Vigorously support California’s lawsuit and prepare independent state legal strategies.
Fund legal work that defends clean truck standards and reduces federal uncertainty during the enforcement pause. The focus is coordinated multi-state briefs, Washington-specific legal pathways (including Section 177 posture), and rapid analysis as rulings arrive—so implementation can stay on track.
Why this works
- Washington’s Attorney General can file supportive briefs or join California’s case, ensuring Northwest voices are heard in court.
- The state could also explore if it has an argument for its own rights under the Clean Air Act’s Section 177 – perhaps asserting that since it adopted the rules prior to the CRA, it has some grandfathered enforcement ability.
- Though novel, it’s a sign of fighting on all fronts.
- Demonstrating a united front of states (WA, OR, NY, etc.) in court emphasizes that overturning the waivers harms tens of millions of people across many states.
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
- Align a multi-state coalition and case timeline with partners.
- Draft and file supportive briefs (amicus or intervention) defending the standards.
- Develop Washington-specific legal arguments (including Section 177 posture) to preserve enforcement options.
- Build the factual record with evidence and expert support across affected states.
- Provide rapid-response legal analysis and updates as motions and rulings unfold.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Coalition + filing plan locked
0–30 daysRoles, deadlines, and target filings are agreed across partner states and organizations.
- 2
First major brief filed
1–3 months (next docket deadline)Amicus or intervention filing is submitted with supporting evidence.
- 3
Washington fallback pathway defined
2–4 monthsSection 177 posture and enforcement options are mapped in a memo and shared with stakeholders.
- 4
Rulings tracked + rapid response
Ongoing through decisionUpdates and responsive filings are delivered as new motions, hearings, or rulings occur.