Exposing Pollution

Has the community witnessed a harmful or concerning practice that may constitute a violation of an environmental law or regulation, such as releases, dumping, spills, spraying, filling, or concealing emissions? Report it via the EPA’s online tool for submitting information regarding violations to EPA enforcement personnel or other appropriate regulatory authorities.

If there is an environmental event that may pose an immediate threat to human health or the environment, call 911, then report it to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

There are a few federal environmental laws in the United States that allow members of the public to bring lawsuits in federal court against corporations that violate federal environmental laws and regulations, or against government actors that fail to perform a non-discretionary duty. These laws include the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Members of the public could also seek an injunction to prevent imminent or substantial harm.

For more information on filing a citizen enforcement suit, contact a local legal clinic (like Tulane Environmental Law Clinic) or legal counsel. Environmental NGOs with extensive experience litigating citizen enforcement suits may also be able to provide tips, advice, or examples from past cases.

Want to reach a large audience? Writing a letter to the editor in a local paper can be a good way to spread the word to the community and appeal to elected officials who monitor the letters. For guidance on writing a letter to the editor, check out the ACLU’s tip sheet and check the local paper’s rules on submissions.

• Here and here are examples of letters to the editor opposing petrochemical facilities in St. James Parish, Louisiana.

Calling or sending a letter to local, state, and federal elected officials are good options for reaching decision makers directly to voice concerns about the impacts of petrochemical facilities in a community. To find information about elected officials, visit How to Contact Your Elected Officials.

For more information or legal advice, reach out to one of many attorneys and legal clinics fighting to stop harmful petrochemical projects across the country, including, but not limited to:

• Earthjustice

• Environmental Law Institute

• The Center for Biological Diversity

• The Center for Constitutional Rights

• Tulane Environmental Law Clinic

• Environmental Integrity Project

• Clean Air Council

• Food & Water Watch