Updates
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Updates will appear here as the strategy progresses.
File lawsuits to block lease sales in ecologically or culturally sensitive areas by enforcing environmental laws (e.g. NEPA, which requires impact studies).
Use courts to force stronger environmental review and to block or delay lease sales in the most sensitive places. This is a backstop when agency decisions move too fast or ignore climate, habitat, or community impacts, and it can buy time for better planning and public participation. Because cases are often narrow, litigation works best in tandem with policy and organizing that reduces repeat leasing pressure.
Why this works
Has stopped or delayed leases that didn’t consider climate or community impacts (courts have voided many Trump-era leases). It buys time and forces stronger reviews.
Natural Resources Defense Council
Tax-deductibleInternational environmental advocacy leveraging science, law, and policy to protect people and nature.
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international environmental advocacy organization that leverages science, law, and policy to protect public health and nature. NRDC advances clean air and water protections, climate action, wildlife conservation, and environmental justice in the U.S. and abroad.
Mechanism
How Natural Resources Defense Council uses funding
- Identify the highest-risk lease sales and the strongest legal theories based on existing environmental requirements.
- Select plaintiffs with standing and build a clear record of harms and procedural failures.
- File targeted cases seeking specific remedies that stop or correct the lease action.
- Pursue interim relief when needed so sensitive areas aren’t leased before review improves.
- Monitor compliance and defend wins so outcomes translate into on-the- ground protection.
Partner notes
Partner notes coming soon.