Support lawsuits to hold polluters accountable or enforce existing laws – including cases that compel compliance and remedies when other channels stall.
Support lawsuits to hold polluters accountable or enforce existing laws – e.g. city and state lawsuits against oil companies for climate damages, or suits forcing EPA to address certain emissions (some legal wins have forced action on vehicular CO₂ or methane leaks).
Why this works
- Can generate landmark rulings or settlements (forcing industry to pay or change practices) and keep pressure on government if it fails to act (courts ordering EPA to enforce the Clean Air Act).
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
About LitigationHow Natural Resources Defense Council uses funding
- Select plaintiffs and claims with clear standing and a strong legal theory.
- File cases seeking concrete remedies that stop harmful actions or compel compliance.
- Build the record through evidence, briefs, motions, and expert support.
- Seek interim relief when needed so harm doesn’t continue while a case proceeds.
- Enforce outcomes and defend wins through appeals and compliance follow- through.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Case portfolio defined
Near termPriority cases are selected with clear remedies and a coordinated legal strategy.
- 2
Filings and record-building underway
Early litigationComplaints, briefs, and supporting evidence establish a strong factual record.
- 3
Interim relief pursued where needed
During urgent windowsMotions seek to prevent harm while cases proceed.
- 4
Outcome enforced and defended
After rulings or settlementsCompliance is tracked and outcomes withstand appeal.