Greetings from Eastern Environmental Law Center
We hope this newsletter finds you safe, healthy and enjoying spring. Here’s an update on our recent and ongoing work:
Resisting an Unprecedented Assault on Environmental Protection
“The most disastrous day in EPA history.” That is how former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy described March 12, 2025, when the EPA announced it will roll back 31 regulations that protect our air and water, fight climate change, and advance environmental justice. As EPA seeks to dismantle federal protections, environmental advocacy at the State and local level is now more important than ever. Independent, nonprofit law organizations like EELC play a critical role in stepping up to resist these harmful changes and help safeguard New Jersey’s environment.
Environmental Justice
EELC is partnering with the Center for Environmental Transformation to address recurring waste fires and chronic air pollution from poorly regulated junkyards throughout the State. A recent fire at a junkyard in Camden caused roughly 100 people to evacuate their homes, raising fears in the community about lingering health impacts and contamination.
Open Space & Sustainable Development
EELC recently submitted an amicus brief to the Appellate Division on behalf of the Pinelands Protection Alliance. The brief supports the Pinelands Commission’s adoption of tougher water diversion rules to be more protective of the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer, which supports the fragile and unique ecosystem of the Pinelands. Our brief also pushed back against industry’s argument that under the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Loper Bright, the Commission should be given no deference in its science-based decision-making.
As New Jersey’s only nonprofit, public-interest environmental law firm, we rely on your support to help fight for environmental justice, advance clean energy solutions and defend New Jersey’s treasured open space and natural resources – please consider donating here at whatever level is right for you.
From all of us at EELC, thank you and best wishes for a happy and healthy spring!
Christopher Miller, Executive Director
