{"id":45531,"date":"2025-12-08T19:45:27","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T03:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/?post_type=feature&p=45531"},"modified":"2025-12-12T16:51:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T00:51:27","slug":"2025-year-in-earthjustice","status":"publish","type":"feature","link":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/feature\/2025-year-in-review","title":{"rendered":"2025: A Year in Earthjustice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

2025:
A Year in
Earthjustice<\/h1>\n

Because the earth needs a good lawyer<\/p>\n\t

Thanks to you, 2025 was a big year — of resistance and of progress — for the Earth and its people.<\/p>\n

With your support, alongside Earthjustice and our hundreds of public-interest clients and partners<\/a>, the environment prevailed<\/a> in one legal battle after another.<\/p>\n

This year, you were extraordinary.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Grey\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Kelvin Gorospe \/ NOAA<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

NOAA<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Jellyfish\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

NOAA<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Hawaiian\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Alvis Upitis \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n\t

Aristide Economopoulos For Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

Matt Roth for Earthjustice; Michael Penn for Earthjustice; Marc A. Hermann \/ MTA; imantsu \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n\t

Chris Jordan-Bloch \/ Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

d3sign \/ Moment \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n\t

Roger Horrocks \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n\t

In a year of daunting odds, you courageously countered an onslaught of attacks on the environment and our health —<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Mario Tama \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n\t

Nationwide<\/p>\n

Protecting our oceans and coasts from the unprecedented, massive expansion of offshore drilling<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1.27 billion acres of public waters — protected areas in California, the eastern Gulf of Mexico near Florida, every available offshore area in Alaska — are at risk of being auctioned off under a new federal plan<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

David Herasimtschuk for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

Nationwide<\/p>\n

Defending our treasured public lands from being stripped of protections and opened to resource extraction industries<\/strong><\/p>\n

From national monuments<\/a>, to the Arctic<\/a>, to roadless areas in 36 states and Puerto Rico<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

© Tim Peterson<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Fly\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

\u00a9 Neil Ever Osborne \/ Save Our Wild Salmon \/ iLCP<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Noah Clayton \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n\t

Nationwide<\/p>\n

Saving wildlife’s best friend in an age of extinction — the Endangered Species Act<\/a> — from being dangerously weakened<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the most effective environmental laws ever enacted, the Endangered Species Act has a 99% success rate, saving species that would have otherwise disappeared forever.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

David Herasimtschuk for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Zara \/ 500px<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Kyle Sullivan \/ BLM<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Florian Schulz \/ protectthearctic.org<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Kids\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds \/ AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Kids\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Matthew Brown \/ AP<\/p>\n\t

Nationwide<\/p>\n

Confronting egregious abuses of emergency powers by the Trump administration<\/strong><\/p>\n

Including forcing aging, dirty coal plants<\/a> to continue to pollute, and undercutting safeguards that have significantly cleaned up the air<\/a> we breathe<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Two\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Alyssa Schukar for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

Nationwide<\/p>\n

Upholding science and the law by defending the “endangerment finding<\/a>“<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of our most powerful tools for fighting the climate crisis, the endangerment finding has for 16 years withstood every legal challenge brought by industries, including two that Earthjustice helped win.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Three\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Jim West \/ Universal Images Group via Getty Images<\/p>\n\t

Nationwide<\/p>\n

Defending communities from bearing the costs of the AI-fueled explosive growth of data centers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

In Indiana<\/a>, Michigan<\/a>, Montana<\/a>, and more<\/a>, we are ensuring that technology can scale up sustainably and responsibly.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"In\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Jess Benjamin for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Racks\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Andy Tullis \/ The Bulletin via AP<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Cavan Images<\/p>\n\t

Nationwide<\/p>\n

Ending the contamination of our water<\/a> and farmlands<\/a> from the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Joshua A. Bickel \/ AP<\/p>\n\t

You did all of this, and so much more.<\/p>\n

You relentlessly fought — and won — in states and territories across the nation, alongside Earthjustice’s 229 attorneys and our teams of policy experts, scientists, and analysts.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"The\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Alaska<\/p>\n

Court orders agencies to revise environmental study underlying key federal permits for the Donlin Gold Mine<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Hawaiʻi<\/p>\n

County agrees to improve wastewater management and protect Honok\u014dhau Harbor from water pollution<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Mississippi<\/p>\n

Denied: Wood pellet manufacturer’s request to become a “major source” of hazardous air pollutants<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

Scrubgrass cryptomining facility to expedite removal of toxic coal ash ‘mountain’<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSee More Work From 2025\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Since Earthjustice’s founding more than 50 years ago, we have represented — free of charge — more than 1,300 public-interest clients<\/a>, from grassroots community groups to national organizations. <\/p>\n

This year,
you elevated powerful voices on the frontlines of the fight for a healthy environment for all.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Two\n\t

President Whitney Gravelle of the Bay Mills Indian Community, speaks about the Line 5 pipeline alongside Robert Blanchard, former Tribal Chairman of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, in Chicago on Apr. 24, 2025.<\/p>\n

Jim Vondruska for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

A canoe of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa at the “Pipe Out Paddle Up Flotilla Against the Line 5 Pipeline” in Mackinaw City, Mich.<\/p>\n

Sarah Rice for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

Earthjustice client:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bay Mills Indian Community<\/a><\/p>\n

“Our choice is not between the dual pipelines and the tunnel.<\/p>\n

“Our choice is between an oil spill in the Great Lakes and a clean water future for our children and grandchildren.”<\/p>\n

— Whitney Gravelle<\/strong><\/p>\n

President of Bay Mills Indian Community<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAbout the Line 5 Pipeline\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Earthjustice client:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Friends of the Everglades<\/a><\/p>\n

“This scheme is not only cruel, it threatens the Everglades ecosystem that state and federal taxpayers have spent billions to protect.”<\/p>\n

— Eve Samples<\/strong><\/p>\n

Executive Director of Friends of the Everglades<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAbout the Everglades Detention Center\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t

Eve Samples addresses the media outside the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Miami on Aug. 12, 2025.<\/p>\n

Saul Martinez for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

President Donald Trump participates in a walking tour of the Everglades immigration detention center on Jul. 1, 2025.<\/p>\n

Daniel Torok \/ White House<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t

Millions of Americans remain impacted by lead contamination in drinking water. Dionna Brown, born and raised in Flint, Mich., is one of them, and now advocates for strengthened protections from lead exposure.<\/p>\n

Brittany Greeson for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

A lead pipe that was replaced by a copper water supply line to a home in Flint, Mich.<\/p>\n

Paul Sancya \/ AP<\/p>\n\t

Earthjustice partner:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Young, Gifted & Green<\/a><\/p>\n

“We need to save people’s lives, and lead protections do exactly that.<\/p>\n

“This is bigger than just being ‘left’ versus ‘right.’ Humanity should not be political.”<\/p>\n

— Dionna Brown<\/strong><\/p>\n

National Director of Youth Environmental Justice Policy at Young, Gifted & Green<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAbout the Lead & Copper Rule\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Earthjustice client:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ironbound Community Corporation<\/a><\/p>\n

“This lawsuit is about safeguarding our community today and for generations to come.<\/p>\n

“We will not be ignored.”<\/p>\n

— Hazel Applewhite<\/strong><\/p>\n

CEO of Ironbound Community Corporation<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAbout this win\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\"Protestors\n\t

Hazel Applewhite speaks out in Aug. 2025 against what would be the neighborhood’s fourth gas plant.<\/p>\n\t

The Ironbound neighborhood of Newark is one of the most polluted ZIP codes in New Jersey, where residents face higher rates of asthma, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.<\/p>\n

Aristide Economopoulos for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Two\n\t

Gabriel Mel\u00e9ndez Cardona speaks with Earthjustice attorney Jasmine Jennings, before meeting with a congressional staffer on Capitol Hill.<\/p>\n

Matt Roth for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

An LNG transport ship at the New Fortress Energy facility in San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n

Myrna Conty<\/p>\n\t

Earthjustice client:<\/strong><\/p>\n

El Puente Puerto Rico<\/a><\/p>\n

“El Puente Puerto Rico is in Washington, D.C., to amplify the voices of the most affected communities due to the unlawful expansion of this terminal, which continues to operate without proper permits.”<\/p>\n

— Gabriel Mel\u00e9ndez Cardona<\/strong><\/p>\n

Public Policy Program Coordinator at El Puente Puerto Rico<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAbout our work in Puerto Rico\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

Earthjustice client:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Texas Health and Environmental Alliance<\/a><\/p>\n

“This outcome is a win for all waterfront communities that have felt forgotten and ignored.”<\/p>\n

— Jackie Medcalf<\/strong><\/p>\n

Founder of Texas Health and Environmental Alliance<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAbout this win\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t

Jackie Medcalf at the San Jacinto Waste Pits Superfund Site in Harris County, Tex.<\/p>\n

Danielle Villasana for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

The Superfund site has been the center of decades of research on cancer risks.<\/p>\n

Mark Mulligan \/ Houston Chronicle via Getty Images<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"Charlene\n\t

Charlene Alden of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. For decades, the Tribe has successfully fought to keep coal development off the reservation.<\/p>\n\t

The Colstrip plant, one of the largest and dirtiest coal-fired power plants in the country, towers over Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in southeastern Montana.<\/p>\n

Louise Johns for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

Earthjustice client:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Northern Cheyenne Tribe<\/a><\/p>\n

“We are part of the land.<\/p>\n

“We have to take care of that and keep that alive so that we can continue living.”<\/p>\n

— Charlene Alden<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tribal Environmental Protection Director of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAbout this work\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t

In federal courts, including our nation’s highest court,<\/p>\n\t

in state courts, statehouses, and public utility commissions,<\/p>\n\t

on Capitol Hill,<\/p>\n\t

in international forums and in partnership with organizations around the world —<\/p>\n\t

and with your support —<\/p>\n\t

we are forging ahead, building a better today and future for all.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\"A\n\t

Greetings and gratitude from Earthjustice staff.<\/p>\n\t

Christine Baker for Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

It is a privilege to be by your side.<\/p>\n

Thank you.<\/p>\n\t

Earthjustice is a nonprofit in the business of building a better future. We’re here because the earth needs a good lawyer<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We represent all our clients<\/a> free of charge, thanks to the generous support of individuals and foundations who believe as we do: The law has power to make change.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2025\n<\/h2>\n\t

“Your investments have fueled our strength and resolve. Earthjustice is all in. We have the partners, the expertise, and the determination to win.”<\/h2>\n\t

— Libby Marsh<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sr. VP of Development, Earthjustice<\/p>\n\t

FY25 Revenue<\/strong><\/p>\n \"Chart\n

10%<\/strong>
Donated services<\/p>\n

87%<\/strong>
Contributions
& bequests<\/p>\n

3%<\/strong>
Court awards<\/p>\n\t

Breakdown of FY25 Contributions & Bequests<\/strong><\/p>\n \"Chart\n

6%<\/strong>
Estate gifts<\/p>\n

77%<\/strong>
Individuals<\/p>\n

17%<\/strong>
Foundations<\/p>\n\t

FY25 Expenditures<\/strong><\/p>\n \"Chart\n

9%<\/strong>
General<\/p>\n

7%<\/strong>
Fundraising<\/p>\n

84%<\/strong>
Program
services<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSee Our Financials\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With your support, we are forging ahead, building a better today and future for all.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":49023,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[268],"language":[179],"offices":[],"cases":[],"goals":[27],"class_list":["post-45531","feature","type-feature","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-earthjustice-footsteps","language-english","goals-justice-centered"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/feature\/45531","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/feature"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/feature"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45531"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45531"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=45531"},{"taxonomy":"offices","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/offices?post=45531"},{"taxonomy":"cases","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cases?post=45531"},{"taxonomy":"goals","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/earthjustice.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/goals?post=45531"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}