of
climate change.
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12. • EarthJustice continues to add in keeping communities and
the environment protected and preserved, and continues
to receive honors such as a 4-star rating from Charity
Navigator