Beyond the Courtroom

Changing the System for Environmental Justice: Fair Shake’s Role in Keeping Pittsburgh Water Public

Changing the System for Environmental Justice:  Fair Shake’s Role in Keeping Pittsburgh Water Public

How Can We Help You?

As environmental justice and law nonprofit, we are excited to support systems-change that strengthen environmental justice outcomes.  This can include:

  • Building Connections

  • Legal “Translation” + Bridging Information

  • Researching, Strategizing, and Educating about Legal and Policy Levers

  • Drafting Generalized Legal and Policy Templates

  • Engaging Community and Amplifying Issues

We can provide any of this support to nonprofits, coalitions, residents, and municipalities at no-cost.  Please reach out today and let’s get to work.

A Win for Ohio: Legislation Fights Back Against SLAPP Suits

A Win for Ohio: Legislation Fights Back Against SLAPP Suits

Ohio has recently passed legislation that will protect activists against SLAPP suits - so what are these suits and why is this legislation so important?

SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. These are lawsuits aimed at silencing criticism and draining the resources of those who speak up against certain organizations.

Keep Pittsburgh Water Public–Using Your Voice in the May 20th Election

Keep Pittsburgh Water Public–Using Your Voice in the May 20th Election

What is the ballot referendum?  

On May 20th, Pittsburgh voters will get to decide whether they want to keep their water systems public. The question will be displayed on the ballot as follows:  

“Shall the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter be amended and supplemented by adding a new Article 11:  RIGHT TO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS, WASTEWATER SYSTEM, AND STORM SEWER SYSTEMS, which restricts the lease and/or sale of the City’s water and sewer system to private entities?” 

Voting YES is a vote for public water. Voting YES would add an amendment to the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter and protect our water systems from privatization.  

It’s Time to Face the Music: Harms of Noise Pollution and the EPA’s Ineffective Regulation

It’s Time to Face the Music: Harms of Noise Pollution and the EPA’s Ineffective Regulation

While noise pollution poses a substantial threat to human health and the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) charged with regulating it has been largely inactive under its Congressional authority to do so within the Noise Control Act of 1972 (NCA). Under the NCA, the EPA is given the authority to identify and regulate products that are “major sources” of noise. The NCA also leaves the primary responsibility of noise control to state and local governments, while recognizing that federal action is needed for major noise sources in commerce.