Use environmental laws in court to block projects destroying habitat or to force agencies to protect species.
Use targeted lawsuits to stop near-term habitat harm and defend strong critical-habitat protections as rules and projects are contested. Focus on winnable cases with clear remedies—blocking unlawful habitat destruction and forcing agencies to apply the Endangered Species Act as intended. Litigation also creates leverage if the final federal rule weakens protections or is challenged after adoption.
Why this works
- Can halt imminent threats (e.g.
- lawsuits have stopped unlawful development in critical habitat).
- Establishes legal precedents enforcing species protections.
Natural Resources Defense Council
Tax-deductibleInternational environmental advocacy leveraging science, law, and policy to protect people and nature.
Mechanism
About LitigationHow Natural Resources Defense Council uses funding
- Select plaintiffs and claims with standing and a clear habitat-protection theory.
- File cases and define the remedy sought (stop, require, or correct an action).
- Build the record through evidence, briefs, motions, and expert support.
- Seek interim relief when needed to prevent habitat loss while the case proceeds.
- Resolve and enforce outcomes via settlement or ruling, with follow-up as needed.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Case pipeline + venue strategy set
0–30 daysPriority cases are selected with standing, venue, and remedy clarity.
- 2
Filings + interim relief strategy
1–3 monthsCases are filed and emergency relief plans are prepared for imminent harms.
- 3
Record built + key motions briefed
3–9 monthsEvidence and expert support strengthen the record through major motion stages.
- 4
Ruling/settlement + enforcement follow-through
OngoingOutcomes are enforced and monitored to ensure habitat is actually protected.